JITTI Journal Cultural Article May 2021 Back to All JITTI Journals May 2021 Cultural Article Going Wild: Japan’s Native Animals and Where to Find Them by Mamiko Kim When I taught English in Japan several years ago, I tasked a handful of my elementary school students to guess what types of animals might live in our region. These clever 7- and 8-year-olds were quick to name off a long list of potential candidates, including accurately naming deer and snakes, but they also had some interesting guesses, like wild boar and monkeys. The biggest shock to me, however, was that they struggled to think of one that is so commonplace here in Washington, D.C. that the Washington Post has an annual local photography contest of these creatures. Can you think of what animal it might have been? You likely see one of their kind outside your window right now. The students were able to correctly guess that eagles were in our region. Mr. President, a male bald eagle that shares his nest at the National Arboretum in NE Washington, D.C. with a rotating number of First Ladies, is a minor local celebrity with a 24/7 live cam. The answer is squirrels. I later learned how very smart and logical my students had been in their responses. Later that year, an announcement was made over the school intercom. “Do not exit the building, as it is dangerous,” it said. “There is a monkey wandering the school yard.” Monkeys may have been an occasional visitor to these students’ schools, but squirrels were a sight rarely, if ever, seen. Animals are neighbors that we sometimes take for granted, and it is fascinating to think how the animals we see every day are not common elsewhere, and vice versa. Japan has a rich diversity of animals, and luckily there are means for travelers to learn more about them. Here are a few native Japanese animals and where to find them: Japanese Macaque Also known as the snow monkey, the Japanese macaque is perhaps the most famous Japanese native animal outside of the country. Measuring as long as 2 feet, these macaques live across the Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu regions, ranging from subtropical to subarctic climates. In fact, among nonhuman primates they live the farthest north and in the coldest climate in the world, surviving temperatures as chilling as -4° F (-20° C). With such blistering cold weather, it may be no surprise that these characteristically gray or brown furred, red faced, and stubby tailed monkeys have found ways to adapt. In a country that takes pride in its natural hot springs and bathing culture, Japanese macaques can be found soaking in hot springs as warm as 109° F (43° C). These ingenious creatures have been observed inventing new behaviors and sharing them with others in their group as well, including washing food in rivers, seasoning sweet potatoes in salty sea water, and making snowballs for fun.1) With their high intelligence and human-like behavior, they are a popular character in Japanese folklore and even appear in Japanese Shinto and Buddhist religions. The Wise Monkeys originated from Japan (source 2), with “mi-zaru, kika-zaru, iwa-zaru,” or “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” being a play on words for the Japanese word for monkey (s/zaru). The monkeys carved here are on the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, opened in 1617. Jigokudani Yaen-koen, established in 1964, is perhaps the best place for visitors to see a wild Japanese macaque up close. The park is in Nagano Prefecture within the monkeys’ natural habitat, which encompasses several kilometers of the surrounding mountain forests and valley. Within the park is a man-made hot spring, which is a popular spot for the monkeys seeking a warm soak during the winter months. While they have become accustomed to seeing humans, the park is not enclosed, and the monkeys come and go as they please. The macaques may be found in the mountainside as well, but are more apt to keep their distance, so the park truly gives the greatest opportunity for visitors to take photographs. Meanwhile, travelers can also enjoy the natural hot springs in the area themselves with two old-fashioned resort towns nearby, Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen, which boast a wide range of historic guests, from samurai to poets, and Japanese-style inns as old as 400 years.3) The monkeys do come into the villages as well at times but prefer their own hot spring. Only a 5–10-minute bus ride from the park, the towns offer a respite after the monkey-watching of the day.4) No monkey business here- just honest relaxation for human and macaque alike. Steller’s Sea Eagle As the boat captain tosses the prepared butchered fish onto ice, you hold your breath. You’ve come to see the Steller’s sea eagle, one of the least observed or understood birds in the world due to it only being found in the remote reaches of Siberia Russia and northern Hokkaido, Japan.5) These migratory birds, the largest sea eagle and the heaviest eagle in the world (wingspan up to 8 feet/284 cm and weighing up to 21 pounds/9.5 kg), only come down to Japan during the winter where they follow the Pacific cod and Alaska pollock so important to their diet.6) While generally wary of humans, they’ve been known to walk within a few feet of fishermen that they’ve seen before, and even feasted on deer killed by huntsmen. In Japan, they come close to boats and as many as 20-30 can be seen at a time. This would be a rarity in Russia, where