JITTI USA: US-Japan International Exchange Symposium 2025 "Building a Trusted and Collaborative Partnership through Multi-layered Engagement" U.S.–Japan International Exchange Symposium 2025 Building a Trusted and Collaborative Partnership through Multi-layered Engagement Thursday, November 20th 3:00- 6:00 PM (Followed by a Reception) A Free Hybrid Event: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (Pavilion Room- 2nd Floor) 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 / Virtually hosted in English and Japanese Timetable Survey Directions to Venue Overview In March 2023, JITTI USA hosted the “U.S.–Japan International Exchange and Tourism Symposium 2023” in Washington, D.C., bringing together leading experts in these fields. The event served as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of multilayered and wide-ranging people-to-people ties between Japan and the United States in the post-pandemic era, and to explore ways to rebuild and strengthen those relationships. Building on the momentum of such efforts, the period from January 2024 to March 2025 was designated the “U.S.–Japan Tourism Year,” during which both countries implemented a variety of initiatives to promote bilateral engagement. In their February 2025 summit meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the uniquely strong Japan–U.S. relationship through close coordination. These developments have contributed to further strengthening people-to-people exchanges and bilateral relations. Looking ahead, such exchanges are expected to accelerate even more around major international events. The United States is preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 250th anniversary of American independence, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics. Japan, meanwhile, welcomed a record number of inbound tourists in 2024 and hosted Expo 2025 in Osaka from April to October. These milestone events are likely to further boost international engagement, including between Japan and the U.S. In the context of an increasingly unstable international landscape—marked by China’s growing authoritarianism, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and rising nationalism—the role of people-to-people exchange has taken on renewed significance. These international experiences are not only essential for the continued development of the Japan–U.S. relationship but also play a key role in fostering mutual understanding and trust, contributing to global stability. Moreover, people-to-people exchanges offer opportunities to gain new perspectives and can lead to changes in how people think and act by exposing them to different cultures and systems. These encounters can influence personal values and behaviors, and when such learning is integrated into society with respect for one’s own traditions, it can lead to positive societal transformation. The ripple effect of such realizations and actions will only grow in importance as we strive for a more resilient and open international community. Against this backdrop, it is both timely and meaningful to bring together policymakers and stakeholders from both countries to discuss the current and future roles of people-to-people exchange through this symposium. UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that this symposium covers: Opening Remarks Masafumi Shukuri Chairman, Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA (JITTI) Chairman, Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (JTTRI) Bio Remarks Greetings by Guest of Honor Shigeo Yamada Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America Bio Keynote Speeches Kenichiro Sasae President, The Japan Institute of International Affairs Former Ambassador of Japan to the United States Bio Kurt Tong Managing Partner, Asia Group Former Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo Bio Panel Discussion 1 The Significance, Challenges, and Future Prospects of Multi-layered International Exchange Moderator Aiko Doden Journalist; Distinguished Senior Fellow, Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies, Johns Hopkins University Bio Panelists Ricki Garrett President and CEO, Sister Cities International Bio Frank Jannuzi President and Chief Executive Officer, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation Bio Presentation Kazuyo Kato Executive Director, Japan Center for International Exchange, USA Bio Jessyca Livingston Executive Director, US JET Program Alumni Association Bio Presentation Panel Discussion 2 The Roles and Obstacles of Tourism and Cultural Policies in Driving International Exchange Moderator Aiko Doden Journalist; Distinguished Senior Fellow, Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies, Johns Hopkins University Bio Panelists Jennifer Aguinaga Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism and Acting Director of the National Travel and Tourism Office, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce Bio Peter Dodge Director, Public Affairs, Brand USA Bio Shigeki Murata Commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Bio Presentation Masatsugu Odaira Minister of Public Affairs, Embassy of Japan in the United States of America Bio

