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

Outlook of the Tourism, Transportation, and Economic Sectors in Japan in 2022 by Tetsuhiro Hagiwara Happy New Year to you all. Although the re-expansion of COVID-19 by the Omicron variant has brought an uncertain start to the year 2022, I wish you all a wonderful year ahead. In my first article for 2022, I would like to share the direction of the tourism, transportation, and economic sectors in Japan this year, based on the New Year's resolutions of the Japanese government, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Chairman of the Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), and the President of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Please find the translation of their published statements below. 1. Minister Tetsuo Saito, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Tourism is a pillar of growth strategy. Achieve both infection prevention and economic recovery, and strategically implement inbound recovery. Tourism is a pillar of Japan's growth strategy and a trump card for regional development, and we believe that it is necessary to achieve both prevention of the spread of the coronavirus and economic recovery. In order to inhibit the spread of disease and achieve economic recovery, the government will provide support for maintaining employment and continuing business in tourism-related industries, which are severely affected by the new coronavirus infection and employ approximately 9 million people nationwide, as well as stimulate tourism demand through the "New Go to Travel Project" and other measures. In addition, with an eye on life post-Corona, the government will strategically promote the gradual recovery of inbound tourism, while monitoring the infection situation in Japan and abroad, as well as the renewal of tourist sites, mainly accommodation facilities, and the creation of new tourist content and high value-added tourist sites, which will be implemented in cooperation with local stakeholders. First, since it is necessary to maintain and recover tourist attractions and the local economy, we will continue to promote measures to stimulate tourism demand, and will expand the scope of travel eligible for support in stages while carefully checking the infection situation. To start, the prefectural government's so-called "prefectural residents' discount" has so far only supported travel within the prefecture, but since November last year, travel from neighboring prefectures has been added to the scope of support. In the future, based on the status of infection and other factors, we will expand the prefectural residents' discount support to neighboring areas, or regional blocks, at an appropriate time, and then, after reconfirming the status of infection during the year-end and New Year holidays, implement the "New Go to Travel Campaign" on a nationwide scale. Furthermore, it is necessary to uncover new demand for domestic tourism before the full-scale recovery of inbound tourism. Based on new trends such as the change in people's awareness of work styles and lifestyles caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, we will promote the spread of "new travel styles" such as work vacations, as well as the promotion and establishment of a style of "travel to and from the region again and again" as a "second home," so to speak. Second, in order for local economies to recover strongly from the pandemic, it is essential to revitalize tourist areas that will serve as the driving force for local development, and to promote the strengthening of the tourism industry that supports this. By doing so local economies can realize a positive cycle of growth and distribution in regions where people can experience affluence. Therefore, with an eye on post-pandemic life, we will continue to study the revitalization of regions and the strengthening of the tourism industry, by improving productivity in the accommodation industry, creating a safe and secure travel environment, and upgrading the management of tourist attractions through the active use of digital technology. Third, in order to revitalize and add value to tourist attractions in the region as a whole, we will strongly support efforts to renovate accommodation facilities, which are the face of tourist attractions, and remove abandoned buildings. We will also provide consistent support for these revitalization efforts, from the creation of content to the development of sales channels, by utilizing the unique tourism resources of the region such as nature, food, history, culture, art, livelihood, and transportation. Fourth, while foreign tourists continue to be unable to enter Japan, we will improve the environment for receiving foreign visitors to Japan in preparation for the recovery of inbound tourism. At the same time, from the perspective of contributing to the economy and employment in local areas and raising incomes, we will provide support for the development of accommodation facilities and human resources to create high value-added inbound tourism destinations. In addition, the government will implement strategic promotion for visiting Japan and of hybrid MICE events that combine face-to-face and online activities, in order to increase travel spending and attract more visitors to regional areas by providing information on Japan's safety and security efforts as well as regional attractions. While continuing to adhere to the targets of 60 million tourists and 15 trillion yen in 2030, the government will make concerted efforts to realize a tourism-oriented nation. ■Promotion of Tourism in Okinawa including Restoration of Shuri Castle Shuri Castle, which was destroyed by fire in October 2019, is not only the pride of the people of Okinawa, but also an extremely important building as a national historical and cultural heritage site. In order to restore the castle, technical studies are being conducted, including the strengthening of fire prevention measures. This year is an important year for us to start construction of the main building of Shuri Castle, and as the responsible party of the national park project, we will continue to make every effort to restore the castle by 2026 in cooperation with Okinawa Prefecture and related ministries and agencies. I also believe that tourism in Okinawa has tremendous potential. At Naha Airport, the second runway was put into service the year before last, and by continuing to promote the enhancement of the functions of the international terminal area, I believe that this will contribute to the further promotion of tourism in Okinawa by increasing the number of tourists and improving convenience. As Minister of State for Tourism, I will focus more on the promotion of tourism in Okinawa, with an eye on the full-scale recovery of domestic tourism and inbound tourism. ■Tourism policies in each sector In terms of domestic cruises, we have resumed operations by implementing thorough countermeasures against infectious diseases on board and at the passenger terminals. As for international cruises, we will take the necessary measures based on the safety and security of the local community, while taking into account the infection situation in Japan and overseas and trends in waterfront safety measures. Regarding Upopoi, which is a center for the revival and creation of Ainu culture, we will enhance the center’s content and conduct public relations activities to attract more visitors so that they can experience the splendor of Ainu culture and share in the philosophy of ethnic coexistence. With regard to landscape and historical city planning, we will promote the formulation of plans for maintaining and improving historical townscapes to create favorable landscapes, and continue to provide support to local governments in their efforts to create cities that make use of the unique history, culture, and climate of the region. We have designated the period from 2020 to 2025 as the third stage of "Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station)." With the aim of making "Michi-no-Eki" a base for accelerating regional development and tourism, we will promote initiatives such as adapting to new lifestyles in the post-Corona era and strengthening the preventative functions of "Disaster Prevention Michi-no-Eki" to be base during wide-area disaster. We will continue to promote these efforts. In addition, based on the Second Bicycle Utilization Promotion Plan, which was approved by the Cabinet in May