The deep-sea unmanned vehicle Urashima 8000, after reaching a depth of 8,015.8 meters in the Izu–Ogasawara Trench, was recovered at sea. (Courtesy of JAMSTEC)
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In July, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) announced that its unmanned deep-sea vehicle Urashima 8000 reached a depth of 8,015.8 meters during a test dive in the Izu–Ogasawara Trench. It also collected highly detailed topographic data.
This ability to explore some of the deepest parts of the world's oceans not only expands the frontiers of deep-sea research. It also strengthens Japan's ability to protect its national interests.
Rich Potential
The deep sea holds enormous value for resources, disaster prevention, and the environment. On the seabed near Minamitorishima lies a vast deposit of rare-earth mud — vital for energy and high-tech industries.
Deep-sea surveys also allow scientists to study plate boundaries, which cause earthquakes and tsunamis. Research in areas like the Nankai Trough and Japan Trench provides crucial insights for disaster preparedness.
In addition, organisms and microbes that thrive in extreme deep-sea environments could open up new possibilities in life sciences and medicine.
In these areas, Urashima 8000 has a key role to play. Because it operates autonomously, without being tethered to a support ship, it can conduct efficient surveys.
Its ability to visualize geological structures beneath the seabed, including steep undersea slopes, makes it valuable both for disaster research and for resource exploration.
Challenges Ahead
Globally, competition is fierce. China has already developed the 10,000-meter-class manned submersible Striver, which reached the deepest point of the Mariana Trench. Its survey ships are also increasingly active near Japan.
Full-scale operation of Urashima 8000 is scheduled to begin in fiscal 2026. It is vital that this happens without delay. To safeguard Japan's rare-earth resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), dive surveys should be made routine as soon as possible. Efforts to accelerate seafloor resource confirmation must also move forward.
It is also significant that Urashima 8000 is a completely rebuilt, upgraded model based on the earlier Urashima, which had a depth limit of 3,500 meters. The old vehicle could only explore about 45% of Japan's EEZ. The new version can cover 98% — a dramatic improvement.
Still, challenges remain. With the manned submersible Shinkai 6500 and its support vessel Yokosuka both aging, simply replacing individual craft will not be enough.
Japan needs a comprehensive plan to modernize and strengthen its entire deep-sea research system. The deep sea is a critical frontier — one that directly shapes the nation's future and security.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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