Links Organizations Related to JITTI USA Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (English) Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (Japanese) The Nippon Foundation Other Relevant Organizational Links U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Federal Aviation Administration U.S. Federal Railroad Administration U.S. Federal Transit Administration U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Travel & Tourism Office (NTTO), U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation U.S. House of Representative Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure American Public Transportation Adminsitration Brand USA Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (English) Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japanese) Japan Tourism Agency (English) Japan Tourism Agency (Japanese) Japan National Tourism Organization (English) Japan National Tourism Organization (Japanese)

JITTI Journal Cultural Article March 2025 Back to All JITTI Journals March 2025 Cultural Article School Ceremonies for Japanese Kids in Spring By Yukiko Nakamura March is the time of year in Japan when people feel the cherry blossom season approaching. Spring is also sometimes referred to as “the season of meeting and parting,” because April is the beginning of the school and work year in Japan, and from March to April, many people celebrate milestone events such as graduation and new employment. Usually, Japanese schools have six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, and three years of high school, and it is customary for a ceremony to be held at the school when students enter or graduate from each. Graduation ceremonies are held in March. At elementary school graduation ceremonies, graduating children often wear formal wear such as suits or one-piece dresses and jackets to the ceremony, and when there are no restrictions on clothing, girls may wear “Hakama”, a type of kimono (Japanese traditional clothing). Hakama “Hakama” is a trouser-like garment worn over a kimono that covers the body from the waist down. Originally worn by men, it also became popular as a garment worn by women, especially on solemn occasions such as at imperial court in old Japan. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the custom of women wearing Hakama on academic occasions became widespread. Later, as the shift to Western-style clothing took place, it was no longer worn as an everyday garment like other kimonos, but it is still worn by women on occasions such as graduation ceremonies. Elementary School Graduation Ceremony At graduation ceremonies in elementary schools, it is customary for graduates to receive their graduation certificates from a principal while their teachers and family members look on, and everyone sings the school song or a song related to departure together. Entrance ceremonies are also held at each school in April. At elementary school entrance ceremonies, children dress in formal wear or their uniforms and carry shiny “randoseru” to school. A “randoseru” is a school backpack used by many Japanese elementary school students. It is said that “randoseru” is derived from “ransel,” a Dutch word for “backpack,” which used to be used in the military. It is said that randoseru was first introduced in the Meiji era as a school bag. I used to use one when I was in elementary school, and my oldest son, who is now in elementary school, got a randoseru when he entered elementary school in Japan 3 years ago. Randoserus In the past, randoserus were often red for girls and black for boys, but nowadays, children are choosing them in various colors such as pink, purple, blue, green, and even silver, and it is sometimes a popular topic of conversation among family members which color randoseru to choose before entering elementary school. However, randoserus, while sturdy, are quite heavy, making them a bit of a burden for elementary school children, and they are also expensive, so in recent years, more and more children are choosing generic backpacks and the like for ease of movement. Many schools in Japan have cherry trees, and if the timing is right, the entrance ceremony may be held with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The sight of smiling children starting their new school life under the cherry blossoms with their shiny new belongings and clothes is a very joyous image and one of the most popular scenes of spring in Japan. Image Source: Yukiko Nakamura References Yumeya (History of Hakama) https://www.yumeyakimono.jp/news/12620?srsltid=AfmBOoofv__kvF0H2gg9SPlQyi42RyD67ihZuUQ1jqH42_UfRmldedij Japanese Clothing https://japanese-clothing.com/blogs/japanese-clothing-blog/hakama?srsltid=AfmBOopeiGAWF7ZKV3bdEolCVD0xodS8cXEQooddNWt3xAMyp_xTY4O Randoseru Kogyokai https://www.randoseru.gr.jp/history/rekishi.html