the birds breed along cliffs and spread out into pairs as they nest, making them more elusive. You hope today’s venture will be fruitful, and you are soon rewarded. A dark brown bird is spotted, and as it gets closer you can see the white tips along the ridge of its wings and on its tail. It lands gracefully among the pieces of fish laid about and begins to enjoy the prepared spread. The Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido is registered as a World Heritage site, specifically as it is a winter nesting ground for several rare birds, including the Steller’s sea eagle, which has been named a Japanese National Treasure and is protected. Winter cruises depart from the town of Rausu on the peninsula for wildlife observation expeditions, and along with the Steller’s sea eagles, Blakiston’s fish owls, white-tailed sea eagles, spotted seals, ribbon seals, and clione (sea angels), may be seen. February and March are the best months to visit the peninsula, as drift ice floats into the Nemuro straight, essentially cutting it off from the ocean, constructing a calm surface where the wildlife gathers. If visitors come any later, these rare birds will have flown back to their breeding grounds, and hopeful bird watchers will have to try again the following year. A size comparison between a white-tailed eagle (left- about the size of the American bald eagle) and the Steller’s sea eagle (right). Both birds nest at the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido over winter. Japanese Giant Salamander If you were walking by a river, and saw something move, what would you do? Would you be intrigued and go closer, or back away in caution? Now, what if that something was almost the same size as you? If you are lucky, you may have caught a glimpse of a Japanese Giant Salamander, who have captured the public imagination for generations. The Japanese giant salamander can be found in rivers in southwestern Japan, growing to 5 feet (160 cm) and 55 lbs. (25 kg), and living to nearly 80 years in the wild. Without gills and with poor eyesight due to its small eyes, one may wonder how well it can survive submerged, but its skin has the remarkable ability to absorb oxygen in flowing water and is also covered in hair-like sensory cells that detect vibrations. This characteristic is helpful when the salamander hunts insects, frogs, and fish at night, and its brown and black spotted skin also makes for excellent camouflage during the day when it hides under river rocks. Its name in Japanese, Osanshouo (大山椒魚), or Giant Pepper Fish, also gives a hint to another hidden talent it possesses, which when threatened, can excrete a strong smell reminiscent of Japanese peppers. "Beware of the Yokai!" from Discovery Channel Magazine June/July 2009 issue. Calligrapher: Ai Tatebayashi It is no surprise that Japanese giant salamanders have inspired legends and curiosity for ancient and modern Japanese people alike. Within Japanese mythical folklore, it is thought that the idea for kappa, or river monsters, may be based on them. With webbed hands and feet, a turtle shell on its back, and a plate on its head, kappa were dangerous creatures who were blamed for drownings. It must have given ancient Japanese people a fright to see a vaguely human-sized figure in rivers, though of course we know now that Japanese giant salamanders are generally ambivalent towards humans. More recently, the world-wide famous Pokémon franchise took an interest to Japanese giant salamanders, which were the inspiration for the cartoon creature Quagsire. Quagsire is described as carefree swimmer who likes collecting round objects, which are lucky if found by others. This certainly is an image upgrade! Quagsire from Pokémon The Japanese giant salamander’s habitats are under threat from development, with scientists estimating that further destruction will lead to the animals’ extinction (they are currently labeled as vulnerable). With this in mind, in Tottori Prefecture the Nichinan Town Office, the Daisen Oki National Park, leading Salamander Researcher, Dr. Sumio Okada, and regional expert, Richard Pearce have formed the Nichinan Japanese Giant Salamander Conservation Experience, an educational opportunity bringing participants along to assist Dr. Okada as he surveys the salamander population. Surveys are done in an ethical manner, with locations specifically selected and rotated to leave the salamanders as undisturbed as possible. Furthermore, no such expeditions are made during the breeding season (late August to mid-September). The price of the experience includes a donation to the Tari Hanzake (Giant Salamander) Conservation Group, which will further assist in conservation efforts. With the salamander’s welfare placed first in importance, travelers participating in the experience can feel good about giving a helping hand in preserving one of Japan’s important endangered creatures. These are just three of Japan’s native animals, but there are many, many more. For animal lovers, Japan offers a grand escape to see many animals up close. Including the wild animals listed above, Nara is famous for its deer that come up to ask for snacks, Okunoshima has a large population of rabbits that will hop along after you, and lounging foxes can be photographed at the Zao Fox Village in Miyagi. Of course, tame animals offer companionship in the many various cafes throughout Japan as well, including cat cafes and Shiba Inu cafes. Regardless of your length