September 2022 Issue

Riviera Co., Ltd.
Representative Director Chairman and President
Noboru Watanabe
There is romance in the sea
One year has passed since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and I am truly looking back on what a wonderful event it was. The sailing competition that thrilled the world was set in the scenic Sagami Bay, and the beautiful Japanese seas were broadcast live to the world, with yachts set against the backdrop of Mt. Friends from countries around the world with well-established yachting cultures have commented that they were captivated by this sight. I would like to work hard to make Sagami Bay a memorable place for people from all over the world to visit.
The wooden sailing ship ``Sinara'' is polished with love every day, and the bottom of the ship was polished by the crew after the water was drained out using dogs. All the crew members felt a clear difference in the running performance and reaffirmed the importance of maintenance and daily polishing. When you take the helm, you will be reminded of the passion, hope, and romance of the past 11 generations of owners, as well as the weight of its history that transcends 100 years.
I also bought the latest Swan 58 "Qualia Riviera" on the recommendation of Swan owner Mr. Ferragamo. This summer, we enjoyed Sagami Bay again on these two boats, which are polar opposites yet feel exquisite. After passing the halfway point in my life, I encountered the sea, and spent a meaningful summer with the crew, who were becoming more and more sophisticated, and being moved by the sight of pods of dolphins running parallel to me off the coast of Hayama.
For me, freedom means hope and happiness. There is romance and freedom in the sea. It allows you to regain your true self and open your heart, which in turn opens the hearts of others.
I feel that the spiritual richness that I value most lies in freedom. The romantic sea always teaches me various things.
The growing momentum of "blue"
In response to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), keywords such as blue economy (sustainable marine industry) and blue carbon (carbon accumulation through marine ecosystems) are now being heard.
Riviera felt a sense of crisis about climate change from the beginning of its marina business, and began engaging in environmental activities in 2001. As part of its efforts to decarbonize, Riviera has promoted electric vehicles, thin-film solar power generation on the marina quay, and solar power generation at the Malibu Hotel. In addition to power generation, V2B, and converting used electricity into renewable energy, we also have mega solar power generation in Ehime Prefecture. In April of this year, Riviera Zushi Marina became the first marina in Asia to receive Blue Flag international environmental certification.
Against this backdrop, we were heartened by the participation of so many people at the 6nd LOVE OCEAN held in June.
The third event in November will expand to cover the entire Kanagawa coast: Miura, Yokosuka, Hayama, Zushi, Kamakura, Fujisawa, Chigasaki, Hiratsuka, Oiso, Ninomiya, Odawara, Manazuru, and Yugawara. Collaboration among people who love the sea connected by Sagami Bay, including local governments, local residents, businesses, fishermen, boat and yacht enthusiasts, and others will create a sustainable society. I'm sure of that.
60 artists gathered in Ikebukuro
Another topic is from Riviera Tokyo in Ikebukuro, the “urban forest.” In August, we were able to hold the Riviera's first "Riviera Art Fair." Although Riviera is still a beginner in the field of art, he was fascinated by the depth and charm of the art world. I am determined to accumulate knowledge and further improve myself.