JITTI Journal November 2019 Back to All JITTI Journals November 2019 Feature Article 2020 Expansion of International Air Networks in Tokyo’s Haneda Airport by Hiroki Sakamoto While air passenger transport in the world has been steadily growing, Japan hopes to achieve even greater targets of 40 million foreign visitors in 2020 and 60 million in 2030, and is implementing policies in order to address these increasing aviation demands. One major policy is to enhance the functions of Tokyo metropolitan airports (Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) and Narita International Airport (Narita Airport)). Efforts are now underway for the two airports to jointly achieve take-offs/landings at the world’s top rates (approximately 1 million per year), roughly the same as those for New York or London. Specifically, efforts are being made to increase the airport capacity by such measures as reviewing the flight paths to and from Haneda Airport and developing a third runway in Narita Airport. In August 2019, the United States and Japanese Government officials in charge of aviation negotiations reached an agreement to increase daytime services (6:00-22:55) between Haneda Airport and U.S. destinations. Among the 50 new international slot pairs created at the airport, they allocate 12 new slot pairs (12 arrivals and 12 departures daily) for U.S. air carriers, and 12 new slot pairs for Japanese air carriers. The new flight services are expected to be available from March 29th, 2020, at the beginning of the Summer 2020 season, and in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. A control tower at Haneda Airport In September 2019, after considerations on how to expand the number of foreign visitors and strengthen Japan’s international competitiveness, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan announced the allocation of slots for 50 flights. For the first time, Russia, Australia, India, Italy, Turkey, Finland, Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden or Norway) acquired daytime slots into the country. The allocations of slots for the 50 flights are as follows by country: USA: 24 flights China: 8 flights Russia: 4 flights Australia: 4 flights India: 2 flights Italy: 2 flights Turkey: 2 flights Finland: 2 flights Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden or Norway): 2 flights Among the 50 flights, 25 flights were allocated to Japanese air carriers (ANA: 13.5 flights, JAL: 11.5 flights in total). USA: ANA 6 flights, JAL 6 flights China: ANA 2 flights, JAL 2 flights Russia: ANA 1 flight, JAL 1 flight Australia: ANA 1 flight, JAL 1 flight India: ANA 0.5 flights, JAL 0.5 flights Italy: ANA 1 flight Turkey: ANA 1 flight Finland: JAL 1 flight Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, or Norway) : ANA 1 flight An aerial view of Haneda airport, which is close to downtown Tokyo The details of slot allocations for each international region are as follows: 1) North America : Currently, both the U.S. and Canada have daytime slots, but for this most recent change, only the slots for the U.S. were expanded. Regarding U.S. air carriers, Delta Air Lines will have flights from Seattle, Detroit, Atlanta, Portland and Honolulu; United Airlines will have flights from Newark (N.J.), Chicago O’Hare, Washington-Dulles and Los Angeles; American Airlines will have flights from Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles; and Hawaiian Airlines will have a flight from Honolulu. Delta Air Lines decided that it will fully transfer its U.S.-Tokyo flights from Narita Airport to Haneda Airport, bringing its operations closer to central Tokyo. Regarding Japanese airline routes to the United States, ANA and JAL are each allocated 6 flights. Currently, ANA operates from Narita Airport to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Jose, Chicago, Houston, Washington D.C., New York, and Honolulu, and from Haneda Airport to Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Honolulu. From March 29, 2020, ANA is planning to offer new non-stop services from Haneda Airport to Houston, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and Washington D.C. Also, ANA will be increasing the frequency of the Haneda - Los Angeles route in 2020. In addition, all routes from Narita Airport to Houston, San Jose, Seattle and Washington D.C., and some routes to Los Angeles, will be relocated to Haneda Airport. JAL operates from Narita Airport to Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, New York, Dallas, Boston, Honolulu, Kona and Guam, and from Haneda Airport to San Francisco and New York. From March 29, 2020, JAL is planning to establish new services between Haneda Airport and Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Honolulu. Also, JAL will be increasing the frequency of the Haneda - New York route in 2020. Furthermore, all routes from Narita Airport to New York and Dallas, and some routes to Chicago and Honolulu, will be relocated to Haneda Airport. 2) Asia: China has acquired eight new flights, making it the country with the second most slots after the United States. Currently, both Japanese and Chinese airlines fly to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou during the daytime. India has newly been awarded daytime slots for the first time. There were no additional slots for South Korea. 3) Europe: Currently, there are landing slots during the day time for the United Kingdom, France and Germany. However, no additional slots for these countries were awarded. Slots for Russia, Italy, Finland, Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden or Norway) are newly being applied. From March 2020, daytime services between U.S. cities and Haneda Airport will be drastically increased. That means that US citizens will easily able to travel to local areas in Japan such as Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawa by using the numerous and various domestic connecting flights at Haneda Airport. Why don’t you plan your next journey to Japan by utilizing the expanded and advanced aviation transport networks at Haneda Airport?

JITTI Journal Cultural Article November 2023 Back to All JITTI Journals November 2023 Cultural Article The Kumano Kodo: A Historic Pilgrimage in the Japanese Mountainside by Suzannah Nevas The Kumano Kodo is a network of historical pilgrimage routes through the beautiful mountains of the Kii Peninsula in the southern Kansai area of Japan. These scenic and sacred trails have been traversed for over 1000 years, making the Kumano Kodo one of only two pilgrimage routes to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Markers along the path of the Kumano Kodo The Kumano Sanzan The heart of the Kumano Kodo was formed by ancient pilgrimages to the three main Kumano shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. These three shrines are collectively called the Kumano Sanzan. Kumano Hongu Taisha Kumano Hongu Taisha is the northernmost of the three, and acts as the head shrine for the over 300 Kumano Shrines located throughout Japan. Due to flooding in 1889, the shrine was moved 1 km away to higher ground (get ready to climb 158 steps!) and now the original site of the shrine, Oyu no Hara, boasts the world’s largest torii (gate), a towering 33m picture frame to the surrounding rice paddies. Kumano Hayatama Taisha Kumano Hayatama Taisha lies to the southeast, in today’s coastal town of Shingu City. The shrine structures have been built and rebuilt in this location since at least the 12th century, but religious artifacts found in the area date back as far as the 3rd century. The shrine compound is home to two sacred ties to nature: the rock where the Kumano deities are said to have first touched down onto earth, and an Asian Bayberry tree estimated to be over 1000 years old. Kumano Nachi Taisha Kumano Nachi Taisha might be the most accessible of the three grand shrines. Travelers who are short on time or encumbered by stairs will appreciate the parking lot just next to the nearby Seigantoji Temple, accessible by car. However, if you are up for the hike, the Daimonzaka Slope trail will lead you to Nachi Taisha through a forest of breath-taking, centuries-old cedar trees. The ascent climaxes at the front gate of Nachi Taisha, with an incredible mountainous vista. Pass through the gate and you will see a sacred camphor tree- over 850 years old. You can actually go inside the tree- a truly magical experience! The sacred camphor tree (left) and other sites along the Kumano Kodo Other Points of Interest Beyond the Kumano Sanzan “big three”, there are many other sacred and noteworthy sites to explore. Just a short distance from the Nachi Tasha shