An environmental learning program's actual demonstration test of a spherically-shaped water balloon, which allows contact with water without getting wet, was conducted on February 21 on Ine Bay, in Ine-cho, Kyoto Prefecture. Municipal government staff and others leisurely strolled across the water surface in test rides.

The urethane-made water balloon is 2.1 meters in diameter, and can carry a person inside. The town's tourist association is planning to operate a learning program for tourists using the balloon starting next fiscal year, with the aim of people enjoyably learning about the living creatures and garbage-dumping problem of Ine Bay.

In the test, staff members and residents took turns getting into the balloon and floating over the bay. For about 5 minutes per person, they experienced the unusual feeling of running on the water surface or taking pictures of the sea floor and boat houses in the bay. A company employee from Ine-cho Kameshima, said, "Fish on the sea floor are visible and it's good exercise. Children would love this."