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Japan's Policy on Unmanned Aircraft Systems by Shinichi Yamada 1. INTRODUCTION Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), such as drones, are used in various fields including aerial photography, pesticide dispersion, and inspection of infrastructure, and they are expected to be utilized even more in the future. On the other hand, concern about operational safety has been rising. This article introduces efforts and policies that have been implemented to ensure the safe operation of UAS in Japan. 2. CURRENT REGULATION The Civil Aeronautics Law (CAL) defines “UAS” as any airplane, rotorcraft, glider or airship which cannot accommodate any person on board and can be remotely or automatically piloted (excluding those lighter than 200 grams (about 0.44 pounds). The weight of a UAS includes that of its battery.). It requires any person who intends to operate a UAŞ in the following airspaces to obtain permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan to ensure the safety of manned aircraft and persons and/or properties on the surface of the ground or water. Airspace that is over 150 meters (about 490 feet) above the surface of ground or water. Airspace around airports. (Specifically, airspaces above the approach, horizontal, transitional, extended approach, conical, and outer horizontal surfaces) Airspace above Densely Inhabited Districts (DID) defined and published by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications. (Those areas where population density is larger than 4,000 people per square kilometer (about 10,360 people per square mile) are defined as DID in general.) The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in various fields has grown, including in agriculture and pesticide distribution. It also requires all of the UAS operators to follow the operational conditions listed below, unless approved by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan. Operation of UAS are to be in the daytime. Operation of UAS must only be conducted within Visual Lines of Sight (VLOS). 30 meters (about 98 feet) of operational distance between UA and persons and properties on the surface of the ground or water must be maintained. Do not operate UAS over event sites where many people gather. Do not transport hazardous materials such as explosives by UAS. Do not drop any objects from UAS In addition to the CAL, legislation has also been put in place to prevent dangerous UAS from approaching important facilities in the country by air. An aerial photo by UAS of this concert would not be permissible in Japan, as they are not allowed to be flown at night or over places where people gather. 3. POLICY FOR THE EXPANDED OPERATION OF UAS The Japanese government has created a roadmap and made efforts to expand the use of UAS in public-private partnerships. According to the roadmap, the goal is to operate UAS beyond VLOS in uninhabited areas, such as remote islands and mountainous areas, by FY 2022, and later to operate UAS beyond VLOS in DID. There are various issues to consider to bring about such flights. Therefore, the following four working groups have been established, and many stakeholders, including government, industry, and academia, are involved. WG1: UAS/Owner Registration WG2: Ensuring UAS Safety WG3: Skill Assurances of Remote Pilots and Flight Dispatchers WG4: UAS Traffic Management System (UTMS) As part of these efforts, an amendment of CAL will be submitted to the regular Diet in 2020 that requires the registration of UAS in FY 2021. Under the new system, information such as the names of owners, users, aircrafts, phone numbers, etc. must be registered online. When registration is completed, UAS IDs can be acquired, and the UAS ID has to be marked on the UAS itself. Any unregistered flight will be fined. The policy for UAS requires that regulatory studies by the government and technology development by manufacturers and academic institutions be carried out simultaneously. While looking to US and European UAS systems as models, it is expected that regulations will be expanded to enable further use of UAS in Japan. Back to All JITTI Journals January 2020 Feature Article

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Back to All JITTI Journals May 2022 Cultural Article My Mother, the Inventor of Okinawan Taco Rice by Mamiko Kim My mother would feel sheepish to know that I am writing about her. I can picture her now giving me a side glance before saying her usual 「言わなくても良い」(“You don’t need to say anything”). Over the years, her frame seems to have shrunk to reach just 5 feet, and her straight, shoulder-length hair that was once naturally and then later meticulously dyed raven black has now transitioned to a soft ivory. Yet, despite these outward changes, her inner mantra has always remained the same- to serve others generously and not boast about oneself. So here I am bragging on her behalf. According to family lore, my mother is the inventor of Okinawa’s famous taco rice dish. My family feels well-founded in our claims, but before delving into our side of the story, I should first explain the official version of how taco rice was created and became a popular dish. Official Origin Story of Taco Rice In 1984, Matsuzo Gibo opened Parlor Senri, a sit-down restaurant located outside of Camp Hansen, an American military base, serving an array of dishes to American military members missing the taste of home. Recognizing that he was in a glamorous part of town and that his clientele craved something quick and inexpensive, he began experimenting with his menu. Originally, he substituted potatoes as the base of his tacos, removing the tortilla shell. This, however, proved to be too time consuming to make. He then swapped the potatoes out with white Japanese short-grain rice, which could be kept hot and prepared in advance. This, he found, was delicious. At first, his new creation was snubbed by the Okinawan locals, but as more and more young servicemen began pouring into Gibo’s restaurant for this cheap, late-night meal, they began to take notice. Soon other restaurants also began adding taco rice to their menus. Vloggers TabiEats get a taste of Matsuzo Gibo’s taco rice recipe at Taco King. Legacy Gibo’s success allowed him to open his first King Taco fast-food restaurant in Kin, the same town where Parlor Senri was located. Eventually, he did so well that he was able to open 5 other locations. While Parlor Senri closed its doors in 2015, King Taco in Kin is still operating, and is open daily from 10:30 am- 1 pm. Additionally, dozens of other restaurants across Okinawa serve the dish. Most famously, Yoshinoya, a 14,000-strong chain restaurant known mostly for their beef bowls, has it as an item on their