Tobishima Corporation / Mr. Ryoji Otsukawa Joins 67th Antarctic Summer Expedition – Construction Site Supervisor
November 18, 2025 – Corporate / Management
Mr. Ryoji Otsukawa of Tobishima Corporation (photo) will participate in the 67th Antarctic Regional Expedition (summer team) of the National Institute of Polar Research (NPERI). This marks his second deployment, following his participation in the 66th expedition.
Mr. Otsukawa will serve primarily as a construction site supervisor, overseeing five construction projects at Showa Station, including summer team accommodations and the operation of a concrete plant. His stay is planned for 35 days, approximately two weeks shorter than typical summer expeditions. He stated:
“I want to ensure absolutely no accidents occur. It is also part of my job to decide early whether difficult tasks can be performed.”
For the 67th expedition, the team will focus on oceanographic observations, and is divided into two groups: Leg 1 and Leg 2. Mr. Otsukawa will be part of Leg 1, departing Japan on December 4, traveling via Australia, arriving at Showa Station on January 4, 2026, departing the station on February 7, and returning to Japan on February 24.
At a press conference held on the 17th at Tobishima’s Tokyo headquarters, he explained:
“In Antarctica, even pausing work requires a period to protect structures from blizzards. Deciding how far to proceed or when not to proceed is very important.”
“Unlike my first deployment, this time I understand the station’s conditions and the local terrain well. I want to grasp what can and cannot be done, and provide additional proposals on top of the instructions from NPERI.”
