Akajima Marine Science Laboratory (AMSL), officially approved by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, has been set up to be a field research station for the Establishment of Tropical Marine Ecological Research (ETMER). Since May 1988, AMSL has continued field research on the ocean, mainly focusing on coral reefs, by adapting SCUBA diving as one of the research techniques.

  The reason why Akajima was selected for the laboratory site was that most of the founders were SCUBA diving lovers. Even now, not only researchers but also fellows, who respect the ocean, get together and provide us various advice and support.

  Many researchers involved in this laboratory have made remarkable progress in their fields, and have been active in the international coral reef society. Whenever I see or hear about those researchers, I feel happy about the foundation of this laboratory.

  As a result of our research (the world’s first technique) seeding production of coral reefs by using sexual reproduction, was successfully invented in 2005. This technique has drawn the world’s attention as one of the potential techniques to mitigate environmental destruction.

  I believe that we must continue to treasure nature’s precious gift - the bright sky, crystal clear seawater, coral reef homes for various fishes, and abundant mangrove forests. In order to preserve the earth, it is important not only to structure strategic logic by accumulating scientific knowledge, but also to keep receptive minds in touch with the earth, our spiritual home.

  I was born in 1942, and I completed a department of law, at Keio University. Although my career is not related to natural science, my desire to keep involved with the ocean made me get involved with the scientific coral reef society, and I am still an active diver.

  I believe that the significance of this laboratory is to produce many successors who strive to look after and protect the ocean. In order to truly understand the ocean, it is important to be at the ocean; that is, researchers based in “the field” are needed. Thus, I invite you to take part in our research activities at AMSL.