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The Mainichi
16 hours ago
- Science
- The Mainichi
Japan building autonomous probe to explore Challenger Deep
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan is set to return to the deepest part of the world ocean with a new autonomous probe that will collect samples and also search for marine resources in Japan's exclusive economic zone. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) is developing the compact, unmanned probe capable of reaching depths of approximately 11,000 meters, part of the abyssal zone in the Mariana Trench's Challenger Deep in the western Pacific Ocean. The autonomous probe will collect living organisms, mud and rocks from a large area for studies on hydrothermal vents, key for understanding early life, as well as deep-sea ecosystems and ocean trenches linked to the generation of large, destructive earthquakes. JAMSTEC, a state-backed agency based in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, will test the probe through fiscal 2027 before putting it in full use. The Limiting Factor, a U.S. crewed deep submergence vehicle and China's deep submersible Fendouzhe have already reached the deepest point, but their scope of exploration was limited. In 1996, Japan's unmanned Kaiko remotely operated vehicle was the first to collect living organisms and sediment at a depth greater than 10,000 meters in the Challenger Deep, according to JAMSTEC. Kaiko was also used to identify the wreck of the Tsushima Maru, a cargo and passenger ship sunk off Okinawa by the U.S. submarine Bowfin during World War II while carrying hundreds of schoolchildren. Kaiko was lost off Shikoku, one of Japan's main islands, in 2003. Japan's crewed Shinkai 6500 can descend to 6,500 meters and its unmanned Urashima 8000 can go to 8,000 meters. "We need to unlock puzzles of ecosystems and geological conditions in the deepest sea," said Yu Matsunaga, a senior official at JAMSTEC. The probe will have to withstand enormous water pressure in the depths. It will consist of two units -- an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) measuring 50 centimeters in length and width and 1 meter deep, and a lander of about two meters a side that carries the AUV to the seafloor. JAMSTEC has adopted the design because a single-unit structure would make the probe bigger, less mobile and costlier. The probe is so designed that when the lander reaches the seafloor, the AUV will separate and vacuum up organisms and mud while moving on a predetermined route. Engineers will consider whether to add robotic arms to the vehicle. The plan is to have the AUV stay on the seafloor for more than five hours and move a distance of around 4 kilometers. The lander, though immobile, may have a hose to gather samples from around its landing site. In an experiment conducted in 2023, a prototype lander descended to a depth of 9,200 meters in the Japan Trench off the Boso Peninsula east of Tokyo and succeeded in sending visual data over the water by means of sound waves. Other technologies under development include the combined use of cameras and artificial intelligence to allow the AUV to move and collect samples. If the AUV is outfitted with rechargeable batteries and allowed to navigate automatically, it will be able to expand its scope of activity as there will be no need to connect a vessel at sea with cables for communication and power supply. JAMSTEC will begin testing the AUV and the lander as a unit in fiscal 2026 and lower the probe to 9,000 meters to collect samples in fiscal 2027. It will then begin the full use of the probe for its research activities.
Japan Today
4 days ago
- Science
- Japan Today
Japan building autonomous probe to explore Challenger Deep
A prototype of an autonomous unmanned probe is seen exploring the seafloor in Suruga Bay, Shizuoka Prefecture, in February 2024. By Kento Iwamura Japan is set to return to the deepest part of the world ocean with a new autonomous probe that will collect samples and also search for marine resources in Japan's exclusive economic zone. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) is developing the compact, unmanned probe capable of reaching depths of approximately 11,000 meters, part of the abyssal zone in the Mariana Trench's Challenger Deep in the western Pacific Ocean. The autonomous probe will collect living organisms, mud and rocks from a large area for studies on hydrothermal vents, key for understanding early life, as well as deep-sea ecosystems and ocean trenches linked to the generation of large, destructive earthquakes. JAMSTEC, a state-backed agency based in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, will test the probe through fiscal 2027 before putting it in full use. The Limiting Factor, a U.S. crewed deep submergence vehicle and China's deep submersible Fendouzhe have already reached the deepest point, but their scope of exploration was limited. In 1996, Japan's unmanned Kaiko remotely operated vehicle was the first to collect living organisms and sediment at a depth greater than 10,000 meters in the Challenger Deep, according to JAMSTEC. Kaiko was also used to identify the wreck of the Tsushima Maru, a cargo and passenger ship sunk off Okinawa by the U.S. submarine Bowfin during World War II while carrying hundreds of schoolchildren. Kaiko was lost off Shikoku, one of Japan's main islands, in 2003. Japan's crewed Shinkai 6500 can descend to 