The South China Sea problem greatly affects maritime security not only in southeast Asia, but throughout the whole East Asia region. From a maritime transport as well as a defense perspective, measures are needed to stabilize the security environment in the South China Sea.

The Asamushi Center has worked to spread marine biology education since it was established in 1924 as a residential coastal training facility where students from Tohoku University and throughout the Tohoku region could get instruction and hands-on experience with marine life in a natural setting. Making good use of its geographical advantages, the Asamushi Center aims to carry out practical marine biology education that will develop an interest in the subject among young people.

The tsunami that struck eastern Japan on March 11th washed away towns and villages, along with people's lives, all along the Pacific coast, but most of the many shell mounds in the Tohoku region were undamaged. It is said that in order to avoid another tragedy we should give more thought to the planning of future communities, but I believe we also have much to learn from the lives and thought of the Jomon people of the distant past.
Selected Papers No.16