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JITTI Journal Cultural Article May 2020 Back to All JITTI Journals May 2020 Cultural Article Photo Credit: E! News It’s Gonna Be May… and 5 Little-Known Facts about the Japanese Music Industry by Mamiko Kim Have you seen this joke before? A friend may have posted on social media the above meme of Justin Timberlake with the popular misheard lyric, “It’s Gonna Be May,” reminding you that April is ending, and it’s going to be… well, you get the picture. For those of you who are unfamiliar, the original lyric comes from the NSYNC song “It’s Gonna Be Me.” In the late 1990s to early 2000s, NYSNC was one of the biggest US musical groups, receiving 8 Grammy nominations, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and even performing at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. From that group, the biggest break-out star is easily Justin Timberlake, who has won 10 Grammys, continues to top music charts, and is consistently listed in magazines’ best-of lists, including in 2018 when Billboard critics argued that he was “the Best Male Pop Star of the 21st century.” It was a surprise to me when speaking with a few of my Japanese colleagues, then, that they didn’t know who Justin Timberlake was. I played some of his more popular songs for them to listen to, but they hadn’t heard them before. They hadn’t even heard of NSYNC (though one colleague knew Backstreet Boys, ending the long-standing debate, I suppose, of which group is better. My middle school self would have been pleased). This conversation peaked my interest in the Japanese music industry, and highlighted to me how little I knew, despite having lived there for several years. I wondered, what music is popular in Japan? What is Japanese music consumption like in general? From my digging, here are my top 5 little-known facts about the Japanese Music Industry. Justin Timberlake's 2016 music video, "Can't Stop This Feeling," has over 1.2 billion views on Youtube. 1. Japan is the Second Largest Music Industry in the World The growth of concerts and live-shows has helped propel Japan to become the second largest music industry in the world, after the United States. 2018 saw 48 million concert goers, a 25% increase over five years, and 345 billion yen ($3.15 billion) in sales, a 49% increase during that same time. (1) Concerts are particularly important, not only for being a source of revenue, but also because it appears that Japanese fans especially value making a personal connection to the artist rather than simply consuming their music. Top-billing Japanese girl group AKB 48, for example, holds near-daily concerts in their personal theater, and were specifically founded as idols you can meet. (2) This demand for more face-time with artists also explains why Western artists may have greater difficulty breaching the Japanese market than they did before. Johnny Thompson, a former employee of Warner Music Japan and currently general manager of the international division of Japanese music publisher Nichion, explains, “When I got into the business 25 years ago, the split was about 80-20 [Japanese to Western artists in the Japanese music market]. Now, I think it’s 90-10.” (3) Western artists who have a following in Japan have labels who have pushed for their presence there. This reveals why, Carly Rae Jepson, for example, has greater music sales in Japan after amassing fans from concerts, than Adele, who has comparatively dismal music sales in Japan (3), despite being listed as the number 1 best-selling artist of the 2010s worldwide. (4) Meanwhile, in addition to the advantage of a common language and relatability, Japanese artists continue to gain greater air time and notoriety as they do the on-the-ground work of amassing fans in their home country. Results of an in-office poll asking if they knew the artists. Listed from top to bottom are the worldwide best-selling artists over the last decade, according to ChartMasters.com (#1 Adele- #10 Eminem) 2. CDs are the King of Music Sales When was the last time you bought a CD? Or better yet, when was the last time you rented one? You may be surprised to learn that CDs account for nearly 70% of music sales in Japan. (1) Meanwhile, 18% are digital sales, and only 5% of music revenue is from streaming. (5) In comparison, only 9% of music sales in the U.S. were from CDs, with 88% from digital sales and 75% of the music industry revenue coming from streaming alone. (6) One reason for this may partially be due to the fact that CD prices in Japan are protected under law, and until very recently there was resistance to streaming as it was seen as direct competition to CDs. Prices are printed directly onto packaging to prevent discounting, and an average CD costs about $17, (5) compared to averages of $13 in the US. (7) Thus, less CDs need to be sold in order to make comparable profit elsewhere. In addition, slowing the growth of digital sales is the presence of over 2,000 CD and DVD rental stores in Japan, where for under $3 you can rent a CD (and inevitably have individuals discreetly ripping songs for much cheaper than actually buying the product) (5).  However, while pirating is a concern, CDs remain a popular medium because of the ways in which artists use them to market and interact with fans. Artists release multiple varieties of their singles and albums as collectors’ items. CDs can include different album covers, trading cards of group members’ pictures, tickets for meet-and-greets and other events, and a slot into voting for annual member election contests (one vote per CD serial number). Thus, it is common for many die-hard fans to buy hundreds of copies of the same CD to attain the full set of items, and also to try to push for their favorite band member to get more publicity and visibility through the election (those who win the election are featured in a song and music video, and are the fore-runner for the following year at promotional events). (5) With the legal system on its side and the benefit of fan interaction, CDs are likely to continue to be the most popular music medium in Japan in