United States Coast Guard Academy Commencement: A New Era of Leaders in Maritime Security By Daisuke Komatsu On May 22, 2024, under a cloudless sky in New London, Connecticut, the 143rd Commencement Ceremony of the United States Coast Guard Academy took place. The atmosphere was solemn yet filled with joy and smiles. I had the honor of attending this ceremony as the first representative from the Japan Coast Guard, along with CDR Toru Chochi, the First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in the US. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for the young officers, who will play a crucial role in the future of maritime security in the United States. Among the attendees were Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security and Admiral Linda L. Fagan of the Coast Guard, alongside numerous senior officials who gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of 225 graduates and wish them well as they navigate the turbulent waters of maritime security. Graduation ceremony held under a cloudless sky (Photo by the author) The class of 225 cadets entered the academy in 2020, during the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. They endured the rigorous Swab Summer training under highly unusual and stringent conditions. Despite numerous preventive measures and the need for social distancing, they forged bonds with their classmates through masks, cultivated a sense of unity, and developed leadership skills. Witnessing their journey from these challenging beginnings to graduation was profoundly moving for me as a coast guard officer. Madison Nicole Garrigus, a female student majoring in Marine and Environmental Science, served as the Cadet First Class (class valedictorian). Reflecting on the 200 weeks of cadet life amid the pandemic, she emphasized the class motto, "Fortiores Una" (Stronger Together), which encapsulated their collective resilience. Garrigus also quoted Jim Henson, creator and voice of Kermit the Frog from Sesame Street: "When you start on your journey, remember this: there are never enough comfortable places to rest along the way. The place you’re heading for isn’t on any map. So forget the map, roll down the windows, and enjoy the picnic." She highlighted the importance of sometimes setting aside plans and enjoying the moment, recognizing that life’s journey does not always follow a predetermined path. Her speech resonated deeply with all present, celebrating the dedication and efforts of her classmates. Cadet First Class Madison Nicole Garrigus (Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Thieme ) The ceremony also included international cadets from the Philippines, Guyana, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Jordan, who are set to join their respective maritime security agencies as junior officers upon returning home. Ambassadors and defense attachés from these nations were present to congratulate the cadets, who proudly displayed their national flags when introduced during the "Welcome and Acknowledgement of International Cadets" segment, underscoring the event’s international camaraderie. The Japan Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard are strengthening their efforts to deepen academic exchange. On April 21, 2023, the superintendents of both academies signed and exchanged a cooperation document. Based on this document, the Japan Coast Guard Academy dispatched two trainees from its International Affairs Course to the United States Coast Guard Academy from mid-January to late February this year. Additionally, as of the time of writing, postgraduates from the Japan Coast Guard Academy are on an ocean voyage in the Pacific aboard the training ship "Kojima," with scheduled port calls in San Francisco, Honolulu, Guam, Koror, and Singapore. On May 13, three third-year (2/C) cadets from the United States Coast Guard Academy boarded the "Kojima" in San Francisco. They will participate in training alongside the postgraduates until the ship's scheduled arrival in Guam on June 8, further strengthening the relationship between the two academies. During this period, on May 28, a joint exercise was conducted off the coast of Honolulu involving the training ship "Kojima," U.S. Coast Guard cutters, and aircraft. Three United States Coast Guard Academy Cadets Boarding the Training Ship "Kojima" in San Francisco (Courtesy of the Japan Coast Guard) My attendance, along with First Secretary CDR Chochi, at the United States Coast Guard Academy Commencement was part of these efforts to strengthen our relationship. During the receptions held before and after the ceremony, we exchanged views on further enhancing our relationship with key personnel, including RADM Johnstone, Superintendent; Dr. Zuczek, Head of the Political Science Department; and CDR Pecora, Chief of International Affairs. Strengthening ties between our educational institutions will significantly contribute to developing the next generation of leaders, advancing research and education in maritime security, and improving maritime safety in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Graduates tossing their caps into the air (Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Taylor Bacon )