last year, the government, led by the Bicycle Utilization Promotion Headquarters headed by myself, will work together to systematically improve bicycle traffic space, promote the spread of shared bicycles, and encourage the use of the National Cycle Route. In the railroad field, in order for inbound travelers to enjoy a more comfortable trip on Japan's railroads, we will enhance multilingual information displays and announcements, provide free Wi-Fi service at stations and aboard trains, westernize restrooms, improve the environment for using credit card-compatible ticket vending machines and transportation system IC cards, install large luggage storage areas, and introduce sightseeing trains and cycle trains. In the field of aviation, we will take the necessary measures to achieve an annual arrival and departure capacity of approximately one million flights at airports in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Specifically, with regard to the development of a third runway at Narita Airport, we will make maximum efforts to enhance the functions of the airport in cooperation with the local government and other related parties. As for Haneda Airport, the new flight paths began operating in March 2020, and we will continue to take measures for noise and safety, work to avoid fixing the new flight paths, and provide detailed information. In terms of regional airports, we will promote the Fukuoka Airport runway expansion project and the New Chitose Airport taxiway double track project to strengthen the gateway function. In addition, to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations, we will continue our efforts to reorganize domestic air traffic control areas. ２．Masakazu Tokura, Chairman, Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) Corporations are the agents of growth and distribution. Promote GX and DX to establish "sustainable capitalism." Six months have passed since I took office as Chairman on June 1st last year. During this period, my top priority was overcoming the Coronavirus pandemic and revitalizing social and economic activities. At the same time, I have been working in great haste to further the efforts I have taken so far by introducing a social point of view into the market economy, while continuing the aims advocated by my predecessor, Mr. Nakanishi, such as Society 5.0 for SDGs and sustainable capitalism. We have been working with a sense of urgency. The Keidanren's vision of "sustainable capitalism" is in line with Prime Minister Kishida's conception of "new capitalism.” Since the inauguration of his administration in October last year, Prime Minister Kishida has announced that he would focus his efforts on "realizing a new capitalism." The key concepts are "a positive cycle of growth and distribution" and "the development of a new post-Corona society." At the meeting of the Council for the Realization of New Capitalism, chaired by the Prime Minister, I emphasized that distribution should be discussed together with growth, and that growth is the first priority. In order to achieve this, I pointed out that the issues that need to be addressed are the building of social common capital, such as the improvement of Japan's crisis management capacity, which was a problem during the pandemic, and that the role of the government will be important because these issues cannot be solved by the market economy alone. I also reiterated the need for the entire government to discuss Green Transformation (GX) alongside Digital Transformation (DX), as a sustainable global environment is essential for the realization of new capitalism. In addition to GX and DX, there is an urgent need to vigorously promote important policy issues at home and abroad, including the promotion of startups, regulatory reform, regional development, reform of work styles and the development of human resources, cooperation and coordination with the international community, and fiscal soundness and sustainable, all-generation social security reform. With the determination and spirit that corporations are the agents of growth and distribution, the Keidanren will continue to join forces with the Kishida Cabinet in 2022 and do its utmost to overcome the Coronavirus pandemic and establish a sustainable and prosperous future society based on sustainable capitalism. I would like to ask for your further support and cooperation. ３．Akio Mimura, Chairman, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry This is the year to achieve a higher level of compatibility between infection prevention and socioeconomic activities. Promote digitalization, value-adding, and regional development to make Japan a strong and prosperous country with resilience to crises. Since last fall, the number of new cases of Covid-19 infections in Japan has remained at a low level, and I am pleased to join you in welcoming the New Year as the pace of recovery in daily life accelerates. Although the outlook for the future remains unpredictable due to the reemergence of the disease overseas, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry has positioned this year as a year to achieve a higher level of compatibility between infection prevention and socioeconomic activities, and will continue to do its utmost for the development of the local economy and the businesses that support it. Now, the economy, which fell sharply due to the Coronavirus pandemic, has finally started to recover, but it still lacks strength, and there continues to be a "K-shaped recovery," with the degree of recovery varying depending on the industry and scale. In order to truly break through the sense of stagnation that pervades the entire nation, it is necessary not only to steadily implement the "new economic measures" that the government decided on last year, but also to clearly show the way to new growth and development so that the people can have bright hopes for the future of Japan. Since the inauguration of the second Kishida cabinet, the government has been advocating "new capitalism" and has been discussing "a positive cycle of growth and distribution" and "the development of a new society post-Corona." To make Japan a strong and prosperous country that is resilient to crises, we need to solve the social issues revealed by the pandemic and achieve economic growth at the same time. For Japan, which is facing a variety of structural issues such as demographic trends toward a declining birthrate and aging population, to solve social problems and achieve economic growth at the same time, it is necessary to raise GDP per capita, a comprehensive indicator of a country's wealth, as a national goal, and to improve productivity in all fields and raise the potential growth rate. In particular, raising the productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for about 70% of employment, is an important issue that will eventually lead to higher productivity in Japan as a whole. Other essential issues include: economic and medical security, investment in human resource development and science and technology research as the foundation for supporting growth, promotion of digitalization, and balanced energy policy and technological innovation based on the principle of "S + 3E.” In the area of trade, Japan should continue to play a leading role in promoting the free trade system while deepening cooperation with like-minded countries based on the achievements of the TPP and RCEP. In light of these issues, we, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will focus on the following three points this year. The first is "strengthening of SMEs through digitalization." Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have overcome many difficulties in the past, have the potential to respond flexibly and swiftly to various changes. The use of digital technology in the management of SMEs is a powerful means of self-transformation for survival, and the trend of digitalization accelerated by the Coronavirus pandemic will not be limited to improving operational efficiency, but will be expanded to include business transformation such as the expansion of sales channels through cross-border EC, etc., and even business transformation. We will provide strong support as a pillar for improving management capabilities. The second pillar is to "increase added value through business restructuring and the optimization of transactions." The Chamber of Commerce and Industry will support business succession, revitalization, and restructuring by strengthening the companion-style management consultation system, and will strongly support the improvement of management efficiency and the ability to create added value. In addition, it is essential to optimize business transactions to fairly share the added value and costs created throughout the supply chain, which consists of large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises. The "Declaration on Partnership Building" with more than 4,000 registered companies, is a powerful platform for realizing this through public-private cooperation. We will further enhance the effectiveness of the Declaration and contribute to raising the added value of SMEs and, by extension, the growth potential of Japan as a whole. The third is the "promotion of regional development." Although it is said that Tokyo is concentrated in one area, in reality, there are multiple regional areas that achieved higher economic growth rates than Tokyo. They’ve done so by promoting the growth of primary industries, the concentration of manufacturing industries through infrastructure development, and the capture of inbound demand. In the wake of the pandemic, there has been a trend toward further decentralization, and in light of the government's "Digital Rural City Nation Concept," it is essential to link this momentum to the acceleration of regional development in order to create a resilient Japan. As a comprehensive regional economic organization, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to deepening cooperation with various local entities and further supporting the creation of local communities. Finally, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Under the slogan of "Creating the Future with the Community," we aim to realize sustainable growth of the Japanese economy by strengthening the vitality of small and medium-sized enterprises and revitalizing local communities for the next 100 years. In my New Year's address, I would like to ask for your continued support and cooperation. In his New Year's message, Mr. Tamura, President of Narita International Airport Corporation, stated that "2022 will be the first year of aviation revival." I hope that the global economy will recover and people will once again travel around the world. References: ■ New Year's resolutions of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism http://www.ryoko-net.co.jp/?p=102116 ■Japan Business Federation https://www.keidanren.or.jp/speech/2022/0101.html ■The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry https://www.jcci.or.jp/news/jcci-news/2022/0101100000.html Back to All JITTI Journals January 2022 Feature Article

Back to All JITTI Journals March 2021 Cultural Article Introduction of Japanese Anime and Manga by Tomomi Dodd A number of Japanese anime/manga have been produced in the past. They have been translated to many languages, and been popular all over the world. In this article, I would like to briefly describe the history of anime/manga in Japan, and introduce some of the most popular ones. The history of Japanese anime started from “Tetsuwan Atomu”(Astro Boy) in the 1930s. Since then, many anime were produced and introduced to the world. It is said that watching the anime “Captain Tsubasa” influenced Frenchman Zinedine Yazid Zidane’s aspirations to become a soccer player. Now Japanese anime is very important in serving as a soft power while promoting the “Cool Japan” image to the world, particularly with regards to popularizing Japanese culture and bolstering the economy. Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer) has been very popular in Japan since last year. The pure and positive hero fights hard to return his sister, who has become a demon, back into a human. The story takes place in Japan’s Taishō-era (1912 – 1926). If you watch this show, you can see some parts of Japanese culture, such as scenery of downtown Tokyo during this historic time period and kimono. You can watch it now on Netflix-U.S.A. with English subtitles. Above is the official English dub trailer for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba from Anipliex USA . One Piece is another world famous anime/manga I would like to mention. A shared dream of all boys, it depicts the story of a boy who wants to become the pirate king, embarks out to sea, and goes through adventures with his friends. I like One Piece as it has dynamic and touching stories, which teach important ethics to readers, as well as giving viewers/readers moments to laugh. Watch the 20th opening theme, "Hope," from One Piece with English subs (published by Funimation ). Studio Ghibli Inc. is a Japanese animation film studio. It is known for the high quality of its filmmaking and its artistry. The Studio Ghibli films do not only have interesting stories with beautiful and attractive pictures and music, but also have moral values that appeal to viewers from children to adults. Each movie has some sort of background setting that raises social issues, such as human rights and environmental issues, to viewers. My most favorite film from Studio Ghibli is “Spirited Away” (2001). It shows a girl’s personal and mental growth at a bathhouse after she gets spirited away to a fantastical world. In my opinion, the charms of this film are the strange and humane story setting and interesting characters. Studio Ghibli films are now available on HBO Max with English subtitles. Japanese marketing image of Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli Inc. Japanese anime/manga is now loved by various people all over the world. This pandemic has been challenging for everyone, but is also a good opportunity to discover new things as you have more time to spend at home. I hope you can find a new Japanese anime/manga to enjoy. References: https://yumenavi.info/lecture.aspx?GNKCD=g007578 https://www.vogue.fr/fashion-culture/article/studio-ghibli-everything-to-know-japanese-animation

Back to All JITTI Journals March 2018 Cultural Article Do you take off your shoes inside of your house? by Tatsuya Izumi I take off my shoes at the entrance of my house. I even request that repair people and others take off their shoes when they enter my house. This is because I don't want to get germs or dirt that is clinging to the soles of people's shoes into my house. I think that this custom is fundamentally based in Japanese culture. Far back into Japanese history, Japanese people have believed that the outside ground is unclean or unhallowed, while the inside of house should be kept clean and separate. The entrance of a Japanese house is always a step up, in other words there is a small level between the ground and the floor of the house. The gap is recognized as a kind of sacred boundary to prevent unclean things from coming into the house. Putting your shoes neatly together is one of the important etiquette when you visit a Japanese house. This custom supposedly originated because of the humid and warm climate in Japan. In the ancient era, Japanese people lived in primitive pit houses before houses with an elevated floor were developed. They quickly became popular and widely used because people were able to stay relatively cool in the humid and warm weather thanks to the ventilating capability of such houses. Along with the spread of this type of house, Japanese people supposedly started the custom of taking off their shoes, and even washing their feet, before entering the house in order to keep the floor clean. These customs helped Japanese people maintain a hygienic house in the warm and humid atmosphere, which is rather germ-friendly. It also fostered the development of tatami culture. As a result, you can enjoy lying directly on tatami floors, without a couch or a mat, in a house in Japan. However, this strict separation of inside/outside facilitates Japanese culture in keeping things extremely clean these days. Also, there is a risk to badly hurt your pinky toe by hitting the leg of a table or a corner of a wall, and you can get cold very easily on hard floors such as marble, tile, and wood-all of which are very common in the U.S. You can enjoy a sense of release with your feet on Tatami floor, but you should take care not to hit your pinky toe at leg of table. It hurts very badly! Given the weather and what I have heard is the custom in the U.S. regarding shoes, I should maybe consider changing my mind and keeping my shoes on in my house. But I would have to ask my family before starting this new habit or I will definitely get in a serious trouble...