the near future. "Happiness" by Arashi is the author's favorite song by the band. 3. Arashi’s Album was the Top Global Seller in 2019 In January of 2019, Arashi, a popular Japanese 5-member boy band, announced that they would be going on hiatus at the end of 2020 after being active for 20 years. Johnny & Associates, known for being Japan’s most prominent producer of iconic boy-band musical acts, debuted Arashi, or “storm” in Japanese, as a band that would “create a storm throughout the world.” (8) They may very well have, for they gained a following not only for their songs, but also for the dominating roles of its members in film (including Clint Eastwood’s “Letters from Iwo Jima”), television dramas, game shows, and music programs. Fans were heart-broken at the announcement of the end of their activities. As a farewell, Arashi completed a whirlwind Asia press conference tour, and released “5x20 All the BEST!! 1999-2019,” which compiled their best hits. Selling at 3.3 billion global units, it beat out sales of Taylor Swift’s “Lover” album in second place, and BTS’s “MAP OF THE SOUL : PERSONA,” which came in third in 2019. (9) Kenshi Yonezu's performance at Kohaku Uta Gassen of his hit-song "Lemon." The song begins at 1 minute 18 seconds. It was the first time a performance for the program was filmed in Tokushima, where the singer is from. 4. “Lemon” is the First Song to be #1 on a Billboard Chart for Two Years in a Row Kenshi Yonezu’s “Lemon” made history in 2019 when it hit #1 on Billboard Japan’s Year-End charts for the second year in a row. This was the first time that a song was #1 for more than one year on any countries’ Billboard chart. The melancholy song about love-gone-wrong, with a memorable lyric of one’s heart being embedded with the bitterness of lemons, remained in the top ten songs in 2018 for 10 months straight after its release. (10) Then, in December, the first month that its popularity seemed to be fading, Kenshi Yonezu appeared on Kohaku Uta Gassen , a prominent music program that many Japanese watch as part of their celebrations on New Year’s Eve. Yonezu’s enthralling performance reignited interest in the song, and kept it at the top of charts throughout the majority of the following year. (11) While “Lemon” will likely not make the same headlines in 2020, it will surely remain a beloved song for quite some time. This video of Yo Hitoto's "Hanamizuki" translates her lyrics into English. The song is a karaoke favorite in Japan. 5. The Top Karaoke Song during the Heisei Era is “Hanamizuki” It would be remiss for any list on music in Japan to not mention karaoke. Known in the United States as rowdy, crowd-pleasing entertainment at bars, karaoke in Japan is a common family-friendly activity. Not only is it often used as a team-building exercise among colleagues after work, but it is not unusual for families to have their own karaoke machines at home. In fact, karaoke is so dominantly a part of life that music programs on TV consistently have the lyrics of songs on screen for people to be able to follow along. (The video of Yonezu on Kohaku Uta Gassen above is one example). Meanwhile, it is unheard of to see lyrics displayed on U.S. music programs. I cannot think of a time when “The Voice” or “American Idol” showed lyrics, despite being perfect formats to allow it. In fact, including the option to sing along is seen as a smart-marketing strategy in Japan. Swedish streaming service, Spotify, after years of struggling to gain a foothold there, finally launched in 2016. One of its premier features is a new karaoke style streaming system, which is only available on its Japanese platform. (12) So, what is the most-sung karaoke song? During the Heisei Era (1989-2019) it was “Hanamizuki” by Yo Hitoto. (13) This hopeful song about following dreams and wishing the happiness of others was released in 2004, and was written in part as a message of peace after the September 11, 2001 attacks. (14) During this particular time of stress and unknown futures, it seems an especially fitting song to take to heart. While you are at home today, whether alone or with family, why not listen to some Japanese music, or even sing some karaoke to uplift your spirits? I guarantee that you will find something you like. JITTI Staff recommends of songs to sing at karaoke! Karaoke Pro Tip: Stay hydrated and keep a glass of water nearby You can listen to the staff picks in this music playlist. Enjoy! References: Imahashi, R. (2020, January 16). Japan's music industry rises again in new 'age of discovery'. Retrieved from https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-trends/Japan-s-music-industry-rises-again-in-new-age-of-discovery Akimoto, Y. (2009, July 28). Japanese Idol Group AKB48 to Perform at MIPCOM. Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20121112144223/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/07/28/idUS219130+28-Jul-2009+BW20090728 Brasor, P. (2017, January 28). Big in Japan? Overseas artists may find it more difficult to draw a crowd. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2017/01/28/music/big-japan-artists-abroad-may-find-difficult-draw-crowd/ MJD. (2020, January 02). Bestselling artists of the 2010s. Retrieved from https://chartmasters.org/2020/01/best-selling-artists-of-the-2010s/ Vido, R. (2017, July 05). Why is the music industry in Japan so strong?: Scandinavian Traveler. Retrieved from https://scandinaviantraveler.com/en/lifestyle/why-is-the-music-industry-in-japan-so-strong RIAA. Facts Archive. Retrieved from https://www.riaa.com/facts/ Cohen, W. (2018, June 25). CD Prices on the Rise Again. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/cd-prices-on-the-rise-again-232601/ Michel, P. (2019, January 29). Arashi's hiatus spurs heartbreak, but hopes for a 2020 Olympic farewell. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2019/01/29/music/arashis-hiatus-spurs-heartbreak-hopes-2020-olympic-farewell/ Billboard. (2020, March 19). IFPI's Best-Selling Album of 2019 Announced. Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/9338380/ifpi-best-selling-albums-list-2019 Japan, B. (2018, December 12). Kenshi Yonezu Talks 'Lemon' Topping Billboard Japan's 2018 Year-End Chart: Interview. Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8489884/kenshi-yonezu-lemon-billboard-japan-2018-year-end-chart-interview Japan, B. (2019, December 16). Kenshi Yonezu's 'Lemon' Logs Historic Second Year at No. 1 on Billboard Japan's 2019 Year-End Charts. Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8545534/kenshi-yonezu-lemon-Arashi-greatest-hits-album-Billboard-Japan-2019-Year-End-Charts AFP. (2016, September 29). Spotify launches new karaoke style streaming in Japan. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.se/20160929/spotify-launches-new-karaoke-style-streaming-in-japan SBS PopAsia. (2018, December 03). Japan's top 50 karaoke songs from the last 24 years. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2018/12/03/japans-top-50-karaoke-songs-last-24-years 一青窈の代表曲「ハナミズキ」の歌詞の意味を紐解く - 音楽メディアOTOKAKE（オトカケ）. (2017, March 21). Retrieved from https://otokake.com/matome/ZHD46W

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

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JITTI Journal Cultural Article May 2019 Back to All JITTI Journals May 2019 Cultural Article A Traditional Japanese Celebration for Children (Shichi-Go-San) by Shinichi Yamada There are many unique traditional ceremonies in Japan, and some of them are events for children. In this article, I would like to introduce Shichi-go-san (which stands for the ages of seven, five and three). Shichi-go-san is a traditional ceremony to celebrate the growth of children and to wish for their good health. In general, girls are celebrated when they are three and seven years old, and boys are celebrated when they are three and five years old. Based on regional customs, boys may only be celebrated at age five in some areas of Japan. The Shichi-go-san ceremony is traditionally held on November 15 th , and children wear kimono and go to the shrine to pray with their family. Besides these outings, taking photos of the children and having a dinner party are common ways to celebrate. Children may have a Chitose-Ame in the ceremony, which is a long, thin, red or white candy. "Chitose" literally means one-thousand years, and parents give it to their children with wishes for the children’s healthy growth and longevity. Nowadays people don’t wear kimonos so often in daily life, but this ceremony is a good opportunity to see cute children wearing kimono.

JITI 2014 Airport Seminar Enhancing Airport Value June 12, 2014 The Willard InterContinental Washington 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. Since its creation over 20 years ago, U.S. Open Skies policy has spread throughout Europe and Asia. As the United States has reached Open Skies agreements (OSAs) with over 114 nations from around the world, it can be said that the greater part of global aviation market has liberalized today. Because of such this widespread liberalization, international carriers have expanded both their markets and flight frequency, meaning lower fares. Moreover, alliance formation has led to closer cooperation among carriers, and their strategic global network planning is progressing. On the other hand, due to stronger cooperation among the carriers, issues with OSAs have increasingly emerged, such as oligopolies in some markets and intensification of competition among traditional alliances – in part thanks to newcomers outside of the alliances. JITI invited airline representatives from around the world to discuss issues and current network expansion circumstances in the global aviation market and the propriety of future growth of OSA liberalization. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Cheryl Nashir Associate Deputy Airport Director, Revenue Development and Management, San Francisco International Airport Bio Presentation Helen M. Tremont Director, Office of Commercial Management, Maryland Aviation Administration, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Bio Presentation Brad Miller Corporate Development Director, Manchester Airports Group (MAG) Bio Katsuhiro Yamaguchi Executive Officer, International Relations & Business Development, New Kansai International Airport Company (NKIAC) Bio Presentation Seth Lehman Senior Director, Global Infrastructure and Project Finance Group, Fitch Ratings Bio Presentation Panel Discussion Michael Fleming (moderator) Partner, The Wicks Group Bio

JITI 2017 Railway Workshop Transit Oriented Re-Development Using PPP December 5, 2017 The Hay Adams Hotel 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC The Trump administration’s 1 trillion-dollar infrastructure plan has brought much attention to how public infrastructure projects will be carried out in the coming years. As anticipation for updating and fixing the outdated and crumbling infrastructure in the U.S. grows, Public Private Partnership is thought to be the solution, as these capital improvement projects tend to come with a hefty price tag, and public dollars are stretched thin. In the meantime, cities in the U.S. are going through a paradigm shift as more people, in particular millennials, are choosing to live closer to their workplace in the urban centers, shifting transit stations and their surrounding areas as prime candidates to become mixed-use commercial, residential and employment centers. In response to this trend, projects are being developed in various cities across the U.S. and we have seen transit operators partnering with private sectors to redevelop transit stations along with the often underutilized surrounding area. Attempts to utilize similarly underutilized spaces is also happening in Japan, and major transit oriented development projects involving PPP are being planned. For example, construction is already underway on a project to turn a vacated rail yard in Tokyo into a large-scale transit-oriented development. This project comes in a timely manner, as Tokyo prepares itself for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The station is excepted to be open to facilitate transportation during the Games and the final completion is expected in the 2030s. The area will then serve as a residential, commercial, business, and transit center. For this workshop JITI has invited experts of PPP, particularly its use in transit oriented development, from Japan and the U.S. to discuss the challenges and benefits of PPP, lessons learned, and important takeaways for applications on future projects. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President , JITI, USA Bio Keynote Speeches Tatsuya Mizobe Deputy General Manager, Shinagawa and Large-scale Developments Department, East Japan Railway Company Bio Presentation Rina Cutler Senior Director, Major Stations Planning & Development, Amtrak Bio Presentation

