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- Sweepstakes Official Rules | JITTI USA
Official Rules of the Visit Kyoto Sweepstakes Explore the Timeless Heart of Japan Travel Sweepstakes & Survey Insights Official Rules OFFICIAL RULES NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY 1. To Enter. To enter, go to https://www.jittiusa.org/explore-japan-sweepstakes and click "Fill Out This Survey to Be Entered to Win" to proceed to the official entry form, complete the survey (the “Survey”) and click “Submit.” No mechanically reproduced entries will be accepted. All entries must be received until 11:59 PM (EST) on February 28, 2025. Sponsor’s computer shall be the official clock of the Contest. Limit one entry per person and per e-mail address per day. Sponsor will not verify receipt of entries. Proof of sending or submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor. In case of dispute, entries will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet Access Provider, on-line service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. Entries become property of Sponsor and will not be returned, and no correspondence will be entered into by Sponsor to entrant regarding the status of an entry. Automated entries are prohibited, and any use of such automated devices will cause disqualification. Sponsor and its advertising and promotions agencies are not responsible for lost, late, illegible, misdirected or stolen entries or transmissions, or problems of any kind whether mechanical, human or electronic. Sweepstakes entries are the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. 2. Eligibility. Only open to residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories age 21 and older. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Employees of Sponsor and its affiliates, its dealers, its advertising and promotional agencies, its judging organization, manufacturers or distributors of Sweepstakes materials and their immediate families in the same household are not eligible. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. This promotion is intended for viewing in the United States only and shall only be construed and evaluated according to United States law. You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the United States. 3. Prize Details. Kyoto Luxury Experience Package with Accommodation and Guided Tour ( Accommodation: Hilton Kyoto or equivalent.1 deluxe room (Twin bed/King bed) for 2 people × 2 nights (breakfast included, with blackout dates), Guide:1-day guided tour (5 hours, including lunch) in Kyoto (exclusive interpreter-guide + private car)) (approximate retail value $2,000). Guest accompanying winner must also sign liability & publicity release. Winner and guest must travel on same itinerary. Hotel and tour package must be used by December 31, 2025. Hotel stay and tour package is subject to availability. Air and ground transportation, meals, gratuities, checked baggage fees and other incidentals and expenses not specified are responsibility of winner. Difference between actual value and stated value will not be awarded. All prizes claimed will be awarded. Prize cannot be transferred, substituted or redeemed for cash except at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Prize is not transferable. Winners may be required to complete a W-9 tax form. Federal, state and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize with a prize of equal or greater value. Only one prize per family or household. 4. Drawing and Awarding of Prizes. Winner of prize will be determined in a random drawing from all entries received. Drawing will be held on or about Week of March 3]Judges’ decisions are final on all matters relating to this Sweepstakes. Odds of winning are determined upon the number of entries received. Winners of the Sweepstakes will be notified by phone, email or mail no later than March 14. If potential winner cannot be reached within five (5) calendar days from the first notification attempt, then such person shall be disqualified and an alternate winner will be selected. Winner will be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within 14 days after notification is mailed, or prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner. 5. Limitation of Liability. Winner agrees that (except where prohibited) Sponsor may use winner's name, picture, portrait, likeness and voice for advertising and promotional purposes without further compensation. Sponsor, its promotional and advertising agencies, and all respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents shall have no liability and shall be held harmless by winners for any damage, loss or liability to person or property, due in whole or part, directly or indirectly, by reason of the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of prize or participation in this Sweepstakes. Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that: (1) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the United States District Court for Washington D.C. or the appropriate Court located in Washington D.C.; (2) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Sweepstakes, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (3) under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, indirect, punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend part or all of this Sweepstakes should virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention or other causes beyond the control of sponsor corrupt or impair the administration, security, fairness or proper play of the Sweepstakes. In such event, Sponsor may award prizes in a random drawing from all eligible entries received up to the date of cancellation or suspension. Sponsor and its promotion and advertising agencies are not responsible for technical, hardware, software or telephone failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, fraud, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions, whether caused by the sponsor, users or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the promotion or by any technical or human error which may occur in the processing of submissions which may damage a user's system or limit a participant's ability to participate in the promotion. Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair playing practices (including the use of automated quick entry programs) or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor representatives. Sponsor’s failure or delay to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that term. Offer void where prohibited and subject to federal, state and local laws. Sponsor is not responsible for any delays or interruptions due to Acts of God, natural disasters, terrorism, weather, epidemics or pandemics, or any other similar event beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control. By participating in this Sweepstakes, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor, its respective affiliated companies, subsidiaries, printers, advertising and promotion agencies and each of their respective employees, officers, directors, representatives and agents from any and all liability for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons, including death, or property arising in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, use or misuse of a prize, participation, or inability to participate in the Sweepstakes. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE THE WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE IN VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES (INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES) FROM ANY SUCH ENTRANT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW, INCLUDING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with or otherwise abusing the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes, to be acting in violation of the Official Rules, or to be acting in a non-sportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person. If, for any reason, the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned by reason of, but not limited to, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other causes which Sponsor deems could corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes and such that all unawarded prizes remaining at the time of modification or suspension shall be awarded to eligible non-winning participations selected by random drawing conducted by independent judges from among all eligible non-winning entrants unaffected by technical failures and received prior to the action. Sponsor shall post notice of such action on the Sweepstakes website at https://www.jittiusa.org/explore-japan-sweepstakes. 6. Winners List. For a winners’ list, please contact us at the email address [contact@jittiusa.org .] 7. Privacy. Any personally identifiable information collected during this Sweepstakes will be collected by Sponsor and used by Sponsor, its affiliates, agents and marketers for purposes of the proper administration and fulfillment of the Sweepstakes and for marketing purposes as described in these Official Rules and in accordance with Sponsor's Privacy Policy as stated at https://www.jittiusa.org/privacy-policy and as allowed by law. Entrants may receive communications from Sponsor, although they can opt out at any time. And the results of the survey, which will not include any personally identifiable information, will be compiled and published as a report and available on our website. 8. Sponsor: Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA, 1819 L Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20036
- 2023 Civil Aviation Symposium | JITTI USA
Civil Aviation Symposium 2023 Achieving Aviation Sustainability: Challenges and Necessary Cooperation Thursday, October 5th 3:00- 6:15 PM (Reception to Follow) A Free Hybrid Event: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 / Virtually hosted in English and Japanese Time Table Directions to Venue Survey Overview Due to the pandemic, multi-layered and extensive people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the United States have been severely restricted. During this time, international circumstances changed rapidly, including the military invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the expansion of China's hegemonic movements. In light of this, our research institute h eld the 1st JTTRI-JITTI USA Global Seminar “A Rapidly Changing Post Pandemic World Order and the New Japan-U.S. Relationship Hereafter” last December, virtually connecting Japan and the U.S., and invited leading figures in Japan-U.S. diplomacy and security to discuss the need for further evolution and development of Japan-U.S. relations in the future. Furthermore, as a continuation of the Global Seminar, JITTI USA presented the “U.S.-Japan International Exchange and Tourism Symposium 2023” face-to-face in Washington, D.C. in March, and hosted a discussion reconsidering the significance of, and how to rebuild and strengthen, U.S.-Japan people-to-people exchanges. On the other hand, circumstances have changed drastically from before and after the coronavirus pandemic for air transportation, which can be said to be the bedrock of international exchange. Furthermore, current circumstances of air transportation between Japan and the United States do not allow for discussions purely on the premise of growth, as was done in the past, but rather the greatest matter is how to realize sustainable aviation even in the midst of increasing situational uncertainty in aviation. Considering the importance of air transport between Japan and the United States, particularly as there is great economic security in the North America and Asia connections via Japan, this symposium will focus on these two nations’ responses to climate change, which is the most urgent and important issue to aviation professionals around the globe today. There will also be discussion on the strategies and measures needed to realize aviation sustainability, as well as what kind of role public and private stakeholders in both Japan and the United States will play to accurately communicate the significance and challenges of responding to climate change issues to the world. UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that this symposium covers: Video Highlight Opening Remarks Masafumi Shukuri Chairman, Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA (JITTI) Chairman, Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (JTTRI) English 日本語 Bio Remarks Greetings by Guest of Honor Koji Tomita Ambassador of Japan to the United States English 日本語 Bio Keynote Speeches English 日本語 Carol A. (Annie) Petsonk Assistant Secretary, Aviation and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation Bio Toshiyuki Onuma Senior Deputy Director General, JCAB, Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan English 日本語 Bio Presentation Heidi Gomez Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs, U.S. Department of State English 日本語 Bio Jeff Marootian Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US Department of Energy English 日本語 Bio Presentation Panel Discussion #1 Airline Initiatives to Reach Carbon Neutral Goals by 2050 Panelists Cherie Wilson Vice President, Government Affairs- Sustainability, Delta Air Lines Bio Tom Michels Direct or, Government Affairs, United Airlin es Bio Tadashi Matsushita Executive Vice President, ANA Group Corporate Strategy – Airline Management, and Okinawa Region, ANA Holdings, Inc Bio Makoto Maezawa Senior Vice