Interests of Japan in the Arctic

Nowadays, the Arctic became a territory, where political and economic interests of many developed and developing countries facing. Japan has no private exit to the Arctic therefore, it has shown an increased interest in this region of the world in recent years. This is primarily because of Japan is a maritime nation. Her welfare and prosperity depend on global freedom of navigation, stability and safety of commercial maritime communications, the unity of world trade - economic space, whose integral part is the Arctic, are increasingly drawn into global economic and trade processes.

The attraction of the Arctic for Japan

Japanese interest in the Arctic region is obvious. First of all, the Northern sea route connecting Japan with Europe, which is related to the most intense trade flows. Northern route is shorter than the traditional southern route through the Suez Canal. So, the route from Yokohama to Rotterdam via the southern route is 20742 km, on the North – 12038 km away. This means a substantial saving of time and fuel, which reduces transportation and increases the attractiveness of the Northern route. For example, if the southern route requires a 251-day journey, the North – only 40. Besides the southern route poses additional risks: In the South China sea has been a worsening of the international situation in the context of territorial disputes and the problem of Maritime piracy in the strait of Malacca [3].

Another important motive for Japan is the issue of energy security. The Arctic region contains 13% of proven world oil reserves and 30% natural gas. However, 42% of the energy balance of Japan is based on oil, 80% of which comes from the Middle East via unsafe southern route.

Japanese government had set a goal of increasing the share in the abroad fields, after the accident at NPP «Fukushima-1» in March 2011. Japan is a country with a high scientific potential, so that it refers to the Arctic as a universal human heritage which needs protection and conservation [2].

Japan is at the main positions in the use of science and high technologies, first of all, we are talking about the achievements of the country in the field of climatology, meteorology and ecology. As we know, in Japan there is the national Institute of polar research, which is environment initiative, funded by several universities. Also, Japan has traditionally attached great importance to the issue of the global consequences of global warming, one of the essential aspects which are accelerating the processes of ice melting in the Arctic waters and the reduction of the ice area in the Arctic.

Hereafter, we will consider the interests of Japan in the Arctic in various industries.

Environment

One of the main goals of Japan in the Arctic is the desire to increase marine transport along the Northern Sea Route. But there are several environmental problems such as ecological risks due to the increase of transportations through the Arctic waters. Particularly, we are talking about the potential danger from spills of oil and oil products, as well as from leaks of various contaminants on the routes of ships. Also, Japan see as the one of the main goals the preservation of the marine resources of the Arctic basin, as well as receiving valuable seafood species from polar latitudes. An important reason to monitoring the situation in the Arctic, is a national safety [3]. Even so, Japan does not see direct threats to freedom of navigation in the region and does not produce strategic plans for the direction of the naval defense forces to protect Japanese ships.

Japan is a country which traditionally stands for the protection of the environment. In 1997 Japan was one of the initiators of the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol to limit the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. And after the accident at the Fukushima-1 occurred in March 2011, Tokyo has become more careful and attentive to global environmental problems. Speech by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the international climate conference in Paris in November 2015, once again confirmed the seriousness of Japan in relation to global warming. Particularly, in the framework of the project «Actions for Cool Earth 2.0 by 2020» Japan showed willingness to allocate 1.3 billion yen annually to help developing countries in coping with the negative effects of climate change, which is 1.3 times higher than the amounts allocated previously. This program was developed in Tokyo and aimed at preventing global warming and therefore combating the melting of the Arctic by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and aid to developing countries suffering from climate change.

The challenges of the Arctic region Tokyo see as key processes influencing the global climate situation in General, contributing to accelerating global warming and threatening the natural environment of Japan. According to the official report of the Japanese government, the change of climatic situation in the Arctic may influence the increased incidence of natural disasters in countries located in the Northern and temperate latitudes, as well as in Japan.

Traditionally being one of the leaders in the field of science and technology innovation, Tokyo is committed to participate actively in the study of the Arctic zone. The study of the polar regions is held in 1959, when Japan signed the Antarctic Treaty.

