The ocean faces a variety of threats due to human activity, including sea surface temperature rise, acidification, decrease in oxygen concentration, plastics pollution, and a decrease in fish resources. To the extent that environmental destruction is the background to the current crisis involving the New Coronavirus, it shares the same roots as the climate and marine environment crises. Countries around the world should make vast reconstruction investments to realize a sustainable marine economy and a blue/green recovery.

Japanese international fleet is nowadays mostly boarded by the crew of neighbouring countries. It is a serious challenge to secure the quality of maritime transport and its related professional services, which have long been fostered by the Japanese seafarers. This article suggests that Japanese seafarer education and training programs should introduce sociologic element such as Japanese values, work ethic, and Japanese language skills.

Folktales about the ocean tell us many things about how we have lived alongside it, of customs for learning about it, making preparations, and avoiding risks, but also ideas of morality, including gratitude for its bounties and making it an object of religious belief. At the same time, folktales also play a role in fostering a sense of belonging for the places that appear in the stories told. Through the Ocean Folktale Town Project, we hope to provide tourism resources, work with interested companies, and expand our activities on a national scale.
Selected Papers No.26