Message from the President

Accounting for approximately 70% of the Earth's surface — nearly 80% of which is deeper than 3,000 meters — the ocean plays a crucial role in the Earth's water, heat, and material circulation, and has a significant impact on terrestrial climate and weather. Furthermore, the ocean is the source of life and serves as the foundation that sustains the various forms of life on Earth. For Japan, as an island nation surrounded by the ocean on all sides, it is pivotal to understand the ocean accurately and utilize it effectively. As global environmental changes have become apparent in recent years, it is especially important to understand the current state and future prospects of climate change and marine environments through ocean observation. Furthermore, uncovering the distribution and origins of submarine resources and the mechanisms of earthquakes and volcanic activities is a paramount national issue in light of economic security, enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities, and disaster prevention and mitigation.

Over more than 50 years, dating back to the time of our precursor institution (Japan Marine Science and Technology Center), JAMSTEC has been conducting fundamental research and development in marine science, actively collaborating with domestic and international academic communities, and contributing to the advancement of marine science and technology not only in Japan but globally. However, within the vast and deep ocean lies an unknown world yet to be discovered by humanity–one of the last frontiers of the Earth. Drawing on the experience, knowledge, and technologies accumulated over half a century, JAMSTEC has set a new course under its Mid-to-Long-Term Plan at a time when the international community stands at critical crossroads that will shape the future of our planet.

Under the 5th Mid-to-Long-Term Objectives (‘Objectives Concerning Operational Management to be Achieved by JAMSTEC’) set forth by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, our mission is to further promote oceanographic survey and observation and advance diverse research and development activities utilizing research vessels, submersibles, and other platforms, in response to shifting global and domestic circumstances as well as emerging challenges. Furthermore, it is also our key mission to contribute to the advancement of marine science and technology and the development of academic research in Japan through the dissemination and application of our research outcomes and by fostering cooperation with domestic and international organizations. To achieve these missions, we will carry out a broad range of activities by seamlessly integrating the following four functions: "Scientific Research," "Technological Development," "Operation of Research Facilities," and "Administration." Through the cycle to renew its long-term plan, objectives, and organization, we aim to promote emergence in research and development and remain a world-leading institute for ocean and Earth science.

Moving forward, we aim to deliver world-leading research outcomes by strengthening the development of next-generation marine platforms, and cutting-edge marine engineering research and system development. At the same time, we strive to establish an Ocean-Earth Digital Twin that integrates extensive observational data with large-scale simulations using supercomputers as a digital representation of the Earth system. Through these efforts, we will commit to making precise predictions of complex phenomena—such as climate change, marine ecosystem dynamics, and the mechanisms of earthquakes, volcanic activities, and tsunamis—and generating and disseminating value-added information directly linked to solving societal challenges, including disaster prevention and mitigation.

To widely disseminate these research outcomes to society, we will deepen collaboration and co-creation with industry, universities, research institutions, ministries and agencies, and local governments, with JAMSTEC serving as a hub. In addition, we will promote open science by making publicly available a diverse range of scientific data accumulated so far, contributing to the advancement of science in Japan and globally. Drawing on the knowledge and intellectual foundations gained through these efforts, we aim to play a part in the formulation of Japan's ocean-related policies, international treaties, and agreements.

At the same time, we will utilize stimulating insights and footage obtained through our research activities as educational materials to enhance the public’s understanding of the ocean. Furthermore, through "Ocean STEAM Education," we will foster the next generation who will lead the future of marine science and technology. We disseminate our research outcomes to society, facilitate the identification of societal challenges, and integrate them back into our own research. We call this "Co-creation and Circulation System" and are working to establish it.

JAMSTEC will continue its activities to bring the inspiration and wonder of the ocean to people across the planet. We also strive to contribute to ocean safety and security. With unwavering determination, we will keep tackling unknown frontiers to be an institution that the public can be proud of. We look forward to continuing this journey together and thank you for your continued support.