Print

Kazuko Shiraishi,  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Last Friday, Japan's first comprehensive Arctic policy was presented both in Tokyo and at Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik.

After a brief introduction on the already existing interlinks between a rapidily changing Arctic and Japan's research activities in the region, the document describes backgorunds and purpose for a Japanese Arctic Policy". Japan’s Arctic policy is intended to define policy for more specific measures. From the standpoint of "Proactive Contribution to Peace" based on the principle of international cooperation, the policy defines strategic initiatives in the fields of diplomacy, national security, environment, transportation, resource development, information and communications, and science and technology, from a multidisciplinary perspective with contributions from industry, academia, and the government. It aims to set Japan as an important player that contributes to the international community through its action to Arctic issues.

Against this background, Japan will:

You can download Japan's Arctic Policy here.

Please, be advised that the document is a "provisional translation" from Japanese.