President- The Americas, Japan Airlines Bio Moderator Steve Csonka Executive Director, Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative Bio Presentation Presentation Presentation English 日本語 Presentation Panel Discussion # 2 Expanding and Securing Sustainable Aviation Fuel Panelists Jimmy Samartzis Chief Executive Officer and Board Director, LanzaJet Bio Saburo Takeuchi General Manager -Policy Research & Government Relations, Next Generation Energy Business Group, Mitsubishi Corporation Bio Binyam (Ben) Reja, Ph.D. Global Practice Manager, Transport Practice, Infrastructure Vice Presidency, World Bank Bio Carol A. (Annie) Petsonk Assistant Secretary, Aviation and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation Bio Presentation Presentation Toshiyuki Onuma Deputy Director General, JCAB, Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan Bio Jeff Marootian Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, US Department of Energy Bio Moderator Steve Csonska Executive Director, Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative Bio English 日本語
- 2016 Drone Seminar | JITTI USA
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
- 2014 Hokuriku Region | JITTI USA
New Opportunities for the Hokuriku Region: Impact of Japan's Newest High Speed Rail May 20, 2014 Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan 1150 18th Street, N.W., Suite 100, Washington, D.C. HOSTED BY: Embassy of Japan Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Japan International Transport Institute, USA (JITI) Japan is the birthplace of high speed rail. Since its first opening in 1964, 50 years ago, Japan has continued to innovate advances in high speed rail to make it one of the fastest, most reliable, and safest forms of transportation in the world. Japan is ready to share this cutting-edge technology and business experience with the United States. Japan is preparing to open yet another high speed rail line, namely the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which will shorten the travel time between Tokyo and the Hokuriku region by an hour and a half, nearly halving it. Opening in early 2015, this new line will generate enormous opportunities for economic growth in the region. The potential for tourism stands out. To commemorate this special occasion, our distinguished speakers will discuss the technology, economics, and on-board experience associated with Japanese Shinkansen. The event will also highlight the attractions of the Hokuriku region as a tourist destination. The area is a gold mine of amazing traditional handicrafts and a source for fresh locally grown ingredients and seafood. PROGRAM: Opening Remarks Kanji Yamanouchi Minister, Embassy of Japan Keynote Speeches Hitoshi Saimyo Executive Director, New York Office, Japan Railways Group John Tedford Travel Information Manager, New York Office, Japan Railways Group Geraldine Gardner Director, Urban and Regional Policy, German Marshall Fund of the United States Yuki Tanaka Executive Director, New York Office, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) RECEPTION: Welcome Remarks Izumi Tokunaga Director-General, Hokuriku-Shin'etsu District Transport Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan Exhibits Exhibits on Japan's appeal as a tourist destination and on the nation's high speed rail system. Supported By Niigata Prefecture Toyama Prefecture Ishikawa Prefecture City of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture City of Himi, Toyama Prefecture City of Sado, Niigata Prefecture TOKYU HOTELS CO., LTD The Art of Travel
- November 2021
Overview of the Japanese Government's Tourism Policy for Foreign Tourists < Back
- Amendment of Japan’s Civil Aeronautics Act in Response to the Haneda Airport Runway Collision
JITTI Journal July 2025 Back to All JITTI Journals July 2025 Feature Article Amendment of Japan’s Civil Aeronautics Act in Response to the Haneda Airport Runway Collision by Shinichiro Tsuri 1. Background On May 30, 2025, the Japanese Diet passed a bill to partially amend the Civil Aeronautics Act and other related acts, and the revised Civil Aeronautics Act was promulgated on June 6, 2025. One of the key pillars of the amendments is ensuring aviation safety incorporating lessons learned from the tragic accident at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) on January 2, 2024, which involved a fatal runway collision between a Bombardier DHC-8-315 operated by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and an Airbus A350-941 operated by Japan Airlines (JAL). While the root causes of the accident remain under investigation by the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB), the amendments were proposed in line with the recommendations outlined in the interim report released in June 2024 by the Haneda Airport Aircraft Collision Prevention Measures Review Committee, established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) following the accident. This article provides an overview of this legal amendment prompted by the incident. JCG’s Aircraft after the Accident (Image Source: JTSB’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Interim Report ) JAL’s Aircraft after the Accident (Image Source: JTSB’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Interim Report ) 2. Overview of the Amendments for Aviation Safety Enhancing Runway Safety Measures at Airports One aspect of the amendments to the Civil Aeronautics Act for aviation safety is enhancement of runway safety. Article 47 was revised to add “measures related preventing runway incursion” to items to be specified in the standards securing the function of aerodrome or air navigation facilities, which their providers must follow. Examples of such measures include the following items, which were mentioned in the recommendations by the Haneda Airport Aircraft Collision Prevention Measures Review Committee. Establish Runway Safety Teams (which consist of aerodrome operators, ATC provider, aircraft operators, ground handling operators) at major airports (New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Osaka, Kansai, Fukuoka and Naha Airports) Ensure proper operation of RunWay Status Lights (RWSL) and other facilities Install location information transmitters on vehicles entering runways Strengthen the safety supervision system for ground handling (aircraft towing/pushback, cargo loading/unloading, refueling, ramp bus and other auxiliary services) operators Function of RWSL (warning aircraft waiting on taxiways of other aircraft taking off or landing) (Image Source: Summary Document of Amendment of the Civil Aeronautics Act ) Mandatory CRM (Crew Resource Management) Training for Pilots Another aspect of the amendments for aviation safety is mandating