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Summary: Japan has been tossing message-bearing coconuts into the ocean since the 1980s SoraNews

- The "Love Coconut Message" project sees coconuts released from Ishigaki, Okinawa, each year, drifting north on the Kuroshio Current towards the Atsumi Peninsula.
- Inspired by a song and a historical event where a coconut washed ashore, participants write messages on coconuts to send well wishes or express hope.
- Despite thousands of coconuts being released, only a small fraction are ever found, with recent releases having six reported finds along Japan’s Pacific coastline.

A: Hey! Did you hear about this crazy tradition in Japan?

B: No, what happened? Tell me!

A: It’s called the "Love Coconut Message" project! It's really unique.

B: A coconut? What about it?

A: Well, every year, they send coconuts floating north in the ocean current from Ishigaki Island near Okinawa.

B: Wow! Where are they going?

A: To the Atsumi Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture! It's super far, like 1,600 kilometers!

A: It started because of a really old song. The song is about a coconut drifting across the ocean.

B: Seriously? So, someone actually found a coconut like that?

A: Yep! A folklorist did, way back in 1898. And that inspired the song and the project.

A: People write messages on the coconuts – love notes, wishes, anything! Then they release them into the ocean.

B: That's so romantic! Do many of them actually *make* it to the Atsumi Peninsula?

A: That's the funny part! Out of thousands sent, only about 156 have been found. It's tough!

B: Wow, that’s a small number!

A: It is! But when someone finds a coconut, it's a big deal. The sender and the finder sometimes even meet up!

B: That’s amazing! I wonder how long it takes?

A: They just announced the latest results! Six coconuts were found recently, but none of them reached the Atsumi Peninsula this time.

B: Six out of a hundred isn’t bad, though, right? Considering the distance.

A: Exactly! It's pretty amazing! The coconuts are on display now.

B: That’s so cool! It’s like a little message in a bottle, but a coconut!

A: It really is! It's a fun way to connect people and places. Maybe we should try it next year! It costs about $20.

B: Yeah! Let’s keep an eye out for those little coconuts when we're near the coast! You never know!
Summary
Japan's "Love Coconut Message" project sends coconuts with messages via the Kuroshio Current from Okinawa to the Atsumi Peninsula. Inspired by folklore, participants send wishes; few are found (around 156 total), making each discovery special. #Japan #Tradition #Coconut
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2026/02/02 08:09 Anonymous 385 177s 130
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ID: 6e0fe8cf-c6ca-4ce8-b121-ef82f3ea5fd0

Category ID: listed_summary

URL: https://soranews24.com/2026/02/01/japan-has-been-tossing-message-bearing-coconuts-into-the-ocean-since-the-1980s/#summary

Date: Feb. 1, 2026

Notes: SoraNews24 RSS Summary - 2026-02-01 05:00

Created: 2026/02/01 17:44

Updated: 2026/02/02 08:09

Last Read: 2026/02/02 08:09

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