menu, but only in Okinawa. Even the U.S. fast-food restaurant KFC briefly served taco rice across Japan in the 1990s, furthering the dishes popularity and sealing its association with Okinawa nationally. Kin has truly embraced its heritage as the birthplace of taco rice by calling itself the “Taco Rice Town.” In 2010, they gathered some 2,000 local volunteers in a challenge to make the largest taco rice. After negotiations with the Guinness World Record, who had to create a category to recognize the challenge, the townsfolk succeeded in cooking up a 1,645 pound (746 kg) world record meal of taco rice, consisting of 683 pounds of rice, 441 pounds of taco meat, 220 pounds of cheese, 195 pounds of lettuce, and 106 pounds of tomatoes. A base layer of Japanese rice being prepared at Kin’s 2010 Guinness World Record attempt at making the largest taco rice. (Image credit: RyukyuLife.com) My Mother’s Story So how does my mother fit into this narrative? To fully understand, we have to go back to the start of my parents’ relationship. My father grew up in a small farming and manufacturing town in Washington state, and while my grandmother was known to be an adventurous cook, the area’s food scene lacked diversity. The one exception was tacos. When my father met my Japanese mother in college and began to talk more seriously of marriage, he likes to joke that his one condition was that they ate tacos at least once a week. Needless to say, my mother agreed, and they married in 1981. Whether he meant it in jest or not, since the start of their marriage tacos have been a weekly dinner item, and with my father joining the military, taco seasoning was always readily available wherever they went. However, while stationed in Okinawa in 1983, my sister was born, which brought an unexpected challenge. When my mother was introducing solid foods to her, she worried about whether the hard tortilla shells, which were the only kind sold at the time, would be much too dangerous for a baby to consume. After some thought, she substituted them with Japanese rice, which both baby and husband joyfully ate. With my brothers being born soon afterwards, this became the de facto way they ate tacos, which my mother had renamed taco rice. She even shared this new take on tacos with neighbors and friends and took the creation to potlucks for the local church congregation off-base. These friends and neighbors then began making taco rice in their own homes as well, and it became a community favorite. A Surprising Coincidence Shortly after, with a new military assignment, my parents moved away from Okinawa. They continued to thrive, had two more children (including yours truly), and kept their weekly tradition of eating taco rice on Sundays. As everyone grew older, my mother would comment on how much taco rice she would have to cook to keep up with demand. My brothers would heap their whole plates with rice, meat, and cheese during their teenage years, which us kids called taco mountains, as my mother insisted that they add more vegetables. My father retired from the military, and my parent’s time in Okinawa was a fond, but distant memory. It wasn’t until one of my brothers went to Japan that we heard the news. Cooking for himself and a roommate, it came naturally for him to make a staple from home. When the roommate joined him at the table for a meal of taco rice, however, he turned to my brother in wonder and asked him how he knew about this dish. My brother, in shock, responded in kind, puzzled by how someone outside our family would know our mother’s cooking. Turns out this roommate was from Okinawa, and our humble family tradition had become a famous regional meal. One of my favorite Japanese cooking bloggers shows how she makes taco rice. One big difference that we have in my family is in the assembly. We always put the cheese on the rice, not on top of the meat. This ensures that the cheese gets extra gooey and melty when sandwiched between the two warm components of the dish. Conclusion I don’t wish to downplay Matsuzo Gibo’s ingenuity or initiative in creating taco rice in his own right and for making it so widely popular. At the same time, it has been a bizarre feeling knowing that an entire Japanese region is enjoying something that is an embodiment to me of my mother’s love for our family. When I went to Okinawa several years ago, I was invited to dinner by some locals who had known my parents when they lived there. Perhaps fittingly, we ate a meal of taco rice, and they relayed to me how they had first heard of and eaten the dish when my mother had brought it to their community potluck. As we sat there talking, them reminiscing of times before and swapping stories, I looked across the table at their growing family. I felt the warmth of three generations of Okinawans, including grandparents, adult children, and babies, enjoying taco rice together. In that moment, it didn’t matter to me who had invented the dish or whether my mother was properly acknowledged. It just felt like home. I think my mom would agree, this is really what taco rice is about. References: https://explorepartsunknown.com/okinawa/the-story-behind-okinawas-national-dish/ https://www.visitkintown.jp/en/spot/king-tacos-kin-main-branch https://www.thehawaiiherald.com/2019/10/09/food-culture-the-taco-rice-story/ https://web.archive.org/web/20150519220526/http://okinawa.stripes.com/news/tribute-taco-rice-us-militarys-favorite-mex-oki-fusion-food

Back to All JITTI Journals May 2018 Cultural Article Miyajima by Ryoki Toku Do you know the three most famous spots in Japan, called "Nihonsankei" ? They are Matsushima in Miyagi, Amanohashidate in Kyoto, and Miyajima in Hiroshima. For this article, I would like to talk about Miyajima. Miyajima is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea, just in front of Hiroshima. It is said that Miyajima has been the object of nature worship from the time immemorial. The Ituskushima shrine, built in 12 century, is one of the symbols of Miyajima. The most recognizable characteristic of Itsukushima shrine is that it was built on the sea. You can walk to the big shrine gate which stand on the off-island side when the tide is low and, during high tide, the surface of the sea reaches just under the floor of shrine. The Itsukushima shrine took the Shindentsukuri style, and it is said that the aristocracy house of the Heian-era was its motif. The Itsukushima shrine and the surrounding area have been designated as a world cultural heritage site. The shrine uses the Seto Inland Sea and makes it resemble a pond, and the dynamic view is a must see. If you have a chance, while traveling in Japan, why don't you add Miyajima to your list of travel destinations, as it's one of the most famous sites in the country?

