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

Back to All JITTI Journals May 2019 Cultural Article A Traditional Japanese Celebration for Children (Shichi-Go-San) by Shinichi Yamada There are many unique traditional ceremonies in Japan, and some of them are events for children. In this article, I would like to introduce Shichi-go-san (which stands for the ages of seven, five and three). Shichi-go-san is a traditional ceremony to celebrate the growth of children and to wish for their good health. In general, girls are celebrated when they are three and seven years old, and boys are celebrated when they are three and five years old. Based on regional customs, boys may only be celebrated at age five in some areas of Japan. The Shichi-go-san ceremony is traditionally held on November 15 th , and children wear kimono and go to the shrine to pray with their family. Besides these outings, taking photos of the children and having a dinner party are common ways to celebrate. Children may have a Chitose-Ame in the ceremony, which is a long, thin, red or white candy. "Chitose" literally means one-thousand years, and parents give it to their children with wishes for the children’s healthy growth and longevity. Nowadays people don’t wear kimonos so often in daily life, but this ceremony is a good opportunity to see cute children wearing kimono.

Initiatives to Relieve Congestion in Japan's Rail Industry by Akito Okabe Introduction While railroads play an important role as a mode of transportation in Japan, urban rail congestion has long been a serious social problem. It may be surprising to learn that the average congestion rate for major Tokyo-area railroad sections in FY 2019 was 163%, with the most congested section reaching 199% 1) . The congestion rate is an index of congestion calculated by dividing the number of people transported by the transportation capacity 2) . As a guide of congestion rate Image Source: Association of Japanese Private Railways Although congestion rates have recently declined temporarily due to the pandemic, it continues to be an important issue against a backdrop of increased hygiene awareness and new ways of working through teleworking. For a long time, Japan has been trying to relieve congestion rates by shortening operating intervals, adding more tracks, and other large-scale construction projects. In recent years, Japan has also been focusing on new initiatives such as a "Train crowd measurement system" that utilizes digital technology. This article introduces some of the advanced efforts in the Japanese railroad to relieve congestion. Train Crowd Measurement System In the Tokyo area, the provision of congestion information on official apps and websites of railroad operators has been in full swing since around 2015. This article introduces Tokyo Metro's real-time ‘train crowd measurement system’ for each train car. Tokyo Metro has been distributing real-time congestion information for each train car on the 'Tokyo Metro my!' app since July 2021. According to Tokyo Metro, by distributing real-time congestion information for each train car, the system enables "safe and comfortable use" tailored to individual customers' needs, such as "which train car is relatively empty?" and "which station will be least crowded to board a train?" In addition, this service has been used by many customers, reaching approximately 50,000 times in the month and a half since its distribution began in July. It is very difficult to calculate congestion in real time, but by utilizing the ‘train crowd measurement system’ that uses a 'depth camera' to acquire depth information on in-train congestion, it is now possible to distribute real-time congestion and congestion forecast information regardless of car type, according to the company. The above figure is reprinted and translated from the Tokyo Metro Co.,Ltd. website. Off-Peak Point Service A service that rewards customers with points as an incentive for off-peak commuting is another initiative that Japanese railroad operators are focusing on to relieve congestion. JR East, Japan's largest railroad company, has launched a point service on weekday mornings as an initiative to support staggered commuting by SUICA 3) commuter pass holders. If you enter a station in the target area during a time period eligible for point redemption and then exit at a station in the target area, points are redeemed. Image Source: JR East An illustration of this is shown in the image above. For example, if the peak period is from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m., passengers can earn 15 reward points if they ride from 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. during the "early bird period" before the peak period. If they ride between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. after the peak period, they will earn 20 reward points. The rewards can be recharged to IC cards and used as train tickets, or used for shopping at JR-operated commercial facilities. Currently, the program is being offered for a limited time from March 15, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Conclusion As in Japan, people in the U.S. are becoming more hygiene-conscious, and providing information on train congestion is a topic of great interest. In addition, since staggering morning and evening peak hours can also help railroad companies reduce the number of train cars and staffing required during peak hours, contributing to cost savings, we believe that efforts to promote off-peak use can be a useful reference for the U.S. railroad industry. Currently, the Japanese and U.S. railroad industries are facing a difficult situation due to the pandemic, but it is important to promote new approaches flexibly in accordance with changes in people's needs. References: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism website https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/tetsudo04_hh_000095.html Japan Private Railway Association website https://www.mintetsu.or.jp/knowledge/term/16370.html JR East's IC card can be used for trains, buses, shopping, etc. Image Sources: Association of Japanese Private Railways Tokyo Metro Co.,Ltd. JR East Back to All JITTI Journals March 2022 Feature Article