JITI 2016 Drone Seminar Strategies on Drone Application in the Transportation Sector March 3rd 2016 The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. 1150 22nd St NW, Washington, D.C. With substantial technological development in recent years, the applications of drones (or Unmanned Aircraft System: UAS) has grown in various areas in the United States and elsewhere. Some suggest the growth of drone-driven business sectors will generate a 12 billion dollar market in the next 10 years. Expedited delivery services and deliveries in remote area through the use of drones are gaining more attention, as well as the incorporation of drones into daily maintenance and inspections by railroad operators and in other areas relating to the public and private sectors. This signifies the positive impact and future contribution of drones in promoting the convenience and safety for the greater public. On the other hand, drones have been reported to be found on the roof of the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, as well as in and around the White House. As these incidents have sparked discussion around security and privacy, voices seeking for stronger enforcement of drone operations have become more evident. In the US, the federal government, as well as state and local governments, have implemented, or are considering implementing, various regulations pertaining to drone operation. Similarly, in Japan, a reform bill was recently passed to regulate the operation of drones in certain airspace. This seminar called for a discussion among drone manufactures, enforcement agencies, and the transportation sector about the depth and breadth of future drone development. The discussion led to an examination of potential strategies to enable innovative and convenient commercial services to consumers via drones, while maintaining the safety and security of national airspace. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Akira Sato Senior Manager, Yamaha Co., Ltd. Bio Presentation Tomoyuki Izu President, enRoute Co., Ltd. Bio Baptiste Tripard Managing Director, senseFly Bio Presentation Travis Mason Public Policy and Gov't Affairs, Google Bio Chris Swider Manager of Research and Development, FAA Bio Panel Discussion Greg Walden Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Bio

JITI 2015 Aviation Seminar Future Challenges of Open Skies Agreements October 9th, 2015 The Willard InterContinental Washington 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. Since its creation over 20 years ago, U.S. Open Skies policy has spread throughout Europe and Asia. As the United States has reached Open Skies agreements (OSAs) with over 114 nations from around the world, it can be said that the greater part of global aviation market has liberalized today. Because of such this widespread liberalization, international carriers have expanded both their markets and flight frequency, meaning lower fares. Moreover, alliance formation has led to closer cooperation among carriers, and their strategic global network planning is progressing. On the other hand, due to stronger cooperation among the carriers, issues with OSAs have increasingly emerged, such as oligopolies in some markets and intensification of competition among traditional alliances – in part thanks to newcomers outside of the alliances. JITI invited airline representatives from around the world to discuss issues and current network expansion circumstances in the global aviation market and the propriety of future growth of OSA liberalization. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Hideki Kunugi Senior Vice President, The Americas, General Manager, New York, All Nippon Airways (ANA) Bio Presentation Michael Wascom Managing Director, Government & International Affairs, American Airlines Bio Presentation James Hnat Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, JetBlue Airways Bio Presentation Nancy Sparks Managing Director, Regulatory Affairs, FedEx Bio Panel Discussion Greg Walden Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Bio Tadashi Matsushita Director of Strategic Planning, The Americas, ANA Bio

The home of JITTI U.S.A, Washington D.C. has had some encouraging progression in the efforts for Mobility on Demand, with mobile app developers, rail operators, car/bikesharing companies, etc. playing their part. Click to read more about the capital city’s unique circumstances and partnerships to achieve more accessible and convenient travel. < Back Surface Transportation Mobility on Demand Trends in the United States ~A Case Study of Washington, D.C., Part 1~ By Daisuke Miyamoto The home of JITTI U.S.A, Washington D.C. has had some encouraging progression in the efforts for Mobility on Demand, with mobile app developers, rail operators, car/bikesharing companies, etc. playing their part. Click to read more about the capital city’s unique circumstances and partnerships to achieve more accessible and convenient travel. Download the Report

