For Japan, securing stable maritime transportation is indispensable for the survival of its society and economy, and is of a highly public nature. However, it is mainly a private-sector enterprise rather than a government-funded service, so effective policies cannot be carried out on the idea of "constructing public facilities using national funds." Here lies the difficulty of industrial policy. The Act on Strengthening Maritime Industries passed by the National Diet in 2021 was a system formulated as the best policy for the present time.

A new resolution was announced by IMO in December 2021, laying out the new Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) guideline. The new resolution represents a large change to past content, and we are just now approaching a transitional period in maritime transport control for ensuring the safety of vessel traffic. This article tracks transitions in how VTS has come to be understood and defined, as well as introduces the main changes in the guideline as it develops in the future.

In July 2021, Amami-Oshima Island and Tokunoshima Island were at last designated as Natural World Heritage sites. In the Amami Island group where these two islands are located, there is a long-distance nature walking trail called the Amami Natural World Heritage Trail where one can stroll through and enjoy the nature and culture of eight inhabited islands.
Amami Trail is aiming for conservation of the natural environment, the preservation and the passing on of environmental culture, and revitalization of the community, while also going forward with plans for sustainable tourism.