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Back to All JITTI Journals January 2024 Cultural Article An Introduction of Japanese BBQ By Mamiko Kim Introduction Is there something not so American about BBQ? From hamburgers and hot dogs on the 4th of July to all-day smoked brisket and whole hog affairs, barbecuing has an earned spot in American cuisine. 7 out of 10 Americans own a grill or roaster, and 79% of them say that they grill at least once a week. Based on these statistics, it seems we must have some BBQ lovers among our readership! Of course, BBQ is not unique to the United States! Every culture has their own delicious iteration of grilling, utilizing fire and smoke. If you’re like me, you want to taste them all, and perhaps you’re looking for what to try next. Please allow me to recommend Japanese BBQ as a place to start on your BBQ-tasting journey. What is Japanese BBQ? There are actually many types of BBQing in Japan, differentiated by the method of cooking and what is usually prepared. For example, Irori is a traditional sunken, stone-lined hearth that once was in many homes, and was used to cook and grill a communal meal of local ingredients. Most houses no longer have them, and you would need to go to a specialized restaurant to have this style of BBQ, typically shelling out a bit more money as a luxury experience. Chef Masahi Yamada's Irori BBQ restaurant specailizes in wild ingredients harvested and hunted in the nearby mountains ( Eater ) Robatayaki refers specifically to traditional charcoal grilling, and comes from the culture of ancient Hokkaido fishermen who would place a fire-resistant stone or wood box heated with binchotan coals on their oars, beginning to grill their catch out on the water so that they’d have perfectly cooked fish as soon as they returned to shore. Today, some traditional Robota restaurants continue to serve grilled robatayaki fish on oars. 1 A Robotayaki restaurant in New York City ( First We Feast ) There is also Kushiyaki, or meat on bamboo skewers grilled over charcoal. This option is much more economical, and it will be guaranteed to be on the menu at your local izakaya bar, which often serves small dishes that pair well with sake and beer. Of kushiyaki, yakitori (grilled chicken) is the most popular and can be found commonly at street stalls and at family BBQ gatherings. Izakaya Iseya serves cheap yakitori in a historic location ( Eat Your Kimchi Studio ) However, Yakiniku is debatably what first comes to mind for Japanese people when they think of eating out for BBQ. During the 1920s, while meat was rationed in Japan, Korean immigrants began selling grilled meat entrails on the black market, which then followed by the opening of eateries. By the 1960s, Japan had recovered economically, more people could afford to eat meat, and restaurants styled after these early establishments began popping up all over Japan. In this way, yakiniku is an immigrant success story that locals have adapted to fit their own tastes. 2 From 2:35 into the video, Mark Weins'eats kobe beef at a Yakiniku restaurant ( Mark Weins ) How is Japanese Yakiniku different from Korean BBQ? When you enter a Yakiniku or Korean BBQ restaurant, at first, these two establishments may seem similar. However, there are a few key differences between the two that make them unique from one another, the biggest of these being the intention behind the food. If there were one word to describe the Japanese BBQ flavor aesthetic, it would be “clean.” Care is given to the quality of the ingredients being prepared, and beef (particularly prized wagyu) is the feature on many menus. Meats are mostly left unmarinated, with much of the richness in flavor coming from having a high quality product. Unlike Korean BBQ, which provides sides of pickled and other prepared vegetables, called banchan, Japanese BBQ more commonly will provide vegetables for roasting along with the meat. This better matches the flavor profile, and keeps the palate unmuddled. Dipping sauces are provided at the table, typically a sweet soy sauce based one, a citrus flavored one, and something spicy, but each establishment might have their own unique offering. These serve to compliment the flavor of the meat and vegetables, and it’s also fun to see how each sauce pairs with whatever you’re eating. Overall, appreciating each ingredient is meant to be the intended experience. Korean BBQ, delicious in its own right, prizes bold flavors. This can be tasted in both the vegetable sides, as mentioned above, but also in the meats served. Pork, is often the more common meat of choice in Korean BBQ, and cuts of meat