Toward the Spread and Expansion of Sports Culture Tourism By Hirokazu Nishikawa While there are various forms of tourism around the world, there is a movement to promote and expand "sports culture tourism" in Japan as well. Sports culture tourism refers to the establishment and dissemination of new regional and Japanese brands by linking local sporting events with cultural and artistic resources, with the aim of increasing the number of foreign visitors to Japan, revitalizing domestic tourism, and revitalizing the Japanese and regional economies. The "Comprehensive Collaborative Agreement among the Japan Sports Agency, Agency for Cultural Affairs, and Japan Tourism Agency" was signed in March 2016 between the three government agencies listed, and they have been holding the "Sports Culture Tourism Awards" every year since then. The Sports Culture Tourism Awards publicly solicits, selects, and presents awards to initiatives and events that contribute to the promotion of sports culture tourism. For the 8th award, Sports Culture Tourism Award 2023, seven award-winning organizations were selected from among 29 initiatives and events that were submitted from August to September 2023 (announced in the press on January 11, 2024). In this issue, I would like to introduce the initiatives of these award-winning organizations. Main Awards (Applicant Organization) Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture “Sports Culture Tourism Centered on Imabari Castle, the Strongest Castle in Japan - The History of the Seto Inland Sea Central Region's Domination Leads to the Present Day” Outline of the Project The “Imabari Castle” in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, is the center of a series of events held in the Seto Inland Sea in Japanese fiscal year (※) 2022. The cultural event Takatora Summit in Imabari was held, and sports events such as Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Three-Day March, Imabari Criterium (a mass-start road-cycle race), Cycling Shimanami 2022, and Imabari City Marathon took place, attracting many people from Japan and abroad. In addition, Setouchi Minato Marché, a food and specialty event, was organized to encourage event visitors and tourists to stay in the city. (※) Japanese fiscal year runs from April to March (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The Marché event has done a good job of involving the local community through the use of citizen volunteers, etc. Each event is attractive, and cultural and natural resources such as Imabari Castle, Murakami Suigun, and the Shimanami Sea Route are utilized to hold cultural and sporting events that appeal to a wide range of people. Various efforts are being made to disseminate information overseas through PR on airline flights, production of TV dramas, and cooperation with bicycle manufacturers. (Applicant Organization) Echigo Matsudai Trail Running Executive Committee “[We plan to] revitalize old paths scattered throughout the satoyama (mountainous regions within village-vicinities) and to make them available as new regional resources! “Echigo Matsudai Spring Festival Trail Running Race" " Outline of the project A trail running event held in Matsudai, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. Old roads that are no longer used and in disrepair were re-excavated and prepared for the course, which included a course through a satoyama village. The event was created to allow participants to experience the original landscape of Japan. By linking the event with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, it will have the unique feature of "combining art and trail running," and its objectives are to revitalize local communities, preserve the satoyama environment, and advocate climate change action for athletes. (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The potential tourism resource of old roads in satoyama is well utilized. The project involves the local community and attracts inbound visitors. This is a very effective opportunity to highlight permanent artwork. (Applicant Organization) Annaka City Tourism Organization, General Incorporated Association “ A Railway’s Dead End, Dead No Longer: Revitalization efforts for the benefit of future generations ” Outline of Initiatives Since 2018, a walking tour has operated using an abandoned railway line in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, utilizing the Yokogawa-Karuizawa section of the Shinetsu Main Line (commonly known as the Usui Line), which was last operated in 1997. The event is an 11-km guided walk along the normally off-limits section of the line to experience its historical value and the difficulty of crossing the mountain pass. More than 90% of the participants are from outside of the prefecture, making this event a draw that will encourage other local travel and spending. (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The use of a disused railroad line makes it feel special, and the fact that it has a solid historical background and a story to tell is highly valuable. The fact that the target audience is not only people who like traveling and hiking, but also people who like railroads and civil engineering structures is new. The fact that the majority of participants are from outside of the prefecture is also very tourism-oriented. By becoming a model case for the utilization of abandoned railway lines, of which there are likely to be many throughout Japan, it is hoped that other derivative models can be created. Special Awards *Two applicable cases ① (Applicant Organization) Nara City General Foundation, General Incorporated Foundation “Enjoy authentic Japanese archery for foreign tourists - Experience the spirit of the samurai in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan ” Outline of the Project This is a project to allow foreign tourists to experience authentic Japanese archery derived from the tradition of Bushido in Nara, the hometown of the samurai. They will learn the basics of Kyudo and how to behave under the gentle and strict one-on-one guidance of a high-ranked instructor, and finally shoot an arrow by themselves. The goal is to promote the image of "Budo" = "Nara" and "Budo" = "Nara's new brand" internationally, which will lead to budo tourism from overseas. (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The value of this event will be enhanced for the local community with its history and background. The opportunity to experience authentic martial arts by wearing hakama in a real dojo is a good opportunity for visitors to understand the beauty and dignity of the Japanese people. It is a good opportunity for visitors to learn more about Nara by learning about cultural elements. ② (Applicant Organization) Fukushima Town Tourism Association “Fukushima Town, Hokkaido: "Sumo Tournament for Women Only" - the only town in Japan to have two yokozuna (sumo grand champions)” Outline of the Project The "Sumo Tournament for Women Only" has been held in Fukushima-cho, Hokkaido since 1991. It began as a project to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Kawasuso Shrine's founding and to dedicate the "women-only festival procession," and has been held every year on the second Sunday of May (Mother's Day), with the 29th held in 2023. By holding sumo, which is recognized as a national sport, as an event targeting women, they aim to broaden its base and provide a good opportunity for the children who support it to think about "women's activities" and "gender equality.” (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation This event is attended by people from overseas and outside the region. This event has been carried out for about 30 years, and it is highly valued as a part of the local sumo culture. The program has been carried out continuously with a cultural and historical background, while