JITTI Journal Cultural Article September 2023 Back to All JITTI Journals September 2023 Cultural Article Your next adventure in Japan: Ekichika By Tomomi Dodd This time I am going to write about Japanese “Ekichika.” “Eki” means stations, and “Chika” means underground in Japanese. So, “Ekichika” refers to the integration of shops and restaurants that spread across the basement of metro stations in Japan. Recently, development of Ekichika are astonishing in Japan and it is as if Ekichika are its own unique world. Though I currently work in Washington, D.C. and have traveled to multiple big cities overseas, I have never seen such dynamic Ekichika outside of Japan. Ekichika are becoming very important places for tourism, socialization and finding new trends and cultures. In this journal, I would like to introduce you to some of the Ekichika spots I can personally recommend to visit. Tokyo Yaechika (Tokyo Yaesu-Chikagai) Yaechika is located underground of Yaesu side in Tokyo station. It is directly connected to Tokyo Station. It contains about 180 shops, including approximately 60 different restaurants and cafes. There is a section called “Tokyo Ramen Street” which consists of 8 very competitive ramen shops. “Tokyo Character Street” consists of about 30 character shops including Pokemon and Studio Ghibli. I used to work near the Tokyo station, so I was often eating and dining at Yaechika. There are always new shops and you never get bored! (Image Source: tokyo ekichika yaesu - Bing images ) Inside of the Ekichika, there is a section called “TOKYO GASHAPON STREET.” GASHAPON is v ending machine dispenser of capsule toys. There are over 100 Gashapon vending machines located there. And you can find these machines in many places not only here but in other stations, shops, and restaurants throughout Japan. My nieces in Japan have been obsessed with these! (Image Source: gashapon - Bing images ) (Image Source GASHAPON sushi - Bing images ) Ikebukuro Another Ekichika spot I would like to talk about is Ikebukuro in Tokyo. There are over 700 shops and restaurants around Ikebukuro station. It is directly connected to multiple big department stores including Tobu Department store. Tobu Department store has food sections, and you can enjoy a variety of great delis! Ikebukuro is also one of the hot spots for good ramen restaurants! I myself strolled around in the station almost every day as my train transferred at Ikebukuro. I would hang around the book store at the Tobu department store and stop by my favorite bakery underground. If you spot the Ikefukurou statues while you are strolling the underground of Ikebukuro station, you have found good luck! They are a symbol of great fortune and are also a useful meeting spot for people. (Image Source: 55 things to do in Ikebukuro | Time Out Tokyo ) Ekichika are an excellent utilization of space and have a lot of great, unlimited possibilities. I am looking forward to seeing how Japanese Ekichika will be developing in the future. There could be Ekichika hotels, bath houses, and schools someday. I am sure you will find something unforgettable in Japanese Ekichika. References: Tokyo Ramen Street Official Guide ｜First Avenue Tokyo Station (tokyoeki-1bangai.co.jp) First Avenue Tokyo Station (tokyoeki-1bangai.co.jp) Yaechika | Yaechika Shopping Mall

COVID-19 and the suspension of 737MAX aircraft were hot button topics at the 2020 Aviation Summit. In this report, Aviation Analyst, Daisuke Takagi, introduces the items discussed for these and other topics at this event. < Back Civil Aviation Aviation Summit 2020 Report By Daisuke Takagi COVID-19 and the suspension of 737MAX aircraft were hot button topics at the 2020 Aviation Summit. In this report, Aviation Analyst, Daisuke Takagi, introduces the items discussed for these and other topics at this event. Download the Report

A partial shutdown of U.S. government agencies began on October 1, 2025. While the most recent previous shutdown lasted 35 days, spanning December 2018 to January 2019, the duration of the current shutdown remains unclear. This analysis examines the potential effects of the government shutdown on the transportation and tourism sectors, utilizing the operational plans released by federal agencies on October 1st in conjunction with various media coverage. Readers should note that future developments may introduce new issues and responses. < Back Tourism & More October 2025 Impact of the U.S. Government Shutdown on Transportation and Tourism By Kazuya Fukuhara A partial shutdown of U.S. government agencies began on October 1, 2025. While the most recent previous shutdown lasted 35 days, spanning December 2018 to January 2019, the duration of the current shutdown remains unclear. This analysis examines the potential effects of the government shutdown on the transportation and tourism sectors, utilizing the operational plans released by federal agencies on October 1st in conjunction with various media coverage. Readers should note that future developments may introduce new issues and responses. Download the Report