JITI 2017 Aviation Seminar Global Harmonization of the New Air Navigation System May 18th, 2017 InterContinental The Willard Washington DC 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC Global aviation demand will continue to increase steadily in the future, due to the increasing world population and the expansion of human exchange across national borders. During the 20 years between 2015 and 2035, air traffic volume is expected to increase threefold in Asia, twofold in Europe, and by 1.5 in North America. The processing capacity of existing air traffic systems is approaching its limit. In order to respond to such a dramatically increasing air traffic volume, it is necessary to increase the number of aircraft that are capable of being processed in certain airspaces, with the aim of streamlining aircraft operation. For this reason, programs such as CARATS in Japan, NextGen in the U.S. and SESAR in Europe have been launched. In addition, new procedures for air traffic control and aircraft operation in future air traffic systems are being developed. In order to ensure smooth deployment of such procedures, it is indispensable that each program cooperates with the others to help build a universal system. Under the new air traffic system, it is expected that airline companies will be able to operate more efficiently, as well as reduce fuel consumption and travel time. Considering the above, JITI invited officials from Japan, the U.S., and Europe who have been involved in the development of future air traffic systems, academic experts, and airline industry specialists to a seminar. Ath the seminar, the panelists gave keynote speeches found below and discussed the current situation of each program, mutual cooperation between the programs, and the challenges in future development and deployment. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Steve Bradford NextGen Chief Scientist, FAA Bio Presentation Toshihiro Yamakoshi Director, Air Navigation Services Planning Division, JCAB Bio Presentation Michael Standar Chief Strategy and External Affairs, SESAR Joint Undertaking Bio Presentation Mike Cirillo Managing Director, Air Traffic Management, A4A Bio Presentation Panel Discussion Akbar Sultan (moderator) Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, NASA Bio

JITTI USA interviews photographer Keisuke Hirai, whose recent photo exhibition in Washington D.C. features the residents of Ishinomaki and their continued ability to smile after the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Shape of Happiness through Keisuke Hirai's Lens: When Survivors Smile for the Camera By Daisuke Komatsu Intro duction Japan, known as a disaster-prone country, welcomed the new year of 2024 with a devastating magnitude 7.6 earthquake striking the Noto Peninsula, resulting in over 200 deaths and numerous injuries. In Ishikawa Prefecture, at the earthquake's epicenter, over 40,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, forcing many into unfamiliar and challenging living conditions amidst ongoing aftershocks.　 This year marks 13 years since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, which received immense humanitarian support from the United States. Japan has shifted its focus from physical rebuilding to the psychological care of survivors and community rebuilding. In this context, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA presents "Recapturing Happiness," a photo exhibition by Keisuke Hirai, a photographer from Kagawa Prefecture with no prior ties to Ishinomaki, but who has lived there for 12 years since volunteering post-disaster. T he exhibition, held at the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. , focuses not on the devastation but on the smiles of Ishinomaki's residents, showcasing the happiness found amidst recovery. As the interviewer for this story, I have a personal interest in Mr. Hirai’s work. Not only do I come from Kesennuma, which is located about 100 kilometers north of Ishinomaki, but I have family who were directly affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and was also involved in the recovery and reconstruction efforts as a Coast Guard Officer. With this connection, I was granted the opportunity to converse with Mr. Hirai. This article aims to introduce the connections between people that Mr. Hirai wants to convey through his volunteer experience and the smiles captured in his photographs. From right to left, Keisuke Hirai and Daisuke Komatsu (interviewer) The Dialogue Komatsu: Could you share your thoughts behind holding this photo exhibition in Washington D.C.? Hirai: The first spark [for this idea] came when I held the initial exhibition in Ishinomaki in 2021. The former Japanese Ambassador to the U.S., Mr. Fujisaki, visited with his wife. Because it was during the pandemic, there was a suggestion about maybe sharing it online instead of just somewhere in the U.S. However, that idea didn’t pan out. I came to Ishinomaki to help as a volunteer, but as I met more people there, I learned so much about the importance of human connection from the locals. Before I knew it, I went from being the one providing assistance to the one being taught. That experience, which turned me from a helper to a learner, has kept me in Ishinomaki for 12 years now. We've been fighting tooth and nail together, but it's been fun living here as neighbors, and that's why I've been in Ishinomaki for this long. I really want people far away to get a feel for these experiences, which is something that grew on me as I kept taking pictures, leading up to this event. I've been kind of experimenting with how to get this across, and figuring out the best way to share it. Komatsu: When it comes to sharing, many photos and videos from the Great East Japan Earthquake tend to focus on the extensive damage. However, the theme of this photo exhibition, "Recapturing Happiness," surprised me because the photos, taken from the perspective of reclaiming joy and happiness, aren't frightening. Instead, they're all of people with beautiful smiles. What inspired you to take these photos, and how were you able to capture such moments? Hirai: My initial motivation for visiting the disaster-struck Ishinomaki was partly curiosity for the macabre and a desire to document firsthand how survivors from a calamity considered once-in-a-thousand-years would rebuild their lives. There was a deep-rooted interest in how individuals and towns bounce back from such profound despair. I was pretty sure that there'd be a lesson there, and that's why I wanted to capture it in photos. I figured that by showing these to people living