also taking into account the viewpoint of women's activities. (Applicant Organization) Tourism Promotion Bureau of Shimosuwa Town Regional Development Corporation, General Incorporated Association “National Historic Site and Japanese Heritage: The Jomon World of the Starry Central Highlands: Making the "Hoshigatou Obsidian Origin Site" a Tourism Resource” Outline of the Project The Hoshigatoh Obsidian Site in Shimosuwa Town, Nagano Prefecture, was recognized as a National Historic Site in 2015 and a Japan Heritage Site in 2018. The Hoshigatoh Ruins, which are normally off-limits to visitors, will be offered as a special tour with commentary by the discoverer/excavator. In addition, they are taking a multifaceted approach by collaborating with cultural resources and museum facilities scattered in the surrounding area. By actively utilizing cultural assets while properly managing them, the project aims to create a virtuous cycle of culture, tourism, and regional revitalization. (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The content is a combination of Japanese heritage sites and surrounding culture, and the presence of a variety of guides adds value. The program is designed to involve local businesses, is also designed to encourage participants to become repeat visitors, and to create fans of the local community. The project is contributing to the expansion of recognition of Japanese heritage sites themselves. (Applicant Organization) Office of the Tan-Tetsu-ko Promotion Council “"Tan-Tetsu-Ko Meshi (Tan-Tetsu-ko Meal) Project," a culinary tour of a Japanese heritage site Outline of the Project The story of the coal and other industrial revolutions "Coal, Iron, and Port (Tan-tetsu-ko)" in Sorachi, Hokkaido, which supported Japan's growth and recovery from the Meiji era through the prewar, wartime, and postwar periods, has been recognized as a Japan Heritage site. This initiative named the food that took root in the lives of people who worked in coal mines, steel mills, ports, and railway-related facilities "Tan-tetsu-ko Meshi (Coal, Iron, and Port Meal)”, and in FY2021, commercialized the food at a major convenience store chain and installed panels at tourist information centers. In FY2022, they produced a guidebook listing the restaurants where Tan-tetsu-ko meshi was actually available and conducted an online stamp rally. (Image Source : Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001717137.pdf ) Evaluation The program focuses on food that can be tasted in the region and makes full use of the Japanese heritage story. The collaboration with a major convenience store chain is interesting because of its novelty. The program is collaborating with a number of businesses in the region, and is working on a wide-area partnership within a 100-kilometer radius. These award-winning organizations were honored at a related event, the 7th Sports Culture Tourism Symposium, held in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo on February 2, 2024. The Japanese government is committed to regional revitalization, which aims to correct the concentration of people in Tokyo, halt the population decline in rural areas, and increase the vitality of Japan as a whole. I believe that the revitalization of these regions through tourism will have a significant effect as a first step toward this goal. 【References】 「スポーツ文化ツーリズムアワード 2023 」の受賞団体を発表します ～スポーツ文化ツーリズムの普及、拡大に向けて～ | 2024 年 | 報道発表 | 報道・会見 | 観光庁 ( mlit.go.jp ) Back to All JITTI Journals March 2024 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 Back to All JITTI Journals July 2020 Feature Article

Back to All JITTI Journals September 2022 Feature Article EXPO 2025: Osaka, Kansai, Japan by Hirokazu Nishikawa 1. Introduction In March 2019, JITTI USA introduced ( article link ) Japan's winning bid to host the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Since then, more exciting details have been finalized. The Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held in the Kansai region of Japan, on Yumeshima in Osaka Prefecture, and is scheduled to be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, for a total of 184 days. The number of visitors is estimated to be approximately 28.2 million, and the economic ripple effect is estimated to be approximately 2 trillion yen. Japan has hosted five expositions in the past, the first of which was held in Osaka in 1970. Expos are events that bring together people and goods from all over the world, and they are places where wisdom and knowledge from across the globe gather to address various universal issues. The 1970 Osaka Expo (EXPO '70), the first to be held in Japan and Asia, became a major event symbolizing Japan's rapid economic growth. The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo will be the first international exposition to be held in Japan in 20 years, following Expo 2005. The Expo is also expected to showcase new science and technology, and Japan is currently working on a number of initiatives in preparation for the event. In this issue, we would like to outline the framework of the Expo, the necessary infrastructure development, and the status of regulations and maintenance of the "flying car," which is expected to be one of the highlights of the Expo. Yumeshima Location Map (From: Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition2025 ) 2. Outline The official website of the Osaka-Kansai Expo states that the purpose of the Expo is to use the centripetal force and power of the Expo to attract people and goods as a catalyst for continued growth in Osaka, Kansai, and Japan after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Expo will also serve as a "catalyst" for the development of new technologies and products that will make life more convenient, and the two goals of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo are to "contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" and "realize Japan's national strategy Society 5.0." Specifically, with regard to the former goal, 2025 is an extremely important year for accelerating efforts to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set by the United Nations. With 2030 established as the target to fulfill the SDGs,the Expo’s aim is to be a platform for accomplishing them by the deadline in 5 years. The latter aims to form Japan's national strategy "Society 5.0" (a human-centered society that balances economic development and solutions to social issues through a system that highly integrates cyberspace (virtual space) and physical space (real space)). This new society will follow past eras of the hunting and gathering, agricultural, industrial, and information societies. This age will be one in which various global issues are solved through technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), robotics, big data, and biotechnology, or in other words, a society in which the SDGs have been achieved. Through all of the above, Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai will "bring together the world's wisdom, including cutting-edge technologies, to create and disseminate new ideas," "increase investment from Japan and abroad," "create innovation by stimulating exchange," "revitalize the local economy and small and medium-sized businesses," and "provide an opportunity to disseminate a rich Japanese culture. The project aims to realize the following goals. (From: Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Master Plan ) 3. Infrastructure Development for the Expo (Subway Extension and Reinforcement of Kansai International Airport) The infrastructure development that will support the Osaka-Kansai Expo, with its great ambitions, will be the first step in the preparations for the event. In response to requests from Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, and the Union of Kansai