New environmental challenges facing the international community, contribute to the expansion of Japan in the region, the use of experience gained in its prevention of natural disasters and advanced scientific technologies. One of the areas of Arctic studies is to elucidate the mechanisms and causes of climate change, as well as prediction of their possible consequences and strengthening training of the scientists-explorers. In particular, in 2013 on the development of Arctic research, which is «key to understanding climate change», was allocated to more than 1 600 million yen.

The risk for Japan lies in the fact that the economic development of the Arctic, particularly, the opening of new sea routes and the start-up of projects for the development of natural resources can be a reason for conflicts between countries. Japan anticipates that the intensification of navigation in Arctic waters will inevitably change the strategic balance in the region. In other words, Japan can foresee a situation where the Arctic will be an arena of direct military confrontation between Nations, particularly between the United States, on the one hand, and Russia on the other.

The Economic interests

Climate change in the Arctic also creates economic opportunity the Japanese government is keen to exploit.

The economic interests of Japan in the Arctic relate to two main activities: development of the Northern sea route and the development of natural resources of the Arctic basin.

The increased interest of Japan to the Northern Sea Route is observed from the 2010, when along the Northern coast of Russia was observed a significant increase in navigational activity. In the summer of 2012 when the Chinese icebreaker «Xue Long» (Snow dragon) made passage along the Northern Sea Route and reached the Atlantic Ocean. After that Japan decided to join the Arctic Council.

For the first time in December 2012 the Russian tanker delivered LNG to Japan via the Northern sea route from Norway.

In 2013 The Ministry of land and communications of Japan held a research of the legal basis for the use of the Northern sea route, which was evidence of the interest of the Japanese side in the development of this route. Also addressed issues relating to the economic viability of shipping, including container, LNG, and cars.

In the framework of the project «Yamal LNG» by 2017 it is planned the construction of 10 icebreakers to transport liquefied natural gas, which will become the largest vessels built specifically for Arctic conditions. Among shipping companies, which are engaged in transportation of LNG include Japan's Mitsui OSK. In January 2014 Yamgas SNC has signed a contract with the Japanese Yokogawa Electric to supply integrated systems management and security for the project «Yamal LNG». In turn, the Japanese company JGC Corp. received a contract for the design, supply of equipment, materials and components, construction and commissioning of the complex for the preparation and liquefaction of natural gas based on the South Tambeyskoye field on the Yamal Peninsula [4].

There are also reports that the establishment of regular Maritime communication between Japan and Europe will happen from 2018 via the Northern route through the NSR.

The Arctic policy of Japan

In Japan there is no state organization that would consolidated policy on the Arctic, or would be considered the lead in the implementation of this policy in relation to other ministries and agencies. Individual issues of the policy are scattered through the areas of competence of the following ministries and agencies:

• -    The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is engaged in research of Arctic research;

• -    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for foreign policy aspects of the Arctic;

• -    The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is responsible for state policy in relation to oceans and sea transport [2]. For practical purposes of the Arctic policy, the Japanese government has three icebreakers: «Sirashi», «Soya» and «Tasio». Icebreaker «Shirashi» is operated by the Maritime Self-defense Force of Japan, in connection with which there are legal restrictions on its use designated by the Law on self-defense forces. Currently this icebreaker can only be used as a supply vessel for the Antarctic research conducted by the National Institute of polar research. The icebreaker «Soya» and «Tasio» belong to the coast guard of Japan and they are only used as vessels to patrol the waters to the North of the island of Hokkaido.

In April 2013 the Japanese Government approved the «Basic plan on ocean policy», which was first articulated guidelines of the research policy of Japan against the Arctic: monitoring the Arctic and study of Arctic problems, the international cooperation in the Arctic, the study of the economic feasibility of the Northern sea route [6].