of trip, there is always an opportunity to see Japan’s native animals. References: https://blueplanetbiomes.org/japanese_macaque.php https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803104448685#:~:text=The%20Wise%20Monkeys%20originated%20in,Roads%2C%20whose%20attendants%20they%20are . https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6029.html https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6028.html https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/stellers-sea-eagle https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Steller%27s_sea_eagle#/overview https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/new-zoo-japanese-giant-salamander#:~:text=A%20supersized%20salamander%20recently%20debuted,up%20to%205%20feet%20long ! https://jpninfo.com/28101 https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Quagsire_(Pok%C3%A9mon)

The first half of 2020 was some of the most difficult times seen in the travel industry, dwarfing the 2009 financial crisis in loss of revenue. With the entire world affected, looking at the nuance between regions of the world may add some clarity to how the course of the coronavirus has impacted tourism and travel on a global scale. < Back Tourism & More Travel Trends of International Tourism in the First Half of 2020 According to the UNWTO’s World Tourism Barometer By Daisuke Takagi The first half of 2020 was some of the most difficult times seen in the travel industry, dwarfing the 2009 financial crisis in loss of revenue. With the entire world affected, looking at the nuance between regions of the world may add some clarity to how the course of the coronavirus has impacted tourism and travel on a global scale. Download the Report

EXPO 2025: Osaka, Kansai, Japan < Back

Japanese Government Initiatives for Inbound Tourism Recovery Japanese Government Initiatives for Inbound Tourism Recovery by Hirokazu Nishikawa Introduction Last October, during the Ministerial Conference on the Promotion of Tourism presided over by the Prime Minister, the government decided on a new "Policy Package for a Full-Scale Recovery of Inbound Travel." The government will mobilize all relevant ministries and agencies to implement intensive measures with the aim of achieving inbound consumption of over 5 trillion yen. The pre-Covid target was to achieve 15 trillion yen in inbound travel spending by 2030, and although the target has been reset to about one-third of the same amount, the government intends to take advantage of the weak yen to achieve the same amount as quickly as possible. 　 In this report, I would like to provide an overview of the package. Contents of the Package The package has the following four pillars, which are listed below along with specific examples of each. (1) Providing special experiences Promote the provision of special experiences and limited-time-only activities throughout the country, such as the limited-opening of Himeji Castle's keep, which is a World Heritage site. The provision of special experiences and limited-time-only initiatives will be promoted in every corner of Japan. Other examples include the opening of the interior of the five-story pagoda at Myooin Temple in Hiroshima Prefecture and the opening of the Shosoin Temple in Nara Prefecture to the public (both are designated national treasures). Myooin Five-Story Pagoda 【 Reference 】 国宝　明王院 オフィシャルホームページ ( chisan.net ) Shosoin Temple 【 Reference 】 正倉院 - 東大寺 ( todaiji.or.jp ) (2) Providing new experiences that take advantage of the charms of nature Promote the provision of new content, such as adventure tourism, which refers to activities that allow visitors to experience nature. In national parks, promote nighttime use, etc., in order to expand the use of these parks. Nighttime walking event in Akan-Mashu National Park 【 Reference 】 KAMUY LUMINA ( カムイルミナ ) (3) Promote events as a hook to attract visitors Combine tourism with art, sports, theme park-related events, etc., to attract visitors from all over Japan. Japanese food and culture, international art festivals, and large-scale international sports events will be utilized. Ghibli Park 【 Reference 】 ジブリパークとは｜ジブリパーク ( ghibli-park.jp ) (4) Strategic promotion, CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine), etc. Strategically promote the restart of tourism in Japan using social media, TV commercials, etc. Also, promote the improvement of entry points into Japan, including by further upgrading the CIQ system, in preparation for the resumption of international flights. Conclusion According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan in 2022 was approximately 3.83 million, a rapid recovery of more than 15 times compared to the previous year. Although still only 10% of the pre-Covid figure for 2019, further recovery in the number of foreign visitors to Japan is expected, supported by the impact of the yen's depreciation. The content of the package suggests that the Japanese government will develop a tourism strategy that makes the most of Japan's unique characteristics, and we look forward to this and will continue to closely monitor the Japanese government's moves to re-launch tourism. 【Reference】 001583431.pdf ( mlit.go.jp ) Back to All JITTI Journals July 2023 Feature Article

Initiatives to Relieve Congestion in Japan's Rail Industry < Back