Governments, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has decided on a plan for infrastructure development related to the Expo. The plan includes the following five pillars. Development of infrastructure around the Expo site Improvement of access to the venue Improvement of safety Improvement of liveliness and attractiveness Improvement of wide-area transportation infrastructure Here are examples of transportation infrastructure improvements. Around the venue, plans call for extending the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, the transportation hub in the center of the prefecture, to Yumeshima Station (tentative name), as well as promoting the widening of other major bridges and the construction of multi-level intersections on trunk roads and other roads. As for infrastructure improvements to improve access to the venue, the Yodogawa River Left Bank Line, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, is expected to be completed earlier and used as an access route for shuttle buses between Shin-Osaka Station/Osaka Station and the Expo site in the interim. In addition, Kansai International Airport will undergo a drastic renovation focusing on the expansion of international flight capacity, including the integrated operation of the north-south international flight area. Together with Terminal 2, this will create a terminal capacity of approximately 40 million passengers per year for international flights. As part of enhancements allowing venue access from a wide area, the Naniwa-suji Line will improve connections between Osaka and Kansai International Airport and the extension of the Osaka Monorail will enable travel without passing through urban areas, which will in turn strengthen the railroad infrastructure and create a ring highway network for the Osaka and the Kansai regions, including the New Meishin Expressway and the western extension of Osaka Bay Coastal Highway. 3. Flying Cars Several contents are expected to be presented at the Expo, but one of the highlights of the Expo will be the "flying car. This new technology is currently being studied around the world and is expected not only to solve various regional problems, but also to provide a new form of transportation that will enable people to lead affluent lives wherever they are. In Japan, the government and the private sector have cooperated to establish a public-private sector council to develop a regulatory system and form a market, and studies are underway nationwide to develop various services such as passenger transportation, scenic flights, and emergency transport services. This concept image of flying cars is by Ken Okuyama Design, and was created for the MLIT (From: AAMinJAPAN_211005ENG (mlit.go.jp ) The plan is to launch commercial service at the Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025 to raise public awareness, as well as to start full-scale operations in logistics and passenger transportation. Although the "flying car" is a dream come true, it is not difficult to imagine that there have been many discussions regarding the regulatory system needed to ensure their operational safety. The following is a rough outline of the items under consideration and the progress of each. Safety standards for aircraft The short-term goal of the study on airframe safety standards between 2023 and 2025 is to organize special requirements for eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) airframes when obtaining type certification (certification that an aircraft type (excluding military aircraft) meets safety and environmental compatibility standards). The new requirements are to be organized for eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft. Progress has been made in organizing the types of aircraft to be considered, organizing the flow of studies for formulating considerations when creating safety standards, and tentatively establishing design requirements based on the types and performance of eVTOLs that are assumed. Also, The mid- and long-term goals for 2025 and beyond include the development of safety standards that take into account the use of remote control, automatic flight, and autonomous flight, which are expected to provide convenience and help solve social issues. Certification of Pilot and Maintenance Vehicle Skill Regarding the requirements for certification of pilot and maintenance vehicle skills, the regulations state that "the role required of pilots must be considered in light of the development of new technologies such as autonomous control that will contribute to future autopilot systems, and the possibility that the role required of pilots will change" and "as in the case of conventional aircraft skills certification, the flight time and maintenance experience required for each type of eVTOL must be taken into account and included in the requirements.” As for the requirements for pilots and maintainers of remotely piloted aircraft, the following points are also being considered: "A proficiency certification system for remotely piloted aircraft, which is expected to be used for cargo transport, should be developed, taking into account trends in Europe and other countries. The requirements for remote piloted aircraft maintenance personnel include to: "Clarify what knowledge and experience is required for systems that are not available for other aircraft, especially in remote piloted aircraft. Operational Safety Standards The issues to be addressed in the operational safety standards can be divided into three categories: (1) those related to requirements and processes for setting flight areas, flight paths, and altitudes; (2) those related to the maintenance of takeoff and landing sites; and (3) those related to equipment requirements and processes. Regarding (1), the requirements include the establishment of limited routes and areas that take into consideration congestion with existing manned aircraft as a guarantee of air safety, and assumptions regarding the introduction of advanced traffic management systems that will become necessary as the number of routes and frequency of flying vehicles increase in the future. Regarding point (2), under the current legal system, in principle, takeoffs and landings are prohibited at locations other than airports, etc., and this includes the need to review operational methods as necessary. As for (3), it includes the clarification of equipment requirements to ensure that devices for measuring the airborne posture, altitude, position, or course of the eVTOL, and first-aid equipment for emergency landing when flying over water, etc. are clarified. 4. Conclusion The above is a brief overview of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, and some of the issues that have been discussed. The Osaka-Kansai Expo states, as part of its philosophy, "We will live together in this world by recognizing the similarities and differences among the various forms of life that exist in the natural world, by developing empathy for others, and by respecting diverse cultures and ideas. By doing so, we humans will be able to create new values to address various global issues and build a sustainable future." Although there is still a long way to go in the discussions and deliberations leading up to the Expo, which will no doubt require a higher level of expertise than that discussed in this article, we hope that the Expo will be a good opportunity for many people of all races and nationalities to visit, share knowledge, and promote international exchange and understanding, just as the aforementioned philosophy suggests. References: Overview | Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (expo2025.or.jp) 報道発表資料：大阪・関西万博に向け、インフラ整備を推進～「２０２５年に開催される日本国際博覧会（大阪・関西万博）に関連するインフラ整備計画」の決定～ - 国土交通省 (mlit.go.jp) AAMinJAPAN_211005ENG (mlit.go.jp) 2025年大阪・関西万博に向けたインフラ整備計画決定。大阪メトロ延伸や淀川左岸線完成前倒し、関空国際線機能強化など 会場周辺やアクセス機能強化、にぎわい創出図る - トラベル Watch (impress.co.jp)

