Koichi Murata (Director of Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia), who has been appointed as the 17th Chairman of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA), would like to extend his greetings and express his belief in JAZA.

JAZA, founded in 1939, is a venerable professional organization that has contributed to the development of zoos and aquariums in Japan, and has also promoted cooperation and collaboration with other countries.

We feel a great responsibility to carry on its achievements into the future, and to further strengthen the foundation on which we can discuss with the world’s leading zoos and aquariums on an equal footing.

What is required for this is the inheritance and improvement of science and breeding techniques in our member zoos and aquariums.

This is what we can discuss and share on the global chopping block.

Science in zoos and aquariums involves many issues related to animal welfare, environmental education, species conservation, and research.

The future development of zoos and aquariums in Japan can be assured by proactively addressing and enhancing these issues.

Today, zoos and aquariums are playing an increasingly important role in the world.

In particular, conservation of the global environment, which is in a critical condition, is the two strategies (“Protecting our planet” and “Social change for conservation”) newly set by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) for 2020, and I am convinced that Japanese zoos and aquariums should also aim for these strategies.

The former president of WAZA, Dr. Theo Pagel (Cologne Zoo), left us the following words when he retired: “Zoos and aquariums must be the heroes of society.

In other words, he was expressing his belief that zoos and aquariums should take the lead in striving for a sustainable society.

In response to his words, we will change society, starting with zoos and aquariums! and contribute to world peace as the Chairman of Nichido Aquarium.

I ask for the continued support, cooperation, and encouragement of all concerned and users.