We were lucky to catch up with Seiya Oshima recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Seiya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

TITO – To Inspire Through the Ocean isn’t a business or a brand. It’s a personal mission that reflects who I am.
Growing up in Japan, I’ve always been surrounded by the sea. The coastline, the tide pools, and the ever-changing ocean have been a constant in my life, a place where I feel most at peace and wonder. Japan’s waters are home to an incredibly diverse range of marine life, with many species found nowhere else in the world.

As a literature major student in Tokyo, I often find myself in situations where I don’t quite fit into one box. But I’ve learned that making a difference doesn’t require fitting a specific mold. Through storytelling, visuals, arts, and creativity, I aim to protect the ocean in my own way. Whether I’m diving, sharing what I’ve learned about marine biology, or expressing my connection to the sea through photography, I believe there’s no single path to conservation. It’s about using what you have to make an impact.

Through freediving, I’ve fallen even more in love with the underwater world. Japan’s seas are full of life, from vibrant coral reefs to thriving marine life. But while I’ve been lucky enough to witness the beauty of the ocean up close, I’ve also seen its struggles; bleaching corals, plastic pollution, and habitats changing right before my eyes. That’s when I realized that simply experiencing the ocean wasn’t enough, I wanted to share it, to inspire others to see and care about it too.

That’s why I started TITO – To Inspire Through the Ocean. It’s my personal way of showing people the beauty of Japan’s marine life through photography, storytelling, and hopefully, conservation work in the future. I believe that when people truly see the ocean, its life, its colors, and its fragility, they start to care. And when they care, they’re more likely to protect it.

For me, the ocean isn’t just a place I visit; it’s a part of who I am. Through TITO, I hope to share that connection and inspire others to appreciate, respect, and love the ocean as much as I do.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My project, TITO—To Inspire Through the Ocean, isn’t a business or a brand, but a personal mission. It’s my way of showing people the beauty of Japan’s marine biodiversity while raising awareness about the environmental challenges it faces. Through underwater photography, storytelling, and marine education, I aim to bridge the gap between people and the sea, helping others appreciate and understand it on a deeper level.

I’ve trained myself to dive safely and independently, logging over 400 solo skin dives in Japan’s coastal waters. Each dive is carefully planned, from monitoring tide and current patterns to adjusting my approach based on visibility and marine activity. My goal isn’t just to capture stunning images but to document the ocean as it is; its beauty, its fragility, and its changing state due to human impact.

What sets me apart is my perspective. I don’t fit the conventional mold of a marine scientist or conservationist, but I believe that there’s no single way to make a difference. With my background in literature and bilingual skills in Japanese and English, I use words, visuals, and creativity to connect people with the ocean. Whether through social media, blog posts, or direct conversations, I hope to inspire curiosity and respect for the sea.

At the core of everything I do is one belief: when people truly see the ocean; its life, its struggles, its irreplaceable value, they begin to care. And when they care, they’re more likely to protect it.
And that is why I do what I do.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Two major influences on my perspective are the documentary Chasing Coral and Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue.

Chasing Coral was a turning point for me. Seeing firsthand how rapidly coral reefs are disappearing made me realize that simply loving the ocean isn’t enough. I need to take action and share what’s happening beneath the surface. The documentary reinforced the power of visual storytelling in conservation. It’s one thing to read about coral bleaching, but seeing the time-lapse footage of reefs turning ghostly white makes the urgency real.

Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue has also deeply shaped my mindset. Her lifelong dedication to ocean conservation and exploration is inspiring, but what resonates with me most is her belief that “no one can protect what they don’t understand.” That’s why I do what I do. Whether it’s through underwater photography, freediving, or writing, I want to bring the ocean closer to people so they can see it, understand it, and hopefully feel a connection to it.

These works have taught me that conservation isn’t limited to scientists and policymakers. I’ve realized that storytelling, visuals, and creativity are just as powerful in inspiring change. I may not fit the traditional mold of a marine conservationist, but that’s exactly why I believe in the power of different approaches.

Although I often dive alone and pursue conservation in my own way, I know I’m not truly alone in this effort. Across the world, there are countless people fighting to protect our oceans. Scientists, divers, artists, and activists, all using their own strengths to make a difference. That reminds me that every small action matters, and together, these efforts add up to something bigger.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect for me is the ability to change people’s perspective. As a creative, I get to share the beauty and wonders of the ocean in ways people might not otherwise experience. For instance, when I show an underwater photo of my local beach, many are surprised to see how vibrant and full of life it is. Most people think of the ocean as just a murky, lifeless place, but through my work, they can see the richness and complexity that exist beneath the surface. The joy of helping others discover something new, especially when it sparks a deeper appreciation for nature, is what makes this journey so rewarding for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jpushalf.wixsite.com/tito-aqua?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAab1I3gFanirGPuN0KPwlK30cftZ2xI_V1B0qBVca4CjQGeCi4F2A9LO0yo_aem_2LpIgiwXhVcN1RtSRVTstw
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tito.aqua?igsh=MWRoMWluYzV1NHZ6bg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seiya-oshima-677330332?trk=contact-info

Image Credits

Seiya