Japan has a long history of involvement in a polar research. However, since 1957 Japan was mainly concentrated on studies of Antarctica. Active research interest in the Arctic from Japan began to appear from 1990 when it was founded by The International Arctic Science Committee (IASC). In the same year The National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR), was the founder of The Arctic Environment Research Center (AERC). The Institute has its own Observatory in Svalbard (Spitsbergen, Norway) and conducts several research projects on Arctic issues. Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has been engaged in an extensive research program ocean research in the Northern hemisphere. The Agency is realized an extensive program of marine research in the Arctic jointly with the United States. In 1998 the first floating was occurred in the Arctic ocean by a Japanese Oceanographic vessel «Mirai», and after that the Agency made more than ten Arctic expeditions and has implemented a number of other major research projects on Arctic issues. Japan also has a research Foundation Ocean Policy Research Foundation (OPRF), which is the main organization for the Japanese shipping industry. The Foundation conducts several research projects in the Arctic for the development of the Northern Sea Route. Studies of Japanese scientists have provided a new conception of the ecological situation in the Arctic [5].

Japan attaches importance to the need to create stable, durable and safe international environment in its policy towards the Arctic. Japan argues that the Arctic ocean is the common heritage and its economic development should be mutually beneficial for all participants. The key term in Japan's approach is the concept of «common interests» opposing the particular «selfish» interests of the Arctic countries. Under the «common interests» are recognized in the global scale, norms and rules of conduct based on international law and not just the community of Arctic States. Japan strives to «common interests» in the Arctic was recognized by the world community, and norms of behavior of the countries in the region was approved at the level of large and influential international organizations with the maximum number of participants. In other words, Japan is interested in establishing more democratic rules in the Arctic basin. Japan reveals dissatisfaction with the attitude of the Arctic countries who make excessive claims for the possession of rights in relation to the Arctic. In accordance with the 1982 Convention, Arctic Nations can set their own rules and regulations to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the sea, passing ships and to establish a fee for the navigation of ships and their service. Particularly, Japan considers unreasonable rate for the services rendered by Russia.

Japan as a non-arctic country has applied for observer status in the Arctic Council in July 2009, and since 2013 uses this status among the other eleven

States. Having observer status, Japan claims to be a kind of mediator between Council members and other countries outside of the organization.

The indigenous inhabitants of the Arctic and far North to the Arctic exploration

In the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation lives and works only about 1 million people, including more than 150 thousand representatives from 17 indigenous peoples. These peoples are nomadic and semi-nomadic way of life connected to traditional types of nature economy: reindeer herding, hunting, fishing, marine hunting fishing and gathering. Some nomadic groups spend their summers in the Arctic, and in winter migrate to the subarctic forest [10]. For centuries these peoples settled and inhabited the vast expanses of the Arctic and subarctic, and are currently resettled on the Kolskiy Peninsula in the West to Chukotka in the East, exploiting renewable natural resources of the tundra and forest-tundra.

Large industrial and energy projects operating, under construction and planned in the North, Siberia and the far East, usually located in the territories of traditional residence and traditional nature use of indigenous peoples and to varying degrees have an impact on indigenous peoples living along with them the local rural population. In 2007 The Committee on Northern Affairs and the Council of the indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation in the materials to the Parliamentary meeting in the Federation Council on the issue of «The Legal ensuring of the ethnological inspection as a supposition for the development of Northern territories» published such data of the Federal Agency of the national inventory of objects of real estate: «Established from the beginning of 1930s the structure of nature and the concept of development of the North gave priority to the development of the industry to the detriment of traditional sectors of the economy, in result, there are a large pockets of heavy pollution, the degradation of the natural environment, which led to the violation and retirement from circulation of the most valuable agricultural lands. It was the first significant damage to the reindeer pastures. [9] The factor in greatly destabilizing the ecological situation on the territories of traditional nature use is a stressful impact of industrial facilities on reindeer pastures and hunting grounds, covering up to 40% of the area of traditional nature use». The factor of greatly destabilizing the ecological situation on the territories of traditional nature use is a stressful impact of industrial facilities on reindeer pastures and hunting grounds, covering up to 40% of the area of traditional nature use. Due to the land reclamation for industrial plants and contamination by industrial emissions, the rural population was deprived of pasture and hunting lands, but also the traditional fishing and gathering areas.