CRM training for pilots. According to ICAO Circular 217 “Human Factors Digest No. 2 - Flight Crew Training: Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) and Line-Oriented Flight Training (LOFT),” CRM is defined as “the effective use of all available resources, i.e. equipment, procedures and people, to achieve safe and efficient flight operations.” CRM training focuses on skills such as communication/interpersonal skills, situation awareness, problem-solving/decision-making/judgement, leadership/“followership,” stress management and critique. While CRM training had been already mandatory for pilots of air carriers operating airplanes requiring two or more flight crews, the Haneda Airport Aircraft Collision Prevention Measures Review Committee recommended extending CRM training to all pilots, including private pilots, in order to prevent human errors in air traffic control communication. Example Situation of CRM (Image Source: Summary Document of Amendment of the Civil Aeronautics Act ) In accordance with the above recommendation, Article 71-5 was newly added to mandate that all pilots who take off or land at airports in air traffic control zones complete CRM training conducted by a registered training organization. A training organization can be registered by the MLIT when its facilities, equipment, training materials and instructors are found to comply with prescribed requirements. For example, the organization must provide training materials that include scripted scenarios modeled on past incidents such as runway incursions, in which trainees assume the role of the pilot to acquire management skills. The registered training organization must issue a certificate of completion to pilots who have completed their training course, and based on newly added Article 71-6, they must carry this certificate when taking off or landing at airports in air traffic control zones, except as otherwise provided. Article 71-5 and 71-6 will become applicable within three years after promulgation. 3. Conclusion While the 2025 amendment to Civil Aeronautics Act is a cornerstone for enhancing aviation safety, it will also be essential to establish subordinate legislation and to ensure effective implementation within the legal framework. I hope that the entire aviation industry will fully learn from the lessons of the accident at Haneda Airport and work actively to further improve safety. References JTSB, (Aircraft Accident Investigation Interim Report) Japan Coast Guard Bombardier DHC-8-315, JA722A and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd Airbus A350-941, JA13XJ https://jtsb.mlit.go.jp/eng-air_report/interim20241225-JA722A_JA13XJ.pdf MLIT, Haneda Airport Aircraft Collision Prevention Measures Review Committee https://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/koku_tk13_000045.html MLIT, Cabinet Decision of the “The Bill to Partially Amend the Civil Aeronautics Act and Other Related Acts” ~ Ensuring Aviation Safety and Promoting the Early Restoration of Disaster-Affected Airports ~ https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/kouku01_hh_000134.html Japanese Law Translation, The Bill to Partially Amend the Civil Aeronautics Act and Other Related Acts https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/outline/160/905R719.pdf Cabinet Office, Act to Partially Amend the Civil Aeronautics Act and Other Related Acts https://www.kanpo.go.jp/20250606/20250606g00125/20250606g001250009f.html
- The Hakata Dontaku Festival: An Introduction of One of Japan’s Local Festivals
JITTI Journal Cultural Article September 2020 Back to All JITTI Journals September 2020 Cultural Article The Hakata Dontaku Festival: An Introduction of One of Japan’s Local Festivals by Yasuhiro Okamoto Have you experienced Japanese traditional festivals?? Even though Japan is a not a big country, each region has unique traditions and cultures, and all those cultural elements are reflected in their local festivals. Today, I would like to introduce my hometown’s festival, which is named “Hakata Dontaku Festival.” In Hakata, the Dontaku Festival has been celebrated for more than 800 years during a period of time called “Golden Week,” where we have consecutive holidays in early summer. Every year, around two million people gather in the city to observe this festival. Exploring the origins of this festival, it is said that “Matsubayashi,” which was started in 1179 (Heian era), was the source of the Hakata Dontaku Festival. During that period, people greeted their local lord when cerebrating the new year with a parade, and this became the present “Hakata Dontaku Festival.” At that time, Japan had a class system, and it was an opportunity for interaction between warriors (Samurai) and merchants. Once, this festival was even banned in the Meiji Era because of its extravagancy, but the people changed its name and tried to continue holding it. The word Dontaku comes from the word Zondag, a Dutch word that means both "Sunday" and "holiday". ( IMG_2734 by koemu is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ) The use of Shamoji in the festival invokes the image of people eagerly leaving their homes in hurry (and thus still holding their spoons) to participate in the merriment. The festival was cancelled for the first time this year since 1962, except for instances of bad weather, due to the coronavirus pandemic. In general, the festival is held from May 3rd to May 4th, and consists of the aforementioned traditional “Matsubayashi” parade, which has a mix of modern and traditional parade elements. In total, more than 230 groups and 22,000 performers join this festival, and the teams with outstanding performances are praised. One of the unique features of this parade is that people dance while clapping two rice scooping spoons (Shamoji) along to the music of “Shamisen” (Japanese traditional guitar). You can see the parade from the street, and there are more than 30 stages in the city center, so you can also buy a ticket and enjoy performances from a seat. At the climax of this festival, everybody, including observers and tourists, join the dance and play together. “Hakata Dontaku Festival” is one of biggest festivals held in spring in Japan. I’m sure that you can feel the festivity from seeing and joining this event. Additionally, there are the other two biggest and popular festivals in Fukuoka, which are “Hakata Gion Yamakasa” and “Houzyouya.” For your next trip in Japan, please go a little further to the south to explore Fukuoka. You may feel like visiting there repeatedly. ( IMG_2680 by koemu is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ) People of all ages can take part in the parade, and of course participation is encouraged as everyone dances together at the very end.