Overview of the Japanese Government's Tourism Policy for Foreign Tourists by Hirokazu Nishikawa 1. History of the Japanese Government’s Tourism Policy The Japanese government's tourism policy began in earnest in 2003. In January of that year, the then prime minister set a goal of doubling the number of foreign visitors to Japan by 2010 from the approximately 5 million at that time, followed by the launch of the “Visit Japan Campaign” by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in April of the same year to strategically promote the Japanese brand overseas. The reason behind these moves by the government was that since 1964, when overseas tourism was liberalized, the number of Japanese tourists traveling abroad increased due to the strong yen and rising national income, while at the same time witnessing a significant gap between the number of Japanese tourists traveling abroad and that of foreign tourists visiting Japan. It is conceivable that the current situation is far from reaching the policy goal of the time, which was to "improve the international balance of cashflow and promote economic and cultural exchange with foreign countries.” The number of foreign visitors to Japan has been steadily increasing since 2003. In 2008 the Japan Tourism Agency was newly established as a bureau under MLIT, and in 2016 the government set a goal of achieving 40 million foreign visitors to Japan annually by 2020, further strengthening the system to achieve the aim of becoming a tourism-oriented country. Graph by Hirokazu Nishikawa (JITTI USA) via data from the Japan Tourism Agency In 2019, Japan was ranked 12th (3rd in Asia) in terms of the number of incoming foreign tourists (31.88 million), increasing its popularity as a tourist country and steadily growing its visitor numbers, but due to the coronavirus, was forced to significantly decrease its numbers the following year. 2.Outline of the Japanese Government's Tourism Policy for Foreign Tourists (Introduction of the FY2022 Budget Request) Since the spread of the COVID-19 virus, domestic and international tourism demand has decreased significantly, and the tourism industry has been severely affected. Against this backdrop, I would like to introduce some of the major policies aimed at improving the environment for and the gradual revival of inbound tourism within the budget outlined for the next fiscal year by the Japan Travel Agency, as follows. Emergency Project for Improving the Environment for Foreign Visitors Traveling to Japan In order to create an environment in which foreign visitors traveling to Japan can fully enjoy their trip in a stress-free and comfortable manner at tourist spots, accommodation facilities, and public transportation, and to create a safe and secure travel environment in case of emergencies such as disasters, the following measures will be supported: enhancement of multilingual tourist information provisions, development of free Wi-Fi services, dissemination of cashless transactions, promotion of barrier-free environments for disability accessibility, improvement of countermeasures against the COVID-19 virus, and strengthening of multilingual responses in case of emergencies. (Some examples of measures) Utilizing a contactless check-in system using Digital Transformation Signage in multiple languages Free Wi-Fi in transportation facilities and vehicles Image Source: Japan Tourism Agency Sustainable Tourism Promotion Project As the interest in sustainable tourism* is increasing worldwide, Japan will promote it, as well as addressing overtourism and carbon neutrality, by establishing a management system that can be used as a model across other regions in order to become the tourist destination of choice for travelers around the world. (*) The World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) definition of sustainable tourism: tourism that fully considers current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts while responding to the needs of visitors, industries, the environment, and the communities that host them. As an example of efforts, by implementing the Japan Sustainable Tourism Standard for Destinations (JSTS-D), a best-practice for sustainable tourism destination management has been developed and is being implemented nationwide. (Examples of overtourism in each region) Crowded and congested tourist spots (The two pictures on the left) Residents picking up trash left by tourists / Traffic obstruction in tourist areas (The two pictures on the right) Image Source: Japan Tourism Agency (The Role of these Guidelines) Use as a Self-Assessment Tool: a guideline for tourism policy making and tourism planning Use as a Communication Tool: an opportunity for the community to work together to create a sustainable region and tourist destination Use as a Promotional Tool: branding as a tourist destination and improving international competitiveness Implementation of Strategic Promotion for Foreign Tourists Focusing on a post-COVID-19 virus future, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will work on strategic promotion for inbound tourism to Japan in order for it to easily recovery, increase travel spending, and attract more visitors to regional areas. By doing these, Japan aims to achieve its goals of 60 million foreign visitors and 15 trillion yen in foreign travel spending by 2030. In particular, the following five measures will be taken. 1. Implementing promotions to stimulate the desire to revisit Japan among repeat visitors A large-scale campaign to stimulate the desire to revisit Japan will be conducted for repeat travelers in the Asian market, who are expected to resume visiting Japan at an early stage. In addition, JNTO will promote an increase in consumption by strengthening the dissemination of experiential tourism in local areas. 2. Strengthening promotions based on changes in demand due to Covid Promotions of experiences that are expected to have increased demand in the post- COVID-19 virus era, such as sports and adventure tourism, will be fortified to take into consideration local lifestyles and nature. 