Introduction
Japan has long experienced frequent natural disaster conditions brought by torrential rainfall, typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other extreme events. Some of the most important issues facing the nation today involve mitigating such disasters and making society safer and more secure. Ozone layer depletion, acid rain, desertification and other global warming phenomena are urgent problems faced by all humanity. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) works to provide information that will help to mitigate the effects of natural disasters, improve people's lives, support traffic safety and foster industrial development. To achieve these tasks, advanced technology grounded in the latest science is essential. The Meteorological Research Institute (MRI) is a JMA facility that conducts research to clarify and support the prediction of meteorological, terrestrial and hydrological phenomena and develop associated techniques and technologies. It also contributes to the advancement of fundamental technology for meteorological services. MRI further collaborates with other research organizations in Japan and overseas, and actively contributes to international bodies such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