are marinated in various sauces, which can be as simple as jumulleok (short steak marinated with sesame oil, salt and pepper) or use more ingredients like bulgogi (meat marinated in sugar, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, garlic and scallions), so each bite is a flavor bomb. However, the quality of meat is less important than in Yakiniku. Gopchang, or grilled entrails of cows or pigs, are a commonly offered menu item. Ultimately, robust flavor is the purpose of eating Korean BBQ. Another big difference between the two is how it is served. At Yakiniku establishments, the guest is the one grilling ingredients, while at Korean BBQ restaurants, attendants walk around from table-to-table to turn over and serve the meat. The only explanation I’ve found for this difference is that Japanese like to have the option to grill the meat to their liking. This is fitting to the intention mentioned earlier, with the flavor of each ingredient being such an integral part of enjoying the meal. 3 A map of Gyukaku restaurant locations worldwide Is there a Japanese BBQ restaurant in the D.C. area? I asked my Japanese colleague this question, and he named Gyukaku as a place he’d recommend as an authentic experience in the greater D.C. area. So, during the recent snow storm, I packed up my family and drove to Arlington to check it out (purely for this article, of course , and not because I was craving yakiniku). We were greeted at the door with a hearty “Irashaimase” (Welcome) and led to our table which had an inlaid grill. You are able to choose items ala carte or from a course menu, which we settled on. Platters of various meat and vegetables arrived timed with our eating speed, and the server was attentive in explaining recommended ways to grill each type of item. A bonus was that the staff were very friendly and kind to our fussy toddler, who needed to walk around the restaurant part-way through the meal. One thing I hadn’t considered till I was there was that my toddler could eat a lot more of the items being served than when we had been to Korean BBQ (which we had done recently for someone’s birthday). Because you are grilling and adding sauces to your liking, the meal is much more customizable, which meant that we could be careful in how we served her items, while also being able to enjoy the spicy Sriracha-based sauce ourselves. She could also eat all of the vegetables for this reason as well. It felt very much like a complete meal. Overall, parents and child left feeling very full and satisfied! Conclusion I hope you give Japanese BBQ a try. It’s a great start to a BBQ-tasting experience with its focus on the flavor of each meat itself, and its versatility caters to a wide-range of palates and preferences. It’d be a great meal to eat with friends or family, whether out or at home. I have no doubt that it will be a new favorite meal for you and your loved ones. One family's yakiniku meal at home. References: https://www.bbqanswers.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-japanese-barbecue/#What_Is_Robatayaki https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/the-fascinating-story-behind-the-rise-of-ramen-and-yakiniku/mk0rwm964 https://www.ibbq.com/blogs/news/the-difference-between-korean-bbq-and-japanese-bbq

Back to All JITTI Journals July 2023 Cultural Article Oshiro – Japanese Castles by Shinichiro Tsuri 1. Background Have you ever visited Japanese castles, called “oshiro” in Japanese? If you are interested in architecture or the history of Japan, castles may be one of the recommended spots to visit if you travel there. While various types of fortresses have been built since ancient times in Japan, the number of castles significantly increased during the Sengoku period (15th - 16th century), in which independent feudal lords fought each other over their land and resources. Due to factors such as Ikkoku Ichijo Rei (Decree of One Castle per Province) in the Edo period (1603 - 1867) and bombing during World War II, most of the castles were destroyed and currently there are only 12 castles towers (called “tenshu”) remaining that were built before or during the Edo period. 2. Example of a Japanese Castle – Himeji Castle Himeji Castle, which is in my hometown, was registered in 1993 as the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan and is one of the most famous castles among the 12 mentioned above. Since a fort was built on the top of Himeyama hill located in Harima Province (southwestern part of current Hyogo Prefecture) in the mid-14th century, it has been rebuilt and expanded, and the castle we see today was mostly erected during major construction in the early 17th century. Castle tower of Himeji Castle (by Shinichiro Tsuri) Elements and Areas of the Castle Speaking of Japanese castles, castle towers may come to mind first. However, castles typically consist of structures such as moats, (stone) walls, gates, and turrets in addition to castle towers. Territories bounded by moats and walls are called “kuruwa.” Himeji Castle has three layers of moats (the inner moat, middle moat, and outer moat) and kuruwas are surrounded by each moat (inner kuruwa, middle kuruwa, and outer kuruwa). The inner kuruwa, containing castle towers and the feudal lord’s residence, is the core of Himeji Castle. While the middle kuruwa was mainly assigned as the residences of upper- and middle-class vassals, the residences of lower-class vassals and