Japan, as an island and trading nation, must rely on maritime transport to carry out the majority of its import and export activities, which are essential to maintaining its economy and standard of living. Maritime transport is thus a lifeline for the country. Hindrance to maritime transport by the growing problem of piracy in waters off the coast of Somalia, being a real threat to Japan's sea-lanes, is now a national security problem. While there are limits to government measures, activities by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and Coast Guard, and maritime transport corporate efforts, Japan, as a maritime state, must carry out even further measures in order to participate in international coordination.