JITTI Journal July 2020 Back to All JITTI Journals July 2020 Feature Article MaaS in Urban Tokyo by Daisuke Miyamoto 1. What is MaaS? (1) "Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is the integration of various forms of transport services into a single mobility service accessible on demand. To meet a customer’s request, a MaaS operator facilitates a diverse menu of transport options, be they public transport, ride-, car- or bike-sharing, taxi or car rental/lease, or a combination thereof. For the user, MaaS can offer added value through use of a single application to provide access to mobility , with a single payment channel instead of multiple ticketing and payment operations. For its users, MaaS should be the best value proposition , by helping them meet their mobility needs and solve the inconvenient parts of individual journeys as well as the entire system of mobility services.” 2. What has the concept of MaaS done?  While the MaaS concept has affected every transportation industry throughout the world, at the same time, Daimler, who is the one of car leading companies in the world, revealed their “CASE” concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. CASE stands for the fields of networking (Connected), autonomous driving (Autonomous), flexible use (Shared & Services) and electric drive systems (Electric) (2) , and will impact the car industry as well. It is said that both innovations will cause a great mobility revolution that is only seen once every 100 years since cars were first developed. Because both concepts help reduce the ownership of cars, curtail carbon dioxide emissions, encourage the use of public transportation and minimize congestion, many countries and companies have been studying MaaS and CASE in order to enlist these concepts. 3. MaaS in Japan (3) The Japanese government has studied MaaS as well to ride the wave of its increasing popularity, and found that when MaaS is simulated in their future investment strategies, it helps the surrounding communities to achieve a high quality of life and mobilizes society by driving up the potential demand for going out. However, because there are many types of cities in Japan, and each one has several types of transportation options, it has been difficult to directly apply a single concept to every city. They have had to consider and develop a way for MaaS to be suitable for Japan, or one might say that they created a Japanese MaaS. Finally, the Japanese government has found that there are 5 suitable types of MaaS in Japan, as follows: a. Metropolis b. Suburb c. Regional city d. Rural area e. Tourism These MaaS types have different goals, but the Japanese government believes that MaaS will be one of the better solutions for an aging society and expanding urbanization. 4. One MaaS Case Study in Tokyo Tokyo Metro, one of the leading subway operators in the world, has recently launched their MaaS project (4) . They called their Metropolis MaaS project “My! Tokyo MaaS." Tokyo Metro has 179 stations, 7.55 million passengers, and a 195.0 km rail network in Tokyo, so they have earned the position to be able to develop a Metropolis type of MaaS. They emphasize 3 concepts in order to add value to their rail network and service, as follows: a. Personalized trip planning and added value Passengers can get easier access to information for their destination, like routes to elevators in stations and paths to take to avoid getting wet when it’s raining. b. Real-time train operation information Passengers can, of course, get real-time transit operation information and train location information, but can also moreover get suggestions of detours in the case of an accident. c. A more precise network Tokyo Metro will work together with other mobility operators to enable passengers to easily access various mobility modes. I believe that this project will assist not only commuters around urban Tokyo, but also foreign visitors. We are in severe times with COVID-19, but I believe that we can overcome it and enjoy travel again someday, of course with “My! Tokyo MaaS.” Fig. Concept image of my! Tokyo MaaS References: https://maas-alliance.eu/homepage/what-is-maas/ https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko/CASE-Networked-strategy.xhtml?oid=29182599#:~:text=CASE%20%E2%80%93%20these%20letters%20are%20shaping,corporate%20strategy%20of%20Daimler%20AG . https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001287842.pdf https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/images_h/metroNews20200325_34.pdf