This report is the first in a series on emerging Smart City trends in the West, outlining the history and relationship between Transit-oriented Development (TOD) and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and other emerging mobility services that are being applied in order to create sustainable cities based on public transportation. < Back Surface Transportation Survey of Smart City Trends in the West: Transit-oriented Development and Mobility-as-a-Service Part 1: Background and Purpose of this Survey By Akito Okabe This report is the first in a series on emerging Smart City trends in the West, outlining the history and relationship between Transit-oriented Development (TOD) and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and other emerging mobility services that are being applied in order to create sustainable cities based on public transportation. Download the Report

JITTI Journal Cultural Article November 2022 Back to All JITTI Journals November 2022 Cultural Article Honeymooning in Japan: Worth the Wait! By Suzannah Nevas When my boyfriend and I got engaged on Christmas Eve, 2019, we had no idea a global pandemic was on the horizon. By April 2020, it became clear that COVID-19 was going to be around for the foreseeable future, and while we didn’t want to wait to be married, we were willing to wait for our dream honeymoon. We’d had our hearts set on Japan. We held fast for over two years, but as soon as the Japanese government announced they were lifting restrictions after October 11, we booked our tickets for the following week! At the airport about to board My husband and I were fortunate enough to be among the first wave of international tourists flooding to Japan in mid-October. With only two weeks to plan, our honeymoon itinerary almost fell into place as we compared our bucket lists of places, foods, and cultural experiences we were interested in. We arrived at Narita airport on Sunday, October 16th. Though our flight was nearly full, disembarking and going through customs was easy and efficient, thanks to great signage and many helpers stationed every 15 feet or so to help you through the process. We made it smoothly out of customs, exchanged some currency, rented a pocket WiFi device and we were on our way! Our Goals Our goal for the trip was to enjoy a balanced array of all that Japan has to offer: urban and rural, commercial and cultural, extravagant and affordable, familiar and new, planned and spontaneous. Our time was spent in 1-3 day stints in Tokyo, the Fuji 5 Lakes District, the Izu Peninsula, Kyoto, the Tajima area, Osaka, Wakayama Prefecture, and Gifu. Enjoying the view at Super Nintendo World Urban & Rural Highlights from our time in the big cities include visiting the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, the Manga Museum in Kyoto and Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. Many delightful hours were also spent exploring the plethora of underground shops and food malls around major train stations! Rural gems include the gorgeous cliffscape along the Jogasaki Coast, and the stunning natural beauty along the Kumano Kodo Trail in Wakayama Prefecture. One night we stayed in the town of Kawayu, where the scalding hot spring water bubbles up on the shores of the cold mountain river and you can dig your own hole in the bank and mix the two waters together to create an outdoor bath. (Note that it takes constant vigilance and movement to keep from burning or freezing yourself!) Living like royalty at Himeji Castle and Takeda Castle Ruins Commercial & Cultural As far as the Japanese government is concerned, I think we were the ideal tourists, spending money left and right, buying so many goods and souvenirs along the way that we ended up buying not one but TWO additional suitcases to bring everything back with us! A lot of this spending though was also cultural. During our stay in the onsen town of Kinosaki, we enjoyed meeting the local bamboo, straw art and leather artisans there and a sizable part of our return luggage was traditional Japanese art. In Kyoto we arrived in time for the massive monthly flea market at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. It’s hard to go anywhere in Kyoto without tripping over a World Heritage Site. Kinkakuji was as beautiful as every picture, and visiting on a weekday morning meant it was far less crowded than the absolutely PACKED Arashiyama we visited on a Saturday. In general, the less crowded a place, the more we enjoyed it. The serene mountain top landscape of the Takeda Castle ruins at sunrise proved more enjoyable than the bustling, grandiose architecture of the reconstructed Himeji Castle. We got to learn about, experience and enjoy Japanese culture through several interactive experiences including a tea ceremony, a Buddhist vegetarian meal in a temple, and making a New Year’s wreath out of rice stalks at a festival stall. Kaiseki restaurant shashimi course & conbini desserts Extravagant & Affordable Although we did splurge on some fancy kaiseki meals, and a stunning traditional ryokan, Japan can be enjoyed with a much lower budget: the youth hostel we stayed at in Ito was 80% as beautiful but only 10% of the cost of the fancy ryokan! And a cheap meal we got at a combini was among our favorites from the trip. Familiar & New Because I lived in Japan for three years, I had many places I wanted to take my husband, many foods I wanted him to taste, and many people I wanted him to meet. At the same time, it was important to us that we created some new memories together in places neither of