JITTI Journal March 2020 Back to All JITTI Journals March 2020 Feature Article Foreign Cruise Passengers in Japan  by Daisuke Takagi 1. INTRODUCTION  In recent years, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has rapidly increased. While most of these foreign tourists come to Japan by air travel, the number of tourists visiting Japan by cruise is increasing. This article introduces the trends of foreign tourists enjoying cruise trips in Japan. 2. THE NUMBER OF FOREIGN CRUISE PASSENGERS VISITING JAPAN The number of foreign passengers entering Japan by cruise ship was 2.153 million in 2019 (down 12.2% from the previous year). This is because the number of cruise passengers from China, which account for about 80% of cruise passengers visiting Japan, decreased to 1.74 million (down 14.5%). The Chinese cruise market has entered a phase of adjustment after a huge expansion from 2018, and the number of cruise passengers visiting China from Japan is expected to decrease due to a decline in the number of cruise ships dispatched to the Chinese market in 2019. By origin, the number of cruise passengers visiting Japan from central China, mainly from Shanghai, dropped sharply to 904,000 (down 32.4%), while those from northern China such as Tianjin came to 441,000 (down 17.6%). 395 million passengers visited from Hong Kong and other southern Chinese cities (up 21.9%), and 288,000 cruise passengers came from Taiwan (up 4.7%), both up from 2018. In addition, the number of foreign cruise passengers that embarked on Japanese ships in Japan has increased to 89,000 (up 20.3%) due to “fly and cruise operations” and the progression of the diversification of foreign cruise passengers. Fly and Cruise initiatives, which package flight and cruise plans for easy booking, have increased in popularity and use by foreign passengers boarding Japanese cruise ships (image does not reflect actual spacing between aircraft and cruise ship) 3. THE NUMBER OF CRUISE SHIP CALLS The total number of cruise ship calls to Japanese ports in 2019 decreased 2.2% from the year before to 2,867 times (1,932 foreign shipping companies and 935 Japanese shipping companies). The most calls by port are: 1st place: Naha Port, 260 times (2nd place last year: 243 times); 2nd place: Hakata Port, 229 times (1st place last year: 279 times); 3rd place: Yokohama Port, 188 times (4th place last year: 168 times). The following paragraphs explain the number of cruise ship calls operated by foreign shipping companies and Japanese shipping companies respectively. (1) Cruise ships operated by foreign shipping companies The number of calls at Japan’s ports by cruise ships operated by foreign shipping companies increased last year by 1.0% from 2018 to 1,932 times. By origin, the number of cruises departing from China was 893 times, down 10.6%, and the number of cruises departing from Taiwan was 241 times, down 2.4% from the previous year. Meanwhile the number of cruises departing from Japan increased by 20.0% in 2019 to 707 times. In terms of landings, ports to call in Kyushu have decreased, while port calls at domestic areas other than Kyushu increased. The most active ports are: 1st place: Naha Port, 251 times (2nd place last year: 236 times); 2nd place: Hakata Port, 205 times (1st place last year: 263 times); 3rd place: Nagasaki Port, 178 times (3rd place last year: 215 times). As described above, the adjustment phase of the Chinese cruise market continued in 2019, and as a result of each shipping company decreasing the number of vessels dispatched to the Chinese market, the number of calls for cruise ships departing from China decreased mainly in Kyushu. On the other hand, the number of foreign cruise ships that carry out cruises to and from Japan, mainly for Japanese and Western customers (who fly into Japan to board a cruise) has increased. As a result, the number of port calls at Japan ports other than Kyushu has been increasing, and ports to call have been diversified. In addition, comparatively speaking, for cruise ships that called by price range, defined as (1) luxury ships (over US $ 400 per person per night), (2) premium ships (over US $ 200), and (3) standard ships (over US $ 70), calls by luxury ships, mainly wealthy customers from the United States and Europe, have particularly increased at ports throughout the country. (2) Cruise ships operated by Japanese shipping companies The number of calls at Japan’s ports by cruise ships operated by Japanese shipping companies decreased 8.1% in 2019 to 935 times.  The calls by port are: 1st place: Yokohama Port, 101 times (2nd place last year: 98 times); 2nd place: Bella Vista Marina, 100 times (1st place last year: 122 times); 3rd place: Kobe Port, 68 times (3rd place last year: 70 times). This was due to a change in the frequency of calls for cruise ships traveling around the Seto Inland Sea, mainly at Bella Vista Marina. Luxury cruises, with wealthy passengers from the United States and Europe, have been increasingly called at ports in Japan 4. FUTURE PERSPECTIVE The number of foreign cruise passengers visiting Japan by month showed an increase in November 2019 for the first time in 17 months. Due to the rapidly changing nature of world events, it is hard to predict what the future holds. However, earlier this year each shipping company had plans to launch additional large cruise ships into the Chinese market after 2020. They hoped that the market would expand from 2020 onward, with increasing cruise travel to and from Japan. As the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is likely to affect the cruise market worldwide, including in Japan, the market must be monitored closely.