JITTI Journal January 2025 Back to All JITTI Journals January 2025 Feature Article Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan by Shinichiro Tsuri Background 2025 is a year with a big event, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, which will be held for 184 days from April 13th to October 13th, 2025 in Yumeshima, Osaka. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), which is the next-generation of air mobility expected to operate in the near future, is one of the hot topics of the expo, as a part of the Smart Mobility Expo in the Future Society Showcase Project Exhibition. Currently, four AAM operators are planning to conduct demonstration flights around the expo site in Yumeshima, and between two ports inside and outside the expo site. Although the plans of these operations are still in flux, in this article, I will introduce an overview of the planned AAM operations at the upcoming expo as of December 2024, when this article was drafted. Planned Ports Image Source: Information added to a map compiled by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan Expected Operators ANA HD / Joby Aviation All Nippon Airways Holdings (a holding company of All Nippon Airways) and Joby Aviation (a U.S. electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer) are planning to operate Joby Aviation’s S4. This model is classified as a “vectored thrust” type, which has fixed wings and uses the same thrust mechanism for vertical takeoff/landing and cruising by changing the orientation of the thrust mechanism. Major specifications of the S4 are as follows: Seating capacity: 5 (1 pilot and 4 passengers) Maximum cruise speed: 322km/h They plan to operate the S4 at the EXPO Vertiport based around the bay area in Yumeshima. Joby Aviation’s S4 (Courtesy of Joby Aviation. (c) Joby Aero, Inc.) Image Source: Website of Joby Aviation (Media Kit) Soracle Soracle Corporation, which is a joint venture of Sumitomo Corporation and Japan Airlines, is planning to operate Midnight from Archer Aviation (a U.S. eVTOL aircraft developer). This model is also a “vectored thrust” type eVTOL aircraft like Joby Aviation’s S4 above. Major specifications of Midnight are as follows: Seating capacity: 5 (1 pilot and 4 passengers) Payload: 454kg Range: 161km (normally 32 ~ 80 km operation is expected) Maximum cruise speed: 241km/h They plan to operate Midnight between the EXPO Vertiport and the Osaka Heliport. Archer Aviation’s Midnight at Public Exhibition Photo Source: Shinichiro Tsuri Marubeni Marubeni Corporation is planning to operate the VX4 from Vertical Aerospace, which is a UK eVTOL aircraft developer (and also HEXA from LIFT Aircraft, which is a U.S. eVTOL aircraft developer). This model is also a “vectored thrust” type eVTOL aircraft like the two aforementioned models. Major specifications of the VX4 are as follows: Seating capacity: 5 (1 pilot and 4 passengers) Range: 161km Maximum cruise speed: 241km/h They plan to operate the VX4 between the EXPO Vertiport and Amagasaki Phoenix. Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 ((c) Vertical Aerospace Ltd.) Image Source: Website of Vertical Aerospace (Media Kit) SkyDrive SkyDrive (a Japanese eVTOL aircraft developer) is planning to operate its SKYDRIVE. This model is classified as a “multi-rotor” type, which does not have fixed wings and uses a thrust mechanism consisting of three or more rotors for vertical take-off and landing. Major specifications of SKYDRIVE are as follows: Seating capacity: 3 (1 pilot and 2 passengers) Maximum takeoff weight: 1,400kg Range: Approx. 15km Maximum cruise speed: 100km/h They plan to operate SKYDRIVE between the EXPO Vertiport and Osaka Port, Central Jetty. SkyDrive’s SKYDRIVE ((c) SkyDrive Inc.) Image Source: Website of SkyDrive Conclusion While the AAMs mentioned above are still under development and in the process of type certification, the expected operators are advancing their efforts to carry out demonstration flights at the expo. I hope that the actualization of these flights will provide a significant opportunity to enhance the social acceptance of AAM, as well as yield best practices and lessons learned that can be shared internationally regarding AAM operations. References Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Smart Mobility Expo, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/future-index/smart-mobility/advanced-air-mobility/ Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Status of each company's consideration of AAM at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan https://www.expo2025.or.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/20240926-1-siryou1.pdf Joby Aviation https://www.jobyaviation.com/ Archer Aviation https://archer.com/ Vertical Aerospace https://vertical-aerospace.com/ SkyDrive https://skydrive2020.com/