6,500 meters and its unmanned Urashima 8000 can go to 8,000 meters. "We need to unlock puzzles of ecosystems and geological conditions in the deepest sea," said Yu Matsunaga, a senior official at JAMSTEC. The probe will have to withstand enormous water pressure in the depths. It will consist of two units -- an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) measuring 50 centimeters in length and width and 1 meter deep, and a lander of about two meters a side that carries the AUV to the seafloor. JAMSTEC has adopted the design because a single-unit structure would make the probe bigger, less mobile and costlier. The probe is so designed that when the lander reaches the seafloor, the AUV will separate and vacuum up organisms and mud while moving on a predetermined route. Engineers will consider whether to add robotic arms to the vehicle. The plan is to have the AUV stay on the seafloor for more than five hours and move a distance of around 4 kilometers. The lander, though immobile, may have a hose to gather samples from around its landing site. In an experiment conducted in 2023, a prototype lander descended to a depth of 9,200 meters in the Japan Trench off the Boso Peninsula east of Tokyo and succeeded in sending visual data over the water by means of sound waves. Other technologies under development include the combined use of cameras and artificial intelligence to allow the AUV to move and collect samples. If the AUV is outfitted with rechargeable batteries and allowed to navigate automatically, it will be able to expand its scope of activity as there will be no need to connect a vessel at sea with cables for communication and power supply. JAMSTEC will begin testing the AUV and the lander as a unit in fiscal 2026 and lower the probe to 9,000 meters to collect samples in fiscal 2027. It will then begin the full use of the probe for its research activities. © KYODO
Kyodo News
4 days ago
- Science
- Kyodo News
FEATURE: Japan building autonomous probe to explore Challenger Deep
TOKYO - Japan is set to return to the deepest part of the world ocean with a new autonomous probe that will collect samples and also search for marine resources in Japan's exclusive economic zone. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) is developing the compact, unmanned probe capable of reaching depths of approximately 11,000 meters, part of the abyssal zone in the Mariana Trench's Challenger Deep in the western Pacific Ocean. The autonomous probe will collect living organisms, mud and rocks from a large area for studies on hydrothermal vents, key for understanding early life, as well as deep-sea ecosystems and ocean trenches linked to the generation of large, destructive earthquakes. JAMSTEC, a state-backed agency based in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, will test the probe through fiscal 2027 before putting it in full use. The Limiting Factor, a U.S. crewed deep submergence vehicle and China's deep submersible Fendouzhe have already reached the deepest point, but their scope of exploration was limited. In 1996, Japan's unmanned Kaiko remotely operated vehicle was the first to collect living organisms and sediment at a depth greater than 10,000 meters in the Challenger Deep, according to JAMSTEC. Kaiko was also used to identify the wreck of the Tsushima Maru, a cargo and passenger ship sunk off Okinawa by the U.S. submarine Bowfin during World War II while carrying hundreds of schoolchildren. Kaiko was lost off Shikoku, one of Japan's main islands, in 2003. Japan's crewed Shinkai 6500 can descend to 6,500 meters and its unmanned Urashima 8000 can go to 8,000 meters. "We need to unlock puzzles of ecosystems and geological conditions in the deepest sea," said Yu Matsunaga, a senior official at JAMSTEC. The probe will have to withstand enormous water pressure in the depths. It will consist of two units -- an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) measuring 50 centimeters in length and width and 1 meter deep, and a lander of about two meters a side that carries the AUV to the seafloor. JAMSTEC has adopted the design because a single-unit structure would make the probe bigger, less mobile and costlier. The probe is so designed that when the lander reaches the seafloor, the AUV will separate and vacuum up organisms and mud while moving on a predetermined route. Engineers will consider whether to add robotic arms to the vehicle. The plan is to have the AUV stay on the seafloor for more than five hours and move a distance of around 4 kilometers. The lander, though immobile, may have a hose to gather samples from around its landing site. In an experiment conducted in 2023, a prototype lander descended to a depth of 9,200 meters in the Japan Trench off the Boso Peninsula east of Tokyo and succeeded in sending visual data over the water by means of sound waves. Other technologies under development include the combined use of cameras and artificial intelligence to allow the AUV to move and collect samples. If the AUV is outfitted with rechargeable batteries and allowed to navigate automatically, it will be able to expand its scope of activity as there will be no need to connect a vessel at sea with cables for communication and power supply. JAMSTEC will begin testing the AUV and the lander as a unit in fiscal 2026 and lower the probe to 9,000 meters to collect samples in fiscal 2027. It will then begin the full use of the probe for its research activities.