3. Thoroughly utilizing market-specific strategies based by country In order to strategically attract visitors from key markets to Japan, JNTO will accurately grasp the trends in each and conduct detailed promotions based on market-specific strategies. Specifically, in the Asian sector, since Japan is already well known as a travel destination, detailed promotions tailored to individual travel demands will be implemented. For the European, U.S. and Australian markets, the promotion will focus on appealing to interests such as attractive activities. 4. Bolstering dissemination of regional tourism offerings Consultations will be made to improve the quality of local attractions to meet post- COVID-19 demands and to advertise these regional offerings according to the needs of each market in order to interest tourists. 5. Strengthening digital marketing The foundations of digital marketing will be strengthened through collecting and analyzing the information obtained by foreign tourists from websites, etc. to effectively develop promotions. 3. Summary The initiatives introduced in the previous section are only a small part of the budgeted projects scheduled for the next fiscal year. The overall basic policy for next year's budget is to do its utmost to maintain employment and continue business operations, and to provide support for thorough measures that prevent the spread of infection. At the same time, the government will revitalize tourist attractions by renewing accommodation facilities and removing abandoned buildings, refine local tourism resources through cooperation with various stakeholders, and stimulate travel demand by supporting local tourism businesses. In the next fiscal year, it is necessary to realize a full-scale recovery of tourism that supports the local economy with an eye on the time post-COVID-19 virus, while taking all possible measures to ensure the survival of tourism areas and industries that are in danger. In addition, promotion of these efforts will continue, as well as those to increase the number of mid- to long-term visitors and repeat visitors, and content that will become the signature products of profitable regions will be created. In addition, necessary measures to cope with the COVID-19 virus will be considered in the budgeting process, taking into account the future infection situation and trends in tourism demand. The Go To campaign promoting domestic tourism, which was introduced in this journal last year, is not being considered in the initial budget for the next fiscal year, at least at this point. To read last year's article, please click here: JITTI Journal- November 2020 Feature Article. References Efforts and Challenges toward the Realization of a Tourism-oriented Nation Microsoft Word - 20130701048.docx ( sangiin.go.jp ) A Study on the Changes in Japan's Inbound Tourism Policy 268407547.pdf ( core.ac.uk ) Japan Tourism Agency 訪日外国人旅行者数・出国日本人数 | 統計情報 | 統計情報・白書 | 観光庁 ( mlit.go.jp ) スライド 1 ( nihon-kankou.or.jp ) ①.表紙・総括表_２ver2 ( mlit.go.jp ) Image Sources Japan Tourism Agency Back to All JITTI Journals November 2021 Feature Article

Back to All JITTI Journals September 2021 Feature Article A Private Workspace in Train Stations by Akito Okabe Introduction Do you know what these strange boxes are that have been popping up across train stations in Japan? Image Source: Tokyo Metro Co.,Ltd They are private workspaces made for one person and are used for various situations, such as when you have spare time while going out and about, or when you need to hold a quick web conference. These workspaces can also be used not only for work, but also for reading, studying, etc. This article introduces a unique approach to manage privacy needs in Japan, where these facilities inside stations have become well developed. Background: Diversification of Work Styles Japan is facing a "decline in the working-age population due to the falling birth rate and aging population" and greater "workforce need diversification, such as balancing work with childcare and nursing care.1” In order to solve these problems, Japan has been striving to create a society where people can choose various ways to work so that each individual can have a better vision of his or her future.1 Against this backdrop, telework, a flexible work style that is not restricted by location, has been gaining attention as a part of corporate work style reforms. In addition, in recent years, the spread of coronavirus infections has restricted people's mobility and discouraged them from coming to the office, resulting in a rapid acceleration of telework. On the other hand, there are challenges in promoting telework. In particular, in Japan, unlike in the U.S., due to the small size of houses, many disincentives are cited, such as the lack of dedicated workspaces, and the inability to concentrate due to the close proximity of family members. In addition, although it is not impossible to work in cafes, there are still inconveniences such as the lack of available seats, inability to concentrate due to noise, and inability to do highly confidential work within view of others. Companies in various industries are devising ways to solve these problems. While private workspace set-up in train stations are described in this article, there are many other initiatives being launched by companies, such as hotels and karaoke bars offering plans for telework stays. Overview of Private Workspaces In Japan, train stations are not just a place to catch a train or make a connection, but also a place where you can do many things, such as going to eating and drinking establishments, pharmacies, convenience stores, and many other commercial facilities. Private workspaces are also a unique feature of Japan's well-developed stations, and several companies are currently producing them. CocoDesk is one such workspace, and is a joint project between Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. and FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp. The installation of CocoDesk booths started in February 