After assessing the electric power requirements of remote islands, their current water supply conditions, and introducing issues of renewable ocean energy, we made estimates, based on case studies of three remote islands, power generation costs and fresh water production costs, concerning the technical issues involved in their use of renewable ocean energy. We published our findings in a paper entitled "Research on regional revitalization due to use of renewable ocean energy on small-scale remote islands, Ein which we discussed the policy measures and technical innovations necessary to move the concept forward.

An American cruise line has arrived on the scene to begin full-scale Japan based cruise operations. I soon set about to experience what they call Low Cost Cruising (LCC), boarding the Sun Princess for the Hokkaido and Sakhalin cruise. Though I began with some trepidations over what the "bargain Econditions might be, I was thoroughly impressed with the high quality of the cruise. This will likely prove a major challenge to Japan's cruise lines. Without question, these are the Black Ships of the Heisei Era.

Among sea birds, there are some species that will travel thousands of kilometers on a single feeding flight. Also, among migratory birds, some will travel ten thousand kilometers or more, one-way, every spring and fall during their seasonal migrations. Where in fact are these birds going? Over how large an area and for how long are they traveling? Using the most recent man-made satellites, we are able to track these birds, solving riddles such as these one after another. Focusing on birds with some relation to the sea, I would like here to introduce the latest research.