Mandatory Registration of Unmanned Aircraft in Japan < Back

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Recent developments concerning the revitalization of the U.S. maritime industry have been outlined in the following reports in Japanese by the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute: “Presidential Executive Order and Section 301 Measures under the Trade Act for the Revitalization of the U.S. Maritime Industry” (April 21, 2025); “The SHIPS Act for the Revitalization of the U.S. Maritime Industry” (May 9, 2025); and “Recent Developments in the Revitalization of the U.S. Maritime Industry: Application of Section 301 Measures under the U.S. Trade Act and other measures” (October 15, 2025). Subsequently, as a result of the U.S.–China summit held on October 30, 2025, both countries agreed to suspend port-related charges and other measures that had been in effect since October 14. The pause is to last for one year, starting November 10. This report focuses particularly on the actions taken by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, as there have been major developments since our latest report, which describes wider measures by the U.S. administration and congress in order to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry through executive orders, the SHIPS Act, Section 301 actions and so forth. < Back Maritime Transportation February 2026 Recent Developments in the Revitalization of the U.S. Maritime Industry: Application of Section 301 under the U.S. Trade Act By Kazuya Fukuhara & Hiroyuki Yamagami Recent developments concerning the revitalization of the U.S. maritime industry have been outlined in the following reports in Japanese by the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute: “Presidential Executive Order and Section 301 Measures under the Trade Act for the Revitalization of the U.S. Maritime Industry” (April 21, 2025); “The SHIPS Act for the Revitalization of the U.S. Maritime Industry” (May 9, 2025); and “Recent Developments in the Revitalization of the U.S. Maritime Industry: Application of Section 301 Measures under the U.S. Trade Act and other measures” (October 15, 2025). Subsequently, as a result of the U.S.–China summit held on October 30, 2025, both countries agreed to suspend port-related charges and other measures that had been in effect since October 14. The pause is to last for one year, starting November 10. This report focuses particularly on the actions taken by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, as there have been major developments since our latest report, which describes wider measures by the U.S. administration and congress in order to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry through executive orders, the SHIPS Act, Section 301 actions and so forth. Download the Report

In 2023, El Niño caused a significant drop in the water levels of Lake Gatun, leading to severe restrictions on the number of ships able to transit the Panama Canal. Despite its vast landmass, geographically isolated from the sea, the United States functions as a maritime nation, in line with Alfred Mahan’s theory of sea power, with the majority of its imports and exports relying on maritime routes. Consequently, the restrictions on Panama Canal transits that year had a substantial impact on the U.S. economy. For Japan, an undeniable sea power surrounded by ocean and dependent on maritime logistics for 99.6% of its trade, the Panama Canal is a crucial maritime route that directly affects its economic security. This paper will examine the recent developments concerning the Panama Canal and, drawing on insights that I’ve gained from working in Washington, will analyze the impact of sea lane vulnerabilities on U.S. economic security. < Back Maritime Transportation September 2024 A Study on the Impact of the Panama Canal’s Vulnerabilities on U.S. Economic Security By Daisuke Komatsu In 2023, El Niño caused a significant drop in the water levels of Lake Gatun, leading to severe restrictions on the number of ships able to transit the Panama Canal. Despite its vast landmass, geographically isolated from the sea, the United States functions as a maritime nation, in line with Alfred Mahan’s theory of sea power, with the majority of its imports and exports relying on maritime routes. Consequently, the restrictions on Panama Canal transits that year had a substantial impact on the U.S. economy. For Japan, an undeniable sea power surrounded by ocean and dependent on maritime logistics for 99.6% of its trade, the Panama Canal is a crucial maritime route that directly affects its economic security. This paper will examine the recent developments concerning the Panama Canal and, drawing on insights that I’ve gained from working in Washington, will analyze the impact of sea lane vulnerabilities on U.S. economic security. Download the Report

