Discussions were held over the name of the Sea of Japan this summer, but first the historic fact of the name should be assessed rationally. In the map Kunyu Wanguo Quantu drawn up by an Italian missionary priest of the Jesuit Order Matteo Ricci 400 years ago, the "Sea of Japan" was written down in kanji already, subsequently that name was imported into and pervaded Japan from the West.
Selected Papers No.5(p.9)

In 2002, on the 50th anniversary of the Japan Captain's Association, a unique project entitled "Captain, Go Back to Your Old School", where uniformed captains visit their alma maters and talk about ships and oceans with kids, was initiated. The project is aimed at getting kids interested in ships and oceans and promoting better understanding even if only slightly. Talks have already taken place in 19 schools by now and the kids have always responded with squeals of delight.

The "Shibukawa Seaside Cleaning Robot Contest", which started with a call from industrial high schools in Okayama in 1998, is now in its 5th year. It is a hands-on event which was started to regain the picturesque beach and is now rooted deep even in the community.