High Speed Rail Seminar in Chicago June 28, 2010 Union League Club of Chicago 65 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL Presented by: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan Institution for Transport Policy Studies (ITPS), Japan Japan International Transport Institute (JITI) Council for Global Promotion of Railway, Japan Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Seminar Program Agenda Seminar Overview In January 2010, President Obama announced an allocation of $8 billion granted as federal funds to help turn the U.S. vision of high speed rail (HSR) into reality. The distributed funds will be used for the development of HSR which has proven to be an effective, energy-efficient way to move large numbers of people quickly over long distances. The goal of this seminar in Chicago is to demonstrate Japan’s 45 years of experience in HSR operation and contribute toward developing HSR network projects in the Midwest region as well as other regions in the U.S. In this half day seminar, leaders in the Japanese transportation field will introduce technology and operational experience about HSR. Topics also include a finance scheme for introducing HSR systems to the U.S. as well as economic benefits derived from HSR, such as job creation and regional development. Opening Remarks Seiji Maehara Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Bio Presentation Ichiro Fujisaki Ambassador of Japan to the United States Bio Satoshi Seino President and CEO, East Japan Railway Company, Deputy Chairman, Council for Global Promotion of Railway Bio Jiro Hanyu Chairman, ITPS Bio Keynote Speeches Governor Patrick Joseph “Pat” Quinn III State of Illinois (Secretary Gary Hannig, Illinois DOT, representing Governor Quinn) Mayor Richard M. Daley City of Chicago (Commissioner Bobby L. Ware, CDOT, representing Mayor Daley) Bio U.S. Congressman Daniel Lipinski Illinois 3rd District Bio State Representative Elaine Nekritz Illinois 57th District Bio Richard Harnish Executive Director, Midwest High Speed Rail Association Bio Presentations Yuki Tanaka Director, International Affairs Office, JITI Bio Presentation Satoshi Seino President and CEO, East Japan Railway Company Presentation Hiromasa Tanaka Senior Advisor, Central Japan Railway Company Bio Presentation Maurice Andriani Senior Manager, Aftermarket and Special Projects, Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc Bio Presentation Yasuhiko Mochizuki President, Nippon Sharyo U.S.A., Inc. Bio Presentation Robert E. Galbraith, II Director, Marketing, Transportation Systems Division, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. Bio Presentation Kyle D. Kem Vice President, Toshiba International Corporation Bio Presentation Closing Remarks Makoto Washizu President, JITI Bio Exhibition Panel displays & DVD presentations on Japanese HSR [Railway Operators] East Japan Railway Company Central Japan Railway Company [Manufacturers] Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Nippon Sharyo, Ltd. /Sumitomo Corporation Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Toshiba Corporation Fuji Electric Systems Co., Ltd. Hitachi, Ltd. KYB Corporation Nabtesco Corporation NTN Corporation Sumitomo Metals

Tokyo is Waiting for You Tokyo is Waiting for You by Daisuke Miyamoto 1. INTRODUCTION Japanese people are pleased that a lot of foreign people have been visiting Japan recently. The number of visitors from overseas has been increasing year by year, and was numbered at about 31 million in 2018. Furthermore, the Japanese government is promoting a variety of policies to achieve targets of 40 million visitors in 2020 and 60 million in 2030. Japan has been working on developing infrastructure and services in order to accommodate for the influx of foreign visitors, and to alleviate the stress of traveling around Japan. In this report, I will narrow the scope of these accommodations to those made in Tokyo, which is one of biggest cities in the world, and in particular will introduce some practices of Tokyo Metro, which is one of the biggest subway operators in the world. 2. TRAIN STATION NAVIGATORS Tokyo Metro has arranged for station navigators, called service managers, to assist you with finding fares, buying tickets, instructing you on the best routes to get to your destination, and informing you of the facilities around the station. They will also do their best to answer any other inquiries you may have, and can even communicate in English, Chinese, and Korean with the help of a tablet. Service managers can be found at 16 major stations like Ueno Station, Akihabara Station and Ginza Station. In stations without station managers, other station staff will be able to help assist you with help of a tablet as well. What’s more, there are interpreters who can speak English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese over the phone. A Service Manager is Responding to a Visitor’s Inquiry 3. TICKETS TO RIDE Tokyo Metro offers various discount tickets to suit your style of travel. I’ll introduce three kinds of tickets. Tokyo Subway Ticket: The three kinds of Tokyo Subway tickets are the 24-hour ticket, the 48-hour ticket, and the 72-hour ticket. These tickets are valid with an unlimited use on any Tokyo Metro line and Toei Subway within the hours you select. These tickets are suitable for those people who would like to travel around Tokyo. Greater Tokyo Pass: It might surprise you, but there are a lot of private train operators in Japan, and of course in Tokyo too. It means that you might sometimes need to buy tickets at each transfer point along your route to get to your destination. However, you don’t need to worry