Thus far, we have examined the necessity and feasibility of a marine civilization, as well as the fact that its essence lies not in “cities” but in “systems.” We have also demonstrated that Japan is well-positioned to contribute to this endeavor through its design philosophy and future technologies.

Building on this, this paper takes the discussion a step further. Rather than asking where maritime civilizations begin, it asks, “Why do they first emerge in specific regions？”

The key to the answer lies not only in “technology” or “ideology,” but in places where multiple conditions converge simultaneously. And the region where these conditions intersect with the highest density is the　broader East Asia-Pacific region.

■ The Meaning of “Ambiguous Boundaries”

One of the defining characteristics of East Asia and the Asia-Pacific region is that its geographical,　cultural, and economic boundaries are not sharply demarcated. The boundaries between land and sea, between nations, and between cultural spheres—while these certainly exist—are not completely separate; rather, they constantly overlap and intersect.

This “ambiguity of boundaries” has traditionally been viewed as a source of instability in conventional civilizations. However, in the emerging maritime civilization, it will instead become an essential prerequisite. This is because a maritime civilization is not one defined by boundaries, but rather one founded on connectivity. East Asia and the Pacific Rim are regions that already embody this connective structure.

■ The Condition That “Diversity Is a Given” This region is not unified under a single culture or system. Diversity coexists in every aspect— language, religion, political systems, and economic models. While this diversity often leads to friction and conflict, it can also be seen as a region that has persistently sought ways for societies with different foundations to coexist.

Marine civilizations are not homogenized by a single set of values or institutions. Rather, they are formed through the interconnection of diverse hubs that retain their distinct characteristics. In this sense, East Asia and the Pacific Rim are regions that already embody a “civilizational structure premised on diversity.”

■ A Network Structure Without a “Central Hub”

This broader region does not have a single, definitive center. Multiple economic zones, urban clusters, and cultural spheres coexist, each playing its own distinct role. This structure is fundamentally different from the hierarchical “center-periphery” model characteristic of traditional land-based civilizations.

Marine civilizations are not centralized structures, but rather decentralized networks in which multiple hubs interact with one another. East Asia and the Pacific Rim are regions that already possess such a non-centralized structure, and they hold the potential to serve as the foundation for a new civilization.

■ An Economic Zone Based on The Concept of “Flow”

The economy of this region is not solely dependent on fixed locations; it is sustained by “flow.” The movement of people, the transport of goods, the supply of energy, and the circulation of information—all of these constantly move through the sea. What is important is that these are not merely a matter of logistics, but rather the very foundation that supports society itself.

Marine civilization redefines these “flows” not merely as economic activities, but as the very structure of civilization itself. East Asia and the Pacific Rim are regions where this fluid structure is already deeply woven into everyday life.

■ The “Epicenter” Is The Point Where The Structure Reverses

The “epicenter” referred to here is not simply the place where things first begin. It is the point at which previous assumptions cease to hold true and a reversal occurs, giving way to a new structure.

・Division by boundaries → Formation through connection

・A single center → Multiple dispersed hubs

・A fixed foundation → A fluid foundation

This reversal is most likely to occur in East Asia and the Pacific Rim. This is because the region inherently embodies both of these characteristics.

■ Japan’s Role: Designing a Reversal

Given these various epicenters, where does Japan stand? As discussed earlier, Japan is not a central, dominant force. Rather, it occupies a position that serves as a “designer,” coordinating different elements to form a cohesive structure.

Nature and technology, the static and the fluid, islands and the sea, the local and the global. Rather than pitting these against one another, we must reweave them into a cohesive whole. Through such design philosophies and technologies, Japan will contribute to the formation of a maritime civilization across this broader region.

■ A Place Where The Infinite Possibilities of The Ocean Manifest as “Phenomena”

The maritime civilization we advocate is one that unlocks the infinite potential of the ocean. This potential does not exist merely as a theory; rather, it manifests as a tangible “phenomenon” in the real world. East Asia and the Pacific Rim are the regions where this phenomenon first comes to light. This is not simply because the conditions are in place, but because these conditions have converged and the process has already begun.

Marine civilizations are not something that can be deliberately initiated in a specific place. They arise naturally at the intersection of necessity and structural change. And that intersection is East Asia and the Pacific Rim.

he changes that begin here will eventually spread to other regions. However, the first wave may well spread quietly yet steadily from this marine region.