outside the disaster area, it could somehow channel their energy into the affected area, whether through donations or volunteering. That's what I was thinking. At the time, there was a sort of unspoken rule against photographing the faces of disaster victims, but through volunteering, I got to know the people of Ishinomaki and I built relationships with them. I gained their trust and consent to take their photos, continuing to document their stories. While the media focused on reporting the extent of the disaster’s damage, I could concentrate on capturing the people themselves. Ultimately, I believe it's crucial to do your best with whatever you’ve got, given the situation and position you're in. This exhibit comes a decade after the disaster, and in its 11th year, I spent a year asking the people of Ishinomaki, who had been affected by the disaster, “When,” “Where,” and “Who do you want to take a picture with?” aiming to capture special commemorative photos. I felt like it's in the midst of normal, everyday life, the kind that doesn't make the news, where you can really start to ponder what happiness is. Exhibition in D.C. [Photo Credit Keisuke Hirai] Komatsu: When it comes to sharing, many photos and videos from the Great East Japan Earthquake tend to focus on the extensive damage. However, the theme of this photo exhibition, "Recapturing Happiness," surprised me because the photos, taken from the perspective of reclaiming joy and happiness, aren't frightening. Instead, they're all of people with beautiful smiles. What inspired you to take these photos, and how were you able to capture such moments? Hirai: My initial motivation for visiting the disaster-struck Ishinomaki was partly curiosity for the macabre and a desire to document firsthand how survivors from a calamity considered once-in-a-thousand-years would rebuild their lives. There was a deep-rooted interest in how individuals and towns bounce back from such profound despair. I was pretty sure that there'd be a lesson there, and that's why I wanted to capture it in photos. I figured that by showing these to people living outside the disaster area, it could somehow channel their energy into the affected area, whether through donations or volunteering. That's what I was thinking. At the time, there was a sort of unspoken rule against photographing the faces of disaster victims, but through volunteering, I got to know the people of Ishinomaki and I built relationships with them. I gained their trust and consent to take their photos, continuing to document their stories. While the media focused on reporting the extent of the disaster’s damage, I could concentrate on capturing the people themselves. Ultimately, I believe it's crucial to do your best with whatever you’ve got, given the situation and position you're in. This exhibit comes a decade after the disaster, and in its 11th year, I spent a year asking the people of Ishinomaki, who had been affected by the disaster, “When,” “Where,” and “Who do you want to take a picture with?” aiming to capture special commemorative photos. I felt like it's in the midst of normal, everyday life, the kind that doesn't make the news, where you can really start to ponder what happiness is. Komatsu: Could you explain your goal for exhibiting these photos in Washington D.C.? Hirai: I was thinking, maybe there's something in these photos that could resonate with anyone, whether they're from America, Europe, Asia, or the Middle East. I'm not entirely sure, but if the people looking at them can feel the emotions captured, and if I’m able to receive the impressions or thoughts that they felt, then I could learn something too about the differences in culture, regions, and the problems they face. And from that, maybe, just maybe, a sort of mutual understanding could emerge. So, here's a funny story: About a year after the Great East Japan Earthquake, I got the chance to join the Peace Boat and exhibit photos of the disaster in several countries we visited. We couldn't dock in Saudi Arabia, but the locals brought food to the boat and threw us a party. At the photo exhibit there, a Saudi guest saw a photo of an elderly lady from Onagawa wearing a headscarf while clearing rubble. He mentioned, surprised, "There are Muslims in Japan too? I'm worried about our Muslim brothers and sisters." This grandma isn't Muslim, but I found the way he perceived things fascinating. It's amazing how different our interpretations can be, or how we might find common ground in a photo, or even feel a sense of empathy. Even such a small misunderstanding could spark a conversation, and I thought, maybe it could be a chance to make friends with someone from Saudi Arabia. Photo Credit Keisuke Hirai Komatsu: Is the aim here, with the D.C. exhibit, really about using the photos as a way to bond with people in America, to help them find commonality with the folks from Ishinomaki and across Japan? Hirai: Yeah, I really think that's a big part of it. For folks in Ishinomaki, it's like, if people in Washington D.C., who they thought lived in a completely different world, can see the photos and the stories behind them and find similar experiences or feelings, then it could create a kind of connection between people in Ishinomaki and D.C. It's like opening a door to connect people, making both sides feel closer to each other, you know? And after sharing my thoughts and what I've seen and heard about hosting this photo exhibition with the friends who helped me create the photo book in Ishinomaki and those featured in the photos, I thought, even if we haven't met, maybe they'd feel closer to someone in Washington D.C. Like, if someone hears that my photo was displayed in Washington D.C. and asks, 'What's that about?' it could spark more connections between people. Komatsu: Viewing this Washington D.C. exhibit as a milestone, has it inspired you to want to hold similar photo exhibitions in other parts of America or in other countries? Hirai: For this exhibition, there was a coordinator who helped me think through the English translation of the photo backgrounds and how best to present them. Hearing