Welcome to our website! Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA (JITTI USA), is an independent research institute which studies various kinds of US-Japan and... JITTI Journal November 2025 JITTI Journa l Read our Feature introducing a world-leading Coast Guard graduate course, and take an intimate look at a Shinto-style wedding in our Cultural Article. Videos on Demand VIEW ALL VIDEOS Events U.S.–Japan International Exchange Symposium 2025: Building a Trusted and Collaborative Partnership through Multi-layered Engagement Thursday, November 20th | Hybrid Event: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center and Held Virtually in English and Japanese Since the pandemic, Japan and the United States have resumed and strengthened people-to-people exchanges through initiatives such as recent summit meetings and the “U.S.-Japan Tourism Year.” Global events, including the recently held Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, are further boosting these ties. In addition, multi-layered personnel exchange and dispatch programs across the public and private sectors also contribute to mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. Amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing nationalism, multi-layered exchanges are vital for fostering trust and a collaborative U.S.–Japan partnership that supports global stability. This symposium will bring together government officials and experts from both nations to discuss ways to deepen people-to-people exchanges and advance international exchange. VIEW ALL EVENTS Research Reports Impact of the U.S. Government Shutdown on Transportation and Tourism Author: Kazuya Fukuhara | Tourism & More U.S. Policy Trends on Advanced Air Mobility: Part 4 ~ Final Rule of the Powered-Lift SFAR, Revision of the Vertiport EB, Selection of the CAAT Operating Entity, and Direction to Establish the eIPP ~ Author: Shinichiro Tsuri | Civil Aviation Inspection Report on the London Underground Elizabeth Line Author: Haruhiko Koyama | Surface Transportation VIEW ALL REPORTS JITTI JOURNAL November 2025 Volume 12 Issue 6 | Feature: Yuta Arai | Cultural Article: Tomomi Dodd Read our Feature introducing a world-leading Coast Guard graduate course and have an intimate look at a Shinto-style wedding in our Cultural Article. September 2025 Volume 12 Issue 5 | Feature: Yukiko Nakamura | Cultural Article: Yuta Arai Our Feature Article overviews how regional initiatives around Japanese airports are working to revitalize the surrounding area. Meanwhile, our Cultural Article introduces speed-dials in Japan. July 2025 Volume 12 Issue 4 | Feature: Shinichiro Tsuri | Cultural Article: Mamiko Kim In this journal's Featured Article, get a overview the amendment of Japan’s Civil Aeronautics Act in response to the Haneda Airport runway collision. Furthermore, in light of the anniversary of Jaws, discover prominent Japanese horror films with cultural and global importance in our Cultural Article. VIEW ALL OTHER PUBLICATIONS

A Historic Moment: The Blossoming of Japan-US Coast Guard Academic Collaboration < Back

JITTI Journal March 2019 Back to All JITTI Journals March 2019 Feature Article Tokyo is Waiting for You by Daisuke Miyamoto 1. INTRODUCTION Japanese people are pleased that a lot of foreign people have been visiting Japan recently. The number of visitors from overseas has been increasing year by year, and was numbered at about 31 million in 2018. Furthermore, the Japanese government is promoting a variety of policies to achieve targets of 40 million visitors in 2020 and 60 million in 2030. Japan has been working on developing infrastructure and services in order to accommodate for the influx of foreign visitors, and to alleviate the stress of traveling around Japan. In this report, I will narrow the scope of these accommodations to those made in Tokyo, which is one of biggest cities in the world, and in particular will introduce some practices of Tokyo Metro, which is one of the biggest subway operators in the world. 2. TRAIN STATION NAVIGATORS Tokyo Metro has arranged for station navigators, called service managers, to assist you with finding fares, buying tickets, instructing you on the best routes to get to your destination, and informing you of the facilities around the station. They will also do their best to answer any other inquiries you may have, and can even communicate in English, Chinese, and Korean with the help of a tablet. Service managers can be found at 16 major stations like Ueno Station, Akihabara Station and Ginza Station. In stations without station managers, other station staff will be able to help assist you with help of a tablet as well. What’s more, there are interpreters who can speak English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese over the phone. A Service Manager is Responding to a Visitor’s Inquiry 3. TICKETS TO RIDE Tokyo Metro offers various discount tickets to suit your style of travel. I’ll introduce three kinds of tickets. Tokyo Subway Ticket: The three kinds of Tokyo Subway tickets are the 24-hour ticket, the 48-hour ticket, and the 72-hour ticket. These tickets are valid with an unlimited use on any Tokyo Metro line and Toei Subway within the hours you select. These tickets are suitable for those people who would like to travel around Tokyo. Greater Tokyo Pass: It might surprise you, but there are a lot of private train operators in Japan, and of course in Tokyo too. It means that you might sometimes need to buy tickets at each transfer point along your route to get to your destination. However, you don’t need to worry about it. This Greater Tokyo Pass gives you unlimited usage on 12 kinds of train operators and 51 kinds of bus systems in the Kanto-area for 3 days. There are lots of suburban destinations around Tokyo such as Takao-mountain and Enoshima. This ticket is suitable for those people who would like to go around suburban area of Tokyo. Airport-Downtown Tokyo Routes and Ticket: The biggest international airport, Narita Airport, is about 35 miles in distance from the Tokyo downtown area, but that is not a problem. There are many convenient ways like the Keisei Skyliner to get to downtown Tokyo. The Airport-Downtown Tokyo Routes and Ticket is a joint pass with both the Keisei Skyliner airport transport ticket and the Tokyo Subway Ticket. You can get to your destination in Tokyo, travel around the city, and go to and from Narita Airport with a single payment. Some of the tickets 4. TOKYO IS WAITING FOR YOU!!  Tokyo has not only attractive places to visit, but also has efficient infrastructure and attentive services that allow you to get around easily. Why don’t you visit Tokyo?

