Showa

a scientific station that is the field base for Japanese antarctic research in Eastern Antarctica. It is located near the eastern part of the coast of Queen Maud Land, on the offshore island of East Ongul in Lützow-Holm Bay, and its coordinates are 69°00’ S lat. and 39°35’ E long. The station was set up in February 1957. It was not used in 1958 and from 1962 to 1965 but has been in continuous operation since February 1966.

The 30-man staff is changed annually. Scientific observations are carried out at the station in such fields as geophysics, gla-ciology, oceanography, and biology, and rockets for geophysical research are launched there. Supplies are delivered by icebreaker, which is unloaded by helicopters.

the official name for the period of rule of the Emperor Hirohito of Japan, who ascended the throne in 1926.