- January 2018
Capacity Building Support by the Japan Coast Guard to Developing Countries Mobile Cooperation Team Capacity Building Support by the Japan Coast Guard to Developing Countries Mobile Cooperation Team by Ryoki Toku Prologue Sea routes in the Southeast Asian area can be said to be the life lines of Japan. The security and safety of the area is extremely important for Japanese ships as they pass through. Each coastal country's maritime law enforcements are required to have the appropriate capabilities to be able to secure the area. It is also important there are the good relationships and cooperation between the maritime law enforcements of these coastal countries and Japan. Inauguration of JCG Mobile Cooperation Team In October of 2017, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) established a brand-new unit in the JCG Headquarters called the "Mobile Cooperation Team (MCT)", which focuses on capacity building support for developing country's maritime law enforcements. The MCT consists of 7 people. There are 6 members, under the direction of the seventh member who is the Director for Coast Guard International Cooperation. They engage in training for foreign maritime law enforcement and their goal is to create effective, consistent, and sustainable capacity building support, as well as build trusting relationships with other countries through consultations about country needs in advance, and provision of detailed curriculums following the outcomes of these discussions. ( The Japan Coast Guard HP, Public release, http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/info/topics/171002_mct_start.pdf , (Access: 11th Dec,2017) ) The first mission of MCT One month from the inauguration of the MCT, they were dispatched to the Philippines for their first mission: to train the Philippine Coast Guard. The MCT engaged in exercises regarding the maneuvering of high speed small boats. Thee high speed small boats that were used in the exercises were transferred from the Japan government to the Philippine government. The MCT members instructed in several maneuvering skills that related to maritime law enforcement, such as guarding measures, like pinch maneuvering, as well as basic techniques like turning, chasing, or approaching the port. This exercise became an opportunity to teach JCG's maneuvering techniques to other nation's maritime law enforcements as well, given that coast guards from Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia also participated in the exercises. ( The Japan Coast Guard HP, Public release, http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/info/kouhou/h29/k20171122/k171122-1.pdf(Access: 11th Dec,2017) ) The opportunity for cooperation between the USCG and the JCG in the field of capacity building support The MCT's first mission was also an opportunity for cooperation between the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the JCG. During the same period, the USCG was also in the Philippines to train the coast guard. The USCG and the JCG coordinated on site, and the USCG then gave a lecture about the maintenance of small boat engines. As a result, in this case, we can say that the USCG and the JCG provided joint training for high speed small boats through their cooperation. ( The Japan Coast Guard HP, Public release, http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/info/kouhou/h29/k20171122/k171122-1.pdf(Access: 11th Dec,2017) ) Conclusion The JCG says that through these activities it would like to deepen its trust relationships with other national maritime law enforcements, and contribute to maintaining and developing open and stable oceans under the rules of law. ( The Japan Coast Guard HP, Public release, http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/info/kouhou/h29/k20171122/k171122-1.pdf(Access: 11th Dec,2017) ) The JCG has engaged in several capacity building efforts regarding maritime law enforcement, especially in Southeast Asian countries, not only recently through the activities of the MCT. It is hoped that these engagements help in establishing an international network in the field of maritime law enforcement amongst those who share the same values. In addition, these engagements promote regional cooperation that should help lead to an avoidance of risks in any unpreventable accidents in the future. Back to All JITTI Journals January 2018 Feature Article
- Autonomous Driving in Restricted Areas at Japanese Airports