2020 and are currently underway mainly in subway stations. They are 51 inches wide, 39 inches deep, and 83 inches high, making them large enough to be used comfortably. In addition, the room is equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi for mobile devices, and the temperature can be adjusted by the air conditioner, so you can make phone calls or prepare documents without worrying about your surroundings. Moreover, a ventilation fan is in place along with all items covered with an antibacterial coating, so even if you are wary of the coronavirus, you can use it having peace of mind. The service hours are from 7:00 to 22:00, and the fee is approximately 2.50 USD per 15 minutes, so users can freely choose the time of use according to their purposes. The above figure is reprinted and translated from the FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp website. Conclusion Post-pandemic, teleworking is expected to take root to a certain extent, and I believe it is important for the government and companies to continue to work together to create an environment that facilitates teleworking. Tokyo Metro has announced that it will continue to install CocoDesk booths in stations and will consider various initiatives to make stations more convenient and comfortable to use as a part of business and daily life in order to more closely match customers' various ways of working.2 Why don't you experience this unique service when you visit Japan? ※CocoDesk is a registered trademark or trademark of FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp. References 1.Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000148322.html 2. Tokyo Metro Co.,Ltd. press release https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/2021/210791.html Image Sources 1. Tokyo Metro Co.,Ltd 2. FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp

Japan’s New Budget Proposal for FY 2021 by Tetsuhiro Nakagawa 1. Overview of the 2021 Budget Proposal Japan’s new budget proposal for FY2021 was decided by the cabinet in December of last year. In Japan, at the end of each year, the government decides its budget proposal for the next fiscal year, which starts from April. Budget proposals decided by the government are deliberated in regular Diet sessions convened in January of the new year, and are approved in due course by April if the process proceeds as normal. The total amount for the general account in the 2021 budget proposal is about $1 trillion[1] (106.61 trillion YEN), hitting a record high for the ninth consecutive year. It also exceeds over 100 trillion YEN for the 3rd year in a row. A demand for policy has been increasing in Japan, especially in the field of social security, such as public healthcare and pension systems, in light of the rapidly aging population. Social Security expenses account for about 54% of spending outside of debt payments and money transfers to local governments. Compared to the U.S., whose federal budget of FY2020 was $4.8 trillion, Japan’s budget is about one fifth that size, while Japan’s GDP ($5 trillion) is about one fourth of the U.S. GDP ($21.37 trillion. Nominal in 2019, World Bank data). [1] For the convenience of the reader, in this article, the dollar amount that has been converted from the original YEN amount, and is rounded based on the number of Japanese yen. Please note that it is not an exact number. Graphs by Tetsuhiro Nakagawa (JITTI USA) were made using data from Japan's Ministry of Finance The main features of this year’s budget proposal are as follows: The largest ever total number The largest amount ever of Social Security spending Stated above, the rapidly growing number of elderly populations has led the expansion of Social Security costs. The largest amount ever of National Defense spending It is up 0.5% from FY 2020 and has hit a record high for the seventh consecutive year as tensions within the region rise due to China’s growing maritime assertiveness and North Korea’s missile threat. The budget also includes the cost of strengthening capabilities in new domains, including cyberspace, outer space, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Addition of $50 billion to the reserve fund The government has reserved $50 billion for future responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The money, which can be spent without parliamentary approval, will allow the government to act swiftly when needed to contain the virus. Establishment of a “Digital Agency” The government will set up a new “Digital Agency” in September to expedite the digital transformation of government work and services. The Digital Agency will be established as a headquarters to strongly promote administrative digitalization in order to realize more efficient administrative management in the post-corona era. In addition to digitizing various administrative services, the agency will also advance online medical care and digital education. Furthermore, the mission of the agency includes popularizing the "My Number Card" to dramatically improve the efficiency of administrative services. The “My Number Card” can be used as an official identification card for verifying identity, and can make various administrative procedures more convenient, such as by allowing resident cards to be issued at convenience stores. It was introduced in 2015, but as many people have not felt the benefits, it has not yet become very popular. This image illustrating the "My Number Card" is from Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication . Revenue In light of the deterioration in corporate performance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, revenue for the 2021 fiscal year lowered approximately 5% ($60 billion) compared to the previous fiscal year's initial budget. In order to respond to the dual shock from both lower tax revenue and higher spending, the amount of new government bonds issued, which is to say the national debt, increased by about 34% ($110 billion) from the previous fiscal year to $436 billion. For Japan, which has been working to rebuild its finances, the increase in national debt is a first in 11 years based on initial budget figures. Graph by Tetsuhiro Nakagawa (JITTI USA) via data from Japan's Ministry of Finance 2. Budget Items related to Transportation and Tourism In the 2021 government budget proposal, the transportation and tourism sectors are summarized as related to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The MLIT's budget for the 2021 fiscal year consists of the following three pillars. There have been no major changes in the theme in recent years. 