us had ever been. I think striking this balance of familiar and new is a good idea for people visiting Japan for the first time too. There are many famous Japanese sites you may already be familiar with and visiting them in-person will most definitely live up to their iconic pictures, (we felt this way about Nachi Falls and the Hongu Oyunohara Torii Gate). However, it’s also great to visit places you’ve never heard of, and have no expectations for. When searching for a petting zoo featuring capybara onsen, we were delightfully surprised to find (and ascend) the volcanic dome, Mt Omuro, across the street! The surprises continued when we reached the crest and discovered that nearly everyone there had brought a cute dog. Also, there was a Japanese archery field in the center of the crater, and Mt Fuji was visible on the horizon! My cute husband enjoying the 2022 Pudding Award Contest at the Nobunaga Festival Planned & Spontaneous In general, we planned our lodging and a few activities in each location, but otherwise left our schedule open enough to allow us to follow our in-the-moment interests. We also intentionally left two nights at the end of the itinerary blank in case we wanted to revisit somewhere we felt needed more time. As those days drew near, we decided we wanted to go somewhere entirely new, so we looked at a map and picked a spot along the general route of the bullet train back to Tokyo. We chose the city of Gifu, a little north of the major hub Nagoya. It wasn’t until after we booked our hotel that we found out that the famous Nobunaga Festival would be taking place that weekend! Although we missed the celebrity appearance by Takuya Kimura (and his hordes of fans), we really enjoyed the Pudding Award booths, where we tried two of the nation’s top 20 puddings of 2022. If you haven’t had Japanese pudding, you should immediately stop reading this and go try some- it will change your pudding standards forever. Overall Impressions When anyone asks me how our Japanese honeymoon was, I struggle to find adequate adjectives. “Fantastic”, “Magical”, “Wonderful” all seem to fall short. While it is easy to put Japan’s natural beauty into pictures, it is hard to put Japan’s unparalleled hospitality into words. You wouldn’t know that the tourism industry has been paused for the last two and a half years- it didn’t seem like any restaurant, hotel or shop worker was out of practice. We felt welcomed and cared for everywhere we went. Signs of the pandemic were apparent only in the cleanliness/safety measures being taken everywhere. Hands-free alcohol dispensers were located at every doorway in every building. Plexiglass partitions separated indoor diners, and even outside, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone not wearing a mask. Even at the tightly packed Kurama Fire Festival, all spectators wore masks the whole time and it still felt safe. COVID precautionary measures Travel Tips 1. Get a JR Pass If you intend to do some significant moving around in Japan, I highly recommend you invest in the JR Pass. This special, all-you-can-ride pass for non-residents allows you to use nearly all JR trains in the country, including bullet trains. I also recommend booking your trip for an even 7 day interval so you can maximize your use of the JR Pass which comes in 7, 14, or 21 day options. Please note that there are a few JR trains which are not included, and not all trains in Japan are JR trains. Which brings me to... 2. Get a SUICA or PASMO Card These tap-to-use cards act like debit cards- you can add a balance to them at most train stations and they are accepted as payment for non-JR trains and many buses as well. You can even use them to purchase things at shops near the train station, or to rent a coin locket to store your luggage for the day. 3. Pack Light With the yen as weak as it currently is, you will want to save as much space as possible in your suitcase for bringing things back. Layers are key, and keep in mind that Japanese hotels and ryokans provide sleepwear and basic toiletries. If you don’t pack light, take advantage of the very affordable suitcase delivery services available. We used Yamato Transport to ship our luggage ahead of us so that we didn’t need to store it while hiking. 4. Get Specialized Tickets through a Travel Agency If you plan to visit any special destinations that require reserving tickets ahead of time, I highly recommend booking them through a travel agent. Despite enlisting the help of several Japanese friends, getting tickets to the Ghibli Museum and Universal Studios Japan proved to be the most challenging part of the entire trip! 5. Look up Festivals and Events in any Area you Plan to Visit There’s nothing quite like a Japanese Matsuri, so if you get the chance to go to one, please take it! Even the smallest of towns usually has an annual event that it is known for. Once you have a sense of what’s happening when and where, you can plan the order of your trip accordingly. 6. Don’t Be Afraid to Wander! Some of the best hidden gems can be found when you get lost, so don’t schedule yourself too fully; leave time to wander around and find something that didn’t make it onto the cover of a guidebook.