Relating to the industrial development of the North of Russia the demographic situation has changed dramatically in these areas, and contemporary socio-economic and demographic situation of indigenous peoples is a concern of specialists. The indigenous population of the Arctic proportion of urban population is less than 25%, more than 75% of indigenous peoples live in rural areas. And most of the indigenous peoples who lives in the cities are closely tied to their rural relatives, and strive to improve their welfare due to seasonal traditional activities, leaving on their ancestral lands for hunting, fishing, gathering. About half of all Northern indigenous people are employed in reindeer husbandry. Rural native and old resident population in the Arctic lives in conditions of self-sufficiency using traditional natural resources. The unemployment rate increased among indigenous people over the last decade of the twentieth century. Cash income of indigenous people is 2-3 times lower than the Russian average. The number of births decreased in 2002 in comparison with 1995 and the mortality rate increased by 35.5%. The average life expectancy of indigenous peoples is 10-20 years less than the average for Russia. The average age of death for men indigenous peoples is about 45 years. Deteriorated sanitary and epidemiological situation and health status of indigenous peoples of the North. The incidence of alcoholism, tuberculosis is much higher than the national average. A high proportion of deaths from external causes (accidents, suicides, murders) is nearly 37% of the total number of deaths, while in Russia is about 14%. And if you compare with other developed countries, for example, in Finland less than 8%, in The USA is 6%, in other European countries even less. Modern mortality and fertility among the indigenous peoples indicate that the indigenous peoples of the North belong to the high-risk group. And, given the small size of each of these peoples and ethnic groups, the sudden change and the deterioration of the usual conditions of life they are threatened by ethnic depopulation. [7]

In the Russian legislation at the Federal level, there are no clear rules on environmental impact assessment of industrial development projects on the primordial habitat and traditional lifestyle of indigenous peoples, as well as mechanisms for fair compensation. The Federal law «On guarantees of rights of small indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation» (citation 1) introduced the concept of «the ethnological impact assessment is a study of the impact of changes of the original habitat of indigenous peoples and changes in the socio-cultural situation for the development of the nation», stipulates the right to participation of indigenous peoples in decisions concerning protection of original habitat, traditional way of life and the right to compensation of damages caused as a result of damage to the native habitat (citation 8), the same is provided and certain other laws of the Russian Federation. All this creates good conditions for the solution of the problem. But in practice, as indigenous and local communities do not have legal rights of ownership, use or possession on land, where it lives, hunts, fishing, herding reindeer, companies do not feel obliged to obtain their consent to start work [8].

Only 5 of the 27 Northern regions where live the indigenous peoples (Nenets, Yamalo-Nenets and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous districts, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Sakhalin region) adopted special regulations to make it mandatory for industrial companies to negotiate and conclude agreements with indigenous peoples. But as the Federal legislation no relevant rules, the company shall have the right to challenge these regional requirements or can dictate the conditions for their implementation. For large companies it is much easier to pay a specified amount to the authorities of subjects of the Russian Federation and local governments of municipalities, in some cases, specific large farms of indigenous peoples. An active interaction with the indigenous peoples of the North in ethno-ecological monitoring projects, joint decision-making, correction projects, training, and employment of the local population, the company in most cases, refrain.

There are a few positive examples of cooperation between energy companies and indigenous peoples organizations. This agreement on socio-economic assistance to communities and reindeer husbandry in Nenets Autonomous Okrug and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous company («Северное Сияние» (Northern Lights), «LUKOIL Komi», «LUKOIL Western Siberia»), the tripartite agreement on cooperation of organization of state leadership of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous district, the organization of indigenous peoples «Ямал – потомкам!(Yamal to the descendants)» and companies Gazprom, NOVATEK, Rosneft, LUKOIL in the region, the creation of the first ecological Council of the Yamal district, the implementation from 2006 «Plan to promote the development of small indigenous minorities of Sakhalin region» by the company «Sakhalin energy» together with authorized representatives of indigenous peoples and the authorities of the Sakhalin region. But these are all local initiatives of public authorities of some subjects of the Federation, individual companies and the organizations of indigenous peoples. The same company in the regions where there is no specified position of the authorities, there are no active indigenous organizations, able to clearly Express their requirements are quite different [7, 10].

