Book excerpt: The management of multispecies fisheries employed in Japan has been reviewed from both a global and a region/subject-specific point of view. The discussion focuses on five major principles involved in the management of multispecies resources and multi-gear fisheries in the coastal waters around Japan, with examples from past experience. The topics discussed include) the legal and political arrangements for the management and coordination of the fisheries, including the autonomous regulatory system established by the fishermen themselves, 2) the "successional fishing" employed in two small fishing communities. 3) the demersal fish fisheries along the entire coast of Japan, 4) the coastal pelagic fish fisheries with special reference to large changes in stock abundance and species composition and 5) the comprehensive utilization of resources in the Seto Inland Sea. The last topic presents a clear example of a practical application of the comprehensive management measures being applied to a limited sea area where complicated multispecies resources are exploited. In particular, the discussion considers how to cope with changes in the resources brought about by either natural or man-made causes, including the successes and failures of past management. An overall discussion of findings focuses specifically on a few critical problems that must be taken into account when the management of multispecies resources and multi-gear fisheries is planned and/or implemented. Finally, guidelines for such management are set down to facilitate the assessment of such a system in the countries where similar management issues have not yet been experienced.