JITI 2010 Tourism Seminar New Developments in the Tourism Industry: Exploring the Potential of the Tourism Business and Collaboration with Transportation March 16, 2010 Washington Marriott at Metro Center 775 12th Street, N.W., Washington, DC Recently, the development of the tourism industry has been considered as one of the major national issues in Japan. The government and industry have been cooperating in various measures such as the Visit Japan Campaign to expand the inbound market. Development of new styles of tour plans/products and collaboration between tourism resources and transportation modes are a new movement in the industry. It is true that the current economic difficulty produces a negative impact on the tourism business. The question of how to overcome such a difficult situation and to energize the tourism industry is a common issue between the U.S. and Japan. At the same time, it is important to grasp exactly what attractions and tourism resources are fascinating to foreign tourists and translate such information into successful business schemes. In Japan’s case, in addition to traditional historical and cultural sightseeing spots, recently pop-culture and visual-arts attract attention especially among young generations, which can be a new market to be explored. In this seminar, we will study the recent developments in the tourism industry in both the U.S. and Japan, explore the ways of developing the tourism business, and discuss ways of strengthening mutual communication between the two countries. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Tadayuki Hara Associate Dean & Associate Professor, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida Bio Presentation Bryan Lewis Chief of Staff and General Counsel, U.S. Travel Association Bio Presentation Yoshitaka Ohkuma General Manager, Market Development, JTB Global Marketing & Travel Bio Presentation David Lim Chief Marketing Officer, Amtrak Bio Presentation Shinichi Sakamoto Executive Advisor and former President, Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) Bio Presentation Panel Discussion Tadayuki Hara (Moderator) University of Central Florida Bryan Lewis U.S. Travel Association David Lim Amtrak Shinichi Sakamoto JR Hokkaido Yoshitaka Ohkuma JTB Global Marketing & Travel

Eno conducted an analysis of the international market for air travel for JITTI USA. This multi-part series details some of the most interesting facts and findings, and is instructive for thinking about how international air service has evolved over the past few decades. < Back Civil Aviation Trends in International Travel Part 1: Changing Patterns of International Aviation By Paul Lewis Eno conducted an analysis of the international market for air travel for JITTI USA. This multi-part series details some of the most interesting facts and findings, and is instructive for thinking about how international air service has evolved over the past few decades. Download the Report

JITTI Journal Cultural Article January 2020 Back to All JITTI Journals January 2020 Cultural Article Osechi: A New Year Tradition by Shuntaro Okimoto Happy New Year! This time, I would like to introduce the dishes that are eaten during the New Year holiday in Japan. Many people in Japan take about a week off of work or school for the New Year holiday. They travel to spend New Year's Eve, January 1st, and the following days with family and relatives living far away. As a result, traffic between urban areas such as Tokyo and the countryside is congested. Whether journeying on highways, high-speed rail, or at airports, this is the busiest time of year. I think it's like Christmas or Thanksgiving in the USA. When families and relatives gather, we eat some traditional foods to mark the season. The most typical Japanese traditional dish for the New Year holiday is “Osechi.” Osechi is a dish in which many types of food are packed in square boxes of lacquer ware. Have you ever seen a Japanese lunch box, called “Bento?” It's like a luxury version of that. In the past, Osechi was exclusively homemade, but now some people buy it at the deli. These lacquer boxes are stacked with traditional food inside. Unlike Bento boxes, these are only used during special occasions, such as for Osechi. Osechi has three features. The first is that many of the foods inside are very seasoned and especially sweet. It is said that this is because in Japan seasonings, especially sugar, were precious, and people used them extravagantly only during the New Year. The second feature is that the amount of food packed inside is large as a whole. If you see the quantity of food, you may think: Can we eat so much? Don't worry about that. Many of the foods in the box can be eaten for several days. Osechi is made with foods that have a long shelf life, so that everyone in the family can rest without cooking during the New Year holiday. The third is that the foods packed in Osechi are filled with wishes. For example, we eat caramelized shrimps, with the hope that we live long lives to the point where our backs bend like shrimp. We also eat stewed vegetables, with the hope that our families will always be together. This is a picture of typical food served in Osechi- such as the stewed vegetables on the right and shrimp on the left. Each item is carefully placed to be aesthetically pleasing. Osechi is a dish that even Japanese people only eat during the New Year holiday. So, even if you go to Japan, you likely can't eat it at Japanese restaurants. If you have the opportunity to go to Japan during the New Year holidays, you may be able to eat it in a limited number of restaurants or buy it at some delis. I want you to try traditional Japanese cuisine. I think you'll be surprised at how beautiful it looks and how delicious it is.

