A jewel of the Sea of Japan, Takeshima has a long history as integral Japanese territory and has been held continuously and lawfully by Japan since the end of the Second World War. The Japanese people are unanimous in recognizing the nation's sovereignty and urgently demand a national movement to affirm Japanese sovereignty over Takeshima.
Selected Papers No.5(p.16)

In June 2001 the Japanese government passed two important laws, the Basic Law on Fisheries and the Law on Upgrading of Fishing Ports and Fishing Grounds. These two laws outline basic philosophy and policy direction for the nation's fisheries and stipulate specific measures to upgrade Japan's aquaculture base. Based on these laws, a conference was held in March 2002 to decide a Basic Fisheries Plan and a Basic Plan for Upgrading Fishing Ports and Fishing Grounds. A new paradigm in management of coastal areas has begun, embracing Japan's fishing ports, fishing grounds and fishing villages. Its success depends on the goodwill and efforts of fisheries operators and the people of the region.

"Barrier-free access to the sea" means not only creating an environment in which the handicapped can enjoy themselves freely at the seaside, but also providing leisure support that breaks down the barriers between the handicapped and non-handicapped, so that people can communicate and enjoy each other's company on the same level.