Four women in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, are creating accessories made from plastic fragments collected at beaches in Aichi Prefecture, selling them amid growing global concerns over the microplastic waste in the ocean.
The women, all in their 20s, say they hope people will have an opportunity to become aware of environmental issues on a daily basis by wearing the accessories.
"I was wondering if there is a way to contribute to society through making ornaments," said Hinako Yamazaki, 23, who leads the project.