[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 15th meeting of the Headquarters for Ocean Policy at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, discussions were held on the Measures toward Strengthening Japan’s Ability to Discern Marine Conditions  and a partial revision of the Basic Policy concerning Preservation and Management of Remote Islands for Management of the Sea , and a report was given on the state of progress in FY2015 and items to be implemented in FY2016 in relation to the Basic Low-water Line Preservation Plan .

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Today, for the first time, the Headquarters for Ocean Policy has determined the Measures toward Strengthening Japan’s Ability to Discern Ocean Conditions, known as Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) . Along with strengthening marine observations through collaboration between the relevant ministries and organs, we have also newly established the Marine Conditions Display System , which consolidates and provides a wide range of marine data, including satellite data.

MDA will contribute broadly to not only marine security, but also to responses to natural disasters, environment protection, and industry promotion. I would like each Cabinet member to cooperate to advance the measures we have determined today.

As a maritime nation, Japan must protect and manage remote islands, which comprise the basis of Japan’s jurisdictional marine zones.

Now, based on the special measures recently enacted through members’ legislation, we have clearly stipulated measures for the protection of inhabited remote island areas, and the maintenance of regional society, in the Basic Policy related to remote islands. Following this Basic Policy, I would like each Cabinet member to collaborate on specific measures to ensure the continued habitation of residents.”