Ocean Newsletter
No.609 September 20, 2026
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International Law and Island Nations Amidst Rising Sea Levels
OTSUJI Koki (Assistant Professor, College of Law, Nihon University)
Among the global environmental changes caused by climate change, sea-level rise is unique in that it diminishes the landmass serving as the foundation for human life; consequently, it exerts a significant impact on international law, particularly the law of the sea. This article outlines the overall discourse surrounding sea-level rise and the law of the sea, while highlighting the pioneering initiatives undertaken by island nations to address this phenomenon.
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Thirty Years of the Pacific Islands Centre: A History of Supporting Japanese Corporate Initiatives in Island Countries
SAITO Ryuzo (Director, Pacific Islands Centre [PIC])
Since its establishment, the Pacific Islands Centre has strengthened ties with private-sector stakeholders in both Japan and the Pacific Island countries. We view the enhancement of our "catalytic function"—aimed at further advancing the innovative business activities of Japanese companies—as the key to fulfilling our mission: contributing to the sustainable economic development of these Island countries.
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Tracing the Formation History of the Ryukyu Islands Through Human Genomics
KOGANEBUCHI Kae (Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo)
The Ryukyu Islands possess a unique history. This article presents the process of population formation in the Ryukyu Islands as revealed by whole-genome analysis. Research findings suggest that the Miyako Islands possess genetic characteristics distinct from those of the Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands, indicating a unique history of population formation. Genomic research, alongside archaeology and linguistics, serves as a crucial tool for unraveling the history of human migration and interaction across the seas.