Sado Island is surrounded by the ocean and is rich in nature, as represented by the local Japanese Crested Ibis. Without speaking of the ocean, we cannot describe Sado. In the past, as silver and gold mines were developed and the island prospered, people from all around the country crossed the sea to come to Sado. It was also an important port on the route of the Kitamaebune ships, which meant many people coming and going and bringing their culture and art with them. For those brought up on Sado, even though they might leave the island their attachments to it remain strong. It has been 40 years since I returned to Sado, and I intend to stay and live my life here.

Looking at Korea's history from a geopolitical perspective, the tendency has been to regard it as a peninsular state. Since the Seoul Olympics however, Korea has changed its national strategy, transforming itself from a peninsular to a maritime state. Its shipbuilding, commercial fleet, marine infrastructure, marine education, and strengthening of maritime power are based on this maritime strategy. Being a clear expression of national will, it is making steady progress in realizing its goals. As another maritime state, how should Japan rebuild its national strategy?

I have rethought the interdependence of the land and sea from the perspectives of the global climate and the circulation of water and material. From the long history of the earth to the present global environment, the ocean and land have built up a high level of interdependence through interactions among water and material circulation, energy, and the ecosystem. It can be said however, that it is the existence of these two domains that has created life and an environment not to be found on other planets.