入浜権宣言

(日本語版はすぐ下にあります)

    Since this "Common Tideland Use Rights Declaration (Coastal Access 
Right Declaration)" is such an epoch-making historical document in the 
fight for preservation of the Japanese coastline, I wish to introduce 
its entire text here.   (Keikichi Kihara, Professor Emeritus of Chiba 
University)

    "From ancient times, the sea has belonged to the people.  Their 
rights tostroll along the beaches, enjoy the scenery, fish, and swim 
in its waters, or draw water, collect driftwood, dig shellfish, and 
collect seaweed to earn their daily bread are far older rights than 
the law that allows individuals to possess land.   And it is thought 
that the rights of common use of shelter-belt forests along the 
coastline are equally as ancient.   
    We hereby name these rights our Common Tideland Use Rights.  We 
believe that the Common Tideland Use Rights are necessary elements 
for a good environment which is guaranteed to the people by the 
Constitution of Japan.
    In recent years, as a part of the high growth policy of the 
Government, the building of industrial complexes has been vigorously 
promoted.   For this purpose, not only have large stretches of 
Japan's coastline been converted into reclaimed land, destroying 
large swaths of nature, but industrial factories have been built 
right down to the edge of the water as well, totally violating the 
people's Common Tideland Use Rights.   All kinds of pollution have 
emanated from these factories.   
    We hereby declare our Common Tideland Use Rights as the basis 
for our movement to eradicate pollution, to protect the natural 
environment from destruction, and to restore the natural environment 
that has been harmed.   February 21, 1975 " (translated by K.Kihara) 
                                  ‘JAPAN QUARTERLY’July-March 1978

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