Organizing a project for the formation of ocean education research centers and holding the National Ocean Literacy and Education Summit
Organizations: Center for Ocean Literacy and Education (Graduate School of Education, the University of Tokyo) and The Nippon Foundation
The University of Tokyo and local governments across Japan concluded an agreement and are collaborating to develop education for marine literacy in the context of primary and secondary education. As an example, a systematic curriculum applicable to everything from pre-school education to high school education is being developed as part of the education policy for Kesennuma City in Miyagi Prefecture while Taketomi Town in Okinawa Prefecture is formulating a basic plan for ocean education as part of its own education policy. In these and other ways, systems for entire regions are being created. Ultimately, the aim is to improve marine literacy at the local level. There are presently four ocean education research centers nationwide, including the two noted above.
In addition, an event at which approximately 500 ocean education practitioners, researchers, pupils, students, and other people from across Japan gather together under one roof to discuss ocean education is held once a year. By presenting practical case studies and research projects in which they are involved, interacting with one another on relevant topics, and exchanging opinions on a range of questions and issues at this summit, participants work to promote ocean education and build networks.
Education Summit (February 15, 2020)
Project for women active at sea
Women are rather under-represented in ocean-related workplaces in Japan and especially under-represented in jobs that entail going out to sea. Opportunities for women to work and be active in such workplaces are being bolstered through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Shine bright, Funejo! program, the Fisheries Agency’s Treasures of the Sea for Energetic Fisherwomen project, the Coast Guard’s efforts to expand job categories for women and increase the number of female officers, and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology’s efforts to appoint more women to management positions.
Fisheries Agency (https://www.jfa.maff.go.jp/j/kenkyu/suisanjoshi/181213.html)
Japan Coast Guard (https://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/school/elements/sub_women/women.html)