Japanese Government Initiatives for Inbound Tourism Recovery by Hirokazu Nishikawa Introduction Last October, during the Ministerial Conference on the Promotion of Tourism presided over by the Prime Minister, the government decided on a new "Policy Package for a Full-Scale Recovery of Inbound Travel." The government will mobilize all relevant ministries and agencies to implement intensive measures with the aim of achieving inbound consumption of over 5 trillion yen. The pre-Covid target was to achieve 15 trillion yen in inbound travel spending by 2030, and although the target has been reset to about one-third of the same amount, the government intends to take advantage of the weak yen to achieve the same amount as quickly as possible. In this report, I would like to provide an overview of the package. Contents of the Package The package has the following four pillars, which are listed below along with specific examples of each. (1) Providing special experiences Promote the provision of special experiences and limited-time-only activities throughout the country, such as the limited-opening of Himeji Castle's keep, which is a World Heritage site. The provision of special experiences and limited-time-only initiatives will be promoted in every corner of Japan. Other examples include the opening of the interior of the five-story pagoda at Myooin Temple in Hiroshima Prefecture and the opening of the Shosoin Temple in Nara Prefecture to the public (both are designated national treasures). Myooin Five-Story Pagoda 【 Reference 】 国宝 明王院 オフィシャルホームページ ( chisan.net ) Shosoin Temple 【 Reference 】 正倉院 - 東大寺 ( todaiji.or.jp ) (2) Providing new experiences that take advantage of the charms of nature Promote the provision of new content, such as adventure tourism, which refers to activities that allow visitors to experience nature. In national parks, promote nighttime use, etc., in order to expand the use of these parks. Nighttime walking event in Akan-Mashu National Park 【 Reference 】 KAMUY LUMINA ( カムイルミナ ) (3) Promote events as a hook to attract visitors Combine tourism with art, sports, theme park-related events, etc., to attract visitors from all over Japan. Japanese food and culture, international art festivals, and large-scale international sports events will be utilized. Ghibli Park 【 Reference 】 ジブリパークとは｜ジブリパーク ( ghibli-park.jp ) (4) Strategic promotion, CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine), etc. Strategically promote the restart of tourism in Japan using social media, TV commercials, etc. Also, promote the improvement of entry points into Japan, including by further upgrading the CIQ system, in preparation for the resumption of international flights. Conclusion According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan in 2022 was approximately 3.83 million, a rapid recovery of more than 15 times compared to the previous year. Although still only 10% of the pre-Covid figure for 2019, further recovery in the number of foreign visitors to Japan is expected, supported by the impact of the yen's depreciation. The content of the package suggests that the Japanese government will develop a tourism strategy that makes the most of Japan's unique characteristics, and we look forward to this and will continue to closely monitor the Japanese government's moves to re-launch tourism. 【Reference】 001583431.pdf ( mlit.go.jp ) Back to All JITTI Journals July 2023 Feature Article

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Back to All JITTI Journals March 2020 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 2022 Cultural Article Izakaya, Japanese-style Bar by Hirokazu Nishikawa Let's say you're traveling to Japan. Where would you try to go? Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya crossing, Kyoto or Osaka? These are not bad ideas, but I'd like you to try going to an “izakaya”, a Japanese-style bar.To be honest, I think I might be overstating the value of izakaya, and I'm sure there are many people who would find it more meaningful to visit the standard tourist spots. However, there is no doubt that izakayas in Japan have an atmosphere where you can enjoy a unique Japanese sense of everyday life, different from bars in other countries. To be honest, I think I might be overstating the value of izakaya, and I'm sure there are many people who would find it more meaningful to visit the standard tourist spots. However, there is no doubt that izakayas in Japan have an atmosphere where you can enjoy a unique Japanese sense of everyday life, different from bars in other countries. Image source: https://www.pakutaso.com First of all, when you take a seat, you are given an “oshibori.” This is a wet hand towel, but it allows you to refresh yourself as soon as you take a seat. The towel is chilled in the summer and warm in the winter. You will also be served an “otoshi,” an appetizer. This is a small plate of food served by the izakaya on its own, but it is like a table charge. You can't say no to them (Don't worry, it will be delicious). What are the izakaya customers like? There may be some college students making noise, some couples. Some customers are looking for romance, some are there with their workmates, and some of them might be young employees receiving advice and lectures on their work from their bosses. Hearing all this, you may wonder, what makes it different from other countries’ bars? But something is different. Maybe it's because of the pleasant Japanese music playing in the background, or maybe it's because everyone is not as friendly as American people, and even though they are not talking to each other, there is a mysterious sense of unity among all the people there. Image source: https://pixabay.com/ Sometimes the English on the menu may be strange. It might be just because it is difficult to express Japanese food in English, but it is fun to try to predict and order with your friends. I guess we all like to be adventurous. Besides, many izakayas nowadays allow you to order using a touch screen tablet. Even paper menus often have pictures on them, so you can see at a glance what kind of food you're going to get (I still get tired of looking at all the dense English words on American restaurant menus). Also, the cost of Japanese dishes are very reasonable! You can enjoy a lot of delicious food and drinks at a lower price. When calling the waiter, you don't need to make eye contact. You can call out a little louder to the waiter in the distance (it can be any waiter in the izakaya). Depending on the type of izakaya, there is a button on your seat that you can press, and the waiter who is available will rush right over to you. “I can't be that rude!” you say? Don't worry, there is no tipping culture in Japan, and if you call out, any waiter will happily stop for you. Themed Izakayas What I have written so far are common features of all izakayas. There are also some unusually themed ones, such as the following: ・Prison Izakaya You become a prisoner and are taken to a fake jail. The food may be a bit shocking looking. ・Elementary School Izakaya An izakaya based on the concept of an elementary school classroom. When you are enjoying the food, you are suddenly given a quiz on science, math, or some other subjects. ・Monk Izakaya An izakaya staffed by Japanese monks. If you are troubled by life, you might want to go there. Maybe you'll find some enlightenment from them? Are you starting to get interested? Once you get hooked on Japanese izakaya, you will want to walk through the entrance again and listen to the shouts of the waiters echoing throughout the izakaya: "いらっしゃいませ！(Welcome!)” Image source: https://www.enjoytokyo.jp

