Amid the trend towards decarbonization, changing security conditions, and rising interest towards conserving marine environments, there is an urgent need for Japan to educate and train the workers that will lead next generation marine industries. To achieve the desired scale and diversity of expertise in the workforce, it’s important to broaden the talent pool. In addition, we need doctorates to lead innovation in the industries. As such, the University of Tokyo is currently hosting Kashiwa Ocean Forum, a space for collaboration between industries, academia, and different fields.