JITTI Journal Cultural Article September 2023 Back to All JITTI Journals September 2023 Cultural Article Your next adventure in Japan: Ekichika By Tomomi Dodd This time I am going to write about Japanese “Ekichika.” “Eki” means stations, and “Chika” means underground in Japanese. So, “Ekichika” refers to the integration of shops and restaurants that spread across the basement of metro stations in Japan. Recently, development of Ekichika are astonishing in Japan and it is as if Ekichika are its own unique world. Though I currently work in Washington, D.C. and have traveled to multiple big cities overseas, I have never seen such dynamic Ekichika outside of Japan. Ekichika are becoming very important places for tourism, socialization and finding new trends and cultures. In this journal, I would like to introduce you to some of the Ekichika spots I can personally recommend to visit. Tokyo Yaechika (Tokyo Yaesu-Chikagai) Yaechika is located underground of Yaesu side in Tokyo station. It is directly connected to Tokyo Station. It contains about 180 shops, including approximately 60 different restaurants and cafes. There is a section called “Tokyo Ramen Street” which consists of 8 very competitive ramen shops. “Tokyo Character Street” consists of about 30 character shops including Pokemon and Studio Ghibli. I used to work near the Tokyo station, so I was often eating and dining at Yaechika. There are always new shops and you never get bored! (Image Source: tokyo ekichika yaesu - Bing images ) Inside of the Ekichika, there is a section called “TOKYO GASHAPON STREET.” GASHAPON is v ending machine dispenser of capsule toys. There are over 100 Gashapon vending machines located there. And you can find these machines in many places not only here but in other stations, shops, and restaurants throughout Japan. My nieces in Japan have been obsessed with these! (Image Source: gashapon - Bing images ) (Image Source GASHAPON sushi - Bing images ) Ikebukuro Another Ekichika spot I would like to talk about is Ikebukuro in Tokyo. There are over 700 shops and restaurants around Ikebukuro station. It is directly connected to multiple big department stores including Tobu Department store. Tobu Department store has food sections, and you can enjoy a variety of great delis! Ikebukuro is also one of the hot spots for good ramen restaurants! I myself strolled around in the station almost every day as my train transferred at Ikebukuro. I would hang around the book store at the Tobu department store and stop by my favorite bakery underground. If you spot the Ikefukurou statues while you are strolling the underground of Ikebukuro station, you have found good luck! They are a symbol of great fortune and are also a useful meeting spot for people. (Image Source: 55 things to do in Ikebukuro | Time Out Tokyo ) Ekichika are an excellent utilization of space and have a lot of great, unlimited possibilities. I am looking forward to seeing how Japanese Ekichika will be developing in the future. There could be Ekichika hotels, bath houses, and schools someday. I am sure you will find something unforgettable in Japanese Ekichika. References: Tokyo Ramen Street Official Guide ｜First Avenue Tokyo Station (tokyoeki-1bangai.co.jp) First Avenue Tokyo Station (tokyoeki-1bangai.co.jp) Yaechika | Yaechika Shopping Mall

JITI Disaster Prevention Workshop 2018 Strengthening Railway Countermeasures against Hurricanes and other Disasters Thursday, December 6th, 2018 The Hay Adams Hotel 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006 Large-scale water disasters caused by hurricanes, typhoons and other storms are occurring more frequently around the world with serious ramifications. They are showing an increasing tendency toward localized and concentrated heavy rain, and there are growing concerns about the intensified damage from water disasters including river flooding, inland water flooding, and storm surges. These situations are considered “a new stage” of water-related natural disasters and the direction and planning of countermeasures to them is essential. In the United States, Hurricane Michael was the fiercest storm to hit Florida in 80 years and caused severe damage in the area in 2018. Also, Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and Maria caused extensive damages in 2017. These three storms became three of the top five worst hurricanes in the recorded history of the USA and caused tremendous amounts of damage. With regards to railway infrastructure, Hurricane Sandy caused billions of dollars in damages in 2012, with subways in NYC suffering serious damage due to the massive inflow of water into stations and tunnels. California also has been greatly affected by natural disasters, with 2018 seeing wide-spread forest fires, torrential rain, and a large-scale landslide that damaged or destroyed over 500 structures. In Japan, torrential rain devastated West Japan, in areas such as Hiroshima and Okayama prefectures in 2018. Train operators completely or partially suspended operations on more than a 100 lines due to the outflow of railroad bridges and the ground under railroad tracks. In 2015, record levels of torrential rains falling in the Kanto and Tohoku regions caused the floodwalls along an approximately 660-foot-long stretch of the Kinugawa River to collapse, resulting in flooding that submerged about 15 square miles of land. Moreover, the Great East Japan Earthquake resulted in the