Okinawa: A Strategic Bridge for Aramco and Asia Pacific
Okinawa—the southernmost prefecture of Japan, made up of hundreds of islands—has always been a gateway between Northeast Asia and the wider world. Today, it serves as a vital bridge connecting Aramco with the Asia Pacific region.
In 2010, Aramco leased a portion of crude oil tanks in Uruma City on Okinawa’s eastern coast under an agreement with the Japanese government. This arrangement enables Aramco to store Arabian crude and supply markets across Asia Pacific, while ensuring Japan priority access to energy during emergencies.
Beyond energy infrastructure, Okinawa has hosted three successful executive retreats, strengthening ties between Aramco leadership and regional customers. As a symbol of deepening connectivity, Aramco has reinforced its long-term commitment to Okinawa through initiatives that deliver measurable environmental impact and foster trust within the local community.
From Vision to Action: Grassroots Marine Conservation
Okinawa’s coral reefs—among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth—have long been a sanctuary for marine life. Yet over the past three decades, these reefs have faced severe decline due to coral bleaching, invasive starfish outbreaks, and the combined pressures of climate change and coastal development.
To address this challenge, AAJ partnered with the Okinawa Coral Reef Conservation Consortium (OCRCC)—a coalition of nearly 100 local nonprofit organizations—and launched community-driven initiatives. These include coral breeding and transplantation, advanced reef restoration research, and educational programs that inspire children to protect the natural environment. Through these efforts, AAJ continues to work hand in hand with local communities to safeguard Okinawa’s marine heritage.
AAJ also supported the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in deploying the Ocean Cube Observatory System—one of the world’s few continuous underwater monitoring networks. This cutting-edge system provides year-round biological and physical data, unlocking insights into marine biodiversity. Building on this success, AAJ recently signed a new agreement to further strengthen OIST’s research and innovation in marine conservation.
Closing ceremony marking 15 years of marine conservation and restoration efforts in partnership with the Okinawa Coral Reef Conservation Consortium.
Research on typhoon recovery in the large Acropora horrida coral community at Nanhanarim, carried out through years of collaboration with fishermen, divers, and researchers on Kume Island, earned high recognition with the Japanese Coral Reef Conservation Award at the 16th Annual Awards. (Photo: Kumejima Fishermen’s Cooperative Association COLORCODE)
Local fishermen in Kume Island engaged in coral aquaculture to support long term reef restoration.
Elementary school students in Kume Island participating in an educational program on marine conservation.
The bases with attached young coral seedlings prepared by the children as part of a hands on coral restoration activity.
Members of Okinawa’s tourism industry preparing equipment for coral aquaculture as part of local reef restoration efforts.
The students learn about marine biodiversity proactively through playing card games during the Marunouchi Kids Jamboree in Tokyo. The theme of the year’s workshop was “Do You Know a Coral Reef? Why Is It Important?”
Protecting Coastal Guardians: Mangrove Restoration
AAJ extended its commitment to coastal resilience by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of the Ryukyus to advance mangrove research—another critical lifeline for Okinawa’s marine ecosystem. Much like the mangroves along Saudi Arabia’s shores, these coastal forests provide essential habitat for endangered birds and marine species, acting as natural buffers against human-driven development.
Since the MoU, the university’s Tropical Biosphere Research Center pioneered innovative methods, including drone-based data collection on Okinawa’s islands. The collaboration has even gone global—joint fieldwork with a Malaysian institute led to the discovery of previously unknown species, underscoring the far-reaching impact of this initiative.
Milestones of a 15-Year Journey
AAJ’s commitment to Okinawa spans 15 years, from 2011 to 2025
—a journey marked by collaboration, innovation, and measurable success:
- Long-term coral research: Supported Japan’s first extended study tracking coral damage and natural recovery, including research on typhoon recovery in the large Acropora horrida coral community at Nanhanarim. This steady collaboration with fishermen, divers, and researchers on Kume Island earned the prestigious Japanese Coral Reef Conservation Award at the 16th Annual Awards.
- Coral aquaculture: Over the past two years, AAJ has cultivated and transplanted approximately 1,000 coral seedlings, while addressing challenges such as rising seawater temperatures and multiple typhoons.
- Marine education for future generations: Conducted numerous ocean conservation education programs centered in Okinawa. In Tokyo, AAJ invited Okinawan experts to lead workshops at Marunouchi Kids Jamboree, an event that attracted over 120,000 visitors. Nearly 1,000 participants visited AAJ’s booth, deepening their understanding of marine environmental protection.
- Strong partnerships: Achievements made possible through collaboration with the Okinawa Coral Reef Conservation Consortium (OCRCC) as the main partner, along with local community stakeholders including the Kume Island Fisheries Cooperative, Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau, and The Terrace Hotels.
These milestones demonstrate the effectiveness of AAJ’s collaborative model.
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Children taking environmental education and farming corals by fishermen in Kumejima.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
What sets AAJ’s efforts apart is not only environmental impact but also community empowerment. By transferring scientific monitoring methods, cultivating coral, and establishing long-term observation frameworks, AAJ has laid the foundation for sustainable, community-driven stewardship of Okinawa’s marine ecosystem.
Preserving Okinawa’s stunning ocean for future generations is a shared responsibility—one embraced by both AAJ and the local community. As the past 15 years clearly show, this partnership has achieved meaningful success. AAJ remains committed to continuing this journey side by side with the people of Okinawa.