townspeople were located in the area of the outer kuruwa, which formed the castle town of Himeji. The total area within the outer kuruwa surrounded by the outer moat reaches about 2.33 million square meters. Castle Tower – Symbol of the Castle A castle tower, also called “tenshu,” is symbolic architecture of the castle. While a castle tower in Japanese castles has a military function as a weapons store, its main purpose is to show wealth and power of the feudal lord. Himeji Castle has a coalition type castle tower comprising of a main castle tower and three small castle towers located on stone walls which are connected to each other with corridor turrets. Himeji Castle is often called “Shirasagi-jo” ( White Egret Castle) since its elegant white body appears to be a flying egret. Defensive Features As a military facility, Japanese castles have not only beautiful appearances, but also many features to defend against enemies. For example, you can see a number of unique shaped holes in the walls of Himeji Castle. They are called “sama” (loophole), which allows defenders to fire on attackers with arrows and firearms without exposing themselves; rectangular ones are for arrows (called “yazama”), and round, triangular, and square ones are for firearms (called “teppo-sama”). The white plaster covering Himeji Castle is used to enhance its fire resistance in addition to providing an elegant white appearance. The route leading to the main castle tower is winding, just like a labyrinth; attackers are trapped by dead-ends and confused by a downward slope that gives the impression that they are going the wrong way. Furthermore, attackers are forced to slow down and be exposed to defenders by multiple gates including ones with a low ceiling arranged on the route. Sama of Himeji Castle ( 姫路城の狭間（射撃用の穴） by Takobou is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 ) 3. Castle and Imperial Palace The Imperial Palace, located in the center of Tokyo, is the main place of residence for the Emperor of Japan. Whereas it is called the “imperial palace,” its features more closely resemble that of a feudal lord’s castle, as was explained above, such as moats, stone walls, and turrets. The reason this happened goes back to 1868, when Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo from Kyoto following the Meiji Restoration. The Tokugawa shogunate was overthrown and their headquarters at Edo Castle turned into the new residence of Emperor Meiji. The original residence is still remaining in Kyoto, which is now called the Kyoto Imperial Palace – it does not have moats, stone walls, or turrets. It may be interesting to compare both imperial palaces in Tokyo and Kyoto keeping the features of Japanese castle in mind, if you ever have a chance to visit Japan. The Imperial Palace ( Seimon Ishibashi Bridge, Imperial Palace, Tokyo by . Ray in Manila is licensed under CC BY 2.0 ) The Kyoto Imperial Palace ( Imperial Palace by Daniel Gerhard is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 )

Back to All JITTI Journals January 2023 Cultural Article Shirakawa-go: A Real-Life Winter Wonderland By Mamiko Kim Even if you don’t know the artist, you’ve probably seen the work of Thomas Kinkade . Depicting countryside cottages or sunlit towns colored in shades of soft pastels, his paintings evoke a strong sense of sentimentality. Admirers of his work cherish their celebration of tradition and nature, but others have criticized their dream-like qualities as being overly romantic and unrealistic. Yet, there is such a place that seems to defy realism in its beauty, and it is in Japan. Please allow me to introduce Shirakawa-go, a picture-perfect region of mountainside villages made even more enchanting when blanketed in snow. A side-by-side of Thomas Kinkade’s “Olympic Mountain Evening” (left) and Shirakawa-go (right) 1. What makes Shirakawa-go so special? Shirakawa-go, located along a mountain range spanning Gifu and Toyama prefectures, is made up of three villages that were together declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995. 96% of the village areas are forested, and with deep winters providing a scenic depositing of 2-3 meters of snow a year, Shirakawa-go has been said to be reminiscent of being on the Swiss Alps. These villages are most famous for their traditional wooden gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some which are older than 250 years old. Their steeply angled thatch roofs give the buildings their signature triangle shape and are thought to look like the hands of a monk clasped in prayer. With its status as a historic site, all management and repairs of the farmhouses are done in a traditional manner, and the community comes together annually in the spirit of cooperation, known as yui, to thatch new roofs (which wear down every 20-30 years). As a functioning village, with residents still living in these buildings and working the land, it is a rare opportunity for tourists to experience what life may have been like hundreds of years previously. (Left) What the underside of the roof looks like.