Back to All JITTI Journals September 2019 Cultural Article Hakata Gion Yamakasa: An Introduction of One Local Japanese Festivity by Yasuhiro Okamoto Have you experienced Japanese traditional festivals?? Even though Japan is not a big country, each region has unique traditions and cultures, and all those cultural elements are reflected in their local festivals. Today I would like to focus on my hometown’s festival, which is named “Hakata Gion Yamakasa”. (It was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 1979 and a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2016.) “Hakata Gion Yamakasa” is a unique festival in Japan. You will be so surprised when you see the attire of the participants. During the festival, the town of Hakata (one of the districts of Fukuoka city) is filled with men called “Shimekomi,” or another name for them is “Hundoshi”. Rikishi (Sumo wrestler) also put on the Shimekomi, so you might have seen this attire on TV or in a magazine before. While no longer prevalent, it was commonly worn as underclothes for Japanese men and broadly wore until 1940. During the festival, the men wearing “Shimekomi” participate in float-racing by carrying and running with floats, called “Yamakasa,” which weigh around one ton around the city. Meanwhile, people splash water at the processions to cool down the men’s body temperatures and to reduce the floats’ friction with the ground. The history of Yamakasa goes back for more than 700 years, and the origin of the festival is said to be from a time when people tried to purify the land from disaster and disease by splashing water from a wooden stretcher. Men dressed in traditional shimekomi attire carry a float through the streets of Hataka ward in Fukuoaka City, Japan. ( IMG_8967 by koem is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ) The festival starts from July 9 th and goes for seven days. The climax of the festival is on July 15 th , and this is also the last day of “Hakata Gion Yamakasa”. The program of the last day consists of two races. One is “Kushidairi,” which is a short course (the distance is 112 meters (367 feet)), and the other one is “Oiyamakasa,” which is a long course (the distance is about five kilometers (3.1 miles)). Seven teams compete for the fastest time in the short and long courses. If you have a chance to visit Fukuoka during this term, of course I strongly recommend that you see the last day of the festival. However, it starts 4:59 AM, so you might miss your chance to see it. Nonetheless, don’t worry, as during July 1 st to July 15 th , there are fourteen “Kazariyamakasa.” These decorative 13 meter (43 feet) high floats are not carried during the races, but are stationed around the town. These too are also very exciting to see, and you can compare the designs and decorations made by Japanese traditional artists which adorn the “Kazariyamakasa.” Fukuoka is also especially known as a sacred place for Tonkotsu ramen (a famous type of ramen where pork bones form the base of its soup broth). So before or after seeing this very exciting festival, having the great taste of Tonkotsu ramen must be the perfect combo for visitors. For your next trip, please go a little further to the south part of Japan to explore another Japan that you still may not know. Decorative floats, such as this one, showcase the skills of local artists. ( 山笠 by Yukiko Yamamoto is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 )

Japan's Resumption of Accepting Foreigners as a Sign of Recovery from the Coronavirus Pandemic By Tetsuhiro Hagiwara On October 11, 2022, the Japanese government drastically eased border control measures (entry requirements) and reopened visa-free entry to Japan for visitors from 68 countries and regions. In a delay of several months after similar measures were relaxed in Europe, the U.S., and other countries around the world, Japan’s ban preventing foreign travelers entering the country was finally lifted. In Japan, there are daily upbeat news reports such as "foreigners are rushing to Japan because of the weak yen" and "foreign tourists are buying explosively again". In this issue, I would like to focus on the resumption of accepting foreign visitors to Japan, which could be a catalyst for the Japanese economy to finally turn upward after the long, long tunnel of the Coronavirus pandemic. 1. Relaxation of border control measures (entry requirements) by the Japanese government First, let us review the entry requirements into Japan as of the end of October 2022. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website, “After midnight on October 11, 2022 (Japan Standard Time), all returnees and entrants to Japan, with the exception of those with symptoms of suspected infection with the coronavirus, will not, in principle, be subject to inspection upon entry, and will not be required to wait at home or in accommodation after entering Japan, to follow up during the waiting period, or to refrain from using public transportation. In principle, no inspection will be conducted at the time of entry for all returnees and entrants, except for those with symptoms. However, all returnees and entrants shall be required to submit either a certificate of vaccination (3 doses) with a vaccine listed on the World Health Organization's Emergency Use List or a certificate with a negative result of a test taken within 72 hours prior to departure from the country.” (Image source: NHK) Since March of this year, when the corona outbreak was under control, the Japanese government has gradually eased restrictions on the entry of foreigners, resuming the admission of tourists in June for group travel only, and in September, raising the daily limit to 50,000. However, due to persistent requests from various quarters for the resumption of individual travel and visa-free visits to Japan, the situation has finally returned to a level close to what it was before the Coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the cap of 50,000 daily visitors has been lifted, individual travelers are now accepted, and those entering Japan for tourism purposes from outside the country are exempted from obtaining the short-stay visas that they were seeking, bringing them in line with the entry requirements of Europe, the U.S., and other countries around the world. In comparison to before the Coronavirus pandemic, a certificate with a negative test result within 72 hours of travel is still required for "those who have not received three doses of the vaccine." However, considering the fact that approximately 70% of the world's population has been vaccinated at least once, it can be said that the hurdle has been lowered considerably for travelers planning to visit Japan. The Japanese government has stated that it will continue to require all visitors returning to or entering Japan to present a certificate of three vaccinations or a negative PCR test result within 72 hours prior to departure from Japan. The U.S. and Japan are the only G7 countries that have introduced this measure, and both governments will consider easing the measure after assessing the state of infections domestically and overseas, and the response of other countries. At a post-cabinet press conference on October 18, Digital Minister Taro Kono announced that “Visit Japan Web,” a web-based support site that enables foreign tourists visiting Japan and Japanese nationals returning from overseas to complete quarantine, customs, and other procedures necessary for entry into Japan online, will be integrated with the “MY (My SOS)” (Confirmation of the Health and Whereabouts of the Swine Flu) function, which allows registration of vaccination certificates and negative testimonies for entry requirements against new-coronavirus infection, on November 1. (As part of efforts to unify online pre-entry procedures, MY SOS will cease to be offered on November 14). Some of the information entered so far is common information, such as passport details and date of return, and the integration will reduce the number of times for entering that information and improve convenience. At the press conference, Minister Kono said, "The Visit Japan Web will allow you to complete the necessary (web-based) procedures for entry into Japan. We want to make sure that you enter all the necessary information before you arrive so that you can pass smoothly through the airport". 