Legislation Amending the Japanese Civil Aeronautics Act to Implement Small UAS’s BVLOS Operations Over People by Yoshihiro Fujimaki 1. Background and Overview The bill to amend the Japanese Civil Aeronautics Act, which will allow for a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) over people, was submitted to the National Diet of Japan on March 9th, 2021. At present, in cases when someone in Japan would like to operate sUAS beyond visual line of sight, he/she must get individual approval for that operation. In addition, operations flown over people (third parties) are prohibited. On the other hand, in 2017, Japanese industries and the government collaboratively developed the “Roadmap for the Aerial Industrial Revolution,” which was intended to develop technology and improve the overall environment for safe utilization of sUAS. This roadmap has been revised each year, and in the latest version, the target date of implementing BVLOS operations over people was set for FY 2022 (by March 2023). Based on this roadmap, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has been studying necessary regulatory changes for implementing such operations, and submitted the bill to amend the Japanese Civil Aeronautics Act to the Diet. This bill also aims to make the current regulatory framework more efficient. For these purposes, the bill includes two new regulatory content, a sUAS type certification / airworthiness certification and a sUAS pilot license. 2. sUAS Type Certification / Airworthiness Certification In the Japanese Aeronautics Act, manned aircraft and sUAS are clearly distinguished, and currently there is no regulation regarding type certification / airworthiness certification for sUAS. The bill will establish such certification. There will be two classes of the sUAS type certificate / airworthiness certificate: 1st class and 2nd class. For operations which will be flown over people (third parties), which are currently prohibited by the law, sUAS will be required to have a 1st class sUAS airworthiness certificate (and a 1st class sUAS pilot license). For operations which will not be flown over people, sUAS will still be able to be flown based on individual approval for each flight, and will not be required to have any class of airworthiness certificate. However, in the case that someone would like to perform a BVLOS operation that does not fly over people, he/she will not need to get individual approval IF the sUAS has either class of the sUAS airworthiness certificate AND the pilot has either class of the sUAS pilot license, which is described in next section. The relationship between sUAS type certification and sUAS airworthiness certification is the same as that for manned aircraft; a sUAS manufacturer will apply for a sUAS type certification for a type of sUAS, and once it is certified, sUAS airworthiness certification inspections that are typically needed for every sUAS will be partially or totally omitted for that type. The above figure is reprinted and translated from the interim report published by JCAB on March 8th, 2021 ( https://www.mlit.go.jp/policy/shingikai/kouku01_sg_000288.html ) 3. sUAS Pilot License In addition to sUAS type certification / airworthiness certification, currently there is no regulation regarding sUAS pilot licenses, and so the bill will establish two classes: 1st class and 2nd class. If a pilot plans to operate sUAS over people (third parties), a 1st class sUAS pilot license will be required. If he/she does not plan to operate sUAS over people, the sUAS pilot license will not be mandatory. However, as described in the previous section, in the case that someone would like to perform a BVLOS operation, but not over people, he/she will not need to get individual approval IF the sUAS has either class of the sUAS airworthiness certificate AND the pilot has either class of the sUAS pilot license. Also, the bill will approve private training organizations for sUAS pilots. Once a pilot has completed a course at an approved training organization, the test for the sUAS pilot license will be partially or totally omitted. In addition, he/she must take a course at an approved training organization every three years for license renewal. The above figure is reprinted and translated from the interim report published by JCAB on March 8th, 2021 ( https://www.mlit.go.jp/policy/shingikai/kouku01_sg_000288).html ) 4. Effects From Its Implementation In FY 2019 (from April 2019 to March 2020), the number of sUAS operation approval applications submitted was 48,364, and the breakdown of approvals is shown in the next figure. (Please note that one application may include several approval items.) Most approvals are related to night operations, BVLOS operations, operations near people or buildings, and operations in densely populated areas. For these operations, individual approval will not be necessary IF the sUAS has a sUAS airworthiness certificate AND the pilot has a sUAS pilot license. The above table details information from material that JCAB submitted to the council on Nov. 19, 2020 ( https://www.mlit.go.jp/policy/shingikai/kouku01_sg_000281.html ) On the other hand, some sUAS operations, such as those conducting around airports, flying above 150m altitude, transporting hazardous material, etc., will remain subject to individual approval. Operations by the sUAS which weigh over 25kg will also remain subject to individual approval. Back to All JITTI Journals March 2021 Feature Article

Foreign Cruise Passengers in Japan by Daisuke Takagi 1. INTRODUCTION In recent years, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has rapidly increased. While most of these foreign tourists come to Japan by air travel, the number of tourists visiting Japan by cruise is increasing. This article introduces the trends of foreign tourists enjoying cruise trips in Japan. 2. THE NUMBER OF FOREIGN CRUISE PASSENGERS VISITING JAPAN The number of foreign passengers entering Japan by cruise ship was 2.153 million in 2019 (down 12.2% from the previous year). This is because the number of cruise passengers from China, which account for about 80% of cruise passengers visiting Japan, decreased to 1.74 million (down 14.5%). The Chinese cruise market has entered a phase of adjustment after a huge expansion from 2018, and the number of cruise passengers visiting China from Japan is expected to decrease due to a decline in the number of cruise ships dispatched to the Chinese market in 2019. By origin, the number of cruise passengers visiting Japan from central China, mainly from Shanghai, dropped sharply to 904,000 (down 32.4%), while those from northern China such as Tianjin came to 441,000 (down 17.6%). 395 million passengers visited from Hong Kong and other southern Chinese cities (up 21.9%), and 288,000 cruise passengers came from Taiwan (up 4.7%), both up from 2018. In addition, the number of foreign cruise passengers that embarked on Japanese ships in Japan has increased to 89,000 (up 20.3%) due to “fly and cruise operations” and the progression of the diversification of foreign cruise passengers. Fly and Cruise initiatives, which package flight and cruise plans for easy booking, have increased in popularity and use by foreign passengers boarding Japanese cruise ships (image does not reflect actual spacing between aircraft and cruise ship) 3. THE NUMBER OF CRUISE SHIP CALLS The total number of cruise ship calls to Japanese ports in 2019 decreased 2.2% from the year before to 2,867 times (1,932 foreign shipping companies and 935 Japanese shipping companies). The most calls by port are: 1st place: Naha Port, 260 times (2nd place last year: 243 times); 2nd place: Hakata Port, 229 times (1st place last year: 279 times); 3rd place: Yokohama Port, 188 times (4th place last year: 168 times). The following paragraphs explain the number of cruise ship calls operated by foreign shipping companies and Japanese shipping companies respectively. (1) Cruise ships operated by foreign shipping companies The number of calls at Japan’s ports by cruise ships operated by foreign shipping companies increased last year by 1.0% from 2018 to 1,932 times. By origin, the number of cruises departing from China was 893 times, down 10.6%, and