Foreign Cruise Passengers in Japan < Back

Initiatives to Relieve Congestion in Japan's Rail Industry Initiatives to Relieve Congestion in Japan's Rail Industry by Akito Okabe Introduction  While railroads play an important role as a mode of transportation in Japan, urban rail congestion has long been a serious social problem. It may be surprising to learn that the average congestion rate for major Tokyo-area railroad sections in FY 2019 was 163%, with the most congested section reaching 199% 1) . The congestion rate is an index of congestion calculated by dividing the number of people transported by the transportation capacity 2) . As a guide of congestion rate Image Source: Association of Japanese Private Railways Although congestion rates have recently declined temporarily due to the pandemic, it continues to be an important issue against a backdrop of increased hygiene awareness and new ways of working through teleworking. For a long time, Japan has been trying to relieve congestion rates by shortening operating intervals, adding more tracks, and other large-scale construction projects. In recent years, Japan has also been focusing on new initiatives such as a "Train crowd measurement system" that utilizes digital technology. This article introduces some of the advanced efforts in the Japanese railroad to relieve congestion. Train Crowd Measurement System In the Tokyo area, the provision of congestion information on official apps and websites of railroad operators has been in full swing since around 2015. This article introduces Tokyo Metro's real-time ‘train crowd measurement system’ for each train car. Tokyo Metro has been distributing real-time congestion information for each train car on the 'Tokyo Metro my!' app since July 2021. According to Tokyo Metro, by distributing real-time congestion information for each train car, the system enables "safe and comfortable use" tailored to individual customers' needs, such as "which train car is relatively empty?" and "which station will be least crowded to board a train?" In addition, this service has been used by many customers, reaching approximately 50,000 times in the month and a half since its distribution began in July. It is very difficult to calculate congestion in real time, but by utilizing the ‘train crowd measurement system’ that uses a 'depth camera' to acquire depth information on in-train congestion, it is now possible to distribute real-time congestion and congestion forecast information regardless of car type, according to the company. The above figure is reprinted and translated from the Tokyo Metro Co.,Ltd. website. Off-Peak Point Service A service that rewards customers with points as an incentive for off-peak commuting is another initiative that Japanese railroad operators are focusing on to relieve congestion. JR East, Japan's largest railroad company, has launched a point service on weekday mornings as an initiative to support staggered commuting by SUICA 3) commuter pass holders. If you enter a station in the target area during a time period eligible for point redemption and then exit at a station in the target area, points are redeemed. Image Source: JR East An illustration of this is shown in the image above. For example, if the peak period is from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m., passengers can earn 15 reward points if they ride from 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. during the "early bird period" before the peak period. If they ride between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. after the peak period, they will earn 20 reward points. The rewards can be recharged to IC cards and used as train tickets, or used for shopping at JR-operated commercial facilities. Currently, the program is being offered for a limited time from March 15, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Conclusion As in Japan, people in the U.S. are becoming more hygiene-conscious, and providing information on train congestion is a topic of great interest. In addition, since staggering morning and evening peak hours can also help railroad companies reduce the number of train cars and staffing required during peak hours, contributing to cost savings, we believe that efforts to promote off-peak use can be a useful reference for the U.S. railroad industry. Currently, the Japanese and U.S. railroad industries are facing a difficult situation due to the pandemic, but it is important to promote new approaches flexibly in accordance with changes in people's needs. References: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism website https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/tetsudo04_hh_000095.html Japan Private Railway Association website https://www.mintetsu.or.jp/knowledge/term/16370.html JR East's IC card can be used for trains, buses, shopping, etc. Image Sources: Association of Japanese Private Railways Tokyo Metro Co.,Ltd. JR East Back to All JITTI Journals March 2022 Feature Article

