Environment
Ambassador for Arctic Affairs Attends the 13th Arctic Circle Assembly
October 20, 2026
“The Arctic and Climate Change: Perspectives from Observer States” (October 8)
“New Frontiers of Climate and Nature Security in the Arctic” (October 9)
- Ambassador TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko, Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, attended the 13th Arctic Circle Assembly 2026, held in Reykjavík, Iceland from October 8th to 10th.
- During various sessions and bilateral meetings held throughout the assembly, Ambassador Takahashi explained Japan’s initiatives regarding the Arctic, including the utilization of the Arctic research vessel “Mirai II”, which is scheduled to enter service during FY 2026, as an international research platform, and the revision of “Japan’s Arctic Policy” planned for FY 2027. He also conveyed that Japan, with its strengths in science and technology, will continue to contribute to resolving various issues related to the Arctic.
- Ambassador Takahashi participated in the session titled “The Arctic and Climate Change: Perspectives from Observer States,” where he discussed the contributions of Asian countries to climate change countermeasures and marine research. Ambassador Takahashi also addressed the session titled “New Frontiers of Climate and Nature Security in the Arctic,” and emphasized the importance of the rule of law, international cooperation, and data sharing in the Arctic, which received support from participating countries.
- Ambassador Takahashi exchanged views with senior officials, including ambassadors for arctic affairs, from the countries participating in the assembly. Ambassador Takahashi and his counterparts reaffirmed their commitments to continuing close cooperation and called for further promotion of collaboration in the fields of science and technology.
(Reference1)Arctic Circle Assembly
Established in 2013 under the leadership of former President Grímsson of Iceland. The assembly is held annually in October in Reykjavík. This year, senior government officials from Arctic and non-Arctic countries, as well as representatives from the business community and indigenous peoples’ organizations, participated in discussions on various topics, including recent geopolitical situations surrounding the Arctic, the importance of indigenous peoples, the environment, maritime transportation, science and technology, and resource exploration.
(Reference2)Arctic Research Vessel “Mirai II”
Japan’s first research vessel with icebreaking capabilities, scheduled to enter service during FY 2026.