While the U.S. and Japan are alike in making prodigious efforts for sustainable fisheries, they differ in their actual fishing practices and in the approaches and tools they use for fisheries management. They also share a commitment to making the best decisions possible to protect their resources and peoples, though differences in cultural and ocean policy perspectives persist. Continued efforts towards mutual understanding of each other’s culture and ocean policies, along with exchange programs to foster this, are needed to maintain sustainable fisheries into the future.

As an island state, Japan’s economic activities depend on maritime transport. One of the most important shipping routes is through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. A half-century has now passed since Japan began undertaking activities for safety of navigation in the Strait. As sovereignty over this ocean space resides in the coastal States and bad feelings can linger between States over territorial issues, it is unprecedented for an outside country to become so deeply involved in the area over such a long period of time. National bodies, courts, and treaty organizations need to interpret and apply the Convention on the Law of the Sea in a comprehensive and forward-looking fashion.

Town revitalization is born from an idea and the passion of local residents. “Japanese naval ship cuisine” first appeared in two cities with long ties to the Japanese Navy. I would like here to report on efforts made by the cities of Maizuru and Kure, famous as tourist destinations, and the present status of the ever-increasing boom in Japanese naval ship cuisine. I believe that it is my duty to pass on knowledge about genuine naval food culture to the next generation.