feedback from those who actually saw it, I've come to think anew that this format could work as an exhibition in other languages and regions as well. Komatsu: From the photos exhibited, I sensed the "human connections" you've mentioned learning from the people of Ishinomaki. With the Noto Peninsula earthquake occurring early this year in Japan, could you share how these human connections are utilized during disasters? Hirai: You know, it's often mentioned in disaster support, but I think it can somewhat solve the issue of mismatched aid. Of course, I believe both the national and local governments have organized the aid needed by disaster victims based on reviews of past incidents. However, there's a tendency, especially in more remote areas, for residents to hesitate in communicating their needs to authorities, out of respect or reticence, which I think is one of the causes of mismatches in the support provided. If you're a volunteer on the ground, you might notice what's needed while helping out the locals, or you could more easily ask them what they require, right? Also, if there are connections between people who've been affected by the disaster, they might be able to share and exchange whatever supplies they're lacking, helping each other get through the immediate aftermath. For example, one person might have rice but no water to cook it, while another has water but no rice. If they connect, they can share their resources and both have a warm meal that day. I'm concerned that in the metropolitan area, where connections between people are said to be weak, whether such mutual aid would be possible in the event of a disaster. For example, in apartment complexes where it's not clear who lives next door, I worry that situations could arise where an elderly person trapped under a fallen wardrobe might go unnoticed by their neighbors. Komatsu: I see. So, it's about leveraging personal connections for gathering hard-to-reach information and supporting areas where official aid might not easily reach. I remember from my time providing relief during the Great East Japan Earthquake, it was tough to get information on what aid was truly needed by those affected. People in rural areas, even in dire need, often hesitated to communicate their needs to authorities or tried to endure without asking for help, feeling reluctant to impose. That makes a lot of sense. Building face-to-face relationships with those affected in the disaster zones as a volunteer surely makes it easier to gather such information. From the perspective of information, the way it's conveyed is also crucial. During the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, there were intense and fiercely urgent evacuation calls made by NHK announcers. Similarly, from the administrative side, there's been a shift towards delivering life-saving information in simpler language to clearly communicate imminent dangers and making visual enhancements for better understanding. For example, the Japan Meteorological Agency now uses numbers and colors like purple and red to indicate the severity of danger. Plus, for tsunami warnings, in addition to TV, radio, cell phones, and sirens, they've started using "tsunami flags," which are checkered in red and white. Lifeguards at the beach wave these, or they're hung on tall buildings to be visible from afar. This helps those who are deaf or can’t hear well due to loud waves or wind, or when there's no power to receive broadcasted information, serving as an analog way to spread the word. Hirai: I believe making disaster alerts clear through simple language and visual information can promote more effective evacuations. I wasn't aware of the "tsunami flag," but I think if influential people within the community spread the word through their connections, it can help extend government efforts more easily to the locals. Photo Credit: Japan Meteorological Agency Komatsu: It's really about the importance of human connections, isn't it? Based on your experiences and insights gained through volunteer work, what can each individual do to prepare for disasters? Hirai: I think it's crucial to actually consider what would happen if a disaster occurred. Many people have started to buy emergency preparedness kits, but few have actually used them to familiarize themselves with their contents. Similarly, while many might know their evacuation routes, not many have walked them. Opening your emergency kit and using its contents can prevent confusion during a crisis. Walking your evacuation route could reveal challenges, like steep hills that could hinder your escape. Evacuation drills in elementary schools shouldn't just end with gathering in the schoolyard and taking attendance. They should include practicing evacuation routes to higher ground. Otherwise, in an actual emergency, both teachers and students might find themselves confused and unprepared. Komatsu: It's exactly like the saying, "Experience is the best teacher." A month has passed since the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Many people are still living in difficult conditions. What are your current concerns? Hirai: What I'm most concerned about right now is disaster-related deaths. Of course, there are some aspects where the response can’t keep up. Relying solely on cold boxed meals can lead to nutritional imbalances, health deterioration, or the worsening of pre-existing conditions, especially as life while evacuated prolongs. To prevent this, I believe it's crucial to have an environment where warm meals, like hearty soups, form the base of food distributions and are continuously provided. Komatsu: Ishikawa Prefecture, the epicenter of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, is encouraging secondary evacuations to locations outside the disaster-affected areas in order to prevent disaster-related deaths and ensure a stable living environment in the short term. However, there have been reports that this process is not progressing as quickly as hoped. Hirai: Just like during the Great East Japan Earthquake, even if the government provides a safe place, people don't just move, you know? They