Japan Forward
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: The Emperor Visits Okinawa
このページを 日本語 で読む On June 4, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, along with their daughter Princess Aiko, visited Okinawa Prefecture. More than 200,000 people lost their lives there during World War II. It was Princess Aiko's first visit to Okinawa. Many people lined the roads, waving Japanese flags to welcome them. The Imperial family responded with waves and bows. The family offered flowers at the National Okinawa War Dead Peace Mausoleum on Mabuni Hill, where the Battle of Okinawa ended. They also toured the Cornerstone of Peace, which bears the names of the war dead, and the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. The Imperial Family pays their respects at the Cornerstone of Peace in Peace Memorial Park, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture. Afternoon of June 4. Their Majesties spoke with war survivors, bereaved families, and their representatives. They asked about loved ones lost in the war and listened intently to their harrowing stories. When one woman shared how she had witnessed three close relatives killed before her eyes, the Emperor gently responded, "It must have been truly painful." Princess Aiko added, "It's beyond what I can imagine," as she listened with deep empathy. The Emperor said, "Thank you for continuing to hope for and share the message of peace." Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko speak with war survivors and representatives during their visit to the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. Afternoon of June 4, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture. That evening, the Imperial Family met with former participants of the "Mamekisha" (junior reporter) program, which sends Okinawan children to Tokyo to take part in journalistic activities. Some had met the Imperial Family years earlier, when Emperor Naruhito was still crown prince, and had even played volleyball with them. The reunion was warm and joyful. Outside their hotel, local volunteers welcomed the family with lanterns and Japanese flags. In return, the three waved lanterns from their room. The Imperial Family meets with former participants of Okinawa's "Mamekisha" (junior reporter) program. Afternoon of June 4, The Naha Terrace, Naha City. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency) On June 5, the Imperial family visited the Kozakura Monument in Naha City for the first time. The monument honors the victims of the Tsushima Maru, a school evacuation ship sunk by American forces during the war. Nearly 1,500 people were killed in the attack. While speaking with bereaved families, Princess Aiko reflected on the importance of life. Empress Masako noted, "It was a valuable experience for Aiko as well." Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko offer flowers at the Kozakura Monument, which honors those who perished aboard the Tsushima Maru. June 5, Naha City. Later that day, the family visited Shuri Castle, also in Naha. They observed the reconstruction of the main hall while dressed in traditional Okinawan summer wear, kariyushi . That evening, they returned to Tokyo, completing their visit. On May 30, Emperor Naruhito met with President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos at the Imperial Palace. It was announced that Princess Aiko is scheduled to make an official visit to Laos in November. The Emperor shared, "She is very much looking forward to it." That same day, Prince Fumihito met with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled at his residence in Minato Ward, Tokyo. On June 3, Princess Kiko attended a ceremony in Tokyo to present certificates of appreciation to donors of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, which she leads as president. On June 1, Emperor Naruhito attended the Viola Space 2025 concert at Nippon Steel Kioi Hall in Chiyoda Ward. The following day, he took part in the 150th anniversary ceremony of Japan's meteorological services, held at a Tokyo hotel. Emperor Naruhito delivers a speech at the 150th Anniversary Ceremony of Japan's meteorological services. Afternoon of June 2, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. On June 4, Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, departed from Narita Airport on a commercial flight for an official visit to Brazil. The trip marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Brazil. She arrived in São Paulo on the morning of June 5, local time. Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, departs for Brazil. Afternoon of June 4, Narita Airport. Princess Hanako, the Emperor's aunt by marriage, visited the Tokyo Equestrian Park in Setagaya Ward on June 1 to attend the All Japan Equestrian Championships. Princess Akiko visited the National Confectionery Exposition in Hokkaido on May 30. On June 1, she attended the League One rugby final at the National Stadium in Shinjuku Ward. Princess Hisako visited Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai on May 30 and attended Luxembourg's National Day ceremony. The next day, May 31, she joined a commemorative event in Tokyo for the Prince Takamado Trophy All Japan Inter-Middle School English Oratorical Contest. Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Japanese imperial family pays respects to victims of WWII ship sunk by U.S. sub
June 5 (UPI) -- Japan's royal family wrapped up a two day visit to Okinawa Thursday, where they paid respects to the victims of a World War II-era Japanese evacuation ship that was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine. Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko prayed for the victims who were lost aboard the ship, according to the Japanese national daily news outlet the Mainichi. They called for peace during their visit. The imperial family presented flowers and bowed deeply at a memorial site in Nama for the Tsushima battleship, on which at least 1,500 people, including hundreds of schoolchildren, were killed in the torpedo attack. The family also visited a nearby memorial museum where they spoke to survivors and bereaved family members, and also witnessed several personal items that belonged to the schoolchildren who died. One man, 85-year-old Masakatsu Takara, recounted the pain of losing nine of his family members, including his parents and siblings. The Tsushima Maru was hit with a torpedo near southwestern Japan's Tokara Islands while traveling from Okinawa to Nagasaki during an August, 1944 government ordered evacuation.
