This paper considers the meaning behind the two main principles of Japan' s Basic Act on Ocean Policy, 'ocean-based state' and 'ocean governance,' after comparing the contents of Japan' s self-proclaimed identity as an 'oceanic state' with the historical view of the oceans of British Empire and the United States. If Japan hopes to be respected in the world as an oceanic state and "to occupy an honored place in an international society," as proclaimed in its Constitution, it must develop for the common benefits of humankind by providing public goods for improving ocean governance to the world, especially by investing public funds on a systematic, long-term basis and utilizing leading-edge technologies in the fields of protection of the marine environment, sustainable use of ocean resources, and the furtherance of ocean science. This will enable Japan to promote national interests as Oceanic States in the long run.
Selected Papers No.11(p.13)

Kotohiki Hama, in Kyotango city, Kyoto prefecture, is the largest 'singing sand' beach in Japan. In last July, it was designated as a 'national natural monument' and 'place of scenic beauty', the first time for a singing sand beach in Japan. The local government has established laws to protect this beautiful beach, and many experts and volunteers have joined local residents in a variety of conservation activities, starting with the removal of rubbish and debris washed ashore.

Of the approximately 25,000 species of fish on the planet, 15,000, or 60%, are known to live in the ocean. Many bony fish (osteicthyes) in the ocean differ extremely in morphology between their larval and adult stages and when the morphology differs, so does the ecology. In order to get an understanding of the life histories of these fish, an original approach that begins with the larval stage is necessary. This paper introduces the unique morphology and ecology of deep-sea fish in their larval stage.