Ocean Newsletter
No.584 December 5, 2024
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The Faroe Islands: Characteristics, International Relations, and Ties with Japan
Høgni HOYDAL (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Industry, and Trade, the Faroe Islands)
The Faroe Islands, an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, are known for their rugged landscape, rich marine resources, and Viking heritage, and hold a strategic position in the North Atlantic, especially from the perspectives of security and climate change. The Faroe Islands have a relationship with Japan based on sustainable resource management. Although small in size, the Faroe Islands are rich in marine resources and will maintain its commitment to international cooperation as it navigates the challenges of climate change, security, and economic development.
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Communal Whaling in the Faroe Islands: Christianization and the Spirit of Mutual Aid
AKAMINE Jun (Professor, Graduate School of Social Sciences, Hitotsubashi University)
In the Faroe Islands, there are no professional whalers; instead, the practice of "communal whaling" thrives, where residents voluntarily participate. This tradition, targeting long-finned pilot whales, is believed to have been introduced by the Norse in the 9th century. With detailed records spanning over 300 years, it stands as a unique example in the history of global whaling. Whale meat is distributed free of charge among the islanders and remains a vital part of the Faroese diet. Deeply rooted in the spirit of mutual aid that defines the local community, this practice is closely intertwined with Christianity and holds a significant place in the Faroese identity.
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The Faroe Islands: Cliff Islands
OKADA Nazuna (former Research Associate at the Joint Research Center for Arctic Research (J-ARK Net))
The Faroe Islands, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, continue to fascinate visitors with their unique landscapes created by dynamic nature. What attracted me more than the beautiful landscapes was the way the people interacted with nature. I would like to introduce a small part of the daily life of the people of the Faroe Islands that I was able to glimpse during my stay.