As area measurements by the Geographical Survey Institute are used in determining regular financial allocations from the central to local governments, the surface areas of Lake Biwa, Lake Shinji, Lake Inawashiro and other inland water bodies are included in the total area under local governments. However, though coral reefs, tidal flats and other ocean areas likewise play an integral part in residents Eday to day lives, they are not included in the total area. I believe that if these coral reefs and other ocean areas were included as part of the total area upon which regular allocations are based, it would provide financial resources enabling us to pass on a healthier marine environment to future generations as well as contribute to the sounder development of local communities.

Since the accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant, there have been calls for reviewing Japan's energy policies and the need for introducing renewable energy has also increased. While we know that ocean based wind energy has enormous potential, as the sea around the Japanese islands includes many areas of great depth there are calls for an early adoption of floating type wind turbines. As Britain, a European maritime state, leads the world in bottom-mounted type wind turbines, Japan should lead the world in the floating version.

Although Japan is now spoken of as a maritime state, for some reason it is hard for the Japanese people to direct their gaze beyond their island nation. The homogenous nature of this inward looking society, where implications are expected to be intuited, where the same values are widely shared and conspicuous opinions and talents are shunned, has grown even stronger along with educational practices since World War 2. However, as a resource poor country, how long can it maintain itself in the great world if it remains turned in on itself? If we are to improve our diplomacy, economic prowess, cultural influence, and opportunities for personal exchanges, it is most important that we come in contact with perspectives on Japan from abroad and increase our communication competence. I would like here to offer my thoughts on these challenges facing Japan.