Measures Against Objects Falling Off Airplanes Measures Against Objects Falling Off Airplanes by Shinichi Yamada 1. INTRODUCTION As Japan is an island country, airports and ports are considered to be the key for sustained growth. In particular, Haneda Airport and Narita Airport in the metropolitan area are very important because they are the entrance points for many foreigners. Currently, Japan plans to increase the number of flight slots through a re-examination of runway capacity, revision of runway operations and flight routes at Haneda Airport, and construction of high-speed taxiways at Narita Airport. These measures will be implemented by the year 2020. In the new runway operations and flight paths at Haneda Airport, airplanes will be able to fly over the city center of Tokyo. Because it is very important for local municipalities and residents to gain an understanding of these changes, the Government of Japan has been offering careful explanations to them. During such explanatory meetings, many residents made various requests of thorough noise prevention measures and particularly thorough safety measures; one of the major concerns for them is the risk of the objects falling off airplanes. If objects fell off airplanes, damages of third parties may occur which may significantly impact safe operations. There are concerns by some Tokyo residents of airplanes flying directly over the city. ( 羽田空港Ｄ滑走路 Han eda Airport by nekotank is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 ) 2. BACKGROUND  The Government of Japan has been requiring Japanese air carriers to report PDAs (Parts Departing Aircraft) since 2009. Although the number of reported PDAs decreased slightly after that, it increased in 2017. Japan has already implemented various measures against objects falling off airplanes. For example, completing drainage of water in the water supply pipes before take-off to prevent ice blocks from falling off, requesting air carriers to complete maintenance and safety inspections, and requesting aircraft manufacturers to improve designs and prevent incidences of falling parts. However, recent serious occurrences of objects falling off airplanes has raised huge public attention. In September 2017, a large panel fell from an airplane onto a car driving on a busy street in Osaka. In May 2018, an airplane that had just taken off at Kumamoto Airport experienced engine failure, and more than 100 metallic fragments, which are suspected to have been part of the engine, fell onto the ground, houses, and cars below. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident caused the damage of a window in a hospital, windows of cars, etc. These events were broadly reported to the public by the mass media. There have been other recent cases of damage caused by objects falling off airplanes in addition to those mentioned above. Moreover, not only airplane parts, but also ice blocks sometimes have fallen onto the ground. Therefore, anxiety and concern of residents toward objects falling off airplanes has been augmented. A view after take off from Haneda Airport ( 20150125_Haneda-TSA_3052 by Ray Swi-hymn is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 Enhanced for better picture quality ) 3. NEW MEASURES AGAINST OBJECTS FALLING OFF AIRPLANES  In March 2018, a council of various stakeholders including air carriers, maintenance organizations, aircraft manufacturers, etc. in Japan penned “Enhanced Measures to Prevent Objects Falling off Airplanes”, and have decided to take action as follows: Utilize the newly created booklet “Implementation of Measures to Prevent Objects Falling off Airplanes,” which introduces actual examples of preventive measures. Hardware side: Aircraft modification, etc. Software side: Inspection/maintenance, education and training, systems to conduct root cause analysis, preventive measures of recurrence when parts departing from airplanes and falling ice blocks occur, etc. Utilize the newly created booklet “Implementation of Measures to Prevent Objects Falling off Airplanes,” which introduces actual examples of preventive measures. Strengthen the aircraft inspection. The number of ramp inspections is to increase and airport administrators are to introduce new inspections. Japan established the “Standard to Prevent Objects Falling off Airplanes” in August 2018. For foreign air carriers flying in/from Japan, Japan plans to enforce the “Standard to Prevent Objects Falling off Airplanes” from March 2019, and also plans to establish a relief system for damage caused by objects falling off airplanes. Back to All JITTI Journals November 2018 Feature Article

