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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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Back to All JITTI Journals March 2022 Feature Article 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 July 2018 Cultural Article AWAODORI: A Japanese Traditional Dance Festival Held in Tokushima by Daisuke Miyamoto There are many different kinds of festivals in the world, and we can learn the unique characteristics of each country from their festivals. Japan has many kinds of festivals in every region. GION-festival, TENJIN-festival and KANDA-festival are the most famous in Japan, and these three are recognized as Japan's major ones. Many tourists from foreign countries visit so that they may enjoy seeing the festival. In this article I would like to introduce a unique, Japanese traditional dance festival called AWAODORI, which has been performed in Tokushima for about 400 years. Why? Because not only can you observe the festival, but you can also easily join in. AWAODORI is one of Japan's three major BON ODORI-festivals, which is a type of Japanese traditional dance festival held in the summer. It is held all over Tokushima prefecture and has recently been held in other locations as well, but Tokushima City's festival is the biggest with over one million people attending last summer's festivities. AWA was once the name of Tokushima, and ODORI means dance. There are two types of dance forms. One is called Man-dance which expresses briskness, and the other is called Woman-dance which expresses glamour. Men cannot dance Woman-dance but women can dance both. This is the rule, but the dance forms are similar. The biggest difference between the two are the costumes. Those wearing white costumes are dancing Man-dance. Those wearing pink costumes are dancing Woman-dance. (Daisuke Miyamoto) How do you dance AWAODORI? Don't worry. It's very simple. Just wave your hands over your head and step to the traditional music which is played by Japanese flutes, drums, bamboo, and chimes. How do you join in? Don't be afraid. Many groups called "REN", consisting of dancers and music players, parade the street. The REN is formed by region, business company, or some other distinction. When you find the municipal office a REN group, you can join it if you want. Finally, I would like to leave you with a famous proverb about AWAODORI. It goes, "there are silly watching people and silly dancing people. You might as well dance if you're going to be silly anyway." The most important thing is to be silly and enjoy the dance!! It is very popular with children as well. (Daisuke Miyamoto) The finale of the dance -they're so excited!! ( IMG_4999 by shalma is licensed under CC BY 2.0 )

The Current Use of Metropolitan Airports during the First Summer Vacation after the Covid Pandemic and the Latest Initiatives at These Airports By Tetsuhiro Hagiwara Introduction The rush of people spending their summer vacation abroad peaked at Narita Airport on August 10. The departure lobby was crowded from the early morning with families carrying suitcases in anticipation of the first Bon period since the Coronavirus pandemic was designated as a "Class 5" disease under the Infectious Disease Control Law. On May 8, 2023, the Japanese government shifted the infectious disease status of the Coronavirus from "new-type influenza and other infectious diseases (equivalent to category 2)" to "category 5 infectious diseases" under the Infectious Diseases Control Law, finally eliminating the restrictions that had been in place until then, such as the constraints of going outside and wearing a mask indoors for those infected or in close contact. While Japan is flooded with foreign tourists who have returned to the country as a result of the elimination of border control measures, momentum for Japanese people to take their long-awaited overseas trips during this summer vacation is also gaining. In this article, I would like to take a look at the usage of airports in the Tokyo metropolitan area during the summer vacation (Bon period) after the Coronavirus pandemic and the efforts of non-aeronautical revenue businesses at Haneda and Narita airports to improve earnings post-COVID. 1. International Flight Usage during the Dummer Vacation Period at Airports in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area (Haneda and Narita) On August 25, the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau announced preliminary figures for this year's Bon period (August 10-20) showing that Haneda Airport had 575,940 inbound and outbound passengers and Narita Airport had 802,740 inbound and outbound passengers during the same period. Compared to 2019, before the Coronavirus pandemic, the number of daily passengers at Haneda and Narita airports recovered to 99% and 69% of their pre-COVID levels, particularly at Haneda Airport, which has finally returned to its pre-pandemic level after a long passage of time. A breakdown of passengers at Narita Airport shows that while the number of daily inbound and outbound passengers recovered to the same level compared to 2019 for foreigners, the number of Japanese was at about 50% of the level of 2019. It appears that overseas travel is still a challenge for Japanese after the Coronavirus pandemic. One reason for this may be the recent relatively high airfares and the declining purchasing power due to a weakened JPY. According to airline companies, many overseas airfares are up 20-40% on many routes compared to pre-pandemic. This is due to soaring energy prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as the yen's depreciation from around 106 yen to the dollar before the pandemic (August of the 2019) to around 145 yen at present. Crowded departure lobby at Haneda Airport with people heading overseas. (Image Source: Mainichi News) 2. Efforts in Non-aeronautical Revenue Businesses at Haneda and Narita Airports to Improve Profitability As mentioned above, the number of foreign visitors to Japan is finally returning, but airport revenues were damaged to an unprecedented degree by the Coronavirus pandemic. During the three years of COVID, what measures have struggling airport companies taken to survive in the midst of deteriorating profitability and record deficits? The airport itself is a place for extraordinary experiences Narita Airport: Bus tour in restricted area Green Port Agency, a group company of Narita International Airport Corporation, is offering a "Narita Airport Special Bus Tour" at Narita Airport. The tour includes a close-up look at aircraft in a restricted area where a variety of aircraft from around the world reside, as well as a 360° panoramic view of the cargo area, maintenance area, and 60-meter-high Ramp Central Tower. The event also provides a unique opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes of Narita Airport, including a photo tour with a famous photographer and a tour of the JAL maintenance hangar. Narita Airport Special Bus Tour (Image Source: Green