JITTI Journal January 2023 Back to All JITTI Journals January 2023 Feature Article Autonomous Driving in Restricted Areas at Japanese Airports By Yoshihiro Fujimaki 1. What is “autonomous driving in restricted areas”? Development of the autonomous driving car is progressing not only for public roads but also for airport environments. It looks easier to ensure traffic safety in restricted areas of airports, so-called “Airside,” than on public roads because neither the general public nor cars driven by them are present. In addition, while the Japanese government has set an aspirational target of 60 million inbound tourists in 2030, the capacity of airports may be constrained by a shortage of labor working at airports, especially those working for ground handling services. Therefore, autonomous driving cars at airports are expected to be a quite useful tool for labor-saving. Based on the above circumstances, in 2018, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) established a committee to study demonstration experiments of autonomous driving in airport restricted areas. This committee aims to realize autonomous driving in restricted areas by conducting several demonstration experiments. Since its establishment, the committee has been considering the guidelines, selecting participants, and reviewing the results of such demonstration experiments. The committee focuses on towing tractors and ramp buses, some of which are currently at “Level 3” autonomy and will be at “Level 4” autonomy in the future. The differences between “Level 3” and “Level 4” in autonomy are shown in the table below. Table 1: Differences between “Level 3” and “Level 4” in autonomous driving (Prepared based on “Public-private ITS Initiative/Roadmaps 2020” (in Japanese, definitions of these Levels are equivalent to SAE International J3016 (2016)): https://cio.go.jp/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/its_roadmap_2020.pdf ) 2. Autonomous driving towing tractor Towing tractors are used for transporting passenger checked baggage and other cargo within the airport. Serving as the demonstration experiments which I mentioned earlier, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have been conducting several trials of autonomous driving towing tractors. ANA has been holding tests at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport). Their autonomous driving towing tractor is manufactured by Toyota Industries Corporation, and it runs along the pre-defined route based on information gathered from camera, GPS and Laser imaging Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) integrated sensors. In FY2021, they performed over 200 transportations of passenger checked baggage and other cargo, over 1,100 km in total, without any delay. JAL has been conducting tests at Narita International Airport. Their autonomous driving towing tractor is manufactured by TLD Group, and it also runs along pre-defined route based on information from odometer, inertial measuring unit (IMU), GPS and LiDAR sensors. In FY2020, they performed over 300 transportations of passenger checked baggage, over 300 km in total, and have officially introduced the autonomous driving towing tractor since March 2021. (The above figure is reprinted from the JAL’s website: https://press.jal.co.jp/en/release/202103/005973.html ) 3. Autonomous driving ramp bus Ramp buses are used for transporting passengers between airport terminal buildings or between airport terminal buildings and aircraft. An autonomous driving ramp bus is now undergoing demonstration experiments at Narita International Airport. That autonomous driving ramp bus is for 10 passengers, and is manufactured by Tajima Motor Cooperation with autonomous driving system developed by TIER IV, which is a software development company in Japan. It runs along the pre-defined route based on information from camera, IMU, GPS and LiDAR sensors, and ran in total for about 80 km in 4 days for a demonstration in FY2021. Currently, the consortium including Narita International Airport Corporation and TIER IV is conducting trials where a single remote supervisor monitors up to three vehicles at the same time. (The above figure is reprinted from the Narita International Airport Corporation’s website (in Japanese: https://www.naa.jp/jp/docs/20220210-5g_HP.pdf ) 4. Towards “Level 4” autonomy Besides vehicle development, several challenges regarding infrastructure and traffic rules still remain in order to realize “Level 4” autonomous driving in airport restricted areas. Particularly in restricted areas, generally there are no traffic lights at intersections and tall traffic lights may become a hazardous obstacle to aircraft in those locations . Regarding this point, it is still under consideration for how to ensure traffic safety using infrastructure and/or traffic rules. JCAB has set the target to realize “Level 4” autonomous driving both for towing tractors and for ramp buses by 2025, and continues working with the participants of demonstration experiments.
