Japan's Ocean Observation Vessels

 In Japan, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Japan Meteorological Agency, Fisheries Agency, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Japan Coast Guard, Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), and educational institutions such as universities own ships for oceanographic observation. These vessels are given different names such as "observation vessels," "research vessels," "research vessels," "survey vessels," and "training vessels" depending on their purpose, and each voyage is conducted in a way that makes the most of their unique characteristics.

◀Ocean Earth Research Vessel "Mirai" （JAMSTEC）

Mirai is one of the world's most advanced research vessels with observation and research capabilities. Mirai is one of the world's most advanced research vessels, with excellent navigability and ice resistance, and conducts long-term research cruises in a wide range of ocean regions, including the polar regions.

◀Academic research vessel "Hakuho-Maru" (JAMSTEC)

 Large research vessels featuring a flexible design that can meet a wide variety of research needs. The research voyages are planned and managed jointly by JAMSTEC and the Ocean Research Institute of the University of Tokyo (now the Institute of Atmospheric and Oceanic Studies), which owned the Hakuho Maru until 2004.

Courtesy of Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology

◀Deep Earth Exploration Vessel "Chikyu " (JAMSTEC)

 A vessel that drills the seafloor for the purpose of elucidating the mechanisms of earthquake generation and the sub-seafloor biosphere. The vessel is equipped with riser drilling capabilities to drill to great depths and a transport helipad for long-term drilling operations.

Courtesy of Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology　 (https://www.jamstec.go.jp/chikyu/j/#chikyu-2)

◀Antarctic research vessel (icebreaker) "Shirase" (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)

 The Shirase's main mission is to transport observers and supplies to the observation base in Antarctica (Showa Station), and conducts oceanographic observations in the Antarctic Ocean and along the shipping lanes.

Source:Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force website(https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/equipment/ships/agb/shirase/)

◀Oceanographic and meteorological observation vessel "Ryofu-Maru" (JMA)

 Performs offshore weather observation operations. Conducts regular oceanographic observations at observation lines established in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and the seas around Japan to monitor changes in the ocean that affect the climate system.

Source: JMA website (https://www.data.jma.go.jp/gmd/kaiyou/db/vessel_obs/description/vessels.html）

◀Fisheries research vessel "Kaiyo-Maru" (Fisheries Agency)

 A representative fisheries research vessel of the Fisheries Agency, the Kaiyo Maru conducts fisheries resource surveys and investigations of the marine environment that affect trends in fisheries resources.

◀Fisheries research vessel "Hokko-Maru" (Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency)

 One of the research vessels belonging to the Fisheries Laboratory. It conducts research related to fisheries, including surveys of fish stocks and plankton that feed on them, as well as monitoring observations of the marine environment.

◀Surveying vessel "Heiyo" (Japan Coast Guard)

 The largest survey vessel of the Japan Coast Guard. Mainly conducts surveys related to seafloor topography, ocean currents, bottom sediments, geomagnetism, etc., which are necessary for charting.

Source: Japan Coast Guard website

◀Marine Resources Research Vessel "Hakurei" (JOGMEC)

 Equipped with deep-sea drilling rigs and other research equipment, the vessel explores the seabed resources in the waters around Japan.

Source:Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security Web site

◀Training ship "Koyo-Maru" (National Fisheries University)

 In addition to practical training for maritime engineer education, the Koyo Maru conducts various surveys and research on fisheries.

Image courtesy of Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency (https://www.fra.affrc.go.jp/vessel/koyo/)

◀Training Ship Oshoro-Maru (おしょろ丸) (Hokkaido University)

 The Oshoro-Maru is equipped with state-of-the-art research and survey equipment to carry out marine and fisheries research. Staff members are stationed on board to operate these facilities and provide cutting-edge technology and research materials to the students on board.

　JAMSTEC                        https://www.jamstec.go.jp/j/about/equipment/ships/

　Antarctic Research Vessel                      https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/equipment/ships/agb/shirase/

　Japan Meteorological Agency                            https://www.data.jma.go.jp/gmd/kaiyou/db/vessel_obs/description/vessels.html

　Fisheries Agency                            https://www.jfa.maff.go.jp/j/senpaku/ships/kaiyo_maru.html

　Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency       https://www.fra.affrc.go.jp/vessel/

　Japan Coast Guard                     https://www1.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/KIKAKU/JCG/msa.html

　JOGMEC                         http://www.oed.co.jp/product/ship01.html

　University training ships, etc.

              Kagoshima University                         https://www.fish.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/aboutus/organization/tvs/

              Nagasaki University                            http://www.fish.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/FISH/FUZOKU/fuzoku.htm

              National Fisheries University                         http://www.fish-u.ac.jp/b_rensyusen/top.html

              Hiroshima University                            https://home.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/toyoshio/

              Mie University                            http://seisuimaru.bio.mie-u.ac.jp/

              Tokai University                            https://www.u-tokai.ac.jp/about/research/facilities/bouseimaru/

              Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology                     https://www.kaiyodai.ac.jp/overview/facilities/ship/trainingship.html

              Hokkaido University                         http://ships.fish.hokudai.ac.jp/