1. Ensuring the safety and security of the public 2. Achieving sustainable economic growth 3. Forming rich and vibrant regions and creating a multi-regional country In addition to traditional policies of advancing transportation infrastructure to support Japan’s economic and social activities, several new measures have been developed in light of the effects of the recent pandemic. The followings are excerpts of the MLIT's budget statement. 2. Achieving sustainable economic growth (2) (a) Promote digital transformation, technology development, work-style reform, etc. in infrastructure and logistics fields ($84 million / 8.4 billion yen) In order to respond to the novel coronavirus infection that has brought about an unprecedented crisis, various measures have been introduced to efficiently transform social capital and public services based on the needs of the people by utilizing data and digital technology in the infrastructure field. (Examples of measures) Improve productivity by promoting the digitization of passenger transportation business using ICT. Convert to a sustainable railway system through labor saving and efficiency improvement through the use of ICT. Construct non-contact and non-face-to-face logistical systems through labor saving and automation of logistic sites, etc. Improve productivity and strengthen international competitiveness of port logistics by digitizing port logistic information and linked data. Image Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Toursim of Japan (4)(a) Continue the “Go To Travel” campaign ($13 billion / 1,311 billion yen) Japan’s initiative to promote domestic travel, called the “Go To Travel” campaign, which was introduced in the supplementary budget for FY2020, will be extended through the FY2021 on the premise that both business operators and travelers should thoroughly implement measures to prevent the spread of infection. By responding flexibly depending on the state of the infection, a full-fledged recovery of domestic travel demand is attainable. Please also refer to our feature article, “ An Introduction of Japanese Tourism Initiatives During the Pandemic,” in the JITTI Journal’s November 2020 edition . 3. Forming rich and vibrant regions and creating a multi-regional country (2) (d) Promote the spread of next-generation mobility ($7 million / 700 million yen) In order to respond to structural changes in the movement of people and goods brought about by post-COVID lifestyles, Japan will promote the spread of next-generation mobility using new technologies, such as AI and IoT. (Examples of measures) Promote MaaS that responds to new needs, such as congestion avoidance, based on the spread of infectious diseases. Support efforts to establish technical requirements for the practical application of autonomous driving, develop standards for road spaces, and implementation. Promote measures to support the introduction of next-generation vehicles that contribute to the greening of regional transportation. Promote the development of an environment for the realization of visual flight of unmanned aerial vehicles. Promote the development of an environment for the social implementation of "flying cars" as a new business. Measures aim for a more green transportation network. Measures also aim for transportation modes to travel seamlessly in the future, as mobility options for goods and people advance 3. Supplementary Budget 2020 The expenses required for measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic, which is the most important issue for countries around the world, are mainly recorded in the supplementary budget for the 2020 fiscal year. The supplementary budget is constructed annually and, like the regular budget, is deliberated and approved by the Diet. In the 2020 fiscal year, three supplementary budgets have already been set to address the pandemic. These measures, some of which are in common with those passed in the U.S., such as personal benefits, loans for large corporations, assistance for small businesses, and subsidies to maintain employment, are implemented under the supplementary budget, as in the U.S. For reference, the total size of Japan's supplementary budget implemented in the 2020 fiscal year was about $730 billion (73 trillion yen). It was equivalent to 71.6% of the annual budget of about $1 trillion (102 trillion yen) and about 14% of its GDP. The U.S. has a total of just over $3.8 trillion from the first to the fourth round of economic measures, which amounts to 79.2% of annual budget expenditures and 18% of its GDP. It can be assessed that the US has taken measure to provide relatively larger financial aid to address the pandemic so far. Graph by Tetsuhiro Nakagawa (JITTI USA) Looking at the contents of the supplementary budgets of both countries, most of the expenditure items related to transportation are either measures to maintain the workforce in the transportation sector or measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the sector. On the other hand, in Japan, the supplementary budget over the past three iterations have been characterized by not only the response to the current pandemic, but also measures for economic revitalization during a current or post-corona era, such as measures to make major changes by shifting into a digital society. It can be said that in this respect, these characteristics are a distinctive difference between the two nations. Society 5.0 is a national vision aimed at realizing a data-driven, human-centric society for future generations. It is a concept in which economic development, digitalization, and solutions for social issues are aligned. Image Source: The Government of Japan Back to All JITTI Journals January 2021 Feature Article

