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government showed interest in the utilization of the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The Ministry of
Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) performed feasibility research on shipping and logistics
through the NSR for the private sector including shipping companies, trading companies, and electric
power companies. MLIT organizes a Public-Private Partnership Council for the Northern Sea Route.
When the government adopted the second version of the Basic Plan on Ocean Policy in April 2013,
the Arctic-related measures among others were for the first time installed at the Cabinet level. 3
Although most such measures were not brand-new, what was unprecedented was that it instituted two
primordial linkages among the three pillars: to utilize the pillar of science for the pillar of business,
and to make efficient use of the pillar of diplomacy for the pillar of science.4
In an attempt to pursue a more developed and comprehensive Arctic policy promoting full-fledged
interests for Japanese stakeholders such as governmental agencies, academic communities and
industries, the Japanese government is now drafting an Arctic policy document including facilitation
of observational research, promotion of international cooperation, utilization of the NSR, and
securing safety navigation and national interests. Japan’s new Arctic policy document is scheduled to
be announced at some point within this year.
To conclude, Japan will show its flag in the Arctic more clearly, and thus we watch a true sunrise at
hand.
Notes
1. For more information on the ArCS, see the following website.
http://www.mext.go.jp/english/research_development/ (accessed August 24, 2015).
2. The KANUMAS project was an international seismic reconnaissance survey off the eastern
and western coasts of northern Greenland. The Japan National Oil Corporation (now called
Japan Oil, Gas and Metal National Corporation, or JOGMEC) joined the project as a member
of the major oil companies (BP, ExxonMobil, Shell, Statoil and Texaco) in addition to Nunaoil,
the Greenlandic oil company, as a key operating partner. Each of them was admitted a
preferential exploration position in the areas covered by the seismic surveys.
3. The 2013 Basic Plan on Ocean Policy was the second action plan for the 2007 Basic Act on
Ocean Policy, following the 2008 Basic Plan. The Headquarters for Ocean Policy led by the
Prime Minister functions as a composer coordinating and arranging interests related to various
marine issues among several ministries.
4. Ohnishi, op.cit., pp. 200-201.
Does the Sun Also Rise in the Arctic?