The legitimate questions of interaction of initiators of energy projects with indigenous and local communities need to decide at the state level. For the principles of civilized relations, partnerships and rights of citizens in the field of protection of primordial habitat and traditional lifestyle of small ethnic communities of indigenous peoples and local communities have become the rule is required by Federal regulation in this area. Federal legislation must be clearly defined obligations of representatives of business and government in relation to indigenous peoples and local communities, in cases where the industrial development of natural resources and energy facilities construction is conducted in places of traditional residence and nature of these populations.

Nowadays, the Asia-Pacific region is the leader of the world economic growth and the closest neighbor of Russia. We must remember that out of 17.1 million square km of the territory of the Russian Federation almost 14 million square km is in Asia [1].

The Far East has several advantages in Russian geopolitics with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The Far East and Japan possess a wide opportunity to complement each other, there is a huge market potential of interaction. Very real prospect of overall development of bordering territories of the two States and establishment of real and effective in practice, the cross-border region. However, we act as a raw material appendage of our neighbor.

Is it possible to invest the income from cross-border interaction and trade with Japan in a real modernization of the North-Eastern territories? Is it dangerous the actual involvement of formally Russian territory in the Japanese economy?

Having considered in detail the economic, environmental and political interests of Japan in the Arctic, I wanted to know the relationship of the people of the Arctic to economic development of the Arctic. That is why a survey was conducted.

The survey aims to find out the attitude of the population of Yakutia to the conflicts occurring in the Arctic. The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is the largest region of the Russian Federation turns into a kind of Playground ambitious geo-economic and geopolitical strategies of the Russian leadership. The Republic became one of the first far Eastern regions, which have developed a long-term development document «the Scheme of complex development of productive forces, transport and energy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) up to 2020» [10].

The survey involved students of the North-Eastern Federal University, Yakut State Agricultural Academy, young entrepreneurs, employees of public authorities, employees of the budget sphere. Altogether 48 people. According to the survey, I obtained the following results: to the question «Do you agree that the development in the Arctic is a priority for Russia?» - some of them said that now it is important to study and development of the Arctic (45,8%), while the 37,5% of respondents chose «It is hard to tell definitely: there are arguments for and against», others – «no, I do not agree» (12,5%), and 4,2% of respondents are categorically against the development of the Arctic.

To the question «As any complex phenomena, in an active development of the Arctic there are some pros and cons. What is the main positive sense of development of the Arctic for the Russians, for the sake of benefits and advantages it is worth to develop?» exactly half of respondents answered «an ecological safety of Russia, which is very dependent on the Arctic» (50%), some responded «the economic benefits from the development of the Northern sea route and development of fields in the Arctic» (21,4%), other 16.7 percent believe that the development of the Arctic will be an opportunity for the development of international cooperation in the Arctic, the rest of respondents believe that this will lead to the creation of new technologies and techniques ensure the military security of Russia.

The next question is «what is the main negative point of the development of the Arctic for Russia, what undesirable consequences can result in active development? » 33.3% of the respondents said that the development in the Arctic poses some risks to the unique ecosystems of the Arctic. Other 33,3% - «It is very expensive, costly and will lead to underfunding of other sectors of the economy, especially the social ones». Part of respondents believes that the development of the Arctic affects the traditional way of life of indigenous peoples (14.3 per cent).

«How do you feel about the section of the Arctic territories between subjects of the international law? » Most of respondents believe that the division of the Arctic is not needed: it is Russian territory (55 %), many believe that the partition of territories of the Arctic is desirable, but it is in the distant future, in the case of exacerbations of Russia's relations with neighbors in the region (35%). Others believe that the division of the Arctic is not needed: it must be recognized as a territory with international status (8%). The rest of respondents were undecided.

To the question, «In your opinion, what in the long-term development of the Arctic for Russia more positive or negative, pluses or minuses? » most of the respondents - «it is hard to tell definitely» (42,9%). A smaller part thinks that «more pluses than minuses» (33,3%). Others believe that the development of the Arctic more minuses than pluses.