JITTI Journal Cultural Article January 2024 Back to All JITTI Journals January 2024 Cultural Article An Introduction of Japanese BBQ By Mamiko Kim Introduction Is there something not so American about BBQ? From hamburgers and hot dogs on the 4th of July to all-day smoked brisket and whole hog affairs, barbecuing has an earned spot in American cuisine. 7 out of 10 Americans own a grill or roaster, and 79% of them say that they grill at least once a week. Based on these statistics, it seems we must have some BBQ lovers among our readership! Of course, BBQ is not unique to the United States! Every culture has their own delicious iteration of grilling, utilizing fire and smoke. If you’re like me, you want to taste them all, and perhaps you’re looking for what to try next. Please allow me to recommend Japanese BBQ as a place to start on your BBQ-tasting journey. What is Japanese BBQ? There are actually many types of BBQing in Japan, differentiated by the method of cooking and what is usually prepared. For example, Irori is a traditional sunken, stone-lined hearth that once was in many homes, and was used to cook and grill a communal meal of local ingredients. Most houses no longer have them, and you would need to go to a specialized restaurant to have this style of BBQ, typically shelling out a bit more money as a luxury experience. Chef Masahi Yamada's Irori BBQ restaurant specailizes in wild ingredients harvested and hunted in the nearby mountains ( Eater ) Robatayaki refers specifically to traditional charcoal grilling, and comes from the culture of ancient Hokkaido fishermen who would place a fire-resistant stone or wood box heated with binchotan coals on their oars, beginning to grill their catch out on the water so that they’d have perfectly cooked fish as soon as they returned to shore. Today, some traditional Robota restaurants continue to serve grilled robatayaki fish on oars. 1 A Robotayaki restaurant in New York City ( First We Feast ) There is also Kushiyaki, or meat on bamboo skewers grilled over charcoal. This option is much more economical, and it will be guaranteed to be on the menu at your local izakaya bar, which often serves small dishes that pair well with sake and beer. Of kushiyaki, yakitori (grilled chicken) is the most popular and can be found commonly at street stalls and at family BBQ gatherings. Izakaya Iseya serves cheap yakitori in a historic location ( Eat Your Kimchi Studio ) However, Yakiniku is debatably what first comes to mind for Japanese people when they think of eating out for BBQ. During the 1920s, while meat was rationed in Japan, Korean immigrants began selling grilled meat entrails on the black market, which then followed by the opening of eateries. By the 1960s, Japan had recovered economically, more people could afford to eat meat, and restaurants styled after these early establishments began popping up all over Japan. In this way, yakiniku is an immigrant success story that locals have adapted to fit their own tastes. 2 From 2:35 into the video, Mark Weins'eats kobe beef at a Yakiniku restaurant ( Mark Weins ) How is Japanese Yakiniku different from Korean BBQ? When you enter a Yakiniku or Korean BBQ restaurant, at first, these two establishments may seem similar. However, there are a few key differences between the two that make them unique from one another, the biggest of these being the intention behind the food. If there were one word to describe the Japanese BBQ flavor aesthetic, it would be “clean.” Care is given to the quality of the ingredients being prepared, and beef (particularly prized wagyu) is the feature on many menus. Meats are mostly left unmarinated, with much of the richness in flavor coming from having a high quality product. Unlike Korean BBQ, which provides sides of pickled and other prepared vegetables, called banchan, Japanese BBQ more commonly will provide vegetables for roasting along with the meat. This better matches the flavor profile, and keeps the palate unmuddled. Dipping sauces are provided at the table, typically a sweet soy sauce based one, a citrus flavored one, and something spicy, but each establishment might have their own unique offering. These serve to compliment the flavor of the meat and vegetables, and it’s also fun to see how each sauce pairs with whatever you’re eating. Overall, appreciating each ingredient is meant to be the intended experience. Korean BBQ, delicious in its own right, prizes bold flavors. This can be tasted in both the vegetable sides, as mentioned above, but also in the meats served. Pork, is often the more common meat of choice in Korean BBQ, and cuts of meat are marinated in various sauces, which can be as simple as jumulleok (short steak marinated with sesame oil, salt and pepper) or use more ingredients like bulgogi (meat marinated in sugar, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, garlic and scallions), so each bite is a flavor bomb. However, the quality of meat is less important than in Yakiniku. Gopchang, or grilled entrails of cows or pigs, are a commonly offered menu item. Ultimately, robust flavor