2. Foreign visitors to Japan enjoying "Cool Japan" and "Cheap Japan” Now, as mentioned above, the hurdle for foreigners to visit Japan has finally been lowered. In Japan, it is reported every day that the number of foreign tourists is increasing in popular tourist destinations such as Tokyo and Osaka. Increasing number of foreign tourists in various places, including tourist destinations "Many foreign tourists in various locations" （Image source: ANN NEWS) Foreign tourists touring Tokyo A woman from Chile- "I really wanted to come to Japan. I feel like I have fulfilled my dream." (Image source: ANN NEWS） Tourists from Denmark listening to a guide in front of Sensoji Temple Regarding the wearing of masks, "The travel agency explained to us in advance that they require strict adherence to the rules for wearing masks in Japan, and we agreed with them before coming on the trip," they said.（Image source: NEWS Post Seven） Some enjoy shopping with the weak yen A couple from Israel Compared to other countries, Japan is cheap and we are very happy." （Image source: ANN NEWS) Foreign man shopping for anime goods in Akihabara “I'm happy with affordable prices because of the weak yen!” （Image source: Nippon Television Network NEWS） 3. Japanese government's intention to aim for 5 trillion yen in tourism consumption per year and expectations from the economic community I would like to share the Japanese government's expectations for inbound consumption and the industry's reaction to the recent significant easing of entry requirements. Before the Coronavirus pandemic, a record 31.88 million foreign travelers visited Japan in 2019. Inbound spending amounted to approximately 4.8 trillion yen annually, bringing significant economic benefits to the metropolitan area and tourist destinations. However, from the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the Japanese government began gradually strengthening its border control measures, and the number of inbound visitors to Japan plummeted to 4.11 million in 2020 and 240,000 in 2021, with the tourism industry still suffering a major blow. Japan continues to have the strictest entry restrictions among the G7 countries, and was in the process of receiving requests from various countries for the resumption of tourism for individuals. As for the Japanese government's intention, Prime Minister Kishida stated in his policy speech in early October that "Japan is a country that has prospered through the free flow of people, goods, and money to and from the rest of the world. With the weak yen and other factors as a backdrop, we would like to achieve an annual inbound consumption exceeding 5 trillion yen, which is more than the amount before the Coronavirus pandemic". With the recent drastic easing of entry requirements, the government intends to resume full-scale tourism. The Japanese government has also announced its intention to formulate a new plan to become a "tourism-oriented nation" by the end of this fiscal year, with the perspective of hosting the Osaka-Kansai World Expo in 2025. Nomura Research Institute estimates that the economic impact of the increase in the number of visitors to Japan will be 2.1 trillion yen in 2023. And SMBC Nikko Securities forecasts that inbound spending will regain its pre-COVID momentum by the end of 2024, taking into account the effect of the yen's depreciation, and is expecting a resurgence of explosive buying by visitors to Japan against the backdrop of the historically weak yen. The response of the economic community to the government's action has, of course, been positive, with airlines, whose business performance had been severely affected by the previous border control measures, seeing a sharp increase in bookings for international flights from overseas to Japan immediately after easing of the ban was announced. JAL (Japan Airlines) (Expressing support for the easing of entry requirements) "We want to be well prepared to welcome our customers and contribute to the recovery of the Japanese economy." ANA (All Nippon Airways), President Inoue "We are very pleased with the long-awaited deregulation. The economic impact of visitors to Japan before the Coronavirus pandemic was approximately 5 trillion yen, and we expect to see a recovery of the same scale. (Also, regarding the resumption of visa-free individual tourism) I believe that many people who have not been able to visit Japan for a long time will be able to come to Japan from now on. We expect to see an increase in demand not only for urban tourism, but also for regional tourism." Narita International Airport Corporation, President Tamura "The reason why the number of international arrivals and departures has not increased is because of Japan's strict entry requirements, so we are very grateful for the easing [or requirements]. I think it will take one or two months to see the actual effect. We will watch with anticipation whether demand for air travel will recover from the year-end and New Year holidays." Conclusion With the recent drastic relaxation of entry requirements, there are high expectations for inbound consumption by foreign visitors to Japan as a catalyst for Japan's economic recovery, but a look at reactions overseas reveals that foreign visitors' mindsets are not necessarily favorable. The Washington Post (U.S.A.), in an article titled "Japan is reopening. But the effects of its border closure will linger," pointed out the following. "Japan strictly limits foreign arrivals out of covid-19 concerns, a scientifically specious approach that has made the country an outlier among top economies and most Asia-Pacific neighbors that have reopened to tourists. Xenophobia has festered as policymakers and news coverage have tied foreigners to the spread of the virus. Investors, academics and international students have diverted their plans elsewhere. Even after Japan began accepting group tours recently, the intense monitoring and bureaucratic hurdles have largely kept tourists’ interest at bay. Now, Japan faces a credibility gap as it looks to rejoin the world. Figures in business, academia, policymaking and diplomacy are concerned the closure has punctured Japan’s image as a culture that values hospitality. Even with a full reopening, Japan would need concrete steps to restore its standing." Also, Chinese tourists, who were the main source of demand and inbound consumption in Japan before the Coronavirus pandemic, spending approximately 9.5 million in 2019, are expected to take a certain amount of time to return to Japan as overseas travel is still heavily restricted under the Chinese government's strong "Zero Corona Policy." The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts that the number of world travelers will exceed the pre-COVID level by 103% in 2024 compared to 2019, but only 97% will be in from the Asia-Pacific region, and it will be 2025 before the number exceeds pre-COVID levels. In the Asia-Pacific region, the recovery is expected to be delayed in China, where restrictions have not been eased. Other reasons for why the number of foreign visitors to Japan and inbound demand is unlikely to return to 2019 levels all at once, according to Nomura Research Institute, include the current high rate of new infections in Japan compared to other countries and the fact that many countries will refrain from overseas travel if the global economy slows in the future due to soaring prices and tightening monetary