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On Sunday, April 27, 2025, President Surangel S. WHIPPS Jr. of the Republic of Palau, who had come to Japan to attend the National Day ceremony of the Republic of Palau held at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, visited BLUE OCEAN DOME. This visit represents an important diplomatic opportunity symbolizing the friendly relations between Japan and Palau, as well as President Whipps’ deep resonance with BLUE OCEAN DOME’s efforts and philosophy regarding marine conservation. One of the catalysts for this exchange was the visit of the sailboat “MIRAIE”, owned by ZERI JAPAN, to Palau in March 2024. This voyage was aimed at fostering young people and promoting international exchange, and became a symbolic project to deepen the friendship between the two countries through the sea. President WHIPPS also showed great interest in this initiative and recognized the significant importance of BLUE OCEAN DOME.
On the day of the ceremony, as a symbol of the cooperation at BLUE OCEAN DOME, President WHIPPS and Yūsuke SARAYA, Chairman of ZERI JAPAN, exchanged signatures. The joint statement, themed “Revitalizing the Ocean,” aims to promote sustainable use of the ocean through cross-border dialogue and collaboration. President WHIPPS stated, “Japan and Palau have been bound by strong ties for many years, and I am delighted that this friendship will bear fruit in a new form through this EXPO.” Mr. SARAYA also expressed his intention, saying, “BLUE OCEAN DOME is a symbol of our collaboration to protect the future of the ocean that we share. Together with the people of Palau, we hope to build a new era for the ocean.”
Going forward, Palau, ZERI JAPAN, and the BLUE OCEAN Project aim to further deepen their cooperation in the environmental field based on their friendly relationship, taking this opportunity as a starting point. In particular, they plan to explore concrete possibilities for collaboration on global issues such as marine debris reduction and blue carbon. Additionally, they are considering programs aimed at youth exchange and human resource development, such as the visit of the sailboat “MIRAIE.” Looking ahead, they will explore activities in Palau and new projects, while working to establish a sustainable partnership that continues even after the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo concludes.