Although we are an island nation, parents, schools, and the government have told the children who will one day be the leaders of Japan that the ocean and rivers are dangerous and should be avoided, depriving these children of opportunities and places to learn about nature. Although many places are indeed dangerous, we should teach children to become familiar with the ocean and yet know how to protect themselves, to appreciate its pleasures and beauties as well as its forbidding sides, how to seek out places of safety and deal with trouble. We should instill in our children a sense of adventure and hardiness.