(Right) Applying a new roof. No nails are used during the process! (Image Source: https://visitgifu.com/specials-of-gifu/shirakawa-go/ ) 2. Can you stay in a gassho-zukuri farmhouse? Absolutely! Some of these farmhouses have opened as minshuku, or family-operated B&Bs. Stays typically consist of a private tatami room with seating and futon bedding. Meals may be prepared in a traditional manner, over an open fire and in an irori iron pot, and are a delight to the senses, particularly as locally sourced ingredients are featured. Buckwheat soba, award-winning hida beef, and salted and grilled river sweetfish are popular favorites, and homemade miso and farm vegetables add to the country charm. Minshuku welcome guests, and often provide meals made traditionally over an open fire. (Image Sources: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5952.html, https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/ryokan-search-results/Shirakawa-go/ ) 3. What should you do in Shirakawa-go? Enjoy Meandering Down Shirakawa-go Kaido Shirakawa-go Kaido is the Main Street of Ogimachi, the largest of the three villages. Stores and restaurants line the street and entice visitors to try their delicacies or shop their wares. In particular, silk goods are well-known due to the tradition of caring for silk worms in the area, and snacks are plentiful along your route, including hida beef skewers and gohei dango, grilled mochi coated in a miso, soy, and crushed walnut sauce. The road ends at Shirakawa-no-Yu hot spring, where visitors can warm up from their walk. Visit Important Cultural Sites Myozen-ji temple is the largest building constructed using gassho-zukuri techniques, particularly its main hall, kitchen and clock tower, and its monk’s residence serves as a museum on the history of the temple’s worship. Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine, founded around 708, houses the local deity that serves great importance to the agricultural community that surrounds it. It is also the site of the annual fall Doburoku Festival, which allows locals to ask for a plentiful harvest. Finally, the Wada House, a gassho-zukuri farmhouse, is larger than most as it was the home of Wada family, whose head served as village leader during the Edo Period, and gained wealth by trading silk and gun powder. While still a family home, the second and third floors are open to the public. Each of these locations warrant a visit! Clockwise from top left- Shirakawa-go Kaido, Gohei Dango with silk doll, Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine, Myozen-ji temple. (Image Source: https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/smr/takayama-city/things-to-do-in-shirakawa-go-where-to-stay/ ) Shirakawa-go Visitor’s Map (Image Source: https://www.vill.shirakawa.lg.jp/en/ ) 4. Any travel tips? Takayama and Kanazawa are the two largest cities near Shirakawa-go, so tourists who are coming from Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto may find it simplest to ride a train to these cities and then transfer to a bus from there. From Tokyo, the total trip time is roughly 3.5 hours. For those who’d like to drive there themselves, be aware that vehicles are restricted due to the village's status as a World Heritage Site. However, there is parking at Seseragi Park. More details on how to get to Shirakawa-go can be found on the official tourism website . 5. When should you visit? Shirakawa-go is beautiful in every season, but winter is a particularly magical time. Something about the snow covering every surface, the traditional architecture, and the serenity of the surrounding forest and mountains make these villages especially picturesque, and the warmth of each hearth welcoming guests becomes even more comforting. Shirakawa-go also holds annual winter illuminations, lighting up the village at night, which may be best viewed from the nearby observation point. It truly is a stunning sight! Illumination dates for 2023: January 15, 2023 (Sunday) January 22, 2023 (Sunday) January 29, 2023 (Sunday) February 5, 2023 (Sunday) February 12, 2023 (Sunday) February 19, 2023 (Sunday) If you make a trip to Japan, I recommend you take your camera (or paint set!) and head to Shirakawa-go to enjoy a retreat filled with natural beauty and tradition. With Japan now open to international travelers, there isn’t any reason to hesitate. I’ll end with this video for all those of you who are still on the fence. Resources: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5952.html https://centrip-japan.com/article/1301.html https://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/ryokan-search-results/Shirakawa-go/ https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/smr/takayama-city/things-to-do-in-shirakawa-go-where-to-stay/ https://www.klook.com/blog/shirakawago-travel-guide/

Japan's Strategic Countermeasures against the Pirates of the Seas By Daisuke Komatsu Towards the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, a series of piracy incidents, including the capture of cargo ships and tankers, occurred in the waters around the Gulf of Aden, near Yemen and Somalia. Additionally, there has been an increase in pirate attacks in Southeast Asian waters in recent years, posing significant threats to the safety of nearby vessels and raising major concerns for economic security. In light of this background, this journal article aims to elucidate Japan's counter-piracy measures. Tracing back the history of piracy in Japan, references to pirates can be found as early as the latter half of the 5th century in the "Nihon Shoki" (Chronicles of Japan). Notably, during the late 15th century and the Sengoku period (Warring States period), pirate groups known as the "Murakami KAIZOKU,” a group functioning both as pirates and a naval force, were