Syowa Station Japan Antarctic Base

Syowa Station sits on East Ongul Island in Lützow-Holm Bay, Dronning Maud Land, and has been operating — with brief gaps — since Japan first set foot here during the International Geophysical Year in 1957. It’s a substantial facility: multiple buildings including labs, a gymnasium, a hospital module, and a helipad. The Japan National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR) runs it year-round, with winter crews of around 30 and summer populations pushing higher during relief operations.

Resupply arrives via the icebreaker Shirase, which departs from Fremantle, Australia. The surrounding sea ice and iceberg-choked Lützow-Holm Bay make ship access genuinely challenging — some seasons the Shirase can’t reach the island and supplies are helo-ferried. Inland traverse operations push south from here toward Dome Fuji. All access is strictly through NIPR and the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) program. No civilians, no drop-ins.

Japan's Antarctic anchor since 1957.