As the Japanese government has maintained the position regarding the Senkaku islands that "they are an inherent part of Japanese territory and an issue doesn't exist as to their territorial rights, Econditions have arisen in international society in which Japan's assertion of its territorial rights is not sufficiently understood. While the government has made the decision to nationalize the Senkakus, their maintenance and management will require a shift to a different strategy from heretofore.
Selected Papers No.17(p.4)

Regarding the floating debris resulting from the Great East Japan Earthquake that is now drifting towards the United States and Canada, it is imperative that our country takes countermeasures as quickly as possible. Experts have stated that from the perspective of international law Japan has no legal obligation to dispose of floating debris, but keeping in mind what a proper response might be internationally I believe our country should provide a variety of support to address the floating debris now reaching the shores of the eastern Pacific.

In spite of the fact that many of Japan's most famous sightseeing areas are to be found near the ports and harbors along the Sea of Japan, their potential to draw visitors is currently not being fully realized. The three ports of Otaru, Fushiki-Toyama, and Kyoto-Maizuru came together this year to establish Northwest Pacific Region Cruise Promotion Conference, hoping to contribute to the economic growth of the Sea of Japan region as a whole through cruise ship activities.