Port Travel ) Haneda Airport: Aircraft Cruise Tour from Tokyo Bay At Haneda Airport, Haneda Passenger Service Co., Ltd. operates the "Under Jet Cruise", a group company of Japan Airport Building Co. The service offers an extraordinary cruise experience on a boat in Tokyo Bay, where passengers can enjoy close-up views of aircraft takeoffs and landings. The Haneda Airport Under Jet Cruise (Image Source: Japan Airport Building Co., Haneda Passenger Service Co., KM Corporation ) Other non-aeronautical revenue business Narita Airport: "+NRT factory," a brand of local products linked to the area surrounding the airport In March 2023, Narita International Airport Corporation announced the launch of "+NRT factory," a brand of local products in cooperation with the surrounding area, to develop and sell new products such as local confectionery and gourmet foods, with the aim of communicating the charm of the region to the world. We can look forward to the development of new products based on the theme of "excitement" that is unique to Narita Airport. (Image Source: Narita International Airport Corporation) Haneda Airport: Large-scale complex facility "HANEDA INNOVATION CITY Haneda Mirai Kaihatsu Corporation (an operating company in which nine companies have invested) announced the completion on June 30, 2023 of "HANEDA INNOVATION CITY" (abbreviated name: HICity), a large-scale complex facility being developed in a public-private partnership with Ota Ward in the Zone 1 development project on the former Haneda Airport site adjacent to the airport. The grand opening of the entire facility is scheduled for November of this year. HICity is Japan's first smart airport city, which will generate exchanges that transcend the boundaries between "cutting-edge" and "culture" and create new value. The building will house a variety of facilities, including research and development facilities, offices, an advanced medical center, an event hall, accommodations, Japanese cultural experience facilities, and dining facilities. It is expected to become a center for the creation of new business and innovation through the gathering and exchanges of people, goods, and information from Japan and abroad. (Image Source: Haneda Mirai Kaihatsu Corporation) 3. Efforts at Haneda and Narita Airports to Achieve Carbon Neutrality While the movement to promote carbon neutrality is accelerating in various countries and sectors around the world, in Japan, the revision of the Civil Aeronautics Law and Airport Law, which went into effect in December 2022, includes the promotion of decarbonization in the purpose provisions of both laws. In this context, I would like to introduce new initiatives at airports in the Tokyo metropolitan area (Haneda and Narita). Narita Airport: Establishment of Green Energy Frontier Co. Challenge to decarbonize energy supplied to the airport by 2050 Narita International Airport Corporation and Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. have established Green Energy Frontier Corporation to supply energy to Narita Airport and began operations on April 1, 2023. The company plans to invest 100 billion yen by 2050 through the construction of a new energy plant and the installation of a solar power generation facility, the largest of its kind in the world at an airport. The company intends to be the first in the world to build a "decarbonization model for airports" at Narita International Airport that combines environmental friendliness and resilience, and to apply this technology and know-how to urban development and industrial parks in the airport's vicinity. Rendering of the new plant Image of solar power generation equipment (Image Source: Narita International Airport Corporation, Tokyo Gas Co.) Haneda/Narita Airports: Promoting the Use of GPUs. Contributing to decarbonization by reducing aircraft "idling" on the ground Haneda and Narita airports have announced that, beginning this spring, they will raise restrictions on the use of APUs (Auxiliary Power Units), which are used to provide the electricity and air conditioning needed by aircraft parked at the airports, to the strictest level in Japan, and will further promote the use of GPUs (Ground Power Units), which have higher CO2 reduction effects, to help decarbonize the airports. The use of GPUs will reduce CO2 emissions to 1/15 or less (in the case of a Boeing 777) compared to the use of APUs, thus contributing to the promotion of decarbonization at airports in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Conceptual Diagram of GPU Supply (Image Source: East Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, Narita International Airport Corporation) Conclusion According to the Quarterly Air Transport Chartbook, released August 31 by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air traffic across the industry will recover to about 88% of 2019 levels in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019, with the short-term outlook for total passenger traffic returning to 2019 levels in early 2024, It is expected to double by 2040. In Japan, the number of daily passengers during the summer Bon period has recovered to about 100% of the 2019 level at Haneda Airport and 70% of the 2019 level at Narita Airport. Furthermore, with there also being reports that the ban has been lifted for group passengers from China, which had a significant impact on the Japanese inbound economy before the pandemic, the long period of receding demand and deteriorating profitability caused by the Coronavirus is finally coming to an end. Airport operators are working to diversify their revenue sources by expanding their non-aeronautical revenue businesses, such as making the airport itself a place for extraordinary experiences and adding commercial facilities, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. This article focuses on the initiatives at Haneda and Narita airports, but we will continue to introduce new initiatives at various airports in the future, including those in other countries. References : ■Mainichi News https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230810/k00/00m/040/223000c ■Haneda Airport Summer Passenger Volume Estimates http://www.tiat.co.jp/news/cf560f0fcc77f831b332cb51259adfcbb157dd5a.pdf ■Narita Airport Summer Passenger Volume Estimates https://www.naa.jp/jp/docs/20230803_ryokyakusuikei.pdf ■Narita Airport Special Bus Tour https://nrttour.gpa-travel.jp/skybus2023-3/ ■Haneda Airport Under Jet Cruise https://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/site_resource/whats_new/pdf/000013474.pdf ■+NRT factory https://www.naa.jp/jp/docs/20230317_NRTfactory.pdf ■Haneda INNOVATION CITY https://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/site_resource/whats_new/pdf/000013575.pdf ■ Green Energy Frontier https://www.naa.jp/jp/docs/20230220_jigyokaishi.pdf ■Further promotion of GPU use https://www.naa.jp/jp/docs/20230323_GPU.pdf Back to All JITTI Journals September 2023 Feature Article

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