Back to All JITTI Journals July 2019 Cultural Article What is Koshien? Japan’s Biggest Sporting Event in Summer by Daisuke Takagi If they heard the phrase “Summer Sports,” most Japanese people would think of the same word, "Koshien." One might ask “What kind of sport is Koshien?” However, Koshien is not the name of a sport, but the name of a baseball stadium. In Japan, the final tournament of the National High School Baseball Championships is held every August at Koshien, which is officially named the “Hanshin Koshien Stadium”. Typically, the Hanshin Tigers, one of Japan’s professional baseball teams, uses it as its home stadium, but during this term it is solely used by high school baseball teams. The tournament is a summer classic in Japan, and because it takes place during the time of year when the temperatures are at its most extreme hot, Japanese people have associated high school baseball in particular with summer. While the national high school baseball tournament at Koshien Stadium is also held in spring, summer Koshien is more popular and exciting for Japanese people. This tournament is a very historic tournament that had its 100 th anniversary last year. About 4,000 high schools are divided by prefecture to hold preliminary tournaments, and the winning high school from each prefecture can participate in the final tournament at Koshien (but in Tokyo and Hokkaido, two schools can be represented as there are so many high schools in these prefectures. In addition, there are some prefectures where two schools can participate in the tournament in a commemorative year like 80th, 90th or 100 th anniversaries). By the way, the prefecture which has the largest number of champion high schools is Osaka Prefecture. In addition, the high school that has won the most in the past is Chukyo University Senior High School in Aichi Prefecture, which has won seven times. Speaking of sports, “cheering” is an essential part of the sport. As it is a great honor to compete in the historic Koshien tournament and aim for the national championship, the family of players, other current students, and alumnae rush to root for and support their high school team. In addition, performances by each school’s brass band club is very common. There are various theories as to why, but it is said that it is easy to start playing various songs as baseball is divided into separate offenses and defenses. In Koshien, precise performances by dozens or hundreds of brass band club members cheers up players with standard numbers, popular numbers, and sometimes even original numbers during games. In addition to the cheering section, there are several scenes unique to the high school baseball tournament at Koshien. One is for the winning team to remain on the grounds after the game and sing the school song. The scene of the baseball players standing in a row and singing the school song is also a sight that reminds you of summer. While the winning team sings the school song, what does the defeated school do? Their tradition is to take the soil of Koshien home. There are many players who take the soil as a memorial of their experience and expression that they will miss Koshien in their hearts. However, it is said that some high schools do not dare take the soil home with them as they are determined to return to Koshien again. Koshien is also the gateway for professional baseball players, and many of the Japanese major leaguers have experience at Koshien. Famous past stars including Hideki Matsui and Ichiro, and those who are currently active like Masahiro Tanaka, Yu Darvish and Shohei Otani have played at Koshien. In these hot summer months, I hope that you have a moment to see Koshien whether you are physically at the stadium or view it through other means. Once you’ve experienced Koshien, with its youthful and earnest baseball players, the boisterous and hopeful fan sections, and bittersweet victories and defeats, I’m sure that you will be hooked. Outside of the Hanshin Koshien Stadium

A Significant First Step in Collaboration for Both Academies (Photo by USCGA, provided by JCGA) A Historic Moment: The Blossoming of Japan-US Coast Guard Academic Collaboration By Daisuke Komatsu On April 21st this year, under a crystal-clear sky in New London, Connecticut, a historic moment unfolded at the United States Coast Guard Academy. The Japan Coast Guard Academy and the US Coast Guard Academy, striving to further enhance their educational programs, signed a landmark agreement on academic cooperation - a first for both institutions with an overseas academy. The Japan-US Coast Guards have led coast guards worldwide and, based on the memoranda of cooperation signed in 2010 and the MOC’s ANNEX in 2022, have strengthened their trust by collaborating in various areas, including high-level meetings, joint exercises, and capacity building support for the Philippine Coast Guard. The signing of this document of cooperation between the two educational and training institutions, as part of the Japan-US joint initiative "SAPPHIRE" based on the 2022 ANNEX, reaffirms the significance of cadets’ cooperation including international student conferences and cadet exchanges through training vessel visits. It aims to further enhance academy education by focusing on academic exchange, joint research, and the establishment of mutual exchange programs. The Signing Took Place in a Solemn Atmosphere (Photo by USCGA, provided by JCGA) The signing ceremony took place in a serene atmosphere at the Hamilton Hall of the US Coast Guard Academy, attended by Rear Admiral William G. Kelly, Superintendent of the US Coast Guard Academy, and Rear Admiral Upper half Mitsuru Eguchi, Superintendent of the Japan Coast Guard Academy. Rear Admiral Kelly emphasized the significance of the agreement, which further strengthens the historic relationship between the two academies, and expressed his