【Upcoming Event!】Creating a Future-Oriented Coastal Community-For the Coexistence of Humans and the Ocean Open Talk Session Feb22@Tohoku University
Event Overview
In this event, experts from diverse fields explore challenges in coastal communities, highlighting strategies for sustainable coexistence between humans and the ocean. This event is particularly relevant for anyone interested in the challenges facing coastal regions and the possibilities for innovation.
Today, coastal regions face a variety of challenges related to marine ecosystems. For example, in the Sanriku region, climate change has led to an increase in southern species such as cutlassfish and spiny lobster, while traditional catches of Pacific saury and salmon have sharply declined. Introducing new seafood into distribution requires not only fishing but also the development of culinary techniques and food culture. Furthermore, factors such as natural disasters and population decline are contributing to the deterioration of cultural activities essential for preserving traditional fisheries and human connections with nature.
At the same time, innovative approaches such as the "blue economy" and "UMIGYO (marine-based industries)" are gaining attention. These initiatives aim to create a sustainable society by integrating environmental conservation with economic development, as well as cultural and traditional values. How can we reconcile environmental, social, and economic interests to build a coastal society that is sustainable and satisfying for all?
In this event, experts from diverse fields—including ocean physics, ecology, cultural anthropology, socioeconomics, and the fisheries industry—will discuss the pressing challenges faced by coastal communities, using the Tohoku region as a primary case study. Through these expert presentations, the program will shed light on new strategies for coexistence with nature and for maintaining thriving local communities.
Note
This event is part of a Japanese-language workshop, with Japanese-English online translation provided for the specific portion open talk.
Event Information
Date and time of the open talk
Saturday Feb 22nd, 2025, 10:30–13:00
How it is held
• Hybrid
Maximum Number of Participants (first come first served)
• 50 on site 、200 online (translation provided)
Participation: please fill out the registration forms below (no fees required)
• Talk Event
For information on and registration for the whole workshop, please refer to the Japanese page WS&公開イベント「みんなのコラボで創る、人と海が共生する未来型沿岸地域社会」
Intended Audience
College students, high school students, and general public
Venue
Seminar Room, Tohoku University Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR)
2 Chome-1-1 Katahira, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577
Deadline for registration 17:00 Friday Feb 14th, 2025
Scheduled program
09:30–10:30 Introduction
10:30–13:00 Open talk event
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:00–17:00 Workshop with all participants
17:00–18:00 Discussion and group presentation
Invited speakers
Toshio Suga (Ph.D. in Science)
Director, Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI-AIMEC), Tohoku University and JAMSTEC
Professor, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University
Research Field: Physical Oceanography
Talk Topic: "The Current State of Global Warming, Future Projections, and Its Impact on the Tohoku Region"
Toyonobu Fujii (Ph.D. in Environmental Management)
Researcher, Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI-AIMEC), Tohoku University and JAMSTEC
Associate Professor, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University
Research Field: Marine Ecology
Talk Topic: "Changing Marine Ecosystems: Rethinking the Future of Coastal Communities"
Yuki Tsuda (Master, specialized professional)
President & CEO, Fisherman Japan Marketing Co., Ltd.
Specialization: Fisheries Industry
Talk Topic: "Prospects and Challenges of Japan's Blue Economy"
Alyne Delaney (Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology)
Associate Professor, Center for Northeast Asian Studies, Tohoku University.
Research Fields: Cultural Anthropology, Japanese Ethnography, Coastal Culture
Talk Topic: “Coasts, Communities and Connections: Tapping into the Past and Present, for Future Resilience”
Michael C. Huang (Ph.D. in Public Economics)
Senior Researcher, Ocean Policy Research Institute, Sasakawa Peace Foundation
Research Field: Public Economics
Talk Topic: “Creating an Ocean Startup Eco–system”
Hosted by
Tohoku Forum for Creativity, Organization for Research Promotion, Tohoku University
Tokyo Electron Ltd.
Co-hosted by
Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI-AIMEC), Tohoku University and JAMSTEC
Ocean Policy Research Institute, Sasakawa Peace Foundation
Seaquest
In cooperation with
Fisherman Japan Group
AXA Life Insurance Co.,Ltd.
Sponsorship
Mitsubishi Memorial Foundation for Educational Excellence
Contact
Email: tfc_mirai*grp.tohoku.ac.jp (change * to @)