– By combining knowledge, experience, and innovation, we can strengthen Japan–Norway cooperation and contribute to solutions in one of the most strategically important regions of our time, the Arctic. This was said by our Executive Director, Anu Fredrikson, at the opening of the “Collaboration Across the Arctic Ocean” seminar held in Tokyo, June 1st 2026.

Over 300 people attended the Japan-Norway Arctic seminar made in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo and the United Nations University.

During the seminar, the Norwegian Polar Institute and Japan’s National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR) signed a memorandum of understanding, formalising decades of collaboration in the Arctic and Antarctica. The partnership includes joint research in Ny‑Ålesund and cooperation in the international RINGS project, led by the Norwegian Polar Institute.

– The agreement strengthens our long-standing collaboration and provides a strong foundation for future polar research, says Camilla Brekke, Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute.

Panel 1: Observations for a Safer Ocean

Surveillance of the ocean surface has benefits for research, governance and businesses. The intersection between research and business is blooming in the ocean sector, with various Norwegian organizations at the forefront of using technology and satellites for the benefit of oceans and ocean users. With shipping in the Arctic increasing, more focus on detection, monitoring and logistics is needed. In addition, detection of oil spills and environmental monitoring of ecosystems and coastlines will need to be enhanced. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has now launched Japan’s first ice breaker dedicated to research, which will allow a wider field of observations, immersive fieldwork in the Arctic and enhanced collaboration towards the IPY-5. The first research voyage is planned for 2027, with more concrete plans coming to fruition.

On this panel, we gathered experts in ocean observations, from both a research and business perspective, to investigate the latest technological developments and applications in the Arctic oceans.

Panel 2: Ocean and Arctic Security

The Arctic is vast, and the geopolitical situation in the Pacific Arctic is quite different to that of the Atlantic Arctic. Ocean governance and frameworks help to maintain collaboration and secure the Arctic, but these are being tested. In 2023, Japan adopted the Fourth Basic Plan on Ocean Policy, which includes overhauling their ocean policy regarding maritime security and increasing their international competitiveness within maritime industries. Dual-use technologies, where infrastructure is shared across sectors such as defense and research, can also serve as a tool for sharing funding and accelerating technological development. Additional avenues for collaboration between Norway and Japan are therefore envisioned within security, governance and business development.