Japan’s marine products industries are experiencing a dearth of workers. The fishing villages that used to function as suppliers of workers are struggling and failing to nurture successors. In these circumstances, foreign laborers are seen as an immediately available workforce and are considerably growing in number. However, this risks becoming a warning sign for the continuity of Japan’s marine products industries. In this article I would like to analyze the current situation, as well as examine issues such as the shortage of licensed mariners and the COVID-19 restrictions on immigration and their “side effects”.
Selected Papers No.27(p.10)

Plastic pollution of our oceans is now a global problem, and the Arctic is no exception. With the progress of research in recent years, the state of plastic pollution in the Arctic have gradually come to be better understood. This article introduces Japan’s first survey of microplastics in the Arctic Ocean conducted last fall by the oceanographic research vessel, the Mirai.

Projection mapping normally involves projecting images onto fixed structures like buildings or objects to present a variety of performances. However, Sumida Aquarium requested projection mapping of Japan’s largest open indoor pool-type tank, which holds nearly 350 tons of water. I would like to here introduce not just a mere attraction, but also the aquarium’s efforts to create content that shows consideration for the penguins and will be treasured for years to come.