frequently active in the Seto Inland Sea. In more contemporary times, incidents such as the 1999 attack on the Arlanda Rainbow, which was en route from Indonesia to Japan, and the 2005 attack on the Japanese-flagged ocean-going tugboat Idaten in the northwestern part of the Strait of Malacca, have occurred. Globally, piracy has been a longstanding maritime security threat throughout history, evident from occurrences in the Roman Empire era, the Vikings in the 8th century, privateers during the Age of Discovery, the Barbary pirates in North Africa, and pirates in the Caribbean and Indian Oceans. Revisiting the definition of piracy, according to Article 101 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, piracy consists of: (a) Any illegal acts of violence, detention, or depredation for private ends by the crew or passengers of a private ship or aircraft against: (i) Another ship or aircraft, or persons or property on board in the high seas; (ii) A ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any state. (b) Voluntary participation in the operation of a ship or aircraft with knowledge that it is a pirate ship or aircraft. (c) Incitement or intentional facilitation of acts defined in subparagraph (a) or (b). Article 105 of the same convention outlines that any state may seize a pirate ship or aircraft, or a ship taken by piracy and under the control of pirates, and arrest the persons and seize the property on board in the high seas or any other place outside the jurisdiction of any state. The courts of the state which carried out the seizure may decide upon the penalties to be imposed, and, with due regard to the rights of bona fide third parties, may determine the action to be taken with respect to the ship, aircraft, or property. In essence, piracy is robbery conducted on the high seas and is considered a universal enemy against which any state may act. Pirate acts occurring within territorial waters of coastal states, as opposed to the high seas, are defined as armed robbery at sea. Considering the above, an overview of Japan's counter-piracy measures is provided. As an island nation with low food and energy self-sufficiency rates, Japan relies heavily on maritime transport routes for 99.5% of its imported resources essential for maintaining economic activities and social life. Thus, protecting merchant vessels from piracy is a lifeline for the country. Created by the author using freely available resources. Direct enforcement in pirate-infested waters like the Malacca and Singapore Straits was not feasible for Japan due to territorial limitations. Consequently, the Japan Coast Guard led the adoption of the "Asian Anti-Piracy Challenges 2000" at this conference, proposing measures such as mutual visits of patrol ships, joint training exercises, continuous expert meetings, and conducting seminars on maritime crime control. Initiatives also included accepting students for maritime crime seminars at the Japan Coast Guard Academy and JICA, dispatching long-term JICA experts, and supporting capacity building through joint training with coastal countries. These efforts led to a significant reduction in piracy incidents in Southeast Asia after 2004. However, piracy in Somalia, particularly around the Gulf of Aden, surged post-2007. A notable incident in February 2007 involved the hijacking of the MV Rozen, a cargo ship chartered by the World Food Programme for humanitarian aid to Somalia, leading to the abduction of 12 crew members. This incident underscored the international community's need to collaborate in combating piracy in the region. Created by the author using data sourced from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reports. In contrast to the pirates in Southeast Asia, those operating in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia are characterized by their heavy armament, organized operations, and operations in a broad maritime area far from land. Notably, they often kidnap entire crews and ships, demanding ransoms, rather than just looting goods or cargoes. Since 1991, Somalia has been in a state of anarchy, lacking a functional government capable of combating piracy, differentiating it from the situation in Southeast Asia. With the passing of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions in 2008, the CTF151 (Combat Task Force) fleet, predominantly comprising EU and NATO member states, was dispatched to protect ships in these waters, leading to an increase in the forceful suppression of pirates. The United States also joined the efforts with its Navy and Coast Guard as part of the combined maritime task force. Recognizing that about 10% of the vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden annually are Japan-related, and to fulfill its role as a responsible nation in the United Nations, Japan acknowledged the importance of counter-piracy measures in the region. The Japan Coast Guard, tasked with protecting lives and property from piracy and maintaining security, faced challenges in collaborating with CTF151 and exercising jurisdiction over maritime crimes in international waters. However, dispatching the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) was considered. Under the Self-Defense Forces Law Article 82, JMSDF's maritime security operations are primarily limited to protecting Japanese lives or property, presenting challenges in guarding non-Japanese vessels like those protected by