Marine accidents serve as the mirror of our times, in that they reflect society's weak points. What can be seen in the mirror, however, differs among individuals, depending on their perspective or specialty. I have lately been paying special attention to fishing boat and foreign vessel accidents that tragically involve large loss of life. There is some truth in the idea that if the total number of marine accidents can be reduced, these too will decrease. However, I would like to propose that we also promote specific measures to reduce fatalities at sea.

On March 13, 2009 the Draft Law on the Penalization of Acts of Piracy and Measures against Acts of Piracy�E�Eew Piracy Law�E�was approved by the Cabinet and submitted to the Diet, which was currently in session. The mass media's response to the New Piracy Law was to focus on its expansion of parameters for the appropriate use of force and the vessels to be protected, while only a limited number of newspapers mentioned that the New Law is in fact a General Law. In this article, I would like to examine the New Piracy Law from the little discussed General Law perspective.

Although no one doubted the existence of seaweed salt in ancient times, its method of production long remained a mystery. The Seaweed Salt Study Group uses Sargassum fulvellum and terracotta pots for reproducing the "seaweed salt burning method Eduring its hands-on learning programs for students on school trips. Learning about the wisdom of our forebears encourages the rediscovery and conservation of our native lands, and is thus a rare learning opportunity for children.