Environment

April 7, 2026

1. ATCM: Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting

  1. Parties that are conducting substantial scientific research activities in Antarctica are called Consultative Parties (29 Parties).
    At the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), discussions take place on the peaceful use of Antarctica, promotion of scientific research, and the protection of Antarctic environment.
  2. The ATCM 48 is being held in the City of Hiroshima for the first time in 32 years in Japan.
    Date:
    May 11 (Mon) - 21 (Thu), 2026
    Venue:
    Hiroshima International Conference Center
    Main Agendas:
    tourism activities in Antarctica, impact of climate change on the Antarctic region
    Website:
    ATCM48 SecretariatOpen a New Window

2. Antarctic Treaty

The Treaty was adopted by 12 countries including Japan in 1959, entering into force in 1961 (Japan is one of the original signatories). As of December 2025, the number of Parties is 58.

Flyer for the 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM48)

3. Related events (Note) All events are conducted in Japanese language only.

Schedule Event Name Location
January 24, 2026 (Sat) - July 15, 2026 (Wed) Antarctica comes to the planetarium "Antarctic Healing -At the End of the Earth-" (Japanese)Open a New Window 5-Days Children's Culture and Science Museum (Hiroshima)
February 21, 2026 (Wednesday and holidays)
(Note) Recordings are now available. See “Related Videos”.
Public Symposium "What is ATCM: The Future of Peace, Science, and the Environment Connecting Antarctica and Hiroshima" (ATCM Ambassador Uyama Speaker) (Japanese)Open a New Window Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (Hiroshima)
【Related Videos】
  1. Greetings from the Mayor of Hiroshima, Lecture by the Ambassador of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and more (Japanese)Open a New Window
  2. Messages from High School Students, Lectures, and more (Japanese)Open a New Window
  3. Panel Discussion (Japanese)Open a New Window
Saturday, March 21, 2026 ATCM-related event 1st "Antarctica is coming to Hiroshima" (Japanese)Open a New Window Hiroshima City Community Development Citizen Exchange Plaza (Hiroshima)
Saturday, April 18, 2026 Pre-event screening to commemorate the 48th Antarctic Treaty Conference (ATCM48)
Screening & Lecture on the Oldest Surviving Japanese Antarctic Documentary "Japanese Antarctic Expedition" with Piano Accompaniment (Japanese) (PDF)
Open a New Window
Hiroshima City Video Culture Library (Hiroshima)
Saturday, April 25, 2026 Riko Fes! (Sponsored by Hiroshima City) Special Program "White Peace Continent 'Antarctica' Symposium – YASUDA and Antarctica's Connection" (Japanese)Open a New Window Yasuda Women's University Ando Campus (Hiroshima)
Saturday, April 25, 2026 ATCM-related event 2nd "Antarctica is coming to Hiroshima soon!" (Japanese)Open a New Window Chaleo Central Square (Hiroshima)
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
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Sunday, September 27, 2026
Special Exhibition "Great Antarctic Exhibition" (Japanese)Open a New Window
Exhibition Special Site (Japanese)Open a New Window
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Tokyo)

4. Media and press releases

(1) Press Releases and Press Briefings

(2) For Media

5. Social media outreach


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