Local development based on the creation of a new satoumi is an initiative designed to stimulate local communities by practicing Integrated Coastal Management (ICM). Shima was the first city in Japan to join PNLG, a network of local governments that practice ICM. This year's PNLG Forum was hosted by the city and held here from September 30 to October 2. Although there are various issues, it was reaffirmed that ICM is an effective tool in aiming for conservation of the natural environment, sustainable ways of living and industrial promotion.
Selected Papers No.18(p.12)

Recently, maritime security in the waters around Japan has faced mounting challenges. It is against this background that Japan-India relations have progressively deepened. But why is this important? It has been remarked that there is a connection with changes in the balance of naval power between the US and China and with the power struggles getting underway in the South-East Asia region. India is drawing attention since in geopolitical terms it is open to the ocean and has a record of support for South-East Asian countries. In the maritime field, Japan and India should cooperate and contribute to the stability of Asia.

The great variety of technological innovations of recent years calls for new developments in shipbuilding engineering technologies. There is a need for the building of a new joint research system for a new form of industry-academia-government collaboration, generalizing on experiences to date. In order to promote development of new technologies, educate successors, and pass on academic research to the next generation, it is important that academia play a significant role.