Center for Antarctic Programs

Linking Antarctic observations between Japanese and international communities

Director Satoshi IMURA

The Center for Antarctic Programs (CAP) came into being in 2009 by merging the research staff group and the administrative/technical staff group in order to ensure that operations and all activities of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) proceed smoothly and efficiently. CAP carries out such tasks as project planning with research communities, maintenance of Antarctic stations, recruitment and nomination of expedition members, preparation of medical examination and training, transportation to Antarctica, and issues of environmental protection.

JARE invites foreign scientists from various countries every year to perform scientific collaboration in Antarctica. Recently, Asian Forum for Polar Science (AFoPS) was established, in which Japan, Korea, China, India, Malaysia and Thailand organize an annual meeting to exchange information among member countries and to encourage other Asian countries’ to become involved in polar research. JARE's activities are not limited to planning and community building.

Dome-Fuji Station

In addition to the sea borne transport by “Shirase”, JARE recently installed an air network system DROMLAN to organize chartered flights to Novolazarevskaya Station, and Troll Station from Cape Town, and feeder flights covering other stations and activity areas in Antarctica. DROMLAN is supported by 11 countries working in Dronning Maud Land. In the Southern Ocean, “Shirase” and “Umitaka-maru” of Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology conduct collaborative observations on marine sciences. Such air and sea operations contribute to expand the activity area of JARE in the Antarctic.

Syowa Station

Syowa Station was established in 1957 on January 29 on East Ongul Island, LützowHolm Bay by the 1st Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. At present, it also acts as an observation site for the world meteorological network in addition to various scientific observations. Thirty members spend an entire year conducting observations and maintaining the stations facilities.

Dome-Fuji Station

Dome-Fuji Station was established in January of 1995 to conduct deep ice-core drilling at the highest dome of Dronning Maud Land, some 1000 km away from Syowa Station. After completing 3035 m deep drilling, the station has been closed temporarily.

Mizuho Station

Mizuho Station was established in July of 1970 on the Mizuho Plateau, 270 km south-east of Syowa Station. At present, the station is temporarily closed.

Asuka Station

Asuka Station was established in March of 1985 in Dronning Maud Land, 670 km southwest of Syowa Station. The station has been closed temporarily at present.

Syowa Station