is the purpose of eating Korean BBQ. Another big difference between the two is how it is served. At Yakiniku establishments, the guest is the one grilling ingredients, while at Korean BBQ restaurants, attendants walk around from table-to-table to turn over and serve the meat. The only explanation I’ve found for this difference is that Japanese like to have the option to grill the meat to their liking. This is fitting to the intention mentioned earlier, with the flavor of each ingredient being such an integral part of enjoying the meal. 3 A map of Gyukaku restaurant locations worldwide Is there a Japanese BBQ restaurant in the D.C. area? I asked my Japanese colleague this question, and he named Gyukaku as a place he’d recommend as an authentic experience in the greater D.C. area. So, during the recent snow storm, I packed up my family and drove to Arlington to check it out (purely for this article, of course , and not because I was craving yakiniku). We were greeted at the door with a hearty “Irashaimase” (Welcome) and led to our table which had an inlaid grill. You are able to choose items ala carte or from a course menu, which we settled on. Platters of various meat and vegetables arrived timed with our eating speed, and the server was attentive in explaining recommended ways to grill each type of item. A bonus was that the staff were very friendly and kind to our fussy toddler, who needed to walk around the restaurant part-way through the meal. One thing I hadn’t considered till I was there was that my toddler could eat a lot more of the items being served than when we had been to Korean BBQ (which we had done recently for someone’s birthday). Because you are grilling and adding sauces to your liking, the meal is much more customizable, which meant that we could be careful in how we served her items, while also being able to enjoy the spicy Sriracha-based sauce ourselves. She could also eat all of the vegetables for this reason as well. It felt very much like a complete meal. Overall, parents and child left feeling very full and satisfied! Conclusion I hope you give Japanese BBQ a try. It’s a great start to a BBQ-tasting experience with its focus on the flavor of each meat itself, and its versatility caters to a wide-range of palates and preferences. It’d be a great meal to eat with friends or family, whether out or at home. I have no doubt that it will be a new favorite meal for you and your loved ones. One family's yakiniku meal at home. References: https://www.bbqanswers.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-japanese-barbecue/#What_Is_Robatayaki https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/the-fascinating-story-behind-the-rise-of-ramen-and-yakiniku/mk0rwm964 https://www.ibbq.com/blogs/news/the-difference-between-korean-bbq-and-japanese-bbq

In October 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a final rule on pilot certification and flight standards for powered-lift aircraft, following the issuance of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in June 2023. The FAA then released an updated version of its guidance on vertiports (airfields for vertical takeoff and landing) in December 2024. In April 2025, the FAA announced the selection of the operating entity for the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies, which was mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and enacted in May 2024. Furthermore, an executive order issued in June 2025 directed the establishment of an eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. This report provides an overview of these recent U.S. government policy developments related to Advanced Air Mobility. < Back Civil Aviation August 2025 U.S. Policy Trends on Advanced Air Mobility: Part 4 ~ Final Rule of the Powered-Lift SFAR, Revision of the Vertiport EB, Selection of the CAAT Operating Entity, and Direction to Establish the eIPP ~ By Shinichiro Tsuri In October 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a final rule on pilot certification and flight standards for powered-lift aircraft, following the issuance of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in June 2023. The FAA then released an updated version of its guidance on vertiports (airfields for vertical takeoff and landing) in December 2024. In April 2025, the FAA announced the selection of the operating entity for the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies, which was mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and enacted in May 2024. Furthermore, an executive order issued in June 2025 directed the establishment of an eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. This report provides an overview of these recent U.S. government policy developments related to Advanced Air Mobility. Download the Report