the number of cruises departing from Taiwan was 241 times, down 2.4% from the previous year. Meanwhile the number of cruises departing from Japan increased by 20.0% in 2019 to 707 times. In terms of landings, ports to call in Kyushu have decreased, while port calls at domestic areas other than Kyushu increased. The most active ports are: 1st place: Naha Port, 251 times (2nd place last year: 236 times); 2nd place: Hakata Port, 205 times (1st place last year: 263 times); 3rd place: Nagasaki Port, 178 times (3rd place last year: 215 times). As described above, the adjustment phase of the Chinese cruise market continued in 2019, and as a result of each shipping company decreasing the number of vessels dispatched to the Chinese market, the number of calls for cruise ships departing from China decreased mainly in Kyushu. On the other hand, the number of foreign cruise ships that carry out cruises to and from Japan, mainly for Japanese and Western customers (who fly into Japan to board a cruise) has increased. As a result, the number of port calls at Japan ports other than Kyushu has been increasing, and ports to call have been diversified. In addition, comparatively speaking, for cruise ships that called by price range, defined as (1) luxury ships (over US $ 400 per person per night), (2) premium ships (over US $ 200), and (3) standard ships (over US $ 70), calls by luxury ships, mainly wealthy customers from the United States and Europe, have particularly increased at ports throughout the country. (2) Cruise ships operated by Japanese shipping companies The number of calls at Japan’s ports by cruise ships operated by Japanese shipping companies decreased 8.1% in 2019 to 935 times. The calls by port are: 1st place: Yokohama Port, 101 times (2nd place last year: 98 times); 2nd place: Bella Vista Marina, 100 times (1st place last year: 122 times); 3rd place: Kobe Port, 68 times (3rd place last year: 70 times). This was due to a change in the frequency of calls for cruise ships traveling around the Seto Inland Sea, mainly at Bella Vista Marina. Luxury cruises, with wealthy passengers from the United States and Europe, have been increasingly called at ports in Japan 4. FUTURE PERSPECTIVE The number of foreign cruise passengers visiting Japan by month showed an increase in November 2019 for the first time in 17 months. Due to the rapidly changing nature of world events, it is hard to predict what the future holds. However, earlier this year each shipping company had plans to launch additional large cruise ships into the Chinese market after 2020. They hoped that the market would expand from 2020 onward, with increasing cruise travel to and from Japan. As the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is likely to affect the cruise market worldwide, including in Japan, the market must be monitored closely. Back to All JITTI Journals March 2020 Feature Article

Back to All JITTI Journals March 2023 Feature Article The Latest Trends in Japan's Railroad Business: Management Strategies to Strengthen the "De-rail" Business By Akito Okabe Introduction Japan's railroad business is currently undergoing a major transition. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has calmed down and railroad operators are making steady progress in recovering their business performance, the trend of teleworking remains unchanged and ridership has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The rail ridership in Japan is generally at 70-80% of its pre-pandemic level, with a particularly sharp decline in commuter pass users. In addition, the future outlook is that ridership is not expected to return to its pre-pandemic level, and an aging and declining population is also expected. Under these circumstances, many railroad companies are struggling to establish a new revenue base by strengthening their non-railway businesses, and this article will introduce some initiatives thatJapanese railroad companies are currently doing. Real Estate Business Japanese railroad companies and the real estate business have had a close relationship since before the pandemic. Many railroad companies have built hotels, apartments, office buildings, and shopping centers near their lines to generate revenue. By increasing the attractiveness of towns through development along their lines, they also aim to increase the population along their lines and increase their rail ridership in the future. Tokyu, a leading company in the real estate business, is further accelerating its efforts after the pandemic. It has identified "Shibuya," its development hub, as its biggest growth strategy, and plans to invest a cumulative 450 billion yen (about $3.2 billion USD) in real estate-related activities by 2030. (This amount is approximately three times this year's EBITDA.) JR East, Japan's largest railroad company, also plans to focus on redeveloping the area around Takanawa Gateway Station, which opened in 2020. It plans to build a luxury hotel, offices, and one of the largest halls in Tokyo on the former railcar depot site, and expects the total project cost to be approximately 58 billion yen (about $4.2 billion USD). Image of the station area after redevelopment (Image Source: https://tokyoyard.com/ ) New Business In addition to the real estate business, a number of unique new businesses are being considered, which we would like to introduce below. Tokyo Metro Tokyo Metro, which operates subways in the Tokyo area, has opened a training gym for "e-sports" video game competitions in 2021, utilizing vacant buildings near its lines. (Co-operated with startup Gecipe ※1 ). In addition to monthly memberships to use the gym store, the company offers an optional service that allows users to take lessons from professional e-sports players in the store or online. The concept of the gym is "a bright and healthy e-sports facility that is easy for anyone to enter," and the company aims to "create a world where anyone can seriously enjoy e-sports at any time.” Image of Interior view of training gym (Image Source: https://esportsgym.tokyo/register-lp ) Tokyo Metro is also developing other new businesses, such as yoga classes with bouldering and robot programming classes. Osaka Metro Osaka Metro, which operates subways mainly in Osaka Prefecture, plans to launch a matching service in the spring of 2023 to connect land owners with businesses that wish to open food trucks (mobile vending vehicles for food and beverages). Under this service, Osaka Metro will act as an intermediary, receiving a fee from food and beverage operators for opening stalls and paying rent to landowners. In addition to the brokerage service, Osaka Metro plans to open food trucks under its direct management. Food trucks (Image Source: https://subway.osakametro.co.jp/news/news_release/20210930_foodtruck_kakudai.php ) By the end of FY2023, the company aims to enter the healthcare service business, which supports the health improvement of railroad users through a proprietary app. Conclusion As JR East President Fukasawa stated, "We need to stand on the premise that the number of rail ridership will not return to pre-pandemic levels.", and the business environment is expected to remain severe for railway companies. Given this situation, Japanese railroad operators are aiming to diversify their revenue sources through real estate and unique new businesses, and this trend is expected to continue. We will monitor this trend closely, as the initiatives of railroad companies focusing on businesses other than the railroad itself are unique to Japan and could serve as a useful reference for other countries. References ※1 https://gecipe.co.jp/

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

< Back

