The Indian Ocean has in recent years become a focal point of geopolitical interest and strategic planning for major economic and military powers around the world. The economies of some nations in Asia, Europe and even the Americas are critically dependent on the flow of energy and free passage of oil along the shipping lanes of the Indian Ocean. With the rise of China and India as economic powers, a sense of competition and wariness has crept into the strategic planning of many nations with Indian Ocean interests. This article is about development of the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS) and the role we believe it may play in helping to lessen regional tensions.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently attempting to develop new physics-based stability criteria for ships, an effort that is being led by countries such as Japan. The aim is to free designers from the constraints of relying on experience, in order to facilitate the construction of new types of ships that protect human lives and prevent global warming.

While conserving the local marine environment, Shima City aims to exploit nature's bounty fully yet sustainably by becoming a new "sato-umi Etown and further developing its fishing and tourism industries. Towards this goal, I here consider a plan for promotion of Shima City based on a rediscovery of it historical heritage, focusing on those sites related to the Kuki clan from the Muromachi era.