JITTI Journal Cultural Article January 2022 Back to All JITTI Journals January 2022 Cultural Article Nengajou: Japanese New Year’s Cards by Suzannah Nevas Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu . This seasonal greeting is one of several ways to say Happy New Year in Japanese. It is also commonly written on nengajou, Japanese New Year’s cards! Nengajou , like most things Japanese, are a cultural tradition imbued with aesthetic beauty and social etiquette. Billions of these New Year’s postcards get delivered every year on January 1st, filling recipients with renewed connection and gratitude for the many important people in their lives. The exchanging of New Year’s greeting cards originated with nenshi-mawari , the custom of spending the first few days of the New Year paying visits to friends, family and neighbors, expressing appreciation for kindness and help received the previous year, and setting the groundwork for another year of harmonious relationship. As the distance to travel for such visits became too great, missives were sent instead. During the Meiji Restoration period, the nengajou notes were replaced with more economical postcards. Nengajou were originally exchanged in Japan during the Lunar New Year. However, in 1873, they changed the tradition to align with the Gregorian calendar and now cards are promptly delivered every January 1st. Some traces of the original tradition remain though, for example, many images on the nengajou of today feature the zodiac animal corresponding to the lunar calendar. Example of 2022 card, year of the Tiger Other common motifs include kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements), plum blossoms and the maneki neko (lucky cat). Lately, there is a similar trend that we see in the West to use family portraits for the image. Japanese calligraphy is also prominent. [Click here for JITTI USA's 2021 article on calligraphy]. There are often many nengajou design contests for kids and adults alike. Starting in December, you will see stands of different nengajou designs in places like stationary stores and post offices across Japan. You can purchase premade cards or create your own, and even if you buy their blank ones, the domestic postage is already included in the cost! If you are designing or embellishing your own, keep in mind that nengajou are postcards and aren’t sent in the protection of an envelope. Make sure they are flat and have durable, non-smearing ink. The text for your cards can be fairly formulaic: Open with one of the set phrases of New Year’s greetings, Make a note of appreciation for their kindness in the last year, Conclude with a courteous request for their continued support in the year ahead. The exact language of these components can vary with the formality or closeness of the person to whom you are writing. For cards sent to non-professional acquaintances, many take the opportunity to include life updates on different family members with their message. So who gets a nengajou ? Broadly speaking, anyone who has shown you kindness or cooperation in the last year, such as friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. Practically speaking- you should send one to anyone who sent you one! For this reason, it’s always a good idea to have a few extra on hand in case you missed somebody. But be advised that social etiquette dictates that nengajou should not be sent to anyone who lost a loved one in the previous year, out of respect for their mourning. The Japanese Post Office plays a crucial role in the smooth operations of the nengajou custom. Starting in the middle of December, post office drop boxes will have a special slot marked for nengajou . Part of the magic of nengajou is that the post office will deliver all your cards together on January 1st. That’s right- they collect and hold all incoming nengajou for each household and then bundle them together and deliver them all at once on the first. For this reason, it’s important to mark the cards with “ nenga ” so the post office knows to set it aside. It’s also prudent to mail the cards before December 25th to make sure they arrive on time. Japanese Postal Service Drop Box  The Japan Post even made a lottery out of the custom. Starting in 1949, otoshidama-tsuki yuubin hagaki (New Year’s Lottery Postcards) have come with a six digit lottery number in the bottom right-hand corner. Around the 15th of January, the hundreds of winning numbers are announced, with prizes like vacation getaways, large electronics, and even cash. Lottery numbers at the bottom of nengajou from 2010 (Japanese Postcards by Danny Choo)  If you receive a nengajou from someone you didn’t send one to, you have until the results of the Otoshidama kuji (New Year's lottery) are announced to reciprocate. Next year, why not try out this tradition for yourself? References: https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/events/nengajouu-about.html https://www.japanese-wiki-corpus.org/culture/Nengajo%20(New%20Years%20card).html Image Source: Japanese Postcards by Danny Choo , licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Capacity Building Support by the Japan Coast Guard to Developing Countries Mobile Cooperation Team < Back

Toward the Spread and Expansion of Sports Culture Tourism < Back