loss of countless number of lives and assets in 2011. It is also predicted that a Tokyo inland earthquake and a Nankai trough mega earthquake will occur in the future. For this workshop, JITI USA has invited experts on the countermeasures against hurricanes and other disasters from the U.S. and Japan to discuss the progress so far, especially milestones accomplished, as well as the future path for strengthening countermeasures against hurricanes and other disasters in the railway sector. Attendees Included: the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the US Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the DC Department of Transportation, the World Bank, etc. Video and Audio Recordings 2018 JITI Disaster Prevention Workshop- Opening Remarks (English) Play Video 2018 JITI Disaster Prevention Workshop- Keynote Speeches (English) Play Video 2018 JITI Disaster Prevention Workshop- Panel Discussion (English) Play Video 2018 Disaster Prevention Workshop Video Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close 2018 JITI Disaster Prevention Workshop- Opening Remarks (Japanese) Play Video 2018 JITI Disaster Prevention Workshop- Keynote Speeches (Japanese) Play Video 2018 JITI Disaster Prevention Workshop- Panel Discussion (Japanese) Play Video 2018 防災ワークショップ ビデオ Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close Opening Remarks Bio Tomomi Tsuchiya President, JITI USA Remarks Keynote Speeches Hampton H. Hart, Jr. Deputy Director, Technological Hazards Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Bio Presentation Bill Douglas Senior Risk Analyst, Risk Management, LA Metro Bio Presentation Takeshi Kawagoe Senior Chief Researcher, Head of Geology Laboratory, Disaster Prevention Technology Division, Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI), Japan Bio Presentation Panel Discussion and Q&A

2019 Civil Aviation Symposium The Future of Civil Aviation in the Asia Pacific Region Tuesday, October 8th, 2019 Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 Summary of the event Air passenger transport in the Asia Pacific region has been steadily growing and reached 1.6 billion passengers in 2018. While air passengers in the region have increased, Japan hopes to achieve even greater targets of 40 million foreign visitors in 2020 and 60 million in 2030, and is implementing policies in order to address these increasing aviation demands. One major policy is to enhance the functions of Tokyo metropolitan airports by such measures as reviewing the flight paths to and from Haneda (Tokyo International Airport) and developing a third runway in Narita Airport. Another is to strengthen gateway functions at regional airports through such actions as airport management privatization utilizing the Concessions Method. However, at the same time, the competitive environment for international civil aviation in the Asia Pacific region has drastically changed owing to the enhancement of long-haul direct flights from the U.S. to Asian destinations other than Japan, the construction of mega airports in Asian countries, and the rise of long-haul Low Cost Carriers (LCCs), especially from Southeast Asian countries. JITTI was pleased to invite experts in international civil aviation from aeronautical authorities and air carriers in Japan and the U.S, as well as an airport operator from Japan, to discuss the future vision and aviation strategies of international civil aviation in the Asia Pacific region. Read more on the results of the symposium below. Video, Audio, and Written Records 2019 Civil Aviation Symposium-First Session ( English) Play Video 2019 Civil Aviation Symposium-Second Session ( English) Play Video 2019 Civil Aviation Symposium Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Close 2019 Civil Aviation Symposium-First Session (日本語) Play Video 2019 Civil Aviation Symposium-Second Session (日本語) Play Video 2019 国際航空シンポジウム Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Close First Session Transcript: Opening & Guest Remarks, Keynote Speeches Second Session Transcript: Panel Discussion, Audience Q&A Opening Remarks Masafumi Shukuri Chairman, Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA (JITTI USA) Chairman, Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (JTTRI) Bio Remarks Honorable Guest Remarks Shinsuke Sugiyama Ambassador of Japan to the United States Bio Hugo Yon Deputy Assistant Secretary, Transportation Affairs, U.S. Department of State Bio Keynote Speeches Jotaro Horiuchi Assistant Vice-Minister for International Aviation, Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan Bio Presentation David Short Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation Bio Presentation Akihiko Tamura President & CEO, Narita International Airport Corporation Bio Presentation Panel Discussion Moderator Hirotaka Yamauchi President for Research, JTTRI Bio Panelists Shuichi Fujimura Executive Officer, Alliances & International Affairs, All Nippon Airways Robert Wirick Managing Director, Regulatory and International Affairs, American Airlines Bio Heather Wingate Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, Delta Air Lines Bio Stephen Morrissey Vice President, Regulatory and Policy, United Airlines Bio Presentation Presentation Presentation Bio Presentation Tadao Nishio Managing Executive Officer, Corporate Strategy & Planning, Japan Airlines Bio Presentation Akihiko Tamura President & CEO, Narita International Airport