Unprecedented inflation is putting immense pressure on our daily lives. In Japan, where a large amount of essential goods, petroleum, natural gas, and other energy resources are imported, over 99% of exports and imports are transported by sea. Tokyo Bay, in particular, is one of the busiest maritime areas in the world, teeming with cargo ships from across the globe. It is also one of the most difficult waterways to navigate, due to its complex geography and average depth of only 15 meters. Ensuring the safety of this critical hub around the clock are maritime pilots. Specialists in the bay’s navigation, they board incoming ships and assist captains in safely steering through these treacherous waters. Our cameras followed their work and the efforts of those who support them behind the scenes. Among these indispensable partners is the TOKYO WAN Vessel Traffic Service Center, or Tokyo MARTIS. Known as the “police of the sea,” they monitor all ships within Tokyo Bay to ensure operations run smoothly and on schedule. Summer brings its own set of challenges, particularly as typhoons strike the Tokyo area. Navigating rough seas can lead to collisions and other accidents, making cancellations the general rule. But this can result in substantial disruptions to schedules, so how do they maintain safety while keeping operations seamless? This program sheds light on the unseen frontlines of those working tirelessly to keep Japan’s lifelines running safely and efficiently.