Cold and Cross Jellyfish: Interesting Facts About the Sea of Japan

If you look at the political map of the world, it seems that the Sea of Japan is a small spot, especially compared to its more powerful neighbor, the Pacific Ocean. But in reality, such perception is just an illusion. The area of ​​this water artery, washing the shores of four states (Japan, Russia, Republic of Korea, and North Korea), is 1,062,000 km2. The Sea of Japan occupies more space than some countries: for example, France, Germany, or Turkey. On these expanses, ten Icelands or twenty Croatias, or thirty Belgiums could fit.

There are practically no famous resorts on the coast of the Sea of Japan because it is cold. Nevertheless, the sea is strategically important for the economies of many countries, thanks to developed shipping and transportation of industrial and commercial cargo.

Interesting Facts About the Sea of Japan

1. Calm seas are a rare phenomenon in these parts. Instead, typhoons, hurricanes, and tornadoes often occur, especially in the autumn. The waves in the Sea of Japan can reach a height of 10 meters and higher (approximately the size of a 4-story building).
   The Sea of Japan is also called the East Sea. Both names are equally common on geographic maps.
2. People do not seek to visit the coast of the Sea of Japan during vacations, as it remains cold there. Even in the summer season, the water remains quite cool. Swimming in the sea is possible only in July and August, but even then the experience is questionable. Moreover, the water seems very dirty here due to the large amount of algae and plankton.
3. In the winter period, the northern side of the Sea of Japan is often covered with ice. The water temperature drops to -20°C, so some of its inhabitants migrate south to wait out the unfavorable period.
4. The Sea of Japan is home to over 900 species of fish, including 12 varieties of sharks, but the greatest danger comes not from them. These waters are home to dangerous cross jellyfish. Contact of this jellyfish’s tentacle with human skin does not result in a lethal outcome but remains extremely painful. The danger lies also in the fact that it is very problematic to detect this creature: its dome diameter does not exceed 2.5 cm.
5. After encountering a cross jellyfish, a person’s temperature rises, in some cases, coughing and body aches begin. Unpleasant sensations persist for up to 4 days. On hot days, up to 20 people visit emergency rooms due to this.
6. The Sea of Japan is considered one of the deepest in the world. The deepest point is located 3,742 meters below the surface. The water there never warms above 0°C, despite its subtropical location.
7. Shipping on the Sea of Japan does not stop all year round. However, not all types of ships are capable of navigating these waters. To withstand the onslaught of the water element in storms, they must have a very large and sturdy hull.
8. Currently, there are four major straits in the Sea of Japan: Tsugaru, Tsushima, La Pérouse, and Nevelskoy. But according to geographers, there used to be more of them. Due to the systematic lowering of the water level, these channels dried up and became part of the land.
9. In geological terms, the Sea of Japan is very young. When studying the bottom, troughs were discovered that are continuations of the beds of rivers flowing into it. This led scientists to think that previously there was land in the place of the reservoir.
   The southern and northern parts of the Sea of Japan are very different from each other. The climate, flora, fauna, and even the nature of the currents differ.
10. The Sea of Japan experiences significant seasonal variations in water temperature. In summer, surface temperatures can reach around 25°C in the southern regions but drop significantly in the winter months, sometimes nearing the freezing point, especially in the northern areas.
11. The sea’s coastline is characterized by rugged terrain, with steep cliffs and rocky shores prevalent in many areas. This rugged coastline, combined with the region’s climate, has limited the development of major ports and coastal cities compared to other maritime regions.
12. Despite its relatively small size compared to oceans, the Sea of Japan supports diverse marine life, including various species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is also home to several species of marine mammals, such as seals and porpoises.
13. The Sea of Japan is known for its rich fishing grounds, which have been exploited for centuries by coastal communities for sustenance and trade. However, overfishing and environmental degradation have led to concerns about the sustainability of marine resources in the region.
14. The sea’s strategic location has made it a historically significant area for maritime trade and military activities. Throughout history, control over access to the Sea of Japan has been a source of contention among neighboring countries, leading to territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions.
15. The Sea of Japan is bordered by several island chains, including the Japanese archipelago, the Kuril Islands, and the Korean Peninsula. These islands serve as important geographical features that influence ocean currents, weather patterns, and ecological dynamics in the region.
16. The sea’s waters are relatively shallow compared to the adjacent Pacific Ocean, with an average depth of around 1,500 meters. However, there are deep basins and troughs, particularly in the eastern part of the sea, where depths can exceed 3,000 meters.
17. The Sea of Japan is subject to seismic activity due to its location within the geologically active Ring of Fire. Earthquakes and tsunamis are potential hazards in the region, with historical records documenting significant events that have caused damage and loss of life along the coastline.
18. The sea serves as a vital transportation route for international shipping, connecting major ports in East Asia with destinations around the world. It facilitates the movement of goods, energy resources, and raw materials, contributing to regional economic development and global trade.
19. Environmental conservation efforts in the Sea of Japan have become increasingly important due to pollution, habitat degradation, and the impacts of climate change. International cooperation among neighboring countries is essential for addressing these challenges and ensuring the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.