Corporation Bio Results Following the opening remarks by Chairman Shukuri, we received honorable guest remarks from Ambassador Sugiyama and DOS Deputy Assistant Secretary Yon. Then, lectures were given on the current status and future prospects of US and Japan civil aviation and airports by MLIT Assistant Vice-Minister Horiuchi, DOT Deputy Assistant Secretary Short, and Narita Airport Corp. President & CEO Tamura. [Key Points of the Lecture by MLIT Assistant Vice-Minister Jotaro Horiuchi] Since 2010, the number of air passengers has increased by 35% between Europe and Asia, 42% between Europe and North America, and 62% between North America and Asia. The “Visit Japan Campaign,” which started in 2003, has been contributing to promotional efforts to attract tourists to Japan. Both Haneda and Narita airports are working to expand their functions. In particular, Narita Airport is planning on constructing a third runway, and will see a 60% increase in take-offs/landings by the late 2020s. If taking into consideration the operations of both airports, it is expected that the number of take-offs/landings will reach about 1 million annually. Expansions to increase functionality and facility upgrades are also being carried out at airports in various locations such as Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka and Shin-Chitose. [Key Points of the Lecture by DOT Deputy Assistant Secretary David Short] US-Japan aviation has a long history, and both parties have continued to remove obstacles by deepening cooperation between the two countries. In 2010, the US-Japan Open Skies Agreement came into effect, and has contributed to a reduction in aviation costs by over 21% and increased the number of inbound and outbound flights by 26%. An expansion of international flights at Haneda Airport will contribute to the Japanese government’s goal of attracting tourists by connecting those flights with domestic ones throughout Japan. Despite the growth of direct flights to Southeast Asian countries, Tokyo continues to thrive as a gateway. Operational efficiency is expected to increase due to further privatization and deregulation of the Japanese aviation industry. [Key Points of the Lecture by Narita Airport Corp. President and CEO Akihiko Tamura] Passenger traffic in Asia is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of above 5% over the next 20 years, many airports in Asia are planning to expand their functions. This means an increased opportunity for air transport services as well as an intensification of competition between airports. In particular, the LCC market in Northeast Asia has great growth potential. At the same time as Narita Airport is planning on opening its new third runway, it is also scheduled to expand its runways and broaden airport business hours. In addition, Narita Airport has strived to improve customer experiences, introduce face recognition check-ins, and facilitate security lines. [Panel Discussion Points] The panelists and moderators discussed topics such as “What is the most crucial strategy for the growth of civil aviation in the Asia-Pacific region?”. Opinions were exchanged and a lively discussion was held on the future of international civil aviation in the Asia-Pacific region, including questions from the audience. JITTI USA was established by

Development of High-speed Rail in the United States Development of High-speed Rail in the United States by Shuntaro Okimoto Since coming to Washington, D.C. last summer, I have been investigating various subjects in the transportation sector. In Japan, in recent years a hot topic is the development of high-speed rail in the United States. Currently, the only high-speed rail in the United States that is universally acknowledged is the Acela Express. Those who advocate for high speed railway development in the United States voice that by having this advancement, people will gain more transportation choices and will be able to live more conveniently. In Japan, high-speed railways are set up around the country, and the network continues to expand to this day. If you have been to Japan and have been on the Japanese bullet train, Shinkansen, you know that you can travel far, fast and comfortably. From Tokyo, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Sendai (4 hours and a half by car), about 1 hour and 40 minutes to Nagoya (4 hours and a half by car), about 2 hours and 20 minutes to Osaka (6 hours by car), and about 4 hours for Hiroshima (10 hours by car) or Hakodate in Hokkaido (about 18 hours by car). Because it is a very convenient transportation system, Japanese people (especially those who live in Tokyo, the center of the network) use the Shinkansen for business and family trips. Furthermore, because of their experience and knowledge of its usefulness, many Japanese want to recommend high speed rail to foreign countries, and especially to the US, which they feel a familiarity with. They are also ready to offer their technical skills. Therefore, there are both people in the United States who wish for the development of high speed rail, and those in Japan who are prepared to offer their expertise to make this happen. This then begs the question, “Why is there no progress for the developments of high-speed rail in the US?” Various hypotheses have been proposed as to why. Some of these include: Japanese people like railroads, but that most Americans don't as much, preferring cars and airplanes; it