The redevelopment project for Hudson Yard is the largest in New York City history, and consequently comes with unique financial challenges and ingenuity. Part 3 of this series investigates bonds, loans, and the current status of finances and financial relationships in the Hudson Yards Project. < Back Surface Transportation Financing Development of Public Transport-oriented Urban Growth and Subway Infrastructure at New York City’s Hudson Yard through Profit Gained from the Development Itself (Part 3) By Tomomi Tsuchiya & Daisuke Miyamoto The redevelopment project for Hudson Yard is the largest in New York City history, and consequently comes with unique financial challenges and ingenuity. Part 3 of this series investigates bonds, loans, and the current status of finances and financial relationships in the Hudson Yards Project. Download the Report

Tokyo Metro's Stock Listing and the History of Tokyo's Subway Tokyo Metro's Stock Listing and the History of Tokyo's Subway By Naoki Sato On October 23, 2024, Tokyo Metro, a railway (subway) operator in Japan, was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Previously, Tokyo Metro's shares were entirely owned by the Japanese government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. However, with this listing, 50% of these shares were sold. As of the date of its listing, this was the largest Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2024, attracting significant attention. In this article, I would like to briefly review the history of the Tokyo’s subway system and describe how Tokyo Metro was listed. In addition, I would like to inform you in advance that this article was written based on the author's research and from the standpoint of a researcher at the Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA. Overview of Tokyo’s Subway System Today There are 13 subway lines in Tokyo, mainly in the wards of Tokyo, but they are operated by two railway (subway) operators, "Tokyo Metro" and "Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation (TOEI)". To briefly explain, Tokyo Metro has a network of 180 stations with 9 lines of 195.0 km(121.1miles), of which 7 lines operate directly through each other with other railway companies, covering a distance of 556.6 km (345.8miles) of commercial lines, including mutual direct service destinations. In fiscal 2023, Tokyo Metro carried an average of approximately 6.52 million passengers per day. TOEI, meanwhile, has a network of 106 stations with 4 lines of 109.0 km(67.7miles), three of which operate directly through each other with other railway companies, covering a distance of 363.3 km(225.7miles) of commercial lines, including mutual direct service destinations. In fiscal 2022, TOEI carried an average of approximately 2.24 million passengers per day. (*As far as the author has been able to ascertain, the most recent fiscal year for TOEI figures was FY2022.) Tokyo Subway Route Map （by Tokyo Metro | Subway Map ） The beginning of Tokyo’s subway The history of Tokyo’s subway system began in 1927 with the opening of Japan’s first subway line, the Ginza Line, which initially operated between Asakusa Station and Ueno Station. The organization responsible for this construction was the predecessor of Tokyo Metro, a company established with private capital. In other words, the first steps in development of Tokyo’s subway system were initiated by a private company. The construction of a subway system by the private sector alone became difficult due to the recession and other factors, and in 1941 the Teito Rapid Transit Authority was established as a joint public-private investment organization under a law promulgated and enforced in 1938. The purpose of the Teito Rapid Transit Authority was to construct and operate the Tokyo subway system in a unified manner. View of the ticket gate at the opening of the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line （by Metro Cultural Foundation ） Participation in the construction of the Tokyo’s subway by TOEI Although the Teito Rapid Transit Authority started as a public-private venture, private capital was excluded in 1951 in favor of government funding, transforming the organization into one owned by only the national government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. At that time, Japan was experiencing economic growth and population concentration in cities, and there was an urgent need to improve the subway network. Teito Rapid Transit Authority had started construction work on the Marunouchi Line, but in order to cope with the increase in users, it was decided that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government would construct a subway as well. This was the beginning of the TOEI. Then, in 1959, the Marunouchi Line (now operated by Tokyo Metro) was fully opened, and in 1960, the Asakusa Line (operated by TOEI) began service, initially between Oshiage Station and Asakusabashi Station. This marked the start of Tokyo’s subway construction being advanced by two different operators. Furthermore, when the Asakusa Line opened, it became the first Tokyo subway line to engage in through-service operations with a private railway, Keisei Electric Railway. Ceremonial scene at the opening of the TOEI Asakusa Line （by TOEI TRANSPORTATION ） Privatization of From Teito Rapid Transit Authority to Tokyo Metro and the Discussion on Unification Tokyo Metro and TOEI Subway construction continued over the years, and by 2004, when the construction of the subway was largely completed, the Teito Rapid Transit Authority was privatized (incorporated into a corporation), becoming Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. Even