Misaki Marine Biological Station (MMBS) successfully cultivated a feather star; Oxycomanthus japonicus, a world first. Oxycomanthus japonicus is selected as a bio-resource for the National Project (NBRP) and since 2007 we have been supplying specimens of O. japonicus cultivated at MMBS for the researchers at institutions in Japan and all over the world. This is a report on the importance of O. japonicus as a subject of research and the projects carried out at MMBS.

In recent years a series of collisions between large marine life and high-speed hydrofoil boats have occurred and have continued to trouble transport officials. The laboratory for cetacean (whales and dolphins) biology at the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, based on the working group of the Committee for considering safety measures for super high-speed vessels, which was established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, conducts research for avoiding collisions by seeking the cooperation of shipbuilding, maintenance, and operating companies.
Selected Papers No.13

As a leading environmentally conscious corporate group, NYK kicked off its newest environmental campaign, the NYK Cool Earth Project, in April 2008 and has been taking the initiative in environmental issues. In December 2008, NYK started at-sea testing of photovoltaic arrays installed on a pure car carrier (PCC). This marks the first time that a photovoltaic system has ever been connected directly to a vessel's main power line. The system has been operating successfully, and NYK is continuing its efforts to develop energy-saving vessels and reduce CO2 emissions.