Programs | Fall Programs | Japan

The Program

From kelp forests to coral reefs, Japan’s marine ecosystems are among the most diverse and fascinating on Earth. Join our team as we journey the length of Japan’s island archipelago, exploring an unparalleled natural laboratory that showcases evolutionary dynamics and striking ecological transitions. From the cold-temperate seas of Hokkaido to the subtropical coral reefs of Okinawa, we’ll uncover how environmental gradients shape biodiversity, biogeographic boundaries, and human-marine interactions.

We begin our studies in Hokkaido, an island situated at the far northern edge of Japan, where cold, nutrient-rich waters allow kelp forests to flourish and temperate marine species to thrive. As we move south to Honshu, Japan’s main island, we will explore its contrasting coasts. Honshu, flanked by the warm Tsushima and Kuroshio currents, will provide an opportunity to examine how oceanographic forces create marine ‘boundaries’, driving speciation and shaping ecological niches. Further south, our marine investigations will take us to Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island, characterized by active volcanoes and steep mountains surrounded by rich, subtropical waters. Finally, we will make our way to the beautiful Ryukyu archipelago, where the island of Okinawa is home to vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fishes and invertebrates. As we move from north to south, students will observe first-hand how geographical position, landscape morphology, isolation, and biogeochemical factors influence the marine ecosystems that form and the coastal communities that depend on them.

 Our field sites are packed with marine diversity. Expect to learn a range of survey techniques—from marine invertebrate transects in the intertidal zones of Hokkaido to snorkeling-based fish censuses in Okinawa—as we develop and test hypotheses and build a class dataset to better understand regional biodiversity. In partnership with local field stations, we will learn methods specific to ichthyology (the study of fishes) and gain insight into how museums operate and serve as a historical record to understand  biodiversity trends and patterns.

Japan has a deep relationship with fish, inspiring chefs, artists, and even the emperor, who is an ichthyologist himself! In addition to our study of Japan’s diverse marine ecosystems, we will examine the ways in which humans, especially those in isolated island communities, interact with the marine environment. We will learn about both traditional and industrial methods of fishing and aquaculture and seek a balanced perspective to understand the complexities of environmental stewardship. We’ll also examine the wide-ranging impacts of recent earthquakes and tsunamis across the Japanese archipelago and how resilience has emerged in their wake.

Ever traveled over 200 miles per hour? We’ll cover more than 1,400 miles across Japan using the country’s iconic bullet trains—among the fastest in the world—and transit between islands on Japan’s scenic public ferry.

This program invites you to develop a rich understanding of Japan’s marine environment, natural history and cultural landscapes. We’ll explore how ecosystems shape human stories, and by the end, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of marine biogeography, fisheries management, and the connections between people and the sea.

Program Photo Gallery

Eric Witte

Co-LEAD INSTRUCTOr

PhD Candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Santa Cruz;
MEd in STEAM Education, University of San Diego, 2021

Eric is an evolutionary biologist interested in venom and biological invasions. His current research focuses on the role of venom in lionfish invasion of coral reefs. He uses genomic techniques to understand both ancient and modern evolution. In addition to research, Eric is a passionate educator who taught biology in Morocco and Madagascar. He believes that travel helps us to develop a multidimensional understanding of other cultures and environments. Eric leads our Thailand and Japan programs.

Eric’s Other Program:

Shinji Yamamoto

Co-lead INSTRUCTOr

PhD Candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Santa Cruz

Shinji is an evolutionary biologist studying how life history shapes speciation in coastal fishes. He focuses on surfperches, a group of live-bearing fish found along the Pacific coast, and uses genetic tools to understand how restricted movement and environmental differences influence genetic diversity. Originally from Japan, Shinji has conducted extensive fieldwork along Japan’s coasts, where he also collaborates with local fishers and researchers. Shinji co-leads our Japan program.