2024 Rail Symposium hosted by JITTI USA and APTA. Held on April 11, 2024 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Rail Symposium 2024 Value Creation for a Sustainable Society A JITTI and APTA Co-hosted Event: Thursday, April 11th 3:00- 6:00 PM (Followed by a Reception) A Free Hybrid Event: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 / Virtually hosted in English and Japanese An Official Participating Event of the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival Timetable Directions to Venue Overview The business environment surrounding passenger rail has changed dramatically in both Japan and the U.S. since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020. Currently, demand for passenger rail has not returned to pre-pandemic levels in view of a diversification of work styles, including more remote work. At the same time, we have witnessed significant milestones for the passenger rail industry in the past few years. The Biden administration in the U.S. has made a generational investment in rail and public transportation infrastructure under the IIJA (the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted in November 2021). In Japan, high-speed rail projects such as the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension scheduled for March 2024 and development projects around terminal stations such as Shibuya in Tokyo and Umeda in Osaka are progressing smoothly. As the world moves toward carbon neutrality, passenger rail is attracting attention as an environmentally friendly means of transportation. As natural disasters become more frequent, it is becoming increasingly important to strengthen urban resilience. This symposium aims to present and discuss how the value of passenger rail (high speed, intercity, commuter, heavy and light rail) is being articulated and measured in both Japan and the U.S., reaffirming the social and economic role that passenger rail plays by connecting cities and enhancing their attractiveness and resilience. 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 Paul Skoutelas President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association ( APTA) Bio Greetings by Guest of Honor (Video Message) Shigeo Yamada Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America Bio Keynote Speeches Jennifer Mitchell Deputy Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration Bio Masako Okano Deputy Director-General of the Railway Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (MLIT) Bio Presentation Panel Discussion #1 The Economic Value That Passenger Rail Brings by Connecting Cities Panelists Masaru Yosano Corporate Officer, Chief General Manager Consulting and Coordination Office – Overseas High Speed Railway Project, Technology Planning Department, General Technology Division, JR Central Bio Presentation Satoko Okumura Executive Director, East Japan Railway Company, Los Angeles Office Bio Presentation Andy Byford Senior Vice President, High Speed Rail Programs, Amtrak Bio Presentation Chad Edison Chief Deputy Secretary, Rail and Transit, California State Transportation Agency Bio Presentation Moderator Chris Brady Chair, APTA Committee on High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail; Principal Commonwealth Research Associates, LLC Bio Panel Discussion #2 Enhancing Urban Attractiveness and Resilience Panelists Masayoshi Uemura Senior Managing Director (Urban Transportation Business), Hankyu Corporation Bio Presentation Noriyoshi Yamagami Managing Executive Officer, Responsible for International Business Department, Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. Bio Presentation Catherine Rinaldi President, MTA Metro-North Railroad Bio Presentation Holly Arnold Administrator, Maryland Transit Administration Bio Presentation Moderator Jennifer DeBruhl Director, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Bio

In the previous report, I provided an overview and history of TOD in Paris, France, and also highlighted the redevelopment of the Rive Gauche area as a good example of it. In this issue, I would like to introduce the specific contents (transportation planning, housing/office development, future prospects) of this TOD. Additionally, in the second half, I will discuss the implications obtained from this series: Survey of Smart City Trends in the West - TOD and MaaS. < Back Surface Transportation March 2024 Survey of Smart City Trends in the West: Transit-oriented Development and Mobility-as-a-Service Part 7: Case Study – Paris, France(2) Final Report By Akito Okabe In the previous report, I provided an overview and history of TOD in Paris, France, and also highlighted the redevelopment of the Rive Gauche area as a good example of it. In this issue, I would like to introduce the specific contents (transportation planning, housing/office development, future prospects) of this TOD. Additionally, in the second half, I will discuss the implications obtained from this series: Survey of Smart City Trends in the West - TOD and MaaS. Download the Report