after privatization, shares were held by the national government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, but the law called for the prompt sale of shares, that is, complete privatization. However, there were calls from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to discuss the unification of Tokyo’s subway operators, taking into account the historical context and convenience for passengers. In 2010, a council was established, composed from members of the national government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and Tokyo Metro, to discuss unification. Thus, discussions on the timing of the stock listing proved difficult. Amid these debates, a law was passed in 2011 stipulating that the proceeds from the sale of the national government’s Tokyo Metro shares would be allocated to the reconstruction fund for the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Stock Listing and the Expansion of the Yurakucho Line There is no doubt that the law for reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake has encouraged the listing, but I believe that there are other factors that have led to its occurrence at this time, with one of these being the expansion of the Yurakucho Line. One of the key reasons for the privatization of the Teito Rapid Transit Authority was that most new subway construction had been completed, and the focus had shifted primarily to operations. In other words, after the transition to Tokyo Metro, no new large-scale subway line construction was planned. However, due to strong local demands, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government sought to push forward with the expansion of the Yurakucho Line. Simply put, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government had two desires: to unify subway operators and to extend the Yurakucho Line. In this context, the national government presented a recommendation in 2021, stating that it would be appropriate for Tokyo Metro to be the primary entity responsible for extending the subway system while the national government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government would retain half of Tokyo Metro’s shares for the time being. In response, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government decided to proceed with the sale of its Tokyo Metro shares, which had been delayed due to discussions about unification, and also to advance the expansion of the Yurakucho Line. At last With Tokyo Metro’s stock listing, the company will undoubtedly attract more attention than ever before. This means that Tokyo Metro will need to be more conscious of its stock price and consider the voices of new shareholders in its management decisions. However, the fundamental role that Tokyo Metro and the TOEI play as subway operators in Tokyo is unlikely to change. Moving forward, I hope that both operators will continue to achieve high customer satisfaction and persist in developing a sustainable subway system that Tokyo (and Japan) can proudly present to the world. Reference Tokyo Metro https://www.tokyometro.jp/corporate/enterprise/passenger_rail/transportation/lines/index.html Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/about/service/subway.html Tokyo Subway Corporation Act https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/414AC0000000188 Recommendation of the Council for Transport Policy https://www.mlit.go.jp/policy/shingikai/content/001414998.pdf Back to All JITTI Journals November 2024 Feature Article

Deputy and JCAB Representative, Shinichi Yamada, reviews the mission of and findings from the 2019 EASA-FAA International Safety Conference. < Back Civil Aviation 2019 EASA-FAA International Safety Conference By Shinichi Yamada Deputy and JCAB Representative, Shinichi Yamada, reviews the mission of and findings from the 2019 EASA-FAA International Safety Conference. Download the Report

Rulemaking Activities for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Japan < Back

JITTI Journal March 2024 Back to All JITTI Journals March 2024 Feature Article Toward the Spread and Expansion of Sports Culture Tourism By Hirokazu Nishikawa While there are various forms of tourism around the world, there is a movement to promote and expand "sports culture tourism" in Japan as well. Sports culture tourism refers to the establishment and dissemination of new regional and Japanese brands by linking local sporting events with cultural and artistic resources, with the aim of increasing the number of foreign visitors to Japan, revitalizing domestic tourism, and revitalizing the Japanese and regional economies. The "Comprehensive Collaborative Agreement among the Japan Sports Agency, Agency for Cultural Affairs, and Japan Tourism Agency" was signed in March 2016 between the three government agencies listed, and they have been holding the "Sports Culture Tourism Awards" every year since then. The Sports Culture Tourism Awards publicly solicits, selects, and presents awards to initiatives and events that contribute to the promotion of sports culture tourism. For the 8th award, Sports Culture Tourism Award 2023, seven award-winning organizations were selected from among 29 initiatives and events that were submitted from August to September 2023 (announced in the press on January 11, 2024). In this issue, I would like to introduce the initiatives of these award-winning organizations. Main Awards (Applicant