Autonomous Driving in Restricted Areas at Japanese Airports Autonomous Driving in Restricted Areas at Japanese Airports By Yoshihiro Fujimaki 1. What is “autonomous driving in restricted areas”? Development of the autonomous driving car is progressing not only for public roads but also for airport environments. It looks easier to ensure traffic safety in restricted areas of airports, so-called “Airside,” than on public roads because neither the general public nor cars driven by them are present. In addition, while the Japanese government has set an aspirational target of 60 million inbound tourists in 2030, the capacity of airports may be constrained by a shortage of labor working at airports, especially those working for ground handling services. Therefore, autonomous driving cars at airports are expected to be a quite useful tool for labor-saving. Based on the above circumstances, in 2018, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) established a committee to study demonstration experiments of autonomous driving in airport restricted areas. This committee aims to realize autonomous driving in restricted areas by conducting several demonstration experiments. Since its establishment, the committee has been considering the guidelines, selecting participants, and reviewing the results of such demonstration experiments. The committee focuses on towing tractors and ramp buses, some of which are currently at “Level 3” autonomy and will be at “Level 4” autonomy in the future. The differences between “Level 3” and “Level 4” in autonomy are shown in the table below. Table 1: Differences between “Level 3” and “Level 4” in autonomous driving (Prepared based on “Public-private ITS Initiative/Roadmaps 2020” (in Japanese, definitions of these Levels are equivalent to SAE International J3016 (2016)): https://cio.go.jp/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/its_roadmap_2020.pdf ) 2. Autonomous driving towing tractor Towing tractors are used for transporting passenger checked baggage and other cargo within the airport. Serving as the demonstration experiments which I mentioned earlier, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have been conducting several trials of autonomous driving towing tractors. ANA has been holding tests at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport). Their autonomous driving towing tractor is manufactured by Toyota Industries Corporation, and it runs along the pre-defined route based on information gathered from camera, GPS and Laser imaging Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) integrated sensors. In FY2021, they performed over 200 transportations of passenger checked baggage and other cargo, over 1,100 km in total, without any delay. JAL has been conducting tests at Narita International Airport. Their autonomous driving towing tractor is manufactured by TLD Group, and it also runs along pre-defined route based on information from odometer, inertial measuring unit (IMU), GPS and LiDAR sensors. In FY2020, they performed over 300 transportations of passenger checked baggage, over 300 km in total, and have officially introduced the autonomous driving towing tractor since March 2021. (The above figure is reprinted from the JAL’s website: https://press.jal.co.jp/en/release/202103/005973.html ) 3. Autonomous driving ramp bus Ramp buses are used for transporting passengers between airport terminal buildings or between airport terminal buildings and aircraft. An autonomous driving ramp bus is now undergoing demonstration experiments at Narita International Airport. That autonomous driving ramp bus is for 10 passengers, and is manufactured by Tajima Motor Cooperation with autonomous driving system developed by TIER IV, which is a software development company in Japan. It runs along the pre-defined route based on information from camera, IMU, GPS and LiDAR sensors, and ran in total for about 80 km in 4 days for a demonstration in FY2021. Currently, the consortium including Narita International Airport Corporation and TIER IV is conducting trials where a single remote supervisor monitors up to three vehicles at the same time. (The above figure is reprinted from the Narita International Airport Corporation’s website (in Japanese: https://www.naa.jp/jp/docs/20220210-5g_HP.pdf ) 4. Towards “Level 4” autonomy Besides vehicle development, several challenges regarding infrastructure and traffic rules still remain in order to realize “Level 4” autonomous driving in airport restricted areas. Particularly in restricted areas, generally there are no traffic lights at intersections and tall traffic lights may become a hazardous obstacle to aircraft in those locations . Regarding this point, it is still under consideration for how to ensure traffic safety using infrastructure and/or traffic rules. JCAB has set the target to realize “Level 4” autonomous driving both for towing tractors and for ramp buses by 2025, and continues working with the participants of demonstration experiments. Back to All JITTI Journals January 2023 Feature Article

