Japan has deep and wide oceans, and we have long had a relationship with the sea. While we have received many blessings from the sea, we have also been shaken by threats such as tsunamis. Through the many oceanographic surveys and studies we have conducted, we have endeavored to learn about the oceans. In the past few years, as we have realized major changes in the global environment, we have learned that the oceans have a great deal to do with it, we feel that we must further deepen our understanding of the oceans.

We have very little time to get to know the deep and wide ocean without "unmanned" and "automated" operations.
Through the development of underwater robots, efficient observation systems, sensors, and basic research, we will continue to promote research and development to understand the ocean.

Kenji NAGAHASHI
Director, Engineering Department