Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism (also Minister for Ocean Policy) It can be said that promoting long-term ocean policy is a top national priority. We have already accomplished, in bipartisan fashion, major marine policy objectives such as the enactment of the Basic Act on Ocean Policy in 2007, the establishment within the Cabinet of the Headquarters for Ocean Policy, and the formulation of the Basic Plan on Ocean Policy in 2008. I believe that gathering together the wisdom of Japan and promoting the use and development of the vast frontier of the ocean will be a new driving force for Japan in terms of industry, technology, and science.
Selected Papers No.13(p.23)

ICZM work towards achieving 'optimal sustainable development status,' nearly a decade into the 21st century, is difficult to assess across such a complex geo-political and cultural space as the Mediterranean, but it can be said to be still at a relatively immature stage. ICZM needs to break out of its narrow perception as an environmental activity and adopt new ideas to integrate it with other economic and social policy fields.

Kant acknowledged a unique significance for the ocean. By separating countries, it leads to opposition among them, but it also serves as a medium for their mutual prosperity. This is due to the unification of the ocean and the spirit of commerce, which neutralizes opposition. This view resembles the ideas of Ryoma Sakamoto.