Mandatory Registration of Unmanned Aircraft in Japan by Yoshihiro Fujimaki 1. Background and Overview One of the major problems currently occurring with inappropriate flights by Unmanned Aircraft (UA) is that the aircraft cannot be identified and so appropriate and necessary safety measures cannot be taken against the owner of the UA when needed. In addition, because the use of UAs has been on the rise due to such factors as the growing shortage of personnel in the logistics and security industries, the increasing demand for survey and investigation flights over wide areas, and the creation of business models that utilize UAs in remote island and depopulated mountainous regions, it is becoming extremely important to know who is the owner of each UA. Based on the above circumstances, like other countries, registration of UAs will be mandatory in Japan from June 20, 2022. This is based on an amendment of the Civil Aviation Act, and the bill was approved by the National Diet of Japan in June 2020. From June 20, 2022, most UAs will have to be marked with a registration ID to identify them, and also be fitted with a remote ID function. UAs which will be excluded from these requirements are limited to those weighing less than 100 grams. Meanwhile, UAs which weigh equal to or less than 0.55 pound (about 250 grams) are excluded from similar requirements in the United States. This point is one major item that is different between the US and Japan and is not to be overlooked. Image Source: Handbook for Unmanned Aircraft Registration published by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau 2. How to Register The application for registration can be done online or by submitting necessary physical documents. It is required to enter/complete the information such as the name and address of the owner and the user of the UA, as well as the manufacturer and model of the UA in the application. Even if a UA has been registered in a foreign country, that UA has to be registered based on the Civil Aviation Act for it to be flown in Japan. The registration of the UA is subject to strict identification of the owner. This process can be done online or by postal mail. In the case that the owner is an individual resident of Japan, an individual number card, Japanese driver’s license or Japanese passport is required for online identity verification. In the case that the owner is a foreign individual who does not have a residence in Japan, a copy of the passport of the owner plus a copy of a document issued by a public institution that verifies the name, address, and date of birth of the owner are required to be sent by postal mail. The identity verification process may take 1-5 days after the documents arrive. Once the identity verification has been completed, information for fee payment is notified by email. The registration fee varies by application method, and is between 900 Japanese Yen (about 8 US dollars) and 2,400 Japanese Yen (about 20 US dollars). In 1-5 days after the fee payment, the registration ID will be issued to the UA. This registration ID must be clearly visible on the UA with marker and stickers, with the marking font being at least 3mm in the case of aircraft weighing less than 25 kg. The registration ID also has to be registered to remote ID equipment using a dedicated smartphone application. Please refer to the next section about the remote ID.Registration of the UA is valid for 3 years, therefore re-registration is required every 3 years. Image Source: the website of Drone/UAS Information Platform System (DIPS) 3. Remote ID Remote ID (RID) is a function that transmits identification information remotely via radio waves. A UA must be equipped with this RID function to fly, except for special cases such as flying over specific areas which are notified in advance to the government and with necessary safety measures taken. In Japan, similarly to the US, RID equipment is classified into a built-in type or an external (attached) type. But, while there are some differences of information between the built-in type (Standard RID) and external type (RID Broadcast Module) in the US, information from both types of RID equipment is the same in Japan. That information includes the registration ID and serial number of the UA, and dynamic information such as location, speed, altitude and time more than once per second, but does not include information about the owner or user. Information from RID equipment can be received by anyone using an appropriate smartphone or receiver. Law enforcement officers can trace the information of the owner and the user of the UA based on received information of its registration ID. 4. Special Reminder to Tourists Who Plan to Fly UAs in Japan As described in section 2, even if a UA has been registered in a foreign country, that UA has to be registered based on the Civil Aviation Act for it to be flown in Japan. The registration process may take more than 1 week, therefore that period should be taken into account. Also, using radio equipment which does not have the Japanese Technical Conformity Mark may be regarded as illegal to use in Japan, even if that equipment is based on a foreign standard. In addition, there are several flight rules to be followed. Please refer the JCAB website for details. Japanese Technical Conformity Mark for radio equipment JCAB website Image Resources: Handbook for Unmanned Aircraft Registration published by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau Drone/UAS Information Platform System (DIPS) JCAB website Back to All JITTI Journals May 2022 Feature Article

Back to All JITTI Journals January 2022 Feature Article Outlook of the Tourism, Transportation, and Economic Sectors in Japan in 2022 by Tetsuhiro Hagiwara Happy New Year to you all. Although the re-expansion of COVID-19 by the Omicron variant has brought an uncertain start to the year 2022, I wish you all a wonderful year ahead. In my first article for 2022, I would like to share the direction of the tourism, transportation, and economic sectors in Japan this year, based on the New Year's resolutions of the Japanese government, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Chairman of the Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), and the President of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Please find the translation of their published statements below. 1. Minister Tetsuo Saito, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Tourism is a pillar of growth strategy. Achieve both infection prevention and economic recovery, and strategically implement inbound recovery. Tourism is a pillar of Japan's growth strategy and a trump card for regional development, and we believe that it is necessary to achieve both prevention of the spread of the coronavirus and economic recovery. In order to inhibit the spread of disease and achieve economic recovery, the government will provide support for maintaining employment and continuing business in tourism-related industries, which are severely affected by the new coronavirus infection and employ approximately 9 million people nationwide, as well as stimulate tourism demand through the "New Go to Travel Project" and other measures. In addition, with an eye on life post-Corona, the government will strategically promote the gradual recovery of inbound tourism, while monitoring the infection situation in Japan and abroad, as well as the renewal of tourist sites, mainly accommodation facilities, and the creation of new tourist content and high value-added tourist sites, which will be implemented in cooperation with local stakeholders. First, since it is necessary to maintain and recover tourist attractions and the local economy, we will continue to promote measures to stimulate tourism demand, and will expand the scope of travel eligible for support in stages while carefully checking the infection situation. To start, the prefectural government's so-called "prefectural residents' discount" has so far only supported travel within the prefecture, but since November last year, travel from neighboring prefectures has been added to the scope of support. In the future, based on the status of infection and other factors, we will expand the prefectural residents' discount support to neighboring areas, or regional blocks, at an appropriate time, and then, after reconfirming the status of infection during the year-end and New Year holidays, implement the "New Go to Travel Campaign" on a nationwide scale. Furthermore, it is necessary to uncover new demand for domestic tourism before the full-scale recovery of inbound tourism. Based on new trends such as the change in people's awareness of work styles and lifestyles caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, we will promote the spread of "new travel styles" such as work vacations, as well as the promotion and establishment of a style of "travel to and from the region again and again" as a "second home," so to speak. Second, in order for local economies to recover strongly from the pandemic, it is essential to revitalize tourist areas that will serve as the driving force for local development, and to promote the strengthening of the tourism industry that supports this. By doing so local economies can realize a positive cycle of growth and distribution in regions where people can experience affluence. Therefore, with an eye on post-pandemic life, we will continue to study the revitalization of regions and the strengthening of the tourism industry, by improving productivity in the accommodation industry, creating a safe and secure travel environment, and upgrading the management of tourist attractions through the active use of digital technology. Third, in order to revitalize and add value to tourist attractions in the region as a whole, we will strongly support efforts to renovate accommodation facilities, which are the face of tourist attractions, and remove abandoned buildings. We will also provide consistent support for these revitalization efforts, from the creation of content to the development of sales channels, by utilizing the unique tourism resources of the region such as nature, food, history, culture, art, livelihood, and transportation. Fourth, while foreign tourists continue to be unable to enter Japan, we will improve the environment for receiving foreign visitors to Japan in preparation for the recovery of inbound tourism. At the same time, from the perspective of contributing to the economy and employment in local areas and raising incomes, we will provide support for the development of accommodation facilities and human resources to create high value-added inbound tourism destinations. In addition, the government will implement strategic promotion for visiting Japan and of hybrid MICE events that combine face-to-face and online activities, in order to increase travel spending and attract more visitors to regional areas by providing information on Japan's safety and security efforts as well as regional attractions. While continuing to adhere to the targets of 60 million tourists and 15 trillion yen in 2030, the government will make concerted efforts to realize a tourism-oriented nation. ■Promotion of Tourism in Okinawa including Restoration of Shuri Castle Shuri Castle, which was destroyed by fire in October 2019, is not only the pride of the people of Okinawa, but also an extremely important building as a national historical and cultural heritage site. In order to restore the castle, technical studies are being conducted, including the strengthening of fire prevention measures. This year is an important year for us to start construction of the main building of Shuri Castle, and as the responsible party of the national park project, we will continue to make every effort to restore the castle by 2026 in cooperation with Okinawa Prefecture and related ministries and agencies. I also believe that tourism in Okinawa has tremendous potential. At Naha Airport, the second runway was put into service the year before last, and by continuing to promote the enhancement of the functions of the international terminal area, I believe that this will contribute to the further promotion of tourism in Okinawa by increasing the number of tourists and improving convenience. As Minister of State for Tourism, I will focus more on the promotion of tourism in Okinawa, with an eye on the full-scale recovery of domestic tourism and inbound tourism. ■Tourism policies in each sector In terms of domestic cruises, we have resumed operations by implementing thorough countermeasures against infectious diseases on board and at the passenger terminals. As for international cruises, we will take the necessary measures based on the safety and security of the local community, while taking into account the infection situation in Japan and overseas and trends in waterfront safety measures. Regarding Upopoi, which is a center for the revival and creation of Ainu culture, we will enhance the center’s content and conduct public relations activities to attract more visitors so that they can experience the splendor of Ainu culture and share in the philosophy of ethnic coexistence. With regard to landscape and historical city planning, we will promote the formulation of plans for maintaining and improving historical townscapes to create favorable landscapes, and continue to provide support to local governments in their efforts to create cities that make use of the unique history, culture, and climate of the region. We have designated the period from 2020 to 2025 as the third stage of "Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station)." With the aim of making "Michi-no-Eki" a base for accelerating regional development and tourism, we will promote initiatives such as adapting to new lifestyles in the post-Corona era and strengthening the preventative functions of "Disaster Prevention Michi-no-Eki" to be base during wide-area disaster. We will continue to promote these efforts. In addition, based on the Second Bicycle Utilization Promotion Plan, which was approved by the Cabinet in May last year, the government, led by the Bicycle Utilization Promotion Headquarters headed by myself, will work together to systematically improve bicycle traffic space, promote the spread of shared bicycles, and encourage the use of the National Cycle Route. In the railroad field, in order for inbound travelers to enjoy a more comfortable trip on Japan's railroads, we will enhance multilingual information displays and announcements, provide free Wi-Fi service at stations and aboard trains, westernize restrooms, improve the environment for using credit card-compatible ticket vending machines and transportation system IC cards, install large luggage storage areas, and introduce sightseeing trains and cycle trains. In the field of aviation, we will take the necessary measures to achieve an annual arrival and departure capacity of approximately one million flights at airports in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Specifically, with regard to the development of a third runway at Narita Airport, we will make maximum efforts to enhance the functions of the airport in cooperation with the local government and other related parties. As for Haneda Airport, the new flight paths began operating in March 2020, and we will continue to take measures for noise and safety, work to avoid fixing the new flight paths, and provide detailed information. In terms of regional airports, we will promote the Fukuoka Airport runway expansion project and the New Chitose Airport taxiway double track project to strengthen the gateway function. In addition, to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations, we will continue our efforts to reorganize domestic air traffic control areas. ２．