Japan to Revise Arctic Policy as Geopolitical Importance Grows

Tokyo, June 29 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government will revise its Arctic policy in fiscal 2027, which starts next April, amid the growing importance of the region, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated on Monday. “The significance (of the Arctic) is increasing in light of rising geopolitical concern, and potential resources and waterways,” Takaichi told a meeting of the government’s Headquarters for Ocean Policy. The prime minister instructed Jiro Akama, minister of state for ocean policy, to work on the matter to promote international cooperation on Arctic policy. It will be the first revision of the country’s Arctic policy, drawn up in 2015. The Arctic region is becoming increasingly important for national security, with China and Russia intensifying their activities, including securing sea routes and developing resources. Japan aims to address this situation by cooperating with the United States and other like-minded countries. Specifically, the government plans to position the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology’s Arctic research ship Mirai II as an international research platform with foreign researchers aboard as well. The ship is expected to enter service by next March. It will have full-fledged icebreaking capabilities and functions for operating underwater drones. During the meeting, Takaichi also mentioned the government’s efforts to mine rare earths in waters around Minamitorishima, Japan’s easternmost island belonging to the village of Ogasawara, Tokyo, and instructed relevant ministers to promptly initiate full-scale demonstration experiments. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]