Civil Aviation Symposium 2023 Achieving Aviation Sustainability: Challenges and Necessary Cooperation Thursday, October 5th 3:00- 6:15 PM (Reception to Follow) A Free Hybrid Event: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 / Virtually hosted in English and Japanese Time Table Directions to Venue Survey Overview Due to the pandemic, multi-layered and extensive people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the United States have been severely restricted. During this time, international circumstances changed rapidly, including the military invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the expansion of China's hegemonic movements. In light of this, our research institute h eld the 1st JTTRI-JITTI USA Global Seminar “A Rapidly Changing Post Pandemic World Order and the New Japan-U.S. Relationship Hereafter” last December, virtually connecting Japan and the U.S., and invited leading figures in Japan-U.S. diplomacy and security to discuss the need for further evolution and development of Japan-U.S. relations in the future. Furthermore, as a continuation of the Global Seminar, JITTI USA presented the “U.S.-Japan International Exchange and Tourism Symposium 2023” face-to-face in Washington, D.C. in March, and hosted a discussion reconsidering the significance of, and how to rebuild and strengthen, U.S.-Japan people-to-people exchanges. On the other hand, circumstances have changed drastically from before and after the coronavirus pandemic for air transportation, which can be said to be the bedrock of international exchange. Furthermore, current circumstances of air transportation between Japan and the United States do not allow for discussions purely on the premise of growth, as was done in the past, but rather the greatest matter is how to realize sustainable aviation even in the midst of increasing situational uncertainty in aviation. Considering the importance of air transport between Japan and the United States, particularly as there is great economic security in the North America and Asia connections via Japan, this symposium will focus on these two nations’ responses to climate change, which is the most urgent and important issue to aviation professionals around the globe today. There will also be discussion on the strategies and measures needed to realize aviation sustainability, as well as what kind of role public and private stakeholders in both Japan and the United States will play to accurately communicate the significance and challenges of responding to climate change issues to the world. UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that this symposium covers: Video Highlight Opening Remarks Masafumi Shukuri Chairman, Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA (JITTI) Chairman, Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (JTTRI) English 日本語 Bio Remarks Greetings by Guest of Honor Koji Tomita Ambassador of Japan to the United States English 日本語 Bio Keynote Speeches English 日本語 Carol A. (Annie) Petsonk Assistant Secretary, Aviation and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation Bio Toshiyuki Onuma Senior Deputy Director General, JCAB, Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan English 日本語 Bio Presentation Heidi Gomez Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs, U.S. Department of State English 日本語 Bio Jeff Marootian Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US Department of Energy English 日本語 Bio Presentation Panel Discussion #1 Airline Initiatives to Reach Carbon Neutral Goals by 2050 Panelists Cherie Wilson Vice President, Government Affairs- Sustainability, Delta Air Lines Bio Tom Michels Direct or, Government Affairs, United Airlin es Bio Tadashi Matsushita Executive Vice President, ANA Group Corporate Strategy – Airline Management, and Okinawa Region, ANA Holdings, Inc Bio Makoto Maezawa Senior Vice President- The Americas, Japan Airlines Bio Moderator Steve Csonka Executive Director, Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative Bio Presentation Presentation Presentation English 日本語 Presentation Panel Discussion # 2 Expanding and Securing Sustainable Aviation Fuel Panelists Jimmy Samartzis Chief Executive Officer and Board Director, LanzaJet Bio Saburo Takeuchi General Manager -Policy Research & Government Relations, Next Generation Energy Business Group, Mitsubishi Corporation Bio Binyam (Ben) Reja, Ph.D. Global Practice Manager, Transport Practice, Infrastructure Vice Presidency, World Bank Bio Carol A. (Annie) Petsonk Assistant Secretary, Aviation and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation Bio Presentation Presentation Toshiyuki Onuma Deputy Director General, JCAB, Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan Bio Jeff Marootian Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US Department of Energy Bio Moderator Steve Csonska Executive Director, Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative Bio English 日本語

The first part of this report outlines the status of operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line Of Sight in the United States and considerations for expanding such operations in the future. The second part of the report provides a summary of the 2022 FAA Drone Symposium, with speaker highlights that pertain to the aforementioned topic. < Back Civil Aviation Consideration Status for the Expansion of Unmanned Aircraft Systems BVLOS Operations and Participation Report from the 2022 FAA Drone Symposium By Yoshihiro Fujimaki The first part of this report outlines the status of operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line Of Sight in the United States and considerations for expanding such operations in the future. The second part of the report provides a summary of the 2022 FAA Drone Symposium, with speaker highlights that pertain to the aforementioned topic. Download the Report

Contact Us The Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA is located in the business district, in the heart of Washington, DC. Our office is open on Monday to Friday, closed for Federal Holidays and the Japanese New Year. The closest stations to our office are Farragut North (Red line) and Farragut West (Silver/Orange/Blue). Please contact us at any time regarding our events or your transport and tourism research questions. Phone: 202.833.9763 Fax: 2 02.833.9769 JITTI USA 1819 L Street NW, Suite 1000 Washington, D.C. 20036 Send Thank you for your email. We will respond as soon as possible.