NEWS April 16th, 2025 In Memoriam of Ambassador Richard L. Armitage, Former Deputy Secretary of State Ambassador Richard L. Armitage, former deputy secretary of state, passed away on April 13th, 2025. Ambassador Armitage supported and greatly contributed to our activities in the United States. With great sadness, JITTI USA and JTTRI sent the following letter to Armitage International expressing our deepest condolences. Grow Your Vision Read More Latest News September 6, 2023 Press Release: Top Aviation Leaders to Join JITTI USA Civil Aviation Symposium JITTI USA to host Civil Aviation Symposium, "Achieving Aviation Sustainability: Challenges and Necessary Cooperation." Top officials and experts from the federal government, aviation industry, and manufacturing have confirmed their participation. Event Date: Thursday, October 5th, 3:00-6:15 PM Location: Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center & Held Virtually Read More September 6, 2023 JITTI USA Senior Representative, Kazuya Fukuhara, Interviewed by Sakura Radio Sakura Radio, a Japanese internet radio station, interviewed Senior Representative Fukuhara on his role at JITTI USA and how life has been here in the States. The interview was conducted in Japanese, and will air at www.SakuraRadio.com on 9/11 at 8:15 am EST. Listen to the Interview June 28, 2022 JITTI USA Senior Representative, Tetsuhiro Nakagawa, Interviewed by Sakura Radio Sakura Radio, a Japanese internet radio station, interviewed Senior Representative Nakagawa on his role at JITTI USA and how life has been here in the States. The interview was conducted in Japanese, and will air at www.SakuraRadio.com on 7/25 at 8:15 am EST. Listen to the Interview April 9th, 2020 In Memoriam of US-Japan Council President Irene Hirano Inouye The U.S.-Japan Council President, Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye, passed away on April 7th, 2020. President Hirano Inouye continually supported and greatly contributed to our activities in the United States. With great sadness, JITTI USA and JTTRI sent the following letter to the U.S.-Japan Council expressing our deepest condolences. Read More March 24th, 2020 POSTPONED: 2020 International Rail Safety Symposium The 2020 International Rail Safety Symposium, subtitled "Promoting Safe Transportation: A Focus on Enhanced Rail Safety," has been postponed until further notice. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause, and thank you for your understanding. We will inform you when this event has been rescheduled. Read More

JITTI Journal September 2023 Back to All JITTI Journals September 2023 Feature Article The Current Use of Metropolitan Airports during the First Summer Vacation after the Covid Pandemic and the Latest Initiatives at These Airports By Tetsuhiro Hagiwara Introduction The rush of people spending their summer vacation abroad peaked at Narita Airport on August 10. The departure lobby was crowded from the early morning with families carrying suitcases in anticipation of the first Bon period since the Coronavirus pandemic was designated as a "Class 5" disease under the Infectious Disease Control Law. On May 8, 2023, the Japanese government shifted the infectious disease status of the Coronavirus from "new-type influenza and other infectious diseases (equivalent to category 2)" to "category 5 infectious diseases" under the Infectious Diseases Control Law, finally eliminating the restrictions that had been in place until then, such as the constraints of going outside and wearing a mask indoors for those infected or in close contact. While Japan is flooded with foreign tourists who have returned to the country as a result of the elimination of border control measures, momentum for Japanese people to take their long-awaited overseas trips during this summer vacation is also gaining. In this article, I would like to take a look at the usage of airports in the Tokyo metropolitan area during the summer vacation (Bon period) after the Coronavirus pandemic and the efforts of non-aeronautical revenue businesses at Haneda and Narita airports to improve earnings post-COVID. 1. International Flight Usage during the Dummer Vacation Period at Airports in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area (Haneda and Narita) On August 25, the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau announced preliminary figures for this year's Bon period (August 10-20) showing that Haneda Airport had 575,940 inbound and outbound passengers and Narita Airport had 802,740 inbound and outbound passengers during the same period. Compared to 2019, before the Coronavirus pandemic, the number of daily passengers at Haneda and Narita airports recovered to 99% and 69% of their pre-COVID levels, particularly at Haneda Airport, which has finally returned to its pre-pandemic level after a long passage of time. A breakdown of passengers at Narita Airport shows that while the number of daily inbound and outbound passengers recovered to the same level compared to 2019 for foreigners, the number of Japanese was at about 50% of the level of 2019. It appears that overseas travel is still a challenge for Japanese after