Masakazu Tokura, Chairman, Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) Corporations are the agents of growth and distribution. Promote GX and DX to establish "sustainable capitalism." Six months have passed since I took office as Chairman on June 1st last year. During this period, my top priority was overcoming the Coronavirus pandemic and revitalizing social and economic activities. At the same time, I have been working in great haste to further the efforts I have taken so far by introducing a social point of view into the market economy, while continuing the aims advocated by my predecessor, Mr. Nakanishi, such as Society 5.0 for SDGs and sustainable capitalism. We have been working with a sense of urgency. The Keidanren's vision of "sustainable capitalism" is in line with Prime Minister Kishida's conception of "new capitalism.” Since the inauguration of his administration in October last year, Prime Minister Kishida has announced that he would focus his efforts on "realizing a new capitalism." The key concepts are "a positive cycle of growth and distribution" and "the development of a new post-Corona society." At the meeting of the Council for the Realization of New Capitalism, chaired by the Prime Minister, I emphasized that distribution should be discussed together with growth, and that growth is the first priority. In order to achieve this, I pointed out that the issues that need to be addressed are the building of social common capital, such as the improvement of Japan's crisis management capacity, which was a problem during the pandemic, and that the role of the government will be important because these issues cannot be solved by the market economy alone. I also reiterated the need for the entire government to discuss Green Transformation (GX) alongside Digital Transformation (DX), as a sustainable global environment is essential for the realization of new capitalism. In addition to GX and DX, there is an urgent need to vigorously promote important policy issues at home and abroad, including the promotion of startups, regulatory reform, regional development, reform of work styles and the development of human resources, cooperation and coordination with the international community, and fiscal soundness and sustainable, all-generation social security reform. With the determination and spirit that corporations are the agents of growth and distribution, the Keidanren will continue to join forces with the Kishida Cabinet in 2022 and do its utmost to overcome the Coronavirus pandemic and establish a sustainable and prosperous future society based on sustainable capitalism. I would like to ask for your further support and cooperation. ３．Akio Mimura, Chairman, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry This is the year to achieve a higher level of compatibility between infection prevention and socioeconomic activities. Promote digitalization, value-adding, and regional development to make Japan a strong and prosperous country with resilience to crises. Since last fall, the number of new cases of Covid-19 infections in Japan has remained at a low level, and I am pleased to join you in welcoming the New Year as the pace of recovery in daily life accelerates. Although the outlook for the future remains unpredictable due to the reemergence of the disease overseas, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry has positioned this year as a year to achieve a higher level of compatibility between infection prevention and socioeconomic activities, and will continue to do its utmost for the development of the local economy and the businesses that support it. Now, the economy, which fell sharply due to the Coronavirus pandemic, has finally started to recover, but it still lacks strength, and there continues to be a "K-shaped recovery," with the degree of recovery varying depending on the industry and scale. In order to truly break through the sense of stagnation that pervades the entire nation, it is necessary not only to steadily implement the "new economic measures" that the government decided on last year, but also to clearly show the way to new growth and development so that the people can have bright hopes for the future of Japan. Since the inauguration of the second Kishida cabinet, the government has been advocating "new capitalism" and has been discussing "a positive cycle of growth and distribution" and "the development of a new society post-Corona." To make Japan a strong and prosperous country that is resilient to crises, we need to solve the social issues revealed by the pandemic and achieve economic growth at the same time. For Japan, which is facing a variety of structural issues such as demographic trends toward a declining birthrate and aging population, to solve social problems and achieve economic growth at the same time, it is necessary to raise GDP per capita, a comprehensive indicator of a country's wealth, as a national goal, and to improve productivity in all fields and raise the potential growth rate. In particular, raising the productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for about 70% of employment, is an important issue that will eventually lead to higher productivity in Japan as a whole. Other essential issues include: economic and medical security, investment in human resource development and science and technology research as the foundation for supporting growth, promotion of digitalization, and balanced energy policy and technological innovation based on the principle of "S + 3E.” In the area of trade, Japan should continue to play a leading role in promoting the free trade system while deepening cooperation with like-minded countries based on the achievements of the TPP and RCEP. In light of these issues, we, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will focus on the following three points this year. The first is "strengthening of SMEs through digitalization." Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have overcome many difficulties in the past, have the potential to respond flexibly and swiftly to various changes. The use of digital technology in the management of SMEs is a powerful means of self-transformation for survival, and the trend of digitalization accelerated by the Coronavirus pandemic will not be limited to improving operational efficiency, but will be expanded to include business transformation such as the expansion of sales channels through cross-border EC, etc., and even business transformation. We will provide strong support as a pillar for improving management capabilities. The second pillar is to "increase added value through business restructuring and the optimization of transactions." The Chamber of Commerce and Industry will support business succession, revitalization, and restructuring by strengthening the companion-style management consultation system, and will strongly support the improvement of management efficiency and the ability to create added value. In addition, it is essential to optimize business transactions to fairly share the added value and costs created throughout the supply chain, which consists of large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises. The "Declaration on Partnership Building" with more than 4,000 registered companies, is a powerful platform for realizing this through public-private cooperation. We will further enhance the effectiveness of the Declaration and contribute to raising the added value of SMEs and, by extension, the growth potential of Japan as a whole. The third is the "promotion of regional development." Although it is said that Tokyo is concentrated in one area, in reality, there are multiple regional areas that achieved higher economic growth rates than Tokyo. They’ve done so by promoting the growth of primary industries, the concentration of manufacturing industries through infrastructure development, and the capture of inbound demand. In the wake of the pandemic, there has been a trend toward further decentralization, and in light of the government's "Digital Rural City Nation Concept," it is essential to link this momentum to the acceleration of regional development in order to create a resilient Japan. As a comprehensive regional economic organization, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to deepening cooperation with various local entities and further supporting the creation of local communities. Finally, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Under the slogan of "Creating the Future with the Community," we aim to realize sustainable growth of the Japanese economy by strengthening the vitality of small and medium-sized enterprises and revitalizing local communities for the next 100 years. In my New Year's address, I would like to ask for your continued support and cooperation. In his New Year's message, Mr. Tamura, President of Narita International Airport Corporation, stated that "2022 will be the first year of aviation revival." I hope that the global economy will recover and people will once again travel around the world. References: ■ New Year's resolutions of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism http://www.ryoko-net.co.jp/?p=102116 ■Japan Business Federation https://www.keidanren.or.jp/speech/2022/0101.html ■The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry https://www.jcci.or.jp/news/jcci-news/2022/0101100000.html