JITTI Journal Cultural Article March 2019 Back to All JITTI Journals March 2019 Cultural Article Toward the 2025 Osaka World Expo and Beyond by Hiroki Sakamoto On November 23, 2018, the Japanese city of Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city and the largest in western Japan, was selected to host the World Expo in 2025 (May 3 - November 3, 2025 totaling 185 days), beating out rival cities in Russia and Azerbaijan, during voting in Paris. It will be Osaka’s second time to host the event, with the first occurring 55 years ago in 1970 under the theme of “Progress and Harmony for Mankind”. 78 countries participated in the Expo pavilion, including the United States of America which displayed a moon rock. Osaka proposed to host the 2025 World Expo on a man-made island called “Yumeshima” (or “Dream Island” in Japanese). The expected total number of visitors of the six-month-long event is approximately 28 million, and the economic benefits are expected to be about $18 billion nationwide. The Expo is expected to be a crucial opportunity for not only boosting the local economy but also creating a chance for the region to advance its goods and services on the world stage. The official name of the 2025 Expo is “The Osaka-Kansai Japan Expo”, reflecting the participation of surrounding cities such as Kyoto and Kobe. Discussions are underway to have “satellite” Expo areas in both cities. Local people are eager to show the world a new Osaka, Kansai, and Japan in the Expo. The 2025 Osaka Expo’s theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, with two interconnected subthemes of “How to Lead a Healthy Life in a Diverse Manner” and “Sustainable Socioeconomic Systems”. Moreover, the “People's Living Lab” is a unique concept that allows for the participation of 8 billion people by utilizing the internet and virtual reality. It will enable everyone on Earth to take part in this unprecedented experiment. In addition, the 2025 Osaka Expo especially aims to promote considerations to leverage robotics and artificial intelligence for the public good. Towards the 2025 Osaka Expo and thereafter, in order to deal with immediate transportation infrastructure concerns for the projected 28 million visitors to attend the event, new transportation links to Yumeshima will have to be built. A variety of transport projects and urban developments are being considered. For example, a construction project to extend the subway is being examined because there is no railway access to the island of Yumeshima at present. Also, in February 2019, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) created a research group of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS). MaaS combines transportation services from a variety of public and private transportation providers through a unified gateway that creates and manages the trip, and provides users with a convenient payment system through a single account or app. OCCI will study and develop advanced transport access to the Expo venue on the island of Yumeshima from downtown Osaka and other major cities. Furthermore, there is also a plan to construct a casino complex on Yumeshima. In July 2018, the “Integrated Resorts Law” was passed by the Japanese parliament, paving the way for the construction of Integrated Resorts (IR) featuring hotels, large-scale international conference halls and exhibition facilities as well as casinos. This means that for the first time, a casino may open in Japan. By the establishment of the IR complex, not only casinos but MICE (Meeting, Incentive Travel, Convention and Exhibition/Event) will contribute to the development of tourism by attracting a variety of international events. In Osaka, for the purpose of strengthening its economy, attracting international travelers and improving the city’s international brand, authorities and companies are taking steps to prepare for the IR complex in Yumeshima. If the IR complex in Yumeshima is completed and opened by the beginning of the 2025 Osaka Expo, it is possible that tourists to MICE held in the IR complex would visit the Expo and vice versa. Additionally, those tourists could extend their visits to other close tourist destinations in the Osaka bay area, including Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. In 2019, there will be worldwide events held in Osaka such as G20 Osaka Summit in June and the Rugby World Cup from September. There also already exists a variety of tourists attractions in Osaka, such as Osaka Castle Main Keep (an Osaka symbol standing 55 meters tall with 5 tiers), Abeno Harukas (the tallest building in Japan), traditional and historical events and facilities (Sumiyoshi Shinto Shrine, Shitennoji Temple and so on), Dotonbori (a bustling commercial street always busy with playhouses and food shops from the Edo Period), and Osaka cuisine (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu and so on). Osaka Castle Main Keep Abeno Harukas These mega events and lots of standard tourist spots, as well as the 2025 Osaka Expo and a potential IR complex including the casino, will mean an increased flow of tourists to Osaka in the near future. If you have a chance to visit Japan, why don’t you extend your journey to the exciting destination of Osaka, and experience Japanese history, Japan’s modern flair, and a peak into the developments of the future?

Outlook of the Tourism, Transportation, and Economic Sectors in Japan in 2022 < Back

Capacity Enhancement of Narita International Airport < Back

With the update of "Runway to Recovery" by the U.S. DOT, DHS, HHS late last year, government agencies hope to provide airports, airlines, and passengers with the most current guidelines for safe air travel, and give each party an understanding of the need for cooperation and individual accountability. < Back Civil Aviation The United States Framework for Airlines and Airports to Mitigate the Public Health Risks of Coronavirus By Daisuke Takagi With the update of "Runway to Recovery" by the U.S. DOT, DHS, HHS late last year, government agencies hope to provide airports, airlines, and passengers with the most current guidelines for safe air travel, and give each party an understanding of the need for cooperation and individual accountability. Download the Report