the Coronavirus pandemic. One reason for this may be the recent relatively high airfares and the declining purchasing power due to a weakened JPY. According to airline companies, many overseas airfares are up 20-40% on many routes compared to pre-pandemic. This is due to soaring energy prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as the yen's depreciation from around 106 yen to the dollar before the pandemic (August of the 2019) to around 145 yen at present. Crowded departure lobby at Haneda Airport with people heading overseas. (Image Source: Mainichi News) 2. Efforts in Non-aeronautical Revenue Businesses at Haneda and Narita Airports to Improve Profitability As mentioned above, the number of foreign visitors to Japan is finally returning, but airport revenues were damaged to an unprecedented degree by the Coronavirus pandemic. During the three years of COVID, what measures have struggling airport companies taken to survive in the midst of deteriorating profitability and record deficits? The airport itself is a place for extraordinary experiences Narita Airport: Bus tour in restricted area Green Port Agency, a group company of Narita International Airport Corporation, is offering a "Narita Airport Special Bus Tour" at Narita Airport. The tour includes a close-up look at aircraft in a restricted area where a variety of aircraft from around the world reside, as well as a 360° panoramic view of the cargo area, maintenance area, and 60-meter-high Ramp Central Tower. The event also provides a unique opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes of Narita Airport, including a photo tour with a famous photographer and a tour of the JAL maintenance hangar. Narita Airport Special Bus Tour (Image Source: Green Port Travel ) Haneda Airport: Aircraft Cruise Tour from Tokyo Bay At Haneda Airport, Haneda Passenger Service Co., Ltd. operates the "Under Jet Cruise", a group company of Japan Airport Building Co. The service offers an extraordinary cruise experience on a boat in Tokyo Bay, where passengers can enjoy close-up views of aircraft takeoffs and landings. The Haneda Airport Under Jet Cruise (Image Source: Japan Airport Building Co., Haneda Passenger Service Co., KM Corporation ) Other non-aeronautical revenue business Narita Airport: "+NRT factory," a brand of local products linked to the area surrounding the airport In March 2023, Narita International Airport Corporation announced the launch of "+NRT factory," a brand of local products in cooperation with the surrounding area, to develop and sell new products such as local confectionery and gourmet foods, with the aim of communicating the charm of the region to the world. We can look forward to the development of new products based on the theme of "excitement" that is unique to Narita Airport. (Image Source: Narita International Airport Corporation) Haneda Airport: Large-scale complex facility "HANEDA INNOVATION CITY Haneda Mirai Kaihatsu Corporation (an operating company in which nine companies have invested) announced the completion on June 30, 2023 of "HANEDA INNOVATION CITY" (abbreviated name: HICity), a large-scale complex facility being developed in a public-private partnership with Ota Ward in the Zone 1 development project on the former Haneda Airport site adjacent to the airport. The grand opening of the entire facility is scheduled for November of this year. HICity is Japan's first smart airport city, which will generate exchanges that transcend the boundaries between "cutting-edge" and "culture" and create new value. The building will house a variety of facilities, including research and development facilities, offices, an advanced medical center, an event hall, accommodations, Japanese cultural experience facilities, and dining facilities. It is expected to become a center for the creation of new business and innovation through the gathering and exchanges of people, goods, and information from Japan and abroad. (Image Source: Haneda Mirai Kaihatsu Corporation) 3. Efforts at Haneda and Narita Airports to Achieve Carbon Neutrality While the movement to promote carbon neutrality is accelerating in various countries and sectors around the world, in Japan, the revision of the Civil Aeronautics Law and Airport Law, which went into effect in December 2022, includes the promotion of decarbonization in the purpose provisions of both laws. In this context, I would like to introduce new initiatives at airports in the Tokyo metropolitan area (Haneda and Narita). Narita Airport: Establishment of Green Energy Frontier Co. Challenge to decarbonize energy supplied to the airport by 2050 Narita International Airport Corporation and Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. have established Green Energy Frontier Corporation to supply energy to Narita Airport and began operations on April 1, 2023. The company plans to invest 100 billion yen by 2050 through the construction of a new energy plant and the installation of a solar power generation facility, the largest of its kind in the world at an airport. The company intends to be the first in the world to