The oceans cover approximately 70 percent of the Earth surface and some claim they have been sheltering life forms for more than 3.5 billion years. Even the researches of the world oceanographers just begin to shed some light on this mysterious creation mechanism. When moved by plenty of unusual and diverse marine images, one can feel the greatness of the oceans that gave birth and brought up all forms of life since the creation of the Earth. For the last 30 years, the World Festival of Underwater Pictures has been continuously facing the Mediterranean Sea at Antibes-Juan-les-Pins, South of France. It puts in competition the world top creators, assembling numerous creations from over 40 countries, especially from European countries but also from the U.S.A., Canada and many others. As for those picture makers, it consists in a valuable communication place. Their wish is that the viewing of their creations by a large number a people raises, at least a little bit, the awareness of the importance of the ecosystem and environment protection. In a similar fashion, the Pacific Ocean-facing Kobe is blessed to be an information transmitter towards the numerous other countries surrounding this ocean. We wish to show here the excellent works that have been selected at Antibes and also to give an opportunity to the underwater picture makers of Japan to present their own production. Through their pictures, even people who have never dived can understand how important for the mankind is the protection of the nature and the creatures sharing it with us. It is possible to share the joy of the sea with disabled persons as well. We hope that our action, by insisting on a barrier-free spirit, will be somewhat helpful for them. And the elderly can take part in the event as well. Just let your eyes admire the magnificence of the underwater world! Your most imaginative kids will become a fish, and then maybe draw a funny picture for you! In the shadow of the festival opening, there are plenty of volunteers who love the Sea. They talk to each other about their personal experience, widen their circle of friends and convey to a great variety of people, ranging from very young children to old people, messages of the beauty of the underwater world. Not only cameramen are coming from France, but musicians and painters also participate, intensifying the exchanges with Japanese artists. "The WORLD FESTIVAL OF UNDERWATER IMAGES 2004 in KOBE" welcomes all the lovers of the Sea. Title World Festival of Underwater Images 2004 in KOBE, JAPAN Program Thursday, November 11, 2004 : 9:30-18:00 Friday, November 12, 2004 : 9:30-19:00 Saturday, November 13, 2004 : 9:30-19:30 Hall The International Conference Center Kobe Main Hall URL：http://www.kcva.or.jp/kcc/icck/e-index.html Contents SHOWING High-Quality Movies on the subject of Underwater world, such as prize-winning works of Festivsal of Underwater Images in Antibes,France. TALK Maki Sugawara & Sueko Matsuoka Maki Sugawara; a free-diver and photographer now living in Hawaii. Sueko Matsuura; 84 years old, a traditional Japanese woman diver living in Tottori prefecture. On Display Excellent works of Childrenﾕs pictures and Amateur's Photos for Underwater World　selected by Festival for Underwater images in Japan. Fee Adult(Over 18) : 500JPY/ day Child(Under 18) : 300JPY/day