September 1st: Japan Dolphins Day
Japan Dolphins Day: On or around September 1st, we encourage advocates all over the world to host peaceful demonstrations at Japanese Consulates and Embassies to educate the public, as well as to voice international opposition to the dolphin hunts that occur in Taiji. This activity has always been a part of our Japan Dolphins Day event and we hope many of you continue to participate!
Japan Dolphins Day Event Guidelines
Thank you very much for your interest in planning an event to help the dolphins, and other marine mammals. Here is a brief event planning checklist in case you are new to hosting and planning this kind of event.
Check with the city or police to see if you need a permit. As long as you don’t block the streets or sell anything, it is usually permissible to do these events without a permit, but it is your responsibility to confirm before you finalize your plans. If you are given any instructions, such as “stay on public property, such as the sidewalks”, please make that known to all attendees. Our goal is to make sure everyone is safe and abides by all regulations and laws.
Visit your event location before the big day so you know where everyone should stand. This will help the event stay organized the day of. This will also allow you to give out any necessary parking instructions to attendees.
Make some flyers to advertise your event and post them in local shops or on community boards—be sure to include the date, time, location, and your contact information.
Be sure to have plenty of signs. You can download posters from Dolphin Project & Empty the Tanks.
Please, NO BALLOONS at your event. They are harmful to our oceans and wildlife. Please do not bring anything that could be easily discarded as litter (such as streamers, ribbon, confetti, etc.)
Consider sending a press release to local media several days before the event, and then again the day of.
Pass out literature during your event. Downloadable options are available from Dolphin Project & Empty the Tanks.
PLEASE take a group photo before your event is over. These photos may be used for future event promotion.
Other Guidelines and Tips:
These are family-friendly, educational events. The organizers do not condone any aggressive behavior such as yelling at personnel or passersby, or hateful or derogatory language of any kind. Our objective is to peacefully stand in opposition to marine mammal captivity and the dolphin hunts in Taiji, Japan, and to encourage passers by to learn more about the issue and its importance.
Please take note of the weather on the day of the event. Encourage all attendees to bring water in a reusable bottle, snacks, and to dress for the weather. ** IF IT IS A HOT DAY, PLEASE ASK THAT PETS BE LEFT AT HOME, FOR THEIR SAFETY AND COMFORT.**
Do your best to keep attendees focused on the event. Sometimes the events turn into a social gathering and will quickly look like a disorganized group of people standing around talking, rather than looking like a passionate group of people trying to spread an important message to the public.
If the media attends, please make sure that you as the host are the one to speak with them. You may speak as a supporter of Dolphin Project or Empty the Tanks, but please be clear that you are not a representative or agent of either organization.
Download Event Materials
The following documents (.PDF format) can be downloaded as part of your support materials for Japan Dolphins Day. Just click on the links below to open in a new window.
No More Red Coves Taiji Japan
Stop the Killing Dolphins are Dying to Entertain You
Stop the Slaughter End Dolphin Hunting in Taiji
Stop the Slaughter Stop the Show End Dolphin Captivity
Thanks But NO Tanks Protests
Hosting an educational outreach event at a marine park is a great way to educate the general public about not only Taiji, but the captivity industry as a whole. Help us by hosting a demonstration at a marine park in your area!
Marine Park Demonstration Guidelines
Thank you very much for your interest in planning an event to help the dolphins, and other marine mammals. Here is a brief event planning checklist in case you are new to hosting and planning this kind of event.
Check with the city or police to see if you need a permit. As long as you don’t block the streets or sell anything, it is usually permissible to do these events without a permit, but it is your responsibility to confirm before you finalize your plans. If you are given any instructions, such as “stay on public property, such as the sidewalks”, please make that known to all attendees. Our goal is to make sure everyone is safe and abides by all regulations and laws.
Visit your event location before the big day so you know where everyone should stand. This will help the event stay organized the day of. This will also allow you to give out any necessary parking instructions to attendees.
Make some flyers to advertise your event and post them in local shops or on community boards—be sure to include the date, time, location, and your contact information.
Be sure to have plenty of signs. You can download posters from Dolphin Project & Empty the Tanks.
Please, NO BALLOONS at your event. They are harmful to our oceans and wildlife. Please do not bring anything that could be easily discarded as litter (such as streamers, ribbon, confetti, etc.)
Consider sending a press release to local media several days before the event, and then again the day of.
Pass out literature during your event. Downloadable options are available from Dolphin Project & Empty the Tanks.
PLEASE take a group photo before your event is over. These photos may be used for future event promotion.
Other Guidelines and Tips:
These are family-friendly, educational events. The organizers do not condone any aggressive behavior such as yelling at personnel or passersby, or hateful or derogatory language of any kind. Our objective is to peacefully stand in opposition to marine mammal captivity and the dolphin hunts in Taiji, Japan, and to encourage passers by to learn more about the issue and its importance.
Please take note of the weather on the day of the event. Encourage all attendees to bring water in a reusable bottle, snacks, and to dress for the weather. ** IF IT IS A HOT DAY, PLEASE ASK THAT PETS BE LEFT AT HOME, FOR THEIR SAFETY AND COMFORT.**
Do your best to keep attendees focused on the event. Sometimes the events turn into a social gathering and will quickly look like a disorganized group of people standing around talking, rather than looking like a passionate group of people trying to spread an important message to the public.
If the media attends, please make sure that you as the host are the one to speak with them. You may speak as a supporter of Dolphin Project or Empty the Tanks, but please be clear that you are not a representative or agent of either organization.
Download Event Materials
Find downloadable captivity posters on the Empty The Tanks Event Posters page!
Have a Personal Goal? Create a Dolphin Defender Challenge!
Join us as we run, walk, bike, or swim to show our appreciation for dolphins and spread the word that they deserve to live wild and free. You can participate in this action all month long by setting a miles goal for yourself, or for your team. You will begin by setting up a fundraising page and then get the word out about your goal! Then get outside and start putting in those miles! Costumes and creativity are welcome!
How to Create a Dolphin Defender Challenge
- Create a Fundraiser Page on Facebook for yourself or your team.
- Set your fundraising goal, and a distance goal for your run, walk, bike ride or other activity.
- Share your/your team fundraiser and invite friends to donate.
- Walk, run, bike or swim to your distance goal and share photos along the way!
Represent in Dolphin Project Gear
Start conversations and show your support during your virtual race with Dolphin Project gear!
Get Creative and Help Raise Awareness!
Don’t feel limited to the steps listed above. Get creative to help reach our fundraising goal for Dolphin Defender Month! Here are some more outside the box ideas to help dolphins:
- Create a fundraiser and set a goal for yourself or your team. If that goal is reached, dye your hair blue to support Blue Cove days!
- Set up a lemonade stand to raise money for Dolphin Project.
- Don’t want to walk or run or bike? Get your friends together and go on a hike, go surfing, or diving. All of those miles on the mountain or hours in the water can be a part of your fundraiser for Dolphin Project.
If you don’t have a lot of extra time to plan events or join the virtual race, but still want to help the dolphins in Taiji, that’s okay! You can make a big difference by creating a fundraiser for Dolphin Project’s Taiji Campaign. Not only will you be helping to support our efforts in Taiji, but you will be spreading awareness and education to your friends and family. This will create a ripple effect and your efforts will spread to others.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TAIJI'S DRIVE HUNTS