about it. This Greater Tokyo Pass gives you unlimited usage on 12 kinds of train operators and 51 kinds of bus systems in the Kanto-area for 3 days. There are lots of suburban destinations around Tokyo such as Takao-mountain and Enoshima. This ticket is suitable for those people who would like to go around suburban area of Tokyo. Airport-Downtown Tokyo Routes and Ticket: The biggest international airport, Narita Airport, is about 35 miles in distance from the Tokyo downtown area, but that is not a problem. There are many convenient ways like the Keisei Skyliner to get to downtown Tokyo. The Airport-Downtown Tokyo Routes and Ticket is a joint pass with both the Keisei Skyliner airport transport ticket and the Tokyo Subway Ticket. You can get to your destination in Tokyo, travel around the city, and go to and from Narita Airport with a single payment. Some of the tickets 4. TOKYO IS WAITING FOR YOU!!  Tokyo has not only attractive places to visit, but also has efficient infrastructure and attentive services that allow you to get around easily. Why don’t you visit Tokyo? Back to All JITTI Journals March 2019 Feature Article

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

JITI 2014 Global Logistics Seminar Infrastructure for Future Competitiveness March 27, 2014 Grand Hyatt Washington 1000 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 Global logistics is changing. The shipping industry, which plays an important role in the global movement of goods, for example, has sought more efficient service through bigger ships, re-planning routes, and reshuffling partnerships, like the alliance among megacarriers, as well as other business strategies. The Panama Canal expansion, scheduled for completion in 2015, will accelerate this trend, especially in transpacific routes between Northeast Asia and North America. Considering this change on either side of the Pacific Ocean, the United States and Japan are developing infrastructure to strengthen their competitiveness through facilitating trade and fostering business activities. Under the leadership of President Obama, the U.S. government continues efforts to help modernize U.S. ports and other infrastructure for a more efficient intermodal system. Likewise, the Japanese government has launched a plan to develop “International Strategic Ports” in the Tokyo/Yokohama and Osaka/Kobe areas. These changes are expected to bring about, among other benefits, lower logistics costs, more exports, and prosperity for the national and local economies. However, some disadvantages are also expected. Larger ships may prefer fewer calls at ports, which would result in some ports’ loss of gateway status. Developing ports in neighboring countries may intensify competition with ports in the U.S. and Japan. What form then should the U.S. and Japanese approaches to infrastructure development take to manage the changing global logistics climate? With this question in mind, American and Japanese experts discussed how the transportation network will change in the years to come, infrastructure needs, and the expected effects on transpacific trade. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Yvette Fields Director, Office of Deepwater Ports and Offshore Activities, U.S. Maritime Administration Bio Tatsuyuki Kose Director, International Logistics Division, Policy Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan Bio Presentation Jeffrey Florin Deputy Executive Director, Operations (COO), Virginia Port Authority Bio Presentation Tsuyoshi Yoshida President and CEO, MOL (America) Inc. Bio Presentation Robyn Boerstling Director, Transportation and Infrastructure Policy, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Bio Presentation Panel Discussion David Matsuda (moderator) Former Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration Bio

This report aims to provide an overview of the current state and evolution of the Arctic Circle, focusing on the significance of the Arctic Sea Route and its associated economic and environmental impacts, as well as the geopolitical shifts. Specifically, it will concentrate on the international political dynamics post-Ukraine invasion and the emerging geopolitical framework surrounding the Arctic Sea Route, offering insights into the implications for Arctic governance and sustainability. < Back Maritime Transportation November 2023 A Study on International Politics Surrounding the Arctic Sea Routes By Daisuke Komatsu This report aims to provide an overview of the current state and evolution of the Arctic Circle, focusing on the significance of the Arctic Sea Route and its associated economic and environmental impacts, as well as the geopolitical shifts. Specifically, it will concentrate on the international political dynamics post-Ukraine invasion and the emerging geopolitical framework surrounding the Arctic Sea Route, offering insights into the implications for Arctic governance and sustainability. Download the Report

