National Institute of Polar Research

About JARE (Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition)

To explore systems and dynamics of the earth and space

Japan commenced its scientific activities in Antarctica in 1956, which was marked by the voyage of "Soya" with the 1st Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) on board. This project was a part of the International Geophysical Year (IGY), and Japanese Syowa Station was established on Ongul Island in Antarctica in 1957. Since then, Japan has performed various observations at Syowa Station and the surrounding areas, and resulted in outstanding scientific outcome such as findings of ozone hole and Antarctic meteorites, recovery of climate change in the past through analyses of ice core, understanding of aurora generation mechanism, unexpected finding of puzzling ecosystems in Antarctic lakes, and findings of evidence of Gondwana, etc.

Phase IX of the Japanese Antarctic Research Projects, which marks the 58th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, is entitled "Investigation of changes in the Earth system from Antarctica" and conducts various research observations and we are aiming to promote advanced scientific research from a global view of the Earth and space by combining other research categories, including the ordinary research projects, explanatory research projects, monitoring, and routine observations. The project is also designed to meet social demands and international research trends with respect to global environmental issues.

Hamuna Icefall (Photo: Iuko TSUWA, JARE51)