CHARACTERISTIC

The Waterfront Vitalization and Environment Research Center (WAVE) has the following characteristics:

1. WAVE possesses a wealth of knowledge

   WAVE possesses abundant data and know-how regarding the redevelopment of ports and harbors, port and harbor logistics, the investment effect in ports and harbors, and the environment of ports, harbors, and coastal zones.

2. WAVE possesses a network of experts in industry, academia, and government

   Through its past studies and research, WAVE has maintained a network of experts in industry, academia, and government. making it possible for us to explore each field of study from a wide-range of different, expert perspectives. Our human resources are dispatched from private enterprises, local government, the national government, and other bodies, allowing us to conduct comprehensive studies from many diverse angles.

3. WAVE is a non-profit public-service corporation

   As a public-service corporation, WAVE is not influenced by specific interests and is able to take a neutral standpoint in its studies and research.

KNOW-HOW

Since its establishment, WAVE has conducted many advanced studies and research activities, providing us with the following wealth of data and know-how.

1. Redevelopment ports and harbors

   We have a rich record of achievements in the planning of waterfront redevelopments.

   • WAVE possesses diverse study capability based on our rich record of achievements in redevelopment planning for ports and harbors throughout the nation and the planning of waterfront facilities.
   • WAVE has published the Q&A Guidebook for the Restructuring of Ports and Harbors
2. Ports and harbor logistics

   WAVE possesses know-how on the analysis of port and harbor logistics from data gathered in its surveys on the flow of import and export containers nationwide.

   WAVE improves the convenience of port and harbor procedures by managing and controlling the EDI (electronic data interchange) system, and is the only corporation to do so.

3. Investment effect on ports and harbors

   WAVE possesses know-how on the methods for evaluating the investment effect in ports and harbors, and has produced a manual for evaluating investment effect.

   • WAVE has published the Manual for Evaluating Investment in Ports and Harbors.
4. The enviroment of ports, harbors, and coastal zones

   We has recorded achievements in studies and research on a wealth of diverse themes related to the environmental aspects of ports, harbors, and coastal zones.

   • WAVE has accumulated diverse study capability based on achievements in studies and research on coastal restoration, scenic planning, green-area planning, waste, and other environmental issues.
   • WAVE has published The Handbook of Coastal Restoration.
   • WAVE has published the Manual for Managing the Green-area in Ports and Harbors.
5. Regional development networks

   Based on a wealth of study achievements in the field of regional activation, WAVE cooperates with motivated regions to promote sightseeing focused around port and harbor areas and possesses networks of people and organizations involved in these activities.

   • WAVE possesses networks of NPO action groups and individuals.
   • WAVE is the secretariat of the Council for Nature Activity along the Coast (CNAC).

POLICY

Based on our role, outlined on the inside cover of this brochure, we are conscious of our obligation to carry out our activities for the common good. We conduct our activities according to the following basis policy, aiming for complete compliance with rules and regulations.

1. Promoting comperhensive studies and research by cooperating with industry, academia, and government

   Making good use of the networks of academic, private sector, and government experts fostered in the various workshops and committees it has held up to now. WAVE will push ahead with conducting comprehensive studies and research and drawing up policy proposals in the following areas:

   1. (a) Achieving safe, vigorous regional development focused on the needs of the regions
   2. (b) Realizing effective port and harbor logistics
   3. (c) Protecting and restoring the environments of coastal zones
2. Gathering information and sterngthening communications

   Along with efforts to gather and compile the basic information needed for studies and research, WAVE has enhanced its information dispatch service for broader information provision through not only printed publications but also the Internet, to encourage people to put the information included in the results of studies and research to good use. WAVE also continues providing information through exchange meetings held on the occasion of regional lectures and presentations.

3. Supporting those involved in regional development and organizing opportunities for exchanges

   To contribute more to regional development that focuses on the needs of the region, WAVE organizes opportunities for information exchange via the Internet, providing better support for regional people involved in the development of port and beach towns. We also organize events such as nature experience activities and always strive to put our specialist know-how to the best use, aiming to increase understanding and heighten interest in the nation's ports.

4. Strenthening the human resource training function

   To invest in the development of human resources to meet the challenges of the future, along with strengthening its function to accept trainees, WAVE maintains and supplements its training program in order to appropriately meet the needs of external requests.

5. Pushing ahead with the sophistication of the port EDI system and ensuring appropriate operation

   Along with responding to requests for the sophistication of the Port EDI system (the Single Window system), WAVE aims to stabilize the operation of the system and improve user convenience.