Sakaiminato City in Tottori Prefecture has an excellent natural harbor, around which it has developed since ancient times. As we enter the Sea of Japan Rim era, Sakaiminato plans to make use of its advantageous location in regard to other countries around the rim to establish itself as the Gateway to Northeast Asia. This will spur development not only in the city itself but throughout the Nakaumi region straddling Tottori and Shimane Prefectures.

Among Japan's many offshore islands, there is one where the people are thriving even as they face the same problems of fewer children and an aging society. Lying off the coast of the Kunisaki peninsula in Oita Prefecture, Himeshima has been successful in implementing policies that make best use of its unique island conditions. The bold adoption of high-density residential facilities and work-sharing have been the secrets to its success in balancing hard and soft social needs and becoming one of Japan's most comfortable villages.

Although the Japan Coast Guard celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding last year, it still seems surprisingly little known among the general public. In order to reduce incidents and accidents at sea, the Coast Guard should be as familiar to people as their police and fire departments. I created the 7th Region HQ Moji Cards to help promote this familiarity among both children and adults.