costs too much money for construction in the US; and that the US and Japan are too different in terms of country size, population density, and population concentration in cities to make high speed rail construction possible. In order to find the answer to this conundrum, I compared various data of both countries, such as preferences in modes of transportation, population, history, geography, and the government’s financial situation. An Acela Express high-speed train ( Amtrak Acela Express power car no. 2000, Boston South Station, MA by Michael Day is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ) My answer to the question at the moment is that the lack of development is due to the fact that construction of high-speed rail is occurring after those of other traffic modes. In the United States, other modes of transportation developed significantly beforehand, as represented by the introduction of jet aircraft starting in the 1950s and the completion of about 65,000 km of highway in 1991 with a construction period of 35 years. For that reason, railways have been excluded from discussions for how to build comprehensive traffic modes or how to make them more convenient. The development of high-speed rail in the United States has only been considered as a means to recover the declined intercity passenger rail system. The situation is very different from Japan's high-speed railway, which has been developed to compete with highway construction. Of the specific issues deterring the development of high-speed rail in US, the biggest obstacle is finance. In particular, two major risks that occur with railway construction projects are increases in construction costs and the procurement of fare revenue. These problems are universal, and in addition the public often shares in some of the risk as well. Thus, a history of creating and maintaining rail after other modes of transportation is completed is an obstacle itself. How does one attain support for a high-speed railway when construction of said railway is continually postponed? I think that is very difficult. We cannot change the past. However, does this mean that high-speed rail development in the United States will remain a dream? I do not think so. I’ve observed that people in this country, whether consciously or subconsciously, like for travel to be convenient and comfortable. There are many services here that are not available or are not as prevalent in Japan that prove my point. For example, since coming to the United States, I've been addicted to ride-sharing services. I’ve also wanted to try riding the electric scooters in Washington, D.C. which are popular too. The Washington, D.C. subway SmarTrip Card is simple and easy to use. The buses here may be cleaner and more comfortable than Japan. The airport has many signs and is spacious. The highway has many lanes and it is easier to drive on them. I think high-speed rail will be definitely appreciated by people in this country who prefer comfortable travel. As people in the United States become more aware of high-speed railways, the solution to the difficult problem of gaining support mentioned above will be attained. I presented my research in Tokyo this summer, and introduced high-speed rail projects in the United States to a Japanese audience. It seemed interesting to them that the projects were being promoted in California, Florida, Texas, etc., despite difficulties. From the audience, I received the following comments. “It is the same as in Japan that high-speed rail projects include working with other modes of transportation and developing surrounding areas.” “ The disclosure of information, such as cost estimates related to the project, is more advanced than in Japan.” “I realized that Japan can also learn more by knowing about high-speed rail projects developing in the United States.” I want to continue to challenge myself to connect the consciousnesses of the people in both our countries through research activities. Pictured here is the Shinkansen in Japan, which has transported over 5 billion passengers ( Tokyo 4338 by tokyoform is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ) Back to All JITTI Journals September 2019 Feature Article

JITI 2015 Railway Workshop Challenges for Railroad Improvements and Projecting New Lines March 23rd, 2015 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Choate Room 1779 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. The American economy will suffer without updates to the Northeast Corridor. The surrounding region currently generates 20 percent of the country's gross domestic product. But how do we go about updating the nation's busiest rail corridor? Federal planners are working on a strategy for investing in the Northeast Corridor through 2040, and alternatives range from simple service improvements to a new high-speed corridor between Washington and Boston. JITI invited speakers to discuss the technical challenges in the Northeast Corridor improvement initiative, and how the United States can learn from rail development projects in Japan. The event will also showcase innovative rail models, including Japan's new Shinkansen trains. Opening Remarks Taro Kobayashi Senior Representative, JITI USA Keynote Speeches Yasutake Kojima Director of Administration and Treasurer, East Japan Railway Company Bio PPT Presentation Drew Galloway Assistant Vice President, Policy & Development , Amtrak Bio Presentation