As a “maritime country” and “science and technology country,” marine scientific and technological innovation is an important part of Japan's strategic policy. In 2021, the first year of the implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, Japan immediately published Japan’s Initiatives for the UN Decade of Ocean Science, which introduced the scientific research projects carried out by Japan in recent years and reflected the strategic and development direction of Japan’s marine research. By analyzing Japan’s participation in Ocean Decade and marine scientific research project, this paper elucidates Japanese marine science and technology development direction and the advantages and disadvantages, finally put forward four implications for China: promote policy system and the collaborative development of scientific research and exploration; actively participate in the Ocean Decade and other international large-scale marine scientific research programs to enhance our voice; strengthen the construction of marine standards system, accelerate the internationalization of Chinese standards; strengthen the coordinated development of enterprises, universities and research institutes.