Recent Martian exploration has been characterized by a dramatic improvement in the quality and quantity of data returned from Mars, as exemplified by high-resolution remote sensing data obtained by Martian orbiters, and outcrop data obtained by landers and rovers. A number of future Mars missions intend to target specific geological environments and will focus on astrobiological research. Other missions are even more ambitious and plan on returning samples to Earth for detailed laboratory-based analysis. The availability of abundant high-quality data is gradually opening opportunities for terrestrial geologists to investigate Martian geology by applying experiences derived from terrestrial analog sites. The geological environment of Mars resembles that of Earth, endorsing the validity of terrestrial analog studies to increase our understanding of geological processes on Mars. The majority of terrestrial analog sites have been located in cold and/or dry environments, such as the polar regions and continental deserts, with other analog sites being topically specific, including impact craters or volcanic fields. Although Asia, and Japan in particular, has to date not been considered an important area for planetary geology research, use of the wide variety of geological conditions present in this region as Martian analogs would be a significant addition to currently existing terrestrial analog studies.

Recently obtained high-resolution satellite imagery has enabled the detailed study of Martian geology and sedimentology. The identification of hydrological features, such as ocean, lakes, valley networks, and outflow channels, on the ancient surface of Mars is critically important to assess the history of water on the planet and to improve our understanding of the Martian climate record. Increasing evidence supports the presence of Noachian age lakes and valley networks, and Hesperian age oceans and outflow channels, although whether these features were formed by liquid water is still controversial. Clay minerals, such as phyllosilicates, have been identified in Noachian sediments within purported paleo-crater lakes, consistent with a fluvial and/or lacustrine origin. These rocks have been targeted by US and European space agencies as possible landing sites for future rover missions, with an outcrop in a hypothesized paleo-crater lake basin selected as the landing site for the next National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) expedition to Mars. Increasing the research contribution of terrestrial geologists during future Martian exploration is key, because determining terrestrial analogues for features on Mars is critically important for the interpretation of Martian geological data.