build a "decarbonization model for airports" at Narita International Airport that combines environmental friendliness and resilience, and to apply this technology and know-how to urban development and industrial parks in the airport's vicinity. Rendering of the new plant Image of solar power generation equipment (Image Source: Narita International Airport Corporation, Tokyo Gas Co.) Haneda/Narita Airports: Promoting the Use of GPUs. Contributing to decarbonization by reducing aircraft "idling" on the ground Haneda and Narita airports have announced that, beginning this spring, they will raise restrictions on the use of APUs (Auxiliary Power Units), which are used to provide the electricity and air conditioning needed by aircraft parked at the airports, to the strictest level in Japan, and will further promote the use of GPUs (Ground Power Units), which have higher CO2 reduction effects, to help decarbonize the airports. The use of GPUs will reduce CO2 emissions to 1/15 or less (in the case of a Boeing 777) compared to the use of APUs, thus contributing to the promotion of decarbonization at airports in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Conceptual Diagram of GPU Supply (Image Source: East Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, Narita International Airport Corporation) Conclusion 　 According to the Quarterly Air Transport Chartbook, released August 31 by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air traffic across the industry will recover to about 88% of 2019 levels in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019, with the short-term outlook for total passenger traffic returning to 2019 levels in early 2024, It is expected to double by 2040. In Japan, the number of daily passengers during the summer Bon period has recovered to about 100% of the 2019 level at Haneda Airport and 70% of the 2019 level at Narita Airport. Furthermore, with there also being reports that the ban has been lifted for group passengers from China, which had a significant impact on the Japanese inbound economy before the pandemic, the long period of receding demand and deteriorating profitability caused by the Coronavirus is finally coming to an end. Airport operators are working to diversify their revenue sources by expanding their non-aeronautical revenue businesses, such as making the airport itself a place for extraordinary experiences and adding commercial facilities, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. This article focuses on the initiatives at Haneda and Narita airports, but we will continue to introduce new initiatives at various airports in the future, including those in other countries. References : ■Mainichi News https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230810/k00/00m/040/223000c ■Haneda Airport Summer Passenger Volume Estimates http://www.tiat.co.jp/news/cf560f0fcc77f831b332cb51259adfcbb157dd5a.pdf ■Narita Airport Summer Passenger Volume Estimates https://www.naa.jp/jp/docs/20230803_ryokyakusuikei.pdf ■Narita Airport Special Bus Tour https://nrttour.gpa-travel.jp/skybus2023-3/ ■Haneda Airport Under Jet Cruise https://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/site_resource/whats_new/pdf/000013474.pdf ■+NRT factory https://www.naa.jp/jp/docs/20230317_NRTfactory.pdf ■Haneda INNOVATION CITY https://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/site_resource/whats_new/pdf/000013575.pdf ■ Green Energy Frontier https://www.naa.jp/jp/docs/20230220_jigyokaishi.pdf ■Further promotion of GPU use https://www.naa.jp/jp/docs/20230323_GPU.pdf

In this first of two reports, JITTI Senior Research Fellow Yoshihiro Fujimaki summarizes proposed recoomendations outlined in the UAS BVLOS Operations Aviation Rulemaking Committee Report. These include air & ground risk recommendations, flight rules recommendations, aircraft and systems recommendations. < Back Civil Aviation UAS BVLOS Operations Aviation Rulemaking Committee Report: Part 1 By Yoshihiro Fujimaki In this first of two reports, JITTI Senior Research Fellow Yoshihiro Fujimaki summarizes proposed recoomendations outlined in the UAS BVLOS Operations Aviation Rulemaking Committee Report. These include air & ground risk recommendations, flight rules recommendations, aircraft and systems recommendations. Download the Report

In April 2021, after much discussion and consideration, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's proposal of unmanned aircraft regulations was finally adopted. In this report, JITTI USA Senior Fellow, Yoshihiro Fujimaki, fully describes the details of these regulations. < Back Civil Aviation Publication of Traffic Management Regulations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Europe By Yoshihiro Fujimaki In April 2021, after much discussion and consideration, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's proposal of unmanned aircraft regulations was finally adopted. In this report, JITTI USA Senior Fellow, Yoshihiro Fujimaki, fully describes the details of these regulations. Download the Report

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.