During the Warring States period, the Murakami Kaizoku (Marine Force) was the largest shipping agent in Japan, and they used their influence to protect the sea in the Setouchi region. They were specialists of the sea who were responsible for overseeing maritime safety as well as trade and distribution. The story of the Murakami Kaizoku and their historical legacy is recognized as a Japan Heritage Site by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
In this video, a curator of the Murakami Kaizoku Museum will talk about the role of ship pilots, people who possessed important knowledge related to the waters of the Seto Inland Sea.