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Part Promotion of Scientific Research

Japan's Antarctic research program began in 1956 by setting up the, Headquarters for the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (chairperson: Minister of Education, Science and Culture) in the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture with the cooperation of various government ministries and agencies, Japanese expeditions have since attained a number of scientific achievements including the explanation of the mechanism of aurora and marine fauna ecosystems as well as contributions to space science and planetology through the discovery of many meteorites. Further, their observation over many years contributed to the discovery of ozone holes.

These research activities are conducted at Showa Station, Mizuho Station, and Asuka Observatory. At present the 32nd winter expedition of 39 members is engaged not only in the regular observation of oceanic, meteoroloical and ionospheric phenomena, but also in scientific observation of the upper atmosphere in order to inquire into the behavior of auroras and the relation between ozone and auroras.

The 33rd expedition left the Port of Tokyo in November 1991 and arrived at Showa Station late in December 1991 to take the place of the 32nd expedition.

Along with global environmental issues which are increasingly attracting attention throughout the world, those in the Antarctic are also arousing people's interest globally. In order to protect the environment in the Antarctic, it is being discussed among concerned countries to include additional international agreements in the Antarctic Treaty in the form of the Treaty's protocol.