JITTI Journal July 2021 Back to All JITTI Journals July 2021 Feature Article Activities of Chinese Government Ships around the Senkaku Islands and the Japan Coast Guard's Response by Yasuhiro Okamoto 1. Senkaku Islands Japan's territorial integrity after World War II was legally established in the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which came into effect in 1952. Under the treaty, the Senkaku Islands were not included in the territories abandoned by Japan, but were placed under the administration of the United States as part of Japan's Nansei Islands. Later, in 1972, the Okinawa Reversion Agreement between Japan and the United States regarding the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands included the Senkaku Islands in the area returned to Japan. These facts indicate that the Senkaku Islands are Japanese territory. The Senkaku Islands have been consistently treated as Japan's territory in the postwar order and international law system. A map of the Senkaku Islands (Cited from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs) 2. China's Movements over the Senkaku Islands On May 7, 2008, during their official visit to Japan, President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda signed a joint statement between the Government of Japan and the Government of China to comprehensively promote the “Mutually Beneficial Relationship based on Common Strategic Interests,” recognizing that Japan-China relations are one of the most important bilateral relations for both countries and that they have great influence and a solemn responsibility for the peace, stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world. However, six months later, on December 8th of the same year, two Chinese government ships suddenly intruded Japan’s territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands for the first time, and despite repeated requests from the Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels to leave and protests through diplomatic channels, they wandered and drifted into Japanese territorial waters for about nine hours until the evening of that same day. China's new stance on the Senkaku Islands, in which Chinese government ships navigate with the clear intention of infringing on Japan's sovereignty and attempt to change the status quo by force, has become clear. The collision of Chinese fishing vessels (Image Source: Jiji Press Ltd.) After the collision of Chinese fishing vessels in Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands on September 7, 2010, Chinese government ships began to sail in the waters around the Senkaku Islands with greater frequency than before, and there were incidents of two vessels intruding into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in August 2011, one in March 2012, and four in July of the same year. In addition, on September 11, 2012, Japan transferred ownership of three of the Senkaku Islands from private citizens to the State under civil law, and on and after September 14, 2012, Chinese government ships began to enter the connected waters almost every day except for days with stormy weather. On December 22, 2015, it was confirmed for the first time that Chinese government ships, which were clearly equipped with a machine gun, entered the EEZ, and since December 26, there have also been incursions into territorial waters. China’s provocation have been escalating, as the chart below shows. The numbers of Chinese government and other vessels that have entered Japan's contiguous zone or intruded into the territorial sea surrounding the Senkaku Islands The numbers of Chinese government and other vessels that have entered Japan's contiguous zone or intruded into the territorial sea surrounding the Senkaku Islands (Cited from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs) 3. Actions and Efforts of the Japan Coast Guard In 2016, the Japanese government decided on the "Policy on Strengthening the Coast Guard System," and based on this ruling, it has been making steady efforts to enhance and strengthen the ability of the Japan Coast Guard. The commandant of the Japan Coast Guard announced that in the budget for the fiscal year 2021 the government will continue to upgrade large patrol vessels and other equipment for guarding the Senkaku territorial waters. In addition, in order to secure and develop human resources, the Japan Coast Guard will expand their education and training facilities, including the construction of a large training ship for Japan Coast Guard trainees, and promote initiatives to maintain and strengthen maritime order, such as contributing to the capacity building activities in related countries. Lastly, the situation around the Senkaku Islands continues to be tense, with Chinese government ships attempting to interfere with Japanese fishing boats fishing in the area. Therefore, it will be important for the Japan Coast Guard to continue to respond appropriately and for the US and other like-minded countries to work together to deal with China against their attempts of changing the status quo by force. Image Sources: Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jiji Press Ltd.