probably need some time to calm down emotionally, and I can understand the feeling of anxiety about leaving the place you're used to living and going to a location where you don't know anyone in the neighborhood. I think it's hard for them to consider evacuating to somewhere far way unless they believe they can eventually return to where they were originally. I think it's partly due to the Japanese national character, but the fact that there aren't many people around who have evacuated to another safe place as a second evacuation site also affects the current situation. Even here, by evacuating as a community, or if influential people move, or through neighbors diligently reaching out to each other, it's possible that the situation could change. Komatsu: It really made me realize again how important connections between people are. Lastly, could you share what you'd like to say to the visitors of the photo exhibition? Hirai: I kind of feel like it's somewhat inevitable that, with just photos, these disasters might be seen as something happening to strangers far away. But I really hope visitors take the time to read the stories too, and try to put themselves in those situations. These stories aren't exactly newsworthy, but I'd be happy if people could relate to them, and feel like “This applies to me too. We’re in this together.” I think that’d be the best outcome. After all, those affected by disasters are just regular people too. And I’d be happy if they could think of something for themselves that is their “piece of happiness” and start making even small actions. For example, perhaps it leads to someone calling their parents whom they haven’t spoken to in a while, or expressing gratitude when they usually don’t. I believe there are quite a few things you can easily do right away, close to home. I'd be glad if you could find happiness from there. Photo Credit: Daisuke Komatsu Reflection Thirteen years are on the verge of passing since the Great East Japan Earthquake. With each arrival of March 11th, television screens are filled with the visages of those who lost family and loved ones, those who were stripped of their livelihoods, and those living a solitary existence in lands far from their hometowns, speaking of the tragic disaster with sorrowful expressions. One wonders, how long must those affected remain enshrouded in sadness? Surely, those who have suffered are also entitled to share moments of joy with friends, forge new familial bonds, and speak of the mundane happiness of daily life on television. Myself included, whether working in Japan or since arriving in DC, conversations invariably touch upon the hardship of the disaster, prompting me to explain the immediate, grim aftermath with a somber demeanor. Attending Mr. Hirai's photo exhibition brought the realization that such expressions of sadness are not obligatory, offering a sense of salvation. Furthermore, the "connections between people" felt through Mr. Hirai's photographs and words highlight the critical importance of these bonds in preparing for disasters, including the development of robust transportation infrastructure. I remember, back when I was at the Minister's office of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and attended a local road opening ceremony where those responsible for the construction spoke of roads as pathways that "connect people, goods, and lives." The Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture, a region with few major arterial roads, starkly revealed the vulnerabilities in local transportation infrastructure, impeding rescue efforts, transport of relief supplies, and emergency medical services. While lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake have been applied, mismatches between the needs of the affected areas and the provided assistance have emerged. The key to resolving these mismatches lies in the connections and exchanges between people. Such exchanges are born from meetings facilitated by well-developed transportation infrastructure. Strengthening this infrastructure is not only vital for enabling efficient relief, recovery, and support activities but is also crucial for the swift restoration of happiness to those living in these areas, reinforcing my belief in its importance as a policy. NOTE: Mr. Hirai's exhibition, "Recapturing Happiness" is currently featured at the Japan Information & Cultural Center (1150 18th Street, N.W., Suite100, Washington, DC, 20036) through March 13, 2024. The exhibition website is: https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/exhibits/recapturing-happiness.html BIO: Keisuke Hirai Mr. Keisuke Hirai is a freelance photographer who strives to capture the lives of people in their e ntirety, believing that it is the unique contradictions of humans that make seemingly imperfect human lives perfect. Mr. Hirai credits his love of photography to a friend he met while studying abroad in Canada that urged him to take photography classes. E ver since then, he has been behind the camera. Whether it is in Cambodia, Nepal, Inner Mongolia, South Africa, or Japan, he sets out to capture photographs that illustrate the humanity we all share. Mr. Hirai is ever curious and has been involved in activities such as demining, reforestation, community revitalization, international aid, and international exchange. After traveling to Ishinomaki in April 2011 to document and promote recovery efforts, he moved there permanently and now resides in the city. Currently you can find him taking photographs of the fisheries industry in and around Ishinomaki. Mr. Hirai has launched several photography projects in the past. Some of his most known are the Funny!!Project, a project based on the theme “We All Laugh Together in Different Ways,” which uses photographs as a communication tool for various activities such as exhibitions, events, workshops, and talks at educational institutions around Japan. In addition, he launched the photo exhibition 10 Years of Happiness in Ishinomaki in 2021 and published the photo book 10 年の幸福写真 〜 10 YEARS AFTER 3.11 (10 Years of Happiness 〜 10 YEARS AFTER 3.11) in 2022.