CTF151. To address these challenges, Japan legislated the Anti-Piracy Measures Law in June 2009. This law enabled the Japan Coast Guard to exercise jurisdiction over piracy, considered a crime in international waters, and allowed JMSDF escort vessels to guard foreign-flagged ships in coordination with CTF151. A significant feature of this law is that it defined piracy as a crime within Japan's legal system for the first time, allowing for the protection of not just Japanese vessels but also foreign ships. The law also permitted preventive actions against piracy, such as firing warning shots when pirates approached civilian vessels. This legislation marked a milestone in asserting jurisdiction in international waters, a domain typically governed by the principle of flag state jurisdiction. JMSDF has since been conducting escort operations and surveillance activities, regardless of the ships' nationality, based on their requests in the Gulf of Aden, with significant collaboration from the Japan Coast Guard. Coast Guard officers, deployed on JMSDF ships, play a crucial role in enforcing the Anti-Piracy Measures Law. This joint operation ensures effective law enforcement and escort operations. From 2013, Japan has participated in CTF151, further intensifying its anti-piracy measures. These efforts have significantly reduced piracy incidents around Somalia. Japan continues to support the enhancement of maritime security capabilities in Somalia and neighboring countries and aims for the fundamental resolution of the piracy issue, contributing to the reconstruction and stabilization of Somalia. Moreover, some analysts suggest that the piracy incidents mentioned earlier might be linked to 2023 Israel-Hamas War, , underscoring the necessity for continued international cooperation and efforts to address the root causes of piracy for ensuring maritime security in the region. Back to All JITTI Journals January 2024 Feature Article

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Back to All JITTI Journals January 2021 Cultural Article Shodo - Japanese Calligraphy - by Shuntaro Okimoto I know that both Americans and Japanese like to spend their holidays being lively with their families and friends, but this year everyone had to spend their time quietly at home. How did you spend your time? I watched lots of classic Christmas animations and movies (Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Home Alone,” etc.) with my daughters. They ate candy canes, opened advent calendars, decorated gingerbread men, and made cookies with my wife. I was able to read many books I wanted read. In this way we enjoyed our holidays in America, but we also did some traditional Japanese activities. One of those was “Shodo” (Japanese calligraphy), which I’ll introduce in this article. The other was cooking Osechi (traditional New Year Japanese food). If you are interested, you can read my article on Osechi in the JITTI Journal (January 2020 edition). LINK to 1/2020 JITTI Journal Cultural Article The author's daughter writing the kanji for New Year (Shougatsu). A long time ago, Japanese people had a habit of doing Shodo around January 2nd. Shodo done during the New Year holidays is called “Kakizome” (New Year’s writing). Besides some people that still do it as a symbol of the start of the year's activities, most children in elementary schools do it at school at the beginning of the New Year. If you are interested in Japan and Japanese culture, I recommend you to try Shodo at least once, because when you travel to Japan you will find an abundance of Shodo works of art in many places, such as temples, museums, and hotels. Once you have had an experience doing Shodo, you will likely be able to have a greater feel and taste from the works you encounter. Shodo is, in a sense, a simple art of writing your favorite words using your favorite letters. In Japan, we usually write using Japanese characters (Kanji or Hiragana), but if you want to write using the English alphabet, I think that's fine. However, I would highly recommend using a brush and India ink, not a pen or a pencil, although there is one type of Shodo writing that uses these more modern writing utensils. You gently slide the tip of the brush soaked in ink onto the paper. Tools, including special paper, can easily be bought online by searching for a “Shodo calligraphy set.” The brush is a bundle of about an inch of animal hair (maybe a little bigger than the brushes that are used for painting). You can write one character with different expressions depending on how strongly the brush is pressed and by the type of brush movement. Shodo is a full-fledged artform, but may be easier to attempt than painting in the sense that the letters that are drawn have shapes that are functionally fixed. Pictured are the tools used for Shodo. The standing bottle holds the ink, and the smaller brush is used to sign your work. Earlier this year, I held a brush in my hand and faced a piece of white paper. I can't write letters well while thinking about other things, and had to concentrate solely on the calligraphy. It was very pleasant for me to concentrate on drawing the lines I imagined. I recommend Shodo to you as an activity during the stay-at-home period. You can quietly face your inner self in your own home. Otherwise, perhaps the exotic scent of ink may make you feel like you are traveling to Asia.

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