Organization) Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture “Sports Culture Tourism Centered on Imabari Castle, the Strongest Castle in Japan - The History of the Seto Inland Sea Central Region's Domination Leads to the Present Day” Outline of the Project The “Imabari Castle” in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, is the center of a series of events held in the Seto Inland Sea in Japanese fiscal year (※) 2022. The cultural event Takatora Summit in Imabari was held, and sports events such as Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Three-Day March, Imabari Criterium (a mass-start road-cycle race), Cycling Shimanami 2022, and Imabari City Marathon took place, attracting many people from Japan and abroad. In addition, Setouchi Minato Marché, a food and specialty event, was organized to encourage event visitors and tourists to stay in the city. (※) Japanese fiscal year runs from April to March (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The Marché event has done a good job of involving the local community through the use of citizen volunteers, etc. Each event is attractive, and cultural and natural resources such as Imabari Castle, Murakami Suigun, and the Shimanami Sea Route are utilized to hold cultural and sporting events that appeal to a wide range of people. Various efforts are being made to disseminate information overseas through PR on airline flights, production of TV dramas, and cooperation with bicycle manufacturers. (Applicant Organization) Echigo Matsudai Trail Running Executive Committee “[We plan to] revitalize old paths scattered throughout the satoyama (mountainous regions within village-vicinities) and to make them available as new regional resources! “Echigo Matsudai Spring Festival Trail Running Race" " Outline of the project A trail running event held in Matsudai, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. Old roads that are no longer used and in disrepair were re-excavated and prepared for the course, which included a course through a satoyama village. The event was created to allow participants to experience the original landscape of Japan. By linking the event with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, it will have the unique feature of "combining art and trail running," and its objectives are to revitalize local communities, preserve the satoyama environment, and advocate climate change action for athletes. (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The potential tourism resource of old roads in satoyama is well utilized. The project involves the local community and attracts inbound visitors. This is a very effective opportunity to highlight permanent artwork. (Applicant Organization) Annaka City Tourism Organization, General Incorporated Association “ A Railway’s Dead End, Dead No Longer: Revitalization efforts for the benefit of future generations ” Outline of Initiatives Since 2018, a walking tour has operated using an abandoned railway line in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, utilizing the Yokogawa-Karuizawa section of the Shinetsu Main Line (commonly known as the Usui Line), which was last operated in 1997. The event is an 11-km guided walk along the normally off-limits section of the line to experience its historical value and the difficulty of crossing the mountain pass. More than 90% of the participants are from outside of the prefecture, making this event a draw that will encourage other local travel and spending. (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The use of a disused railroad line makes it feel special, and the fact that it has a solid historical background and a story to tell is highly valuable. The fact that the target audience is not only people who like traveling and hiking, but also people who like railroads and civil engineering structures is new. The fact that the majority of participants are from outside of the prefecture is also very tourism-oriented. By becoming a model case for the utilization of abandoned railway lines, of which there are likely to be many throughout Japan, it is hoped that other derivative models can be created. Special Awards *Two applicable cases ① (Applicant Organization) Nara City General Foundation, General Incorporated Foundation “Enjoy authentic Japanese archery for foreign tourists - Experience the spirit of the samurai in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan ” Outline of the Project This is a project to allow foreign tourists to experience authentic Japanese archery derived from the tradition of Bushido in Nara, the hometown of the samurai. They will learn the basics of Kyudo and how to behave under the gentle and strict one-on-one guidance of a high-ranked instructor, and finally shoot an arrow by themselves. The goal is to promote the image of "Budo" = "Nara" and "Budo" = "Nara's new brand" internationally, which will lead to budo tourism from overseas. (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The value of this event will be enhanced for the local community with its history and background. The opportunity to experience authentic martial arts by wearing hakama in a real dojo is a good opportunity for visitors to understand the beauty and dignity of the Japanese people. It is a good opportunity for visitors to learn more about Nara by learning about cultural elements. ② (Applicant Organization) Fukushima Town Tourism Association “Fukushima Town, Hokkaido: "Sumo Tournament for Women Only" - the only town in Japan