In 1955, as part of the International Geophysical Year (IGY), an international scientific project in 1957-1958, the Japanese cabinet decided to initiate the first Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE1) the following year. Since then, Antarctic research by Japan has continued for more than 65 years, except for a brief period when research was suspended due to the retirement of an icebreaker vessel.
Based on a 1955 cabinet decision, Antarctic research in Japan is conducted as a national project. This research involves several different ministries and agencies and is coordinated by the Headquarters for the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition and headed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
The National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR) is an inter-university research institute that provides Japanese researchers with a platform for polar research, as well as promoting polar science by calls for joint research proposals and providing samples, materials, and information.
With regard to Antarctic research, NIPR is the core organization responsible for planning and implementing research plans, and managing expeditions. NIPR also provides back-office operation logistical support such as assembling expedition teams, training, transporting supplies, maintaining and operating facilities at research stations, managing materials and samples, and promoting public relations. In practice, these tasks are conducted by various centers and offices whose activities are coordinated by the Center for Antarctic Programs in NIPR.
Since 1976, Japan’s Antarctic research has been structured in five-year cycles to ensure strategic and efficient project execution. Since 2010, these cycles have been implemented as six-year plans. The current six-year research cycle, Phase X, spans from 2022 (JARE64) to 2028 (JARE69, end of wintering). Detailed research plans are available on the Research Plan page.
The full text of the “Japanese Antarctic Research Project Phase IX Six-Year Plan” and “Japanese Antarctic Research Project Phase X Six-Year Plan” (in Japanese) can be accessed on the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) website.
Since 2017, NIPR has been considering the future vision of Antarctic research projects.
Central to these plans are the icebreaker Shirase and Syowa Station, both of which are major platforms for Antarctic research. In 2034, the Shirase will reach 25 years of service. In anticipation of this milestone, extensive deliberations have been conducted on the evolving needs of scientific research, the functional requirements of major platforms such as research stations and research vessels, and the long-term strategic management of projects. The outcomes of these discussions were published in 2019 as a report titled “Future Vision for Antarctic Research” and as a pamphlet, “Antarctic Future Vision 2034”.
Japan has been conducting research in Antarctica for over 60 years, since the First Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE1) established the Syowa Station in 1957. The history of Japanese Antarctic research can be explored by clicking the banner below.