policies. However, we should learn from the experiences and measure outcomes of Europe and the U.S., which have been ahead of other countries in restoring borders and accepting foreigners during the coronavirus pandemic, and look forward to future trends to revive "Japan, the land of hospitality" that attract tourists from all over the world, while meanwhile balancing preventing the spread of infection and recovering inbound travel. References: Ministry of Foreign Affairs https://www.mofa.go.jp/p_pd/pds/page22e_000910.html Japan Tourism Agency https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/en/shisaku/kokusai/traveltojapan.html NHK News https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/coronavirus/restrictions/detail/detail_95.html The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/16/japan-covid-restrictions-tourist-xenophobia/ Nomura Research Institute https://www.nri.com/jp/knowledge/blog/lst/2022/fis/kiuchi/1006 Global Outlook for Air Transport Times of Turbulence - IATA https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/publications/economic-reports/airline-industry-economic-performance---june-2022---report/#:~:text=The%20financial%20recovery%20will%20continue,from%20our%20end%2D2021%20forecast.&text=all%20regions%20in%202022%2C%20with,return%20to%20profitability%20this%20year Image Resources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbah4XUIQco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Be4jom6WZQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp_sQw9T954 Back to All JITTI Journals November 2022 Feature Article

Back to All JITTI Journals March 2023 Cultural Article Do You Know “YO-KAI?” By Daisuke Komatsu Have you ever heard of the term Yo-kai? Yo-kai is a general term for beings and phenomena beyond human knowledge that have been handed down throughout Japan since ancient times, and are still a part of Japanese culture today. You may have heard the names "Oni (ogre)," "Tengu," or "Kappa.” If you are an American or Westerner, you might think of entities such as ghosts and other phantasms. You may also think of fantastical creatures such as dragons and unicorns, or transcendent beings such as gods and demons. There are more than 1,000 different kinds of Yo-kai, large and small, good and bad, from evil beings that play tricks on humans to those that protect us from natural disasters. For example, a fishing boat may get into a maritime accident because a Yo-kai called "Umibouzu" destroys the boat, or a family may be blessed by inviting a Yo-kai named “Zashiki-Warashi” into their home, who guarantees that its hosts will become prosperous. Yo-kai are often referred to as creatures that we cannot usually see, phenomena that are difficult to explain through science, unbearable natural anomalies, experiences of being spirited away, native deities, etc. They are also beings that remind us of morals and customs, giving suggestions and hints on how to lead a respectable life. In this sense, they are not just scary monsters. Statues of Kappa (Image Source: 遠野駅の河童たち by maximum69 ) In Japan, Yo-kai have existed in every region from Hokkaido to Okinawa, but Hokkaido Yo-kai, for example, were unique to that region’s indigenous culture and were recognized only by the people of Hokkaido, and never by the people of other regions in Japan. Likewise, other regional Yo-Kai existed in tales only alongside the lives of the people of their localities. In 1910 folklorist Yanagida Kunio published "Tono Monogatari" (The Legends of Tono), a collection of folklore from the Tono region of Iwate Prefecture. It is said that thanks to Tono Monogatari, Yo-kai has come to be recognized as a genre of Japanese culture, and Japanese have become aware of Yo-kai from other regions as well. I myself was born and raised in the countryside about an hour's drive from the Tono area. When I traveled to Tono on vacation, I visited a "Kappa-buchi" stream where you can catch “Kappa,” which are similar to mermen, and a guest house where it is said that “Zashiki-Warashi” once lived. So Yokai have been a familiar part of my childhood. In commemoration of the 110th anniversary of Tono Monogatari in 2020, the Tono Tourism Association released a permit for capturing “Kappa” and continues to offer a prize of 10 million yen if visitors capture a kappa and bring it to the Tourism Association. Not only in Tono City, but all over Japan Yo-kai, as an important tourism resource, are helping to revitalize towns and villages. When the COVID-19 pandemic spread worldwide, people in Japan prayed for a speedy end to the pandemic to a Yo-kai called "Amabie," which is said to warn off illness and allegedly appeared in Higo Province (present-day Kumamoto Prefecture) in 1846 during the Edo period. Looking at Yo-kai from a different angle, Japanese people have long been fond of describing or anthropomorphizing mysterious phenomena as living creatures, and they have become an integral part of cultural activities such as folklore, novels, animation, and video games. Statues of beloved characters Kitaro and his dad, Medama-oyaji (or literally Eyeball-Father) from "Gegege no Kitaro." In particular, the "Gegege no Kitaro" Yo-kai anime created by Shigeru Mizuki began as a picture-story show in 1954 and later became a manga and anime, creating a Yo-kai boom in Japan. Likewise, the game "Yo-kai Watch," released in 2013, popularized Yo-kai among children as it depicts modern-day versions embodying "elementary school students' problems.” As it has grown via a multimedia franchise in the form of comics and anime, affinity for “Yo-kai Watch” has increased among this young demographic. I am the father of two boys, aged 5 and 2, who have a hard time falling asleep, and I often tell them that if they don't go to sleep soon, the "Makura-Kaeshi (Pillow Turner)" or "Namahage" will come! The sons also make excuses using Yo-kai as part of their daily lives. It is interesting to think that Yo-kai may be involved in this way, from events at home to global crises. Hopefully, some Yo-kai will appear to solve the various sad events that the world is facing today. An advertisment for "Yo-kai Watch" (Image Source: https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/youkai-watch2021/ )

Back to All JITTI Journals September 2021 Cultural Article Shogi- Japanese Chess by Yoshihiro Fujimaki 1. Introduction Shogi is a traditional Japanese board game that looks like chess. Because it is a one-on-one, zero-sum, and perfect information game, there is no factor of luck in winning or losing. Both shogi and chess are considered to have originated from a board game called Chaturanga from ancient India. In the beginning of 17th century, the Edo Shogunate, which ruled Japan, officially endorsed shogi, and the current style of shogi remained thereafter. The image above depicts the initial setup of the game. 2. A Unique Feature One unique feature of shogi is that the player can reuse a piece as his own after he captures it from the opponent’s forces. This point is completely different from chess, in which the player cannot reuse a captured piece. This feature of shogi allows for the total number of pieces to remain the same, which keeps the number of available moves for pieces high, and a match may be reversed even in its final stage. The image above depicts what a board may look like mid-game. 3. Professional Players and Tournaments Although shogi has approximately 6 - 10 million amateur players in Japan, there are only about 170 professional players. Those professional players belong to the Japan Shogi Association, which was established in 1924, and participate in several tournaments. Available total time to consider the next move of a piece varies by each tournament; the shortest case is 15 mins (then players must move a piece in 30 seconds) and the longest case is 9 hours (then players must