commitment to developing the long-standing friendship with the Japan Coast Guard Academy and enhancing their educational training. Rear Admiral Upper half Eguchi touched on the history of exchanges between the two academies and expressed his conviction that academic exchanges will strengthen their relationship even further through student interactions. Additionally, he proposed that the Japan-US educational institutions should become two range lights, cooperating to advance maritime law enforcement education and training in the Indo- Pacific region. Group Photo of the Representatives from Both Academies (Photo by USCGA, provided by JCGA) The Japan Coast Guard Academy was established over 70 years ago, and the US Coast Guard Academy nearly 150 years. This was the first time for each academy to sign an agreement on cooperation with an overseas academy. This historic document exchange highlights the need for collaboration between educational and training institutions, which are the foundation for human resource development, in addition to cooperation at Headquarter and operational levels amidst challenging maritime security environments. Furthermore, maritime security research spans a wide range of areas, including maritime security, international law, search and rescue techniques, and environmental conservation. The academic exchange between faculty members is expected to lead to more advanced research in coast guard operations, which is still in development. The signing of this cooperation document contributes to building a solid foundation for nurturing the next generation of leaders, as both countries' maritime security agencies work together to improve maritime security. Through the collaboration of both academies, research and education in the maritime security field will progress, and international cooperation between the two agencies will deepen, leading to enhanced maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The author hopes that the strengthened cooperation between Japan and the US maritime security agencies will pave the way to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. A Regimental Review by USCGA Cadets for the Superintendent of JCGA Was Also Held in Conjunction with the Signing Ceremony (Photo by USCGA, provided by JCGA) Back to All JITTI Journals May 2023 Feature Article

Back to All JITTI Journals March 2020 Cultural Article Hanami: Cherry Blossom Viewing by Tomomi Dodd Hanami, meaning ‘flower viewing’, refers to picnicking in the vicinity of sakura (cherry blossoms) in Japan. While the blooming period of cherry blossoms varies every year, it is usually between the end of March to beginning of April in Tokyo. During Hanami season in Japan, people gather with friends, family, coworkers, classmates, and club-mates to enjoy food, drinks and the company of others. There are several different species of sakura, but the Yoshino cherry is most common. The earliest flowers bloom around January in Okinawa, and the latest around May in Hokkaido. ( Hanami at Shinjuku Gyoen 2012 by Dick Thomas Johnson is licensed under CC BY 2.0 ) It is said that hanami’s origins are from the Nara period (710–794), and initially centered around plum blossoms, which bloom earlier than sakura. The focus switched to cherry blossoms during the Heian period (794–1185) as aristocrats held flower-viewing parties under the cherry blossom trees of the imperial court in Kyoto. At these early celebrations, aristocrats wrote poems about the blossoms. Hanami gradually spread from the elites to the samurai, and eventually to the common people. People head out to parks that have cherry trees and set up tarps to sit on to have a picnic. People bring prepared bento boxes or buy food from supermarkets and convenience stores. Sometimes they are quiet family affairs, while other times they are loud and drunken gatherings with coworkers and friends. Also, sweets popular during this time are a pink, white, and green dango (dumplings) made from mochiko (rice flour), to be eaten during hanami. In this typical color combination, the pink, white, and green represent the blossoms of springs, the snow of winter, and the leaves and grass of summer. Sanshoku Dango -three colored dumpling ( Dango by Joey is licensed under C C By 2.0 ) The special attention paid to cherry blossoms is due to their fragility and short lifespan, which is an idea of “wabi-sabi,” a traditional Japanese aesthetic. They represent life, reminding us of our vulnerability and encouraging us to make the most of our short lives. People feel this sentiment when they see the petals fall like snow at the end of the season. Then again, their popularity could be more to do with aesthetics – whether seen close up as a single flower, or from a distance as a pink and white cloud, cherry blossoms are exquisitely beautiful. Some recommended places for hanami in Tokyo are; Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden , Chidorigafuchi, and Yoyogi park. My recommendation is Chidorigafuchi, an area around the moat of the Imperial Palace, where the trees get lit up at night. There is also a spot in Chidorigafuchi where you can ride a boat and view sakura. The view is surrealistically beautiful, and it almost feels like you are in heaven! (Granted, you may need patience to wait in a long line for the ride.) People riding on boats at Chidorigafuchi, Tokyo ( Lunchtime stroll: Chidorigafuchi and Tokyo Tower with Cherry Blossoms by Big Ben in Japan is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 ) At this time, with fears of COVID-19 and recommendations for social distancing, hanami viewing is not advisable. In fact, some parks will likely not be open for this reason in Japan. However, during this period of quiet and solitude, my hope is that we will gain an even greater appreciation for the cherry blossoms and our chances to meet with friends and loved ones under them. Then, when life has returned to normal, and if you have not yet been to Japan during hanami season, I highly recommend for you to visit the cherry blossoms for an exquisite experience!