The emergence and spread of the novel coronavirus has greatly affected airports globally. Aviation Analyst, Daisuke Takagi, presents the changes that the disease has caused on airport operations, and the varied responses by airports and the countries they are located in. < Back Civil Aviation The Impact of the Spread of COVID-19 on Airports across the World By Daisuke Takagi The emergence and spread of the novel coronavirus has greatly affected airports globally. Aviation Analyst, Daisuke Takagi, presents the changes that the disease has caused on airport operations, and the varied responses by airports and the countries they are located in. Download the Report

JITTI USA Staff Members Senior Representative/ Senior Research Fellow Kazuya Fukuhara Expertise: Aviation, Tourism After graduating from Keio University's Faculty of Business and Commerce, he joined the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and then engaged in planning systems and policies related to aviation, building standards, expressways, tourism, maritime security, etc. Furthermore, he also belongs to the policy and international divisions at the Ministry, and is involved in government-wide policy planning, response to economic security legislation, and overseas infrastructure development. In 2015, he received a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy. Senior Research Fellow Hiroyuki Yamagami Expertise: Shipping Policy He joined Keio University's Faculty of Law in March 1998 and began his career at Chugoku Bank. His long-term career started in October 1999 at the Japanese Shipowners' Association (JSA), where he progressed through various roles, including a posting at the European Regional Office in London (2013). He advanced in the Planning Department before taking on a leadership role in environmental affairs in July 2025. Currently, as of October 2025, he holds a position as the General Manager of the JSA North American District Branch. Research Fellow Shinichiro Tsuri Expertise: Aviation (Type certification of aircraft, type/specification approval of components, personnel licensing, flight standards, etc.) Since joining the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, he has focused on technical safety administration at the Civil Aviation Bureau, and also worked at the Road Transport Bureau as well as studied abroad at a Graduate School of Public Policy in the United States. At JITTI USA, he is engaged in research in the field of aviation technology. Research Fellow Expertise: Tourism Haruhiko Koyama After graduating from the College of Urban Liberal Arts at Tokyo Metropolitan University, he worked at Alpine Tour Services before joining the Japan Tourism Agency in 2021. There he served as Chief Official in the International Tourism Department, Chief Official in Human Resource Development , and worked in the Tourism Industry Division. Research Fellow Expertise: Surface Transportation/ Urban Development Naoki Sato Upon graduating from Rikkyo University Faculty of Law, he joined and has held various positions at Tokyo Metro, including within the Railway Headquarters' Railway Management Department, General Affairs Department, and Corporate Planning Headquarters' Public Offering Office. He was also seconded to the Metro Life Support Co., Ltd before returning to Tokyo Metro in the Financial Affairs Department. Research Fellow Expertise: Coast Guard, Maritime Security Yuta Arai Since joining the Japan Coast Guard, he has alternated between working at sea and on land. His duties have entailed serving on large patrol vessels and boats by engaging in frontline operations involved in territorial waters, sea rescue, maritime crime control, and maritime traffic, as well as working in international cooperation, education and training, and public relations at federal and regional coast guard headquarters. Research Fellow Expertise: Airports, Aviation, Tourism Yukiko Nakamura Since joining Narita International Airport Corporation, Ltd. she has been involved in the operation and management of passenger terminal buildings and planning and development of airport user applications. She has also been engaged in airport fee policies, including landing fees, and the businesses of LCC usage promotion, bidding of overseas airport operations, group management, and more. Research Fellow Expertise: Maritime, Economic Security Yosuke Yamashita After earning his degree from Waseda University's School of Political Science and Economics, he entered the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. His tenure involved contributing to key government initiatives across sectors like social infrastructure development, housing and real estate, PPP/PFI, international affairs, ocean shipping, and economic security policy. In addition to his work at JITTI USA, he also serves a a Visiting Scholar at the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies. Director of Communications and Operations Mamiko Kim Prior to joining JITTI USA, Mamiko worked in Ehime Prefecture on the JET Program, where she passed the JLPT N2. At JITTI USA, her work has entailed office administration and accounting, and now has greater focus on event logistics, authoring official communications, translation work, etc. Mamiko has a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies from Smith College and a Masters in Education from the College of William and Mary. Office Manager Tomomi Dodd Tomomi Dodd graduated from an American university and has been working for international companies. Dodd joined JITTI as an administrative assistant in October 2018. Administrative Assistant Suzannah Nevas After graduating from Wellesley College with a degree in East Asian Studies, Suzannah spent two years in Hyogo Prefecture on the JET Program. She subsequently returned to the U.S. and gained work experience in the fields of education, accounting and office administration. She has been a member of the JITTI staff since 2021.

