Tochigi prefecture's Bato High School is home to the country's only inland waters fisheries department. Through its extremely varied activities, the Bato Fisheries Department has developed a unique local flavor as the "region's fisheries department. EIt is not an exaggeration to say that rather than just promoting cooperation in the region, the fisheries department's educational activities are incorporated in the region itself. The Bato High School Fisheries Department hopes to continue to be an indispensable element for building up the region in the future.
Selected Papers No.19(p.6)

Scientific knowledge about marine animals requires studies on individual specimens in the wild as well as on those in captivity. Knowledge not possible from field research can be gained at an aquarium, where breeding takes place and rearing an individual animal over a long period allows its life history to be known in detail. In this article I will introduce Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium's success in the long-term raising of the whale shark and breeding of manta ray, world firsts, and discuss the significance and effects of raising large marine animals for the first time.

When memorizing a masterpiece or famous passage for a narrative recital on stage, regardless of the piece it must be read and studied thoroughly before finding your own heart's way of expressing your thoughts and feelings. In the latter half of this fiscal year, I will give narrative recitals, readings, and classes in Turkey and Germany as a cultural exchange ambassador for the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs. It is not an easy thing to convey Japanese sensibilities abroad, but through the art of words I will do my best across the seas for the sake of friendship and goodwill.