- July 2019
Value Capture Session Overview Value Capture Session Overview by Mamiko Kim A few weeks ago, on June 26 th , JITI held a joint session with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) titled “Revenue Opportunities from Value Capture” as part of APTA’s 2019 Rail Conference. In the early 2010s, JITI held programs in Chicago and California. However, this was the first JITI event held in Canada since its inception. Due to the distance from our home base in Washington, DC, and the fact that our regular audience members may not have gotten a chance to attend this session, I hope to relate more details about this event’s subject and the discussion that took place to our readership. We had speakers from Japan and North America, which diversified the experiences shared For those unfamiliar with the term “value capture,” particularly in regards to rail, it refers to instances where rail companies are able to create capital through infrastructure and land investments above and around stations and rail lines. These investments create revenue opportunities as people are enticed to shop and spend money in these locations, and in turn increase ridership to and from stations. We had presentations by Yuji Murakami of the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Kantaro Yamaguchi of the Tokyu Corporation (Tokyu) who both shared illustrations of success stories in Japan where consistent cash flow came into their organizations by utilizing value capture. It is important to note that most rail systems in Japan are operated by private companies, and do not receive financial assistance from governments. In fact, these private companies own real estate and businesses that are separate from the rail sector (such as shopping centers as opposed to station properties), and the rail system is sustained by both ridership and money pulled from these businesses and real estate owned by the company. There are particular challenges in the US and Canada to utilize value capture due to the fact that most rail systems are operated by the public sector, and thus construction and operation are usually funded by state, local, and federal governments. This in turn means that there is more restriction on the type of development that rail systems are able to make, with much of the revenue from real estate around stations being pulled into private businesses rather than returning to the rail system. Heather McKillop of the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Kevin Desmond of the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (Translink) presented their own successful models of how they are able to combat these challenges. This included Denver’s achievement of partnership and collaboration with multiple players in order to accumulate some 14 different funding sources to revitalize the Denver Union Station, which they did with such success that they were able to pay off all loans 21 years early. Mr. Desmond described how they have levied property taxes on real estate around stations, doubled property values through pre-development work before disposition, through commercial partnerships, and how they will begin imposing development cost charges in 2020 as another way to fund stations. Panelists consisted of leaders in organizations with success in value capture There were two main discussion points that the moderator, Sasha Page of IMG Rebel, introduced to the panel discussion. The first question was how rail companies are able to manage real estate risk. Mr. Murakami explained that JR East’s goal is to add value to the areas around the station as well as to run trains smoothly in those areas. This could mean that they find areas of interest to work with. For example, there is a famous temple in Nagano. By creating a rail line to this temple, it gives people an attractive option to get there. This intrinsically benefits the rail line and the area around it. Mr. Yamaguchi, acknowledging that their goals are similar to that of JR East, added that with changes in the real estate market due to gentrification and an aging population, Tokyu is working with municipal governments to try to minimalize risk. In Denver’s case, Ms. McKillop elaborated that to mitigate risk, Denver took out a large credit risk premium. Now that there has been a precedent set, she believes that it will be easier to work with the US Department of Transportation in the future. Finally, Mr. Desmond explained that at Translink they have a revolving land account, where they buy and sell land for strategic acquisition. As introduced earlier, they have begun doing pre-development of the land to increase land value before the sale. In the future they are looking into doing more joint developments as well, which carries less risk than creating developments alone. In addition, Mr. Page asked each of the panelists on how their organizations deal with the affordable housing issue. Gentrification, which we are also familiar with in the DC Metro area, is especially a problem around rail stations as it pushes out the very residents who need public transportation the most. Mr. Desmond relayed that this was particularly an issue in 2017 in the Vancouver area, as not only were middle- and lower-income buyers priced out of real estate, but there was a lack of rental properties being built around rail. Since then, municipalities have been working to resolve this problem. He emphasized that policies need to begin at the municipal level. Translink, as they begin joint development ventures, are looking to make sure that areas they control have affordable housing. Ms. McKilllop echoed Mr. Desmond’s points, as she noted that land-use decisions are made by municipalities. She spoke of the power of rail companies to negotiate with municipalities, such as a recent example of an affordable housing unit next to a station which was unable to build due to parking requirements from the city. RTD was able to negotiate for limiting the number of parking the housing unit needed as both RTD and the city of Denver hoped to encourage people to use public transit. The situation in Japan is rather