This article explains the role and importance of hydrographic maps. It introduces the waterway operations responsible for the creation and publication of hydrographic maps as well as the history, international role, and recent activities of the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department of the Japan Coast Guard, who carries out these operations.

The Loggerhead sea turtle is a rare species said to be near extinction, but it is worrying that concern is currently focused almost solely on the protection of the sea turtles alone while ignoring the relation between the sea turtles and their sandy beach environment. As very few beach areas remain that are compatible with spawning due to erosion and man-made coastal protection works, it is our task to maintain seashore environments that foster biodiversity and pass them on to the next generation.

Obama city, Fukui had been the historical supplier, called Miketsukuni, which provided fresh salt and seafood to the imperial family.With the background of its legend as Miketsukuni and rich food culture which has been passed over the centuries, the city has started the policy focuses on food since 2000 and initiated the municipal ordinance of community development through food education in 2001, which was the first regulation for food education in Japan. The city government considers food education as one of the critical policies of the city and promotes life-long food education.