Most of the population replied to the question «How well are you informed about the development of the Arctic zone of Russia? » that is not well informed in this matter, but would like to learn more about the Arctic's effect on the environment and the traditional lives of the peoples of the Arctic (62%).

The Analysis of the answers gave an interesting summary of the distribution of opinions in society depending on age and degree of the awareness on this issue. As it turned out, opinions on the importance of development of the Arctic varied between groups quite significantly. Young people aged from 18 years to 35 years showed a simultaneously low level of awareness and low level of interest in this matter. But at the same time, they believe that the development of the Arctic has a negative impact on the environment and the traditional life of the peoples of the Arctic.

Thus, we can conclude that, in the opinion of respondents, currently study and exploration of the Arctic is very important for the Russian Federation. Serious public problem of Arctic exploration, a component of the hard-to-reach areas, equivalent in complexity of development, up to 65% of the territory of Russia, is relatively little interest in the Russian youth. In this you can see the «achievement» of the education system and the media, in the past decades convince young people of the need to deal only with personal interests. And thus, it effectively destroying the future of Russia. The issues concerning to the public interest, cannot be resolved without public support. Apathetic youth is a reliable guarantee of the absence the future of the country, the question of Arctic exploration is just one but important example. However, it is not all so catastrophic. More than half (54%) of respondents still leaning towards the importance of the development of the Arctic for Russia, and therefore large-scale problems in general.

Conclusion

To sum up, we can say that Japan regards the Arctic as the main sector of economic, environmental, political interests. A significant phenomenon of the last decade was the fact that the activity of Japan in relation to the Arctic has shifted from pure research plane into concrete economic interests, and scientific developments, it was decided to place at the service of tackling tasks the sphere of economic security. The Japanese government has set reasonably clear and specific goals for the revitalization of the country's efforts in the economic development of the Arctic region. Among the priorities of the Arctic, the policy was identified such areas as the development of sea communications, the development of hydrocarbon deposits on the Arctic shelf, sea fishing, and the preservation and enhancement of marine biological resources. Another qualitative shift in the politics of Japan is that Tokyo has indicated its intention to play a more active role in defining the regional order in the Arctic and possibilities to change of the established rules and norms of the interests of non-Arctic countries.

Japan's position in the Arctic lies in the fact that in recent years due to climate change the ice began to melt at an accelerated pace, and therefore expands opportunities for commercial shipping through the Arctic ocean and exploitation of natural resources. At the same time, such activities may lead to negative impacts on the environment and on the lives of people in the Arctic region, including such groups as indigenous peoples. These changes in the Arctic are the center of attention of the international community. Japan is located outside the Arctic region, but as a Maritime nation, which attaches great importance to global environmental problems, Japan should participate in international discussions regarding the Arctic [1].

In comparison, for example, from China, which has long been largely selfdeveloping, the Arctic, Japan is actively working in the Arctic region, without monitoring by satellites over the condition of the ice cover. This is due to well-founded fears of Japan related to global warming and its consequences: leading to natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific climate anomalies, the melting of the Northern ice, causing a rise in global sea level and the threat of flooding of the coastal areas of Japanese Islands.

Also, Japan is considering the issues related to the opportunities for shipping along the Northern sea route (NSR). Most likely, in the coming years in the Arctic region, this transport corridor will provide the main practical interest for Japan.

Currently, Japan has a purely pragmatic interest in the Arctic ocean and the Arctic as the area in which it is possible to develop sea transport to Europe via the NSR, the formation of production capacity in mining and especially in international environmental projects. As for relations with Russia, Japan has no any objective reasons to support certain anti-Russian forces interested in fomenting passions around the Arctic. Unfortunately, Russia's actions became an occasion to strengthen anti-Russian sentiment in the world, but the interests of Japan, this situation is not affected. Therefore, the strengthening of anti-Russian rhetoric around the Arctic from many Arctic Nations are unlikely to make Japan participate in this process.

The key in Russian-Japanese relations is an access to the signing of a peace treaty with a mutually acceptable solution to the territorial problem and the deepening of bilateral trade and economic relations with the involvement of Japanese business in Siberia and Far East of Russia.