different. Mr. Yamaguchi revealed that like the United States and Canada, land use is determined by municipalities. However, Mr. Murakami explained that in Japan there are strong social programs that protect individuals in middle- and lower-income brackets. In fact, because municipalities have successfully made these efforts, JR East has never been asked to include affordable housing in their developments. Mr. Yamaguchi said that Tokyu does do work to help renovate older properties along their rail lines, which attracts younger people, single mothers, and the elderly. They also expand their bus services so that those who live farther away have access to the stations. The speakers of our session stood together for a group shot The discussion continued with questions from the audience, which I will not cover here. However, I do encourage you to view the full videos or to listen to the audio we have on our website. I hope this report gives the readers a taste of the session, which covers much more information than written here. The major takeaway was that each of the rail systems represented strives to be the world’s best, but there are unique challenges that impact them differently. However, all of the speakers spoke of their common goals to commit to best practices, to build and maintain efficient, convenient, and reliable rail systems, and to sustain these activities through sound business methods, such as value capture discussed in this event. This joint session may not have covered or resolved every issue that rail companies face as they seek to utilize value capture, but we believe that it is one step towards opening up a discussion so that all may benefit internationally. We will continue to follow this topic closely in the future, and hope that you can join us in our next event. Back to All JITTI Journals July 2019 Feature Article
- September 2019
Development of High-speed Rail in the United States < Back
- JITTI STAFF SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS | JITTI USA
JITTI Staff Speaking Engagements Upcoming Events Past Events 2025 JTTRI & JITTI USA: Latest Trends of Advanced Air Mobility Policy in the United States 2025 - Progress and Future Outlook- The 164th Transport Policy Colloquium -Washington Report XXII- (Online in Japanese) Featuring JITTI USA Research Fellow Shinichiro Tsuri JTTRI & JITTI USA: Current Status and Future Prospects of the U.S. Aviation Industry — Latest Market Trends and the Sustainability of LCC Services — The 163rd Transport Policy Colloquium -Washington Report XXI- (Online in Japanese) Featuring JITTI USA Senior Representative and Senior Research Fellow Kazuya Fukuhara 2024 JTTRI & JITTI USA: Current Status and Future Prospects of the U.S. Aviation Industry / Private Participation Initiatives at U.S. Airports and Future Prospects The 160th Transport Policy Colloquium Washington Report XX(Online in Japanese) Featuring JITTI USA Senior Representative Kazuya Fukuhara and Research Fellow Tetsuhiro Hagiwara JTTRI & JITTI USA: The "Fiscal Cliff" Looming for Urban Railroads in the U.S. and Measures Against the Issue The 159th Transport Policy Colloquium Washington Report XIX(Online in Japanese) Featuring JITTI USA Research Fellow Akito Okabe 2023 JTTRI & JITTI USA: Latest trends of Advanced Air Mobility policy in the United States 2023 - comprehensive approach for operations The 157th Transport Policy Colloquium Washington Report XVIII(Online in Japanese) Featuring JITTI USA Research Fellow Shinichiro Tsuri JTTRI & JITTI USA: International Cooperation for Enhancing Maritime Law Enforcement Capabilities in the Indo-Pacific Region: Capacity Building Efforts Through QUAD Collaboration Considering the Reactions of Southeast Asian Countries The 156th Transport Policy Colloquium -Washington Report XVIII-(Online in Japanese) Featuring JITTI USA Research Fellow Daisuke Komatsu 2022 JTTRI & JITTI USA: The Latest Trends in UAS Policy in the United States, Edition 2022- Initiatives to ensure safety in beyond visual line-of-sight operations and to share airspace with traditional aircrafts The 152nd Transport Policy Colloquium Washington Report XVI(Online in Japanese) Featuring JITTI USA Senior Research Fellow Yoshihiro Fujimaki JTTRI & JITTI USA: Current Status and Future Prospects of the U.S. Aviation Industry - Advanced Efforts to Improve the Customer Experience at U.S. and European Airports The 151st Transport Policy Colloquium -Washington Report XV-(Online in Japanese) Featuring JITTI USA Senior Representative Tetsuhiro Nakagawa and Aviation Analyst Tetsuhiro Hagiwara JTTRI & JITTI USA: Environmental Changes Surrounding Urban Railroads in the U.S. and Strategies for Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic The 150th Transport Policy Colloquium -Washington Report XIV-(Online) Featuring JITTI USA Research Fellow Akito Okabe JTTRI: Present and Future of International Cooperation for the Realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) The 148th Transport Policy Colloquium -Washington Report XIII-(Online) Featuring JITTI USA Maritime Analyst Yasuhiro Okamoto 2021 JTTRI and APTA: Commuter Rail Round Table Promoting Safe Transportation: A Focus on Rail Safety Organized with JITTI USA Featuring JITTI USA President Tetsuya Okuda JTTRI: The Latest Trends in Vaccine Passports and Travel Passes The 72nd Transport Policy Seminar (Online) Featuring JITTI USA Senior Representative Tetsuhiro Nakagawa JTTRI: Financial Support for the Transportation Sector by the US Federal Government during the Novel Coronavirus Pandemi The 142nd Transport Policy Colloquium -Washington Report X Featuring JITTI USA Deputy Representative Shuntaro Okimoto JTTRI: The Latest Trends in Vaccine Passports and Travel Passes The 141th Transport Policy Colloquium -Washington Report IX Featuring JITTI USA Senior Representative Tetsuhiro Nakagawa and Aviation Analyst Daisuke Takagi JTTRI: Action for the Implementation of Urban Air Mobility in the United States The 140th Transport Policy Colloquium -Washington Report VIII Featuring JITTI USA Senior Research Fellow Yoshihiro Fujimaki
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