Debris Found on Oregon Beach Could Have Cultural Significance in Japan

Officials are waiting on word from the Consular Office of Japan.

Photo: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

(OCEANSIDE, OR) - Oregon state park staff removed an unusual piece of debris from the ocean shore near Oceanside in Tillamook County. The 16' long object is made of heavy wood and has been painted red, though it is now partially covered with marine organisms. Its shape resembles the top, horizontal part of a type of free-standing arch found in Japan called a torii. A torii is used to mark the entrance of a sacred site.

The object is being stored in a secured state park maintenance yard, waiting on word from the Consular Office of Japan in Portland for advice on next steps.

The Great Oregon Spring Beach Cleanup is March 30 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., and volunteers are welcome to help out everywhere on Oregon's 362 mile public ocean shore. Visit solv.org for details. Volunteers are also needed year-round to remove regular and unusual marine debris, and can sign up with the nonprofit Oregon Marine Debris Team at eepurl.com/lZKgv .

Any visitor can report unusually large amounts of debris or other notable objects by calling 211 from the coast or sending an email with photos and location to beach.debris@state.or.us .

Source: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Photos: Image 1 Image 2