1994. 3:  Graduated from the University of Tokyo (Bachelor of Law)

1994. 4:  Joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

2007. 9:  Chamberlain to HM the Emperor 

2010. 7: Principal Deputy Director, International Trade Division, MOFA

2010. 8:  Principal Deputy Direcotr, Economic Policy Divison, MOFA

2012. 9:  Counsellor, Embassy of Japan in Russia

2015. 7:  Counsellor, Cabinet Legislation Bureau 

2018. 9:  Director, International Economy Division, MOFA

2020. 7:  Counsellor, Office of Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary (Foreign Policy), Cabinet Secretariat 

2022. 8: Minister (Economic), Embassy of Japan in the UK

The Nippon Foundation launched the MEGURI2040 in February 2020 to address Japanese ship crew shortages and to enhance navigation safety. The knowledge gained during the demonstration in 2022 is currently being used with the aim of social implementation as stage 2.

The preparation of rules to ensure safety is indispensable for the widespread adoption of fully autonomous navigation. A regulatory framework (the MASS Code) is also being deliberated at the IMO. MEGURI2040 has been proactively providing information to contribute to domestic and international rulemaking.

Development of a code on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) is an important agenda item at IMO, since MASS will impact future shipping, e.g. safety and security at sea, seafarers’ role, shore-based facilities, search and rescue, etc.

IMO, at its Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), has been developing a goal-based non-mandatory MASS Code, expected to be adopted in May 2026, supplementing SOLAS and other relevant instruments. MSC 109 in December 2024 almost finalized some chapters, including Search and Rescue. After adoption of the Code, an Experience-building phase (EBP) is expected for further consideration on the MASS Code.

The term ‘unmanned’ is more complex than it seems. The fact that humans are using this terminology to promote safer and more secure future is paradoxical. The speaker has been an advocate of recognizing the contributions of individuals to the maritime system. Unmanned systems actually require more maritime professionals as well as a safer, secure working and living environment for efficient and sustainable shipping. Whilst brilliant minds in the maritime industry focus on the advancement of technology, it should be remembered that there are brilliant minds at sea onboard ships from the past, the present and the future.

This presentation offers an overview of the MASS landscape from IALA's perspective and highlights our response to its development. It emphasizes the need for a coherent outlook to better understand and prepare for MASS's evolution in the short to medium term. Additionally, it provides insights into IALA's approach, including the formation of a dedicated MASS Task Force and the potential impacts of MASS on Marine Aids to Navigation.

MEGURI 2040 Stage 2 will begin with a series of four demonstration vessels in July 2025. The autonomous vessel functions and ROCs that have already been developed will be introduced, as well as the functional verification that is currently being carried out to achieve safe operation.

Autonomous and remotely operated vessels present new safety challenges, requiring innovative risk assessment approaches. The Risk-Based Assessment Tool (RBAT) is a methodology specifically designed for these ships, systematically addressing risks arising from function reallocation and automation. It provides a function-based, flexible framework that adapts to varying levels of detail and system maturity. RBAT enables a thorough hazard analysis, particularly in systematic failures and human errors, while defining operational envelope limits despite the lack of historical failure data. As regulations evolve, RBAT remains a key methodology in assessing safety for MASS. 

The Maritime Autonomy Assurance Testbed (MAAT) programme has been developed as a collaboration led by NPL and Lloyd’s Register, and the UK’s national agencies and leading research organisations. 

MAAT is a UK initiative which follows a data-driven and evidence-based approach to deliver an internationally relevant assurance capability supported by pro-innovation standards and enabling regulatory innovation. MAAT will develop and integrate the test and evaluation capabilities, and accompanying standards, frameworks and infrastructure. This will provide a usable and reliable solution to commercial, technical, safety and regulatory hurdles to enable the fastest adoption of MASS internationally.

The duty to render assistance to persons in distress at sea by a MASS is one of the more complex issues that MASS Code of IMO. The presentation addresses the legal aspects of this assistance, the evolution of IMO works in the matter from Regulatory Scoping Exercise to MSC 109, as well as the challenges for the Administrations when dealing with this matter.

The presentation will discuss the latest situation regarding discussions at IMO on requirements for MASS, and the operational considerations and procedural and technical challenges of meeting regulations and delivering search and rescue.

as described in the Keynote Speech

This presentation examines at how some of the technical characteristics of MASS can have effects on cybersecurity at a high level, with some visual examples.  This also goes into a discussion on potential crime, regulation issues, and potential mitigations.  This will then look at future issues and mitigations, include what tools/skills need to be in place to find/identify perpetrators now and in the future.

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) are advancing shipping through AI, advanced sensors and remote operation technologies to enhance autonomous functionality at sea. While this new operational paradigm offers significant benefits, its integration into existing commercial and defense fleets could potentially introduce challenges, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities and safety risks. 

This presentation examines key issues related to remotely controlled and autonomous ships, such as cybersecurity threats, collision avoidance limitations, remote communication challenges and skill uncertainties. It also introduces lessons from the autonomous vehicle industry and discusses risk mitigation strategies, hybrid human-autonomy operational models and evolving competency requirements. By identifying and addressing these challenges, this presentation aims to contribute to discussions on regulatory and safety considerations to support the safe integration of autonomous ships.

Several challenges may be identified in MASS in the areas of SAR, LE, VTS, etc., for which coast guards are responsible. The presentation will focus on what the challenges would be and how CGs should prepare.

Coastal shipping is very important to Japan's economic activities, and in recent years, technological development has been directed towards automation and even autonomy, especially in vessel operation and navigation. System availability and reliability are very important technical issues in the practical application of this technology. 

In this presentation, I will explain our efforts in the development and design of automatic ship operation and control systems, including Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), in which we have a lot of experience.

The increasing use of unmanned vessels in the maritime domain presents both opportunities and challenges for Coast Guards worldwide. These vessels offer enhanced efficiency, safety, and cost reduction in various sectors, including commercial shipping, security, and military operations. However, they also bring complexities in legal frameworks, security risks, operational strategies, and environmental impacts. Key challenges include issues of regulation, cyber-security, surveillance, and the integration of unmanned vessels into existing systems. To address these, international collaboration, modified regulations, and specialized training for Coast Guard personnel are necessary in order to ensure effective management and safe operations in maritime arena.

Due to the emergence of MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships), entities that did not exist in conventional ships, such as operators of ANS (Automated Navigation Systems) and ROC (Remote Operations Center) operator, will now be involved in collision incidents. Consequently, issues related to the criminal jurisdiction, the application of existing individual laws, and the pursuit of negligence liability will arise. These issues will be clarified through questionnaires and case studies.