Important information that could provide answers to the many unanswered questions about ancient civilizations and mankind's maritime explorations is to be found in the silent underwater cultural heritage on the ocean floor.Since the adoption of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage in 2001, we have been actively involved in its promotion. How Japan should participate in international cooperation efforts to protect the underwater heritage in the Asian/Pacific region and around the world is a question that deserves much discussion, as the Convention is soon to come into force. Meanwhile, I believe Japan should concentrate on gaining more experience in international cooperation and producing concrete results.

Owing to unique historical circumstances, the field of Maritime Law has not received sufficient recognition at Japanese universities. However, in order to deal satisfactorily with maritime problems and compete effectively with Europe and the U.S., it is now essential that industry, academia, and government work together to promote research and education in Comprehensive Maritime Law. The Institute of Maritime Law has begun efforts to ensure that universities fulfill their responsibility as centers for research and education, as befits their role in an ocean and maritime state.

The city of Onomichi, along with the Chugoku District Transportation Bureau and other ocean stakeholders, has established the "Council for the Promotion of Onomichi as a Maritime City" within the framework set out by MLIT as part of its Project for Promoting Coordination in the Development of Human Resources in Maritime Areas framework. It hopes to recreate the "Maritime City of Onomichi" through comprehensive promotion of the maritime industries concentrated in the area, its maritime heritage and culture, and unique organizations involved with the ocean.