On July 9th, President Biden announced his "Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy" to bolster competition in industries where certain companies dominate the market. The executive order covers a wide range of industrial fields, including technology, health care, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation, and gives the government agencies in charge of each field some specific instructions for promoting competition. < Back Tourism & More President Biden's "Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy By Tetsuhiro Nakagawa On July 9th, President Biden announced his "Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy" to bolster competition in industries where certain companies dominate the market. The executive order covers a wide range of industrial fields, including technology, health care, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation, and gives the government agencies in charge of each field some specific instructions for promoting competition. Download the Report

JITTI USA Staff Members Kazuya Fukuhara Senior Representative/ Director of Research Akito Okabe Research Fellow Mamiko Kim Director of Communications and Operations Shinichiro Tsuri Research Fellow Daisuke Komatsu Research Fellow Tomomi Dodd Office Manager Hirokazu Nishikawa Research Fellow Tetsuhiro Hagiwara Research Fellow Suzannah Schindler Administrative Assistant

The Adverse Influence of the Coronavirus on the Shipping Sector by Yasuhiro Okamoto 1. The Adverse Influence of the Coronavirus on the Shipping Sector The spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has made a massive impact on almost every sector of the economy and, without exception, the shipping industry has also been in the middle of economic turbulence. According to the media, container traffic at China’s biggest ports (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ningbo, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Tianjin, Dalian, and Qingdao) fell for two weeks in a row in early April after a drop in overseas orders for the nation’s exports [Leng, 2020] The causes for decreased container traffic were that many companies started cutting back orders and postponing the delivery of goods due to the coronavirus, and shipping companies also reduced their capacities. For example, Ocean Network Express has announced revised schedules since February to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. 2. The Situation of the Port of Los Angeles Like China’s main ports, the Port of Los Angeles is the busiest in the US by both container volume and cargo value. However, while it has faced a similar situation to China, the Port of Los Angeles has also encountered other unfavorable circumstances around container traffic at their port. The table below shows the container counts (TEUs) for the Port of Los Angeles, which were last recorded in March. As we can easily imagine, the total volume of containers in March largely decreased compared to the previous year. In particular, containers to the Port of Los Angeles from nations in the Pacific Ocean and from China account for the biggest portion of reduced shipments. The Chinese government has introduced various preventive measures to suppress the expansion of coronavirus, and has also slowed down economic activity. In April, there were signs of economic recovery in China, and factories restarted operations and resumed exporting goods. On the other hand, because of the coronavirus pandemic in the US, city lockdowns and curfews have led to closures of freight warehouses, and freights have been left without being picked up at these locations. Additionally, in conjunction with the decline of shipping capacity, empty containers have piled up without being returned to Asia (China). Therefore, the Port of Los Angeles has overflowed with uncollected and empty containers 3. The Issue of Cost Burden Another significant issue caused by the coronavirus for the shipping industry is determining who shall bear the additional cost to vessels from quarantine restrictions or delays while waiting for port authorities to grant clearance to enter port. Many owners of cargo vessels have now asserted that the force majeure clause is applicable in cases of detention or delay of cargo caused by the coronavirus. Consequently, owners of cargo vessels and shipping companies have entered into severe disputes. To avoid this, Japan P&I Club has recommended to include infectious disease clauses that are comprehensive and clearly allocate rights and responsibilities in the event of an outbreak to Time and Voyage Charterparties, which have been produced by BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council). 4. Comments The cost of freight cargo shipments has not changed much from February to March, and it’s clear that the decline in freight capacity has contributed these locked rates. Additionally, the issue of empty containers in many ports may be a potential hindrance for a smooth recovery of the global economy. Also, as I mentioned before, owners of cargo ships have faced an increase of container storage and drayage costs. Furthermore, owners must negotiate with shipping companies to share costs caused by the delay. We may see harmful repercussions of these issues reflected in our economic activities. References Leng, S. (2020, 4 15). Coronavirus: container traffic at China’s top eight ports plunges in early April as pandemic hits overseas orders. Retrieved from South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3080041/coronavirus-container-traffic-chinas-top-eight-ports-plunges The Port of Los Angeles. (2020, 4 10). Container Statistics . Retrieved from https://www.portoflosangeles.org/business/statistics/container-statistics Back to All JITTI Journals May 2020 Feature Article