to have two yokozuna (sumo grand champions)” Outline of the Project The "Sumo Tournament for Women Only" has been held in Fukushima-cho, Hokkaido since 1991. It began as a project to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Kawasuso Shrine's founding and to dedicate the "women-only festival procession," and has been held every year on the second Sunday of May (Mother's Day), with the 29th held in 2023. By holding sumo, which is recognized as a national sport, as an event targeting women, they aim to broaden its base and provide a good opportunity for the children who support it to think about "women's activities" and "gender equality.” (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation This event is attended by people from overseas and outside the region. This event has been carried out for about 30 years, and it is highly valued as a part of the local sumo culture. The program has been carried out continuously with a cultural and historical　background, while also taking into account the viewpoint of women's activities. (Applicant Organization) Tourism Promotion Bureau of Shimosuwa Town Regional Development Corporation, General Incorporated Association “National Historic Site and Japanese Heritage: The Jomon World of the Starry Central Highlands: Making the "Hoshigatou Obsidian Origin Site" a Tourism Resource” Outline of the Project The Hoshigatoh Obsidian Site in Shimosuwa Town, Nagano Prefecture, was recognized as a National Historic Site in 2015 and a Japan Heritage Site in 2018. The Hoshigatoh Ruins, which are normally off-limits to visitors, will be offered as a special tour with commentary by the discoverer/excavator. In addition, they are taking a multifaceted approach by collaborating with cultural resources and museum facilities scattered in the surrounding area. By actively utilizing cultural assets while properly managing them, the project aims to create a virtuous cycle of culture, tourism, and regional revitalization. (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The content is a combination of Japanese heritage sites and surrounding culture, and the presence of a variety of guides adds value. The program is designed to involve local businesses, is also designed to encourage participants to become repeat visitors, and to create fans of the local community. The project is contributing to the expansion of recognition of Japanese heritage sites themselves. (Applicant Organization) Office of the Tan-Tetsu-ko Promotion Council “"Tan-Tetsu-Ko Meshi (Tan-Tetsu-ko Meal) Project," a culinary tour of a Japanese heritage site Outline of the Project The story of the coal and other industrial revolutions "Coal, Iron, and Port (Tan-tetsu-ko)" in Sorachi, Hokkaido, which supported Japan's growth and recovery from the Meiji era through the prewar, wartime, and postwar periods, has been recognized as a Japan Heritage site. This initiative named the food that took root in the lives of people who worked in coal mines, steel mills, ports, and railway-related facilities "Tan-tetsu-ko Meshi (Coal, Iron, and Port Meal)”, and in FY2021, commercialized the food at a major convenience store chain and installed panels at tourist information centers. In FY2022, they produced a guidebook listing the restaurants where Tan-tetsu-ko meshi was actually available and conducted an online stamp rally. (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The program focuses on food that can be tasted in the region and makes full use of the Japanese heritage story. The collaboration with a major convenience store chain is interesting because of its novelty. The program is collaborating with a number of businesses in the region, and is working on a wide-area partnership within a 100-kilometer radius. These award-winning organizations were honored at a related event, the 7th Sports Culture Tourism Symposium, held in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo on February 2, 2024. The Japanese government is committed to regional revitalization, which aims to correct the concentration of people in Tokyo, halt the population decline in rural areas, and increase the vitality of Japan as a whole. I believe that the revitalization of these regions through tourism will have a significant effect as a first step toward this goal. 【References】 「スポーツ文化ツーリズムアワード 2023 」の受賞団体を発表します ～スポーツ文化ツーリズムの普及、拡大に向けて～ | 2024 年 | 報道発表 | 報道・会見 | 観光庁 ( mlit.go.jp )

Japan's Resumption of Accepting Foreigners as a Sign of Recovery from the COVID Pandemic < Back

Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft made headlines in 2018 and 2019 when back-to-back fatal accidents shocked the aviation community. In this report, Aviation Analyst Yoshihiro Fujimaki examines the delegation system for aircraft certification, which had recently changed prior to these accidents, and who some speculate may have played a part in these unfortunate events. < Back Civil Aviation Historical Background of the Delegation System for Aircraft Certification in the U.S. and its Status after Boeing 737 MAX Accidents By Yoshihiro Fujimaki Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft made headlines in 2018 and 2019 when back-to-back fatal accidents shocked the aviation community. In this report, Aviation Analyst Yoshihiro Fujimaki examines the delegation system for aircraft certification, which had recently changed prior to these accidents, and who some speculate may have played a part in these unfortunate events. Download the Report