2-2 1997 Achievements
The major achievement of this project in 1998 was the publication of the Bible of the Sea, a three-volume series of compilation focused on the national interests of Japan, maritime nation. What should be noted is that these three volumes emphasized that many maritime experts agree that in protection of and maintenance of Japan's national interests, the Japan-US Security Treaty, the Japan-US Alliance is the key. What should also be noted is the degree of public attention the Bible has enjoyed so far. In fact, the Diet, the mass media and other circles have requested the Bible, and it has received a number of positive messages from various sides of society. One of these message reads, "The Bible of the Sea is a well-balanced educational publication with a full of various opinions (in terms of maritime issues)." Especially, piracy, one of the major topics the Bible and this project have dealt with, has gained much attention. One message on this particular issue says, "The Bible contains accurate and timely reports on piracy, (and it is highly useful.)" Another media source says, "Recently, the Sankei Shimbun an the Yomiuri Shimbun have been increasingly reporting on piracy and other issues because many reporters actually participated in the seminars and regular meetings provided by this project." Obviously, not only the publication of the Bible but also these seminars and meetings have facilitated the rising public awareness of the importance of freedom of navigation.
The above description well indicates that the project has succeeded in its main purpose of public education on the importance of freedom on navigation.
In addition, rising public attention to piracy should be further stressed. Since the publication of the Bible in March, 1998, the Foreign Ministry requested 20 copies, the Japanese Maritime Safety Agency 20, and several study groups within the Diet 10 to use the Bible to acquire basic knowledge of piracy problems. The source of the credibility of the Bible on piracy issues mainly comes from a comprehensive paper on piracy written by captain Jayant Abhyankar of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). Some project members are close friends of him, and most update information keeps coming to this project through these members. Such information is disseminated at project meetings and seminars, contributing to efforts to lay a groundwork for coining anti-piracy measures both in private and governmental organizations.
However, the project has some areas to further develop in the future.