JITTI Journal Cultural Article May 2024 Back to All JITTI Journals May 2024 Cultural Article Furoshiki by Suzannah Nevas This month was my husband’s birthday, and as I was scrounging in my closet for something with which to wrap his present, I found an old furoshiki I had brought back with me from Japan many years ago. As I googled proper folding techniques for the traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, I rediscovered my love and admiration for this beautiful (and practical!) part of Japanese culture. “Furoshiki” comes from the words “furo”, bath, and “shiki” which can mean a mat to spread out or cover. In the 1300s, people visiting bath houses would wrap their belongings in a unique cloth called furoshiki. But the history goes back even further; the furoshiki’s predecessor, the tsutsumi, shows use dating back to the Nara period in the 8th century! Over time, the furoshiki grew in popularity as well as application of use. In the modern era, furoshiki are used to wrap and carry things in addition to clothes, such as lunch boxes and presents. These items can come in many shapes and sizes, and yet there is almost a one-size fits all approach when it comes to furoshiki. The Japanese Ministry of the Environment published a PDF diagram of “How to Use ‘Furoshiki’”, showing how the same cloth can be folded differently in order to wrap many differently shaped objects- including a watermelon, or two glass bottles! The cloths themselves are almost but not quite square-shaped, usually coming in 45-50cm, 70cm, and 100cm. While they were traditionally made of silk, today you can also find them made from cotton, rayon or polyester. Furoshiki originally displayed family crests (demarcating the ownership of one’s things at the bathhouse), but now it is common to see them decorated with traditional or auspicious imagery from nature, and modern textile artists sometimes add a playfulness to their furoshiki designs. (Image Sources (left to right): 2023-02-12 16.44.57 by albyantoniazzi , Panda Snowman furoshiki from Seria by Marceline Smith , Bear Furoshiki by Ted Laderas ; each of these images are licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED ) The popularity of furoshiki took a dive when post-war consumerism spread across the world and plastic bags started popping up everywhere. However, in recent years, Furoshiki have made a cultural comeback as they dovetail nicely with the sustainability/eco-friendly trends we see today. Because the cloth isn’t pierced or damaged in the wrapping process, it can be re-used over and over again, proving to be much less wasteful than the disposable wrapping paper and curling plastic ribbon most often used in the West. And don’t let cost deter you from switching over to the aesthetically elevated and sustainable art of Japanese wrapping cloth! While a very fancy furoshiki could sell for several hundred dollars, they can also be purchased in the $5-$10 range–not that differently priced from a roll of nice wrapping paper in the U.S.! A few quick cultural disclaimers: Be warned that furoshiki are not appropriate for very formal or ceremonial occasions-those call for the more formal, fukusa, textiles instead. Also, when you do bring a gift wrapped in a furoshiki, the recipient will unfold it to reveal the gift inside, and it is understood that the furoshiki still belongs to the gift-bearer (though honestly, the furoshiki itself would make a splendid gift!). I hope this has sparked your interest and I encourage you to peruse the internet as there are many online resources for purchasing furoshiki and learning different ways to fold and tie them. Furoshiki cloth folded to carry bottled drinks Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/17/style/gifts-wrapping-furoshiki-japan.html?te=1&nl=morning-briefing%3A-europe-edition&emc=edit_mbe_20231121 https://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.html