Creating an Environment Where Foreign Visitors Can Travel Without Anxiety in Japan < Back

Itsukushima: Japan’s Cutting-Edge Maritime Training Vessel Shaping Future Coast Guard Officers Itsukushima: Japan’s Cutting-Edge Maritime Training Vessel Shaping Future Coast Guard Officers by Daisuke Komatsu The Japan Coast Guard Academy’s newly commissioned training vessel, Itsukushima, launched this summer of 2024, marks a significant step forward in maritime training and Japan’s territorial security. It replaces the long-serving Kojima, which was well-known and loved during its world training voyages, including frequent visits to the U.S. With Itsukushima expected to follow in its predecessor’s footsteps, visiting the U.S. as part of its future training missions, it is hoped that the ship will continue to symbolize the strong Japan-U.S. maritime partnership. New Training Vessel _Itsukushima_ Image provided by: Japan Coast Guard The ship was built under Japan’s broader strategy to strengthen maritime capabilities, particularly in response to growing demands for security operations around the Senkaku Islands. Japan Coast Guard operations in these waters have increased in recent years, necessitating an expansion of training programs. The Academy has also increased student intake, with new programs aimed at university graduates, further stretching the capacity of the aging Kojima, and creating the need for a more advanced and spacious training vessel. Itsukushima, at 134 meters long and 5500 tons, is almost double the size of its predecessor Kojima, which had a gross tonnage of around 3000 tons. When comparing their gross tonnages, Itsukushima offers significantly more capacity, allowing for the training of more students and advanced equipment. This increase in size and capacity ensures that the new vessel can meet the growing demands of the Japan Coast Guard’s expanding training programs. Interior view of Itsukushima's bridge Image provided by: Japan Coast Guard A distinctive feature of Itsukushima is its dual-layer bridge system. The upper bridge is used for operational navigation, while the lower bridge is dedicated to student training. Both bridges are equipped with the same navigation instruments, allowing students to practice maneuvering a ship in real-time without interrupting the ship’s regular operations. This design significantly enhances practical training modules, enabling students to gain hands-on experience while the ship remains fully functional for official duties. Trainees undertaking their first onboard training aboard Itsukushima Image provided by: Japan Coast Guard Additionally, Itsukushima is equipped with classrooms and multipurpose rooms for student use, which are essential for conducting international exchanges and hosting receptions when the vessel visits various ports. The ship is also designed to serve in emergency response missions during natural disasters, featuring enhanced seaworthiness and long-range operational capabilities. With state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, the vessel provides realistic and practical training experiences that prepare students for real-world missions. The ship’s name, Itsukushima, derives from the famous island in Hiroshima Prefecture, home to the renowned Itsukushima Shrine, symbolizing Japan’s deep maritime traditions. Beyond its vital training missions, Itsukushima will be showcased at several ports in Japan and foreign countries to further strengthen Japan’s ties with its international allies. As Itsukushima embarks on its voyages, including planned visits to the U.S., it is poised to become a new symbol of Japan-U.S. cooperation. The Japan Coast Guard hopes for continued support and encouragement as it trains the next generation of officers. Along with another training vessel currently under construction, Itsukushima will enable the Japan Coast Guard Academy to offer enhanced training to a larger number of students, preparing them for the increasing challenges of securing Japan’s territorial waters and ensuring maritime security. The former training vessel, Kojima, entrusted its mission to Itsukushima. Image provided by: Japan Coast Guard Back to All JITTI Journals September 2024 Feature Article

The United States presidential election was held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with Donald Trump emerging victorious. Ahead of his inauguration on January 20, various reports have surfaced regarding the policies of the incoming Trump administration, and those policy directions have been a key topic of debates held in Washington, D.C. Based on information gathered locally and various reports, this report provides an overview of the possible direction of transportation and tourism policies under the new administration, while also touching on the outlook for Japan-U.S. relations. < Back Tourism & More January 2025 The Direction of Transportation and Tourism Policies under the Incoming Trump Administration (Trump 2.0) By Kazuya Fukuhara The United States presidential election was held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with Donald Trump emerging victorious. Ahead of his inauguration on January 20, various reports have surfaced regarding the policies of the incoming Trump administration, and those policy directions have been a key topic of debates held in Washington, D.C. Based on information gathered locally and various reports, this report provides an overview of the possible direction of transportation and tourism policies under the new administration, while also touching on the outlook for Japan-U.S. relations. Download the Report