move a piece in 60 seconds). This is another unique point of shogi, in which certain matches end in an hour but other matches are held over two days with appropriate rest times. The Tokyo Headquarters of the Japan Shogi Association 4. Live Broadcast of Professional Shogi Matches Some professional shogi matches are live-broadcasted and can be watched from overseas. These live broadcasts are accompanied by commentary from other professional players, and have some viewers called MIRU-SHO (watching only shogi fans), who rarely play shogi games. They are new kind of shogi fan, and they’re also interested in the meals which professional players eat for lunch or dinner (SHOGI-MESHI). This curry udon is one example of shogi-meshi. The Hosojima-ya noodle restaurant, where this was ordered, is located near the Japan Shogi Association's Tokyo HQ. Professional players often order their meals from this restaurant for delivery to the Tokyo HQ. 5. Shogi Mating Problems Solving or creating shogi mating problems (TUME-SHOGI) is another way to enjoy shogi. Shogi mating problems are just puzzles that are the same as chess problems, so an opponent is not necessary, and anyone can attempt to solve problems at a difficulty level that matches their abilities. I like shogi mating problems and have provided you one example that I created myself. Can you solve this shogi mating problem, which imitates the shape of a star? The puzzle's solution will be listed at the bottom of the article. (Hint: You can mate in 5 moves!) 6. Conclusion There are several ways to enjoy shogi, including playing shogi games, watching professional shogi matches, solving or creating shogi mating problems, and so on. If you have played chess, you can easily understand the rules of shogi and will recognize shogi’s depth. I believe that shogi is a useful tool to communicate with Japanese people because most Japanese men at least know its rules. Puzzle Solution: 1. G*52（５二金） 2. Kx52（同玉） 3. S44-53+（５三銀右成） 4. K-41（４一玉） 5. S*42（４二銀）

Improving and Strengthening the Transport Safety Management System by Hiroki Sakamoto Ensuring safety is a central and fundamental issue in the public transportation sector. When an accident occurs, it not only can cause significant damage, but it can also have an enormous impact on society. Therefore various measures are being undertaken to prevent accidents from occurring. In October 2006, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan introduced the 'Transport Safety Management System' in the wake of frequently occurring accidents and other incidents in various transportation sectors, such as railway, automobile, shipping, and airlines. These incidents were primarily those which were caused by human error. This policy aims to build and strengthen the safety management system, which will be united with the MLIT organization, under the proactive involvement of the top management executive in transport operation. MLIT conducts Transport Safety Management Evaluations, through checks and advice, which is intended to continuously improve the safety management system by using the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Action) cycle. In FY2016, 932 transport operators (59 railways, 640 automobiles, 223 shipping and 10 airlines) were subject to Transport Safety Management Evaluation. The outline of the Transport Safety Management System is as follows (Figure 1). Based on lessons learned from past serious accidents in the transportation field, it is important for each transport operator to spiral upward (with an awareness of the PDCA cycle) using company-wide efforts toward safety, and the establishment of a safety management system under the leadership of the top management executives. For this reason, business laws related to land, marine, and air transport were amended (promulgated in March 2006) and the Transport Safety Management System was introduced. Under this legislation, transport operators are required to appoint a Chief Safety Management Officer (executive class), set out safety management rules, and promote the improvement and establishment of safety management systems through the leadership of top management. Also, preventive safety-type support systems were implemented through interviews and other measures directed at the transport operators' management division, including their top management executives. (Figure 1) The outline of the Transport Safety Management System Transport Safety Management Evaluation teams, belonging to the MLIT and District Transport Bureau, visit transport operators' headquarters to conduct the Transport Safety Management Evaluation on the operators' Top Management and Chief Safety Management Officer (Figure 2). (Figure 2) Transport Safety Management Evaluation on Top Management The team conducts a positive evaluation and provides advice, to help promote continuous improvements, based on items from the guidelines to the system, some of which are as follows (and in Figure 3). Formulate and promulgate safety policies Formulate and review priority safety measures Ensure communication Collect and use information on accidents and near-miss events Implement education and training Conduct internal audits, etc. (14 items) (Figure 3) Evaluation Chart of Transport Safety Management Evaluation In FY2016, MLIT hosted transport safety management seminars for transport operators in order to deepen understanding of this system, and these seminars were attended by 3,789 people. In FY2015, 7,043 people attended seminars, as part of an accredited seminar program that was established in 2013 for the purpose of further disseminating and shedding light on this system to small and medium-sized transport operators (programs through which transport safety management seminars organized by private-sector organizations are accredited by the MLIT). October 2016 was designated as the "10 Years of Strengthening Transport Safety Management Month" to mark the 10 years that had passed since the system was introduced. Evaluations by MLIT had been conducted on approx. 7,500 transport operators over the past 10 years at that point, which contributed greatly to the improvement of their safety. MLIT carried out initiatives to further spread and instill the system, including holding discussions about how the system should work in the future, such as the "2016 Symposium on Safety in the Transport Business: Review of the 10 Years since the Introduction of the Transport Safety Management System and Directions for the Next 10 Years," and the "Transport Safety Management 10th Anniversary Seminar." Moreover, the system's effects and issues were reviewed and discussions were held by the Transport Council's Task Force on Ensuring Transport Safety, in order to study the future evolution of the system. Based on the report from the Council, MLIT revised the fundamental policy to implement the Transport Safety Management System in 2017. The main revisions were: prioritizing the Transport Safety Management Evaluation on chartered bus operators, promoting the development of safety management of small to medium-sized transport operators, and strengthening support for Chief Safety Management Officers of transport operators. Furthermore, it promoted support for transport operators to cope with the emerging challenges in recent transport sectors such as the shortages of drivers in transport industries, deteriorated transport infrastructures, serious damage to transport facilities from natural disasters and terrorist attacks as well as other issues and challenges. Strengthening safety measures is the top priority in all transport modes, and continuous and effective efforts by both the private and public sectors through the Transport Safety Management System are keys to establish safe and secure public transport systems. Back to All JITTI Journals May 2018 Feature Article