Authorized by the Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation, the Japan Blue Economy Association was established on July 15, 2020, as the country’s first organization making use of the ocean, especially blue carbon, in carrying out testing and research on climate change measures. This article provides an overview of the Association’s establishment and activities.

While formerly the campus of Kitasato University’s School of Marine Biosciences faced the Pacific Ocean, the Great East Japan Earthquake forced it to relocate to Sagamihara. After a period spent in a temporary evacuation shelter, it resumed its education and research activities the following year in the newly built facilities at Sagamihara. The mini-aquarium, Kitasato Aquarium Lab, is operated by the students there, and is key to the distinctive education being provided. We also enjoy active research-based regional exchanges, as we make use of local materials in the Sanriku area through our new joint research and educational facilities.
Selected Papers No.26

Minato Science Museum opened in Minato City of Tokyo in June 2020 for the purpose of contributing to the city’s quality of education and improving residents’ motivation to learn, and raising their interest in science through experiencing it. Taking advantage of its city center location, the Museum is trying to build networks among Minato City stakeholders and create opportunities for people and information exchanges.