As one of the founders of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and a long-time supporter of its vision, Japan has played a leading role in GEO governance, working groups and multiple Work Programme activities. These efforts are grounded in advanced science-based initiatives that draw on Japan’s strengths in long-term and continuous Earth observations. Japan works closely with a wide range of partners to ensure these efforts generate a positive socio-political impact and contribute to local, regional, national, and global actions for resilience and sustainable development.

Japan highlights the following achievements.

Advancing Earth Observation Networks for Disaster Resilience

The National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED) operates MOWLAS (Monitoring of Waves on Land and Seafloor), an integrated observation network of approximately 2,200 stations that provides comprehensive, accurate, and rapid observation and monitoring of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity throughout Japan and its offshore areas. MOWLAS data is widely used for various purposes, including monitoring seismic activity, long-term evaluation of earthquake occurrence, earthquake and tsunami hazard assessments, and earthquake and volcano research. The application of real-time observations and the processing of MOWLAS data have contributed to disaster mitigation through measures such as earthquake early warnings and tsunami warnings.

For example, during the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, MOWLAS data provided critical insights into strong ground motions, source processes, and seismic activity.

Building on this foundation, in 2025, NIED completed the Nankai Trough Seafloor Observation Network for Earthquakes and Tsunamis (N-net), a cable-type seafloor network installed in the anticipated source region of the Nankai Trough Earthquake, where no such observation network had previously existed. N-net consists of 36 stations equipped with redundant seismographs and tsunami meters, enabling continuous real-time monitoring.

With the integration of N-net into MOWLAS, earthquakes occurring in this ocean area can now be detected up to approximately 20 seconds earlier, and tsunamis up to about 20 minutes earlier than before. This advancement significantly enhances early warning capabilities and contributes to strengthening disaster resilience against large-scale offshore earthquakes and tsunamis.

Release of the upgraded “Today’s Earth” hydrological simulation system at 10 km resolution

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is conducting research and development on a hydrological simulation system aimed at generating “intelligence” for water-related disaster risk reduction and water resource management, making use of data such as the Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP).

Today’s Earth is a terrestrial hydrological simulation system developed through joint research with the University of Tokyo. JAXA released an upgraded version of the Today’s Earth in March 2026, which provides global river-related physical variables—such as river discharge, river water depth, and inundation depth—at a spatial resolution of approximately 10 km and with forecast information up to about five days ahead. This enables borderless monitoring and forecasting of river conditions in response to dynamically changing meteorological situations.

JAXA plans to conduct accuracy verification and case study validation in multiple countries with the aim of expanding the international use of this system and promoting its practical application worldwide.

Utilization of GOSAT series to Climate Policy

Japan has also been observing greenhouse gases (GHGs) since 2009 with the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) series. The Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW) was launched in June 2025. 

As part of its contribution to the Paris Agreement, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) supports GHG emissions estimation using GOSAT data. 

Additionally, Chuo University is working with partners in Mongolia and Central Asia Countries to improve the transparency in Biennial Transparency Reports (BTR) through emissions estimation methods using GOSAT.

MOE, along with the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), will contribute to international efforts to mitigate methane leakage from the liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain by utilizing the data from GOSAT-GW. For example,  MOE and NIES will provide GOSAT-GW data to UNEP-IMEO, so that such data can be used in international information provision systems to enhance the monitoring of methane emissions and the taking of mitigation actions.

Development of the Original Global Climate Models

Japan continues to develop original global climate models to produce climate change projection data that inform various climate change countermeasures, which are openly available for free access through the Data Integration and Analysis System (DIAS). Japan has been working together with other nations to create hazard projection data for the Africa and Asia regions, using its original climate models.

Leveraging EO and EO-derived data for development and economic challenges

(1) Water and Land Sustainability

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a study on hydrological data collection and analysis using digital and space technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study focused on the use of Earth observation (EO) data to assess precipitation, river discharge, and water availability in regions where in-situ observations are limited, with the aim of exploring how EO can contribute to enhancing evidence-based water and land management in developing countries.

(2) Weather, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Resilience

In the Western Balkans, summer forest fires are a common challenge, and there are growing concerns about the increasing severity of their impact due to factors such as rising temperatures and increasing dryness.

Under the Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative launched by the Government of Japan, Japan is supporting the development and operation of National Forest Fire Information Systems aimed at early warning in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. These systems use satellite imagery, ground-based meteorological data, and other inputs to contribute to a more coordinated regional response to forest fire prevention and management.

(3) Climate, Energy, and Urbanization

JICA is implementing a project to strengthen the control of illegal deforestation in partnership with the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources from July 2021 to July 2026, with the aim of addressing the critical issue of deforestation in Brazil.

A home to the Amazon, the world’s largest tropical forest, Brazil plays a vital role in global environmental health. The Amazon basin contains approximately one-third of the world’s remaining tropical rainforests and is often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” for its role in oxygen production. However, deforestation has been severe, with approximately 92.37 million hectares lost over the past 30 years. Urgent measures are needed to combat this issue.

By leveraging radar satellite technology in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and AI-based prediction under development with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the project enhances the detection and anticipation of deforestation in the Brazilian Legal Amazon. In July 2024, ALOS-4 was successfully launched, and it is expected that the use of ALOS-4 data will further strengthen the monitoring framework for forest protection.

In addition, JICA has been providing assistance on the utilization of Continuous Operating Reference Stations (CORS) and high-precision GNSS positioning as foundational digital infrastructure for urban development and economic activities. Through technical cooperation projects in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Senegal, JICA supports the establishment, operation, and effective utilization of national CORS networks, while in Jordan, CORS is utilized within a broader framework based on the national coordinate system and international standards to address land management challenges. Accurate positioning data contributes to improved surveying efficiency, land administration, and the development of smart and resilient cities, supporting sustainable urbanization and economic growth. 

(4) Trade, Logistics, and Border management

JICA, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), implemented a Master Trainer Program (MTP) on geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) covering areas such as topography, satellite images, etc.  to strengthen customs anti-smuggling and border management capabilities in West Africa during 2024-2026 by developing expert-trainers able to develop sustainable in-country capacity building within customs administrations, fostering national ownership. The program trained 15 customs officials from 5 West African countries mainly to develop and analyze GEOINT in the context of Customs. Each participating country developed GEOINT (use cases), e.g., hotspot mapping, patrol optimization, and border risk analysis, addressing specific smuggling and operational challenges. These use cases are being validated through proof-of-concept demonstrations to institutionalize the use of GEOINT in daily customs operations. Training modalities included e-learning, monthly online sessions and face-to-face sessions. In-person sessions were conducted in Abidjan (September 2024), Abuja (June 2025), Accra (September 2025), and Nairobi (January 2026). As a result, 13 participants successfully became first-ever Master Trainers on GEOINT and training materials on GEOINT for Customs use were developed; the program has begun expanding to an additional 14 countries in Africa in response to their needs.  The program also promotes cross-border cooperation by encouraging participating countries to utilize Master Trainers to disseminate their skills both domestically and regionally and to organize joint operations.

Across these initiatives, JICA is promoting the use of Earth observation data in combination with other digital technologies and sectoral data to support planning, policy decisions, and on-the-ground implementation.

Human resource development for EO and EO-derived data utilization

JICA places strong emphasis on human resource development, recognizing that such efforts are essential for the effective and sustainable use of Earth observation data. Through long-term and short-term training programs, JICA supports capacity development of technical staff and public officials in relevant institutions, including space agencies as well as national meteorological agencies, disaster management authorities, and land administration organizations.

JICA conducts training programs on a global scale and, at the same time, implements country-specific capacity development initiatives in Paraguay and Rwanda to enhance the use of Earth observation data within government institutions.

Through these efforts, JICA contributes to the development of local expertise capable of linking Earth observation data to practical solutions for social and economic challenges, while supporting the establishment of sustainable national data utilization frameworks.

Capacity Development for Water Hazard Management through OSS‑SR on DIAS

Japan also supports capacity development programs through the online platform, Online Synthesis System for Sustainability and Resilience (OSS-SR) on the Data Integration and Analysis System (DIAS). A series of e-learning courses are provided via the OSS-SR to empower local stakeholders in addressing water hazards. For example, in the Philippines, more than 110 professionals received e-training, and they are now equipped to use the data system to issue official water-related early warnings and alerts, conduct risk analyses, and create hazard maps. They are assigned to city districts or communities to lead discussions and implement urban planning and design initiatives. These trained experts serve as “facilitators”, by bridging the gap between the science community and society, and supporting policymaking and public investment decisions through the use of Earth observation data and scientific knowledge from the OSS-SR to accelerate local climate-adaptation actions. Those capacity development programs are also currently being deployed in Kenya and Ghana.

Strengthening Multilateral Partnerships

A key contribution from Japan to GEO is its role in organizing the Asia-Oceania GEO (AOGEO) Symposium. Jointly organized by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) of Thailand and the Ministry of Education, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) with support from the GEO Secretariat, the 17th AOGEO Symposium was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 15 to 17, 2025.

With the theme of “Envisioning Earth Intelligence Across Boundaries: Accelerating Impact in Asia-Oceania Region”, the AOGEO Symposium provided the participants with an opportunity to reaffirm the essential elements for successfully creating Earth Intelligence to support decision-making. These include co-design and co-creation with users, integration of EO data with AI, and capacity building, including training and education for youth. The symposium also emphasized the continued need for EO data and the importance of promoting EO as a foundational element in the creation of Earth Intelligence. Furthermore, the participants recognize the significance of enhancement of interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral, and cross-boundary collaboration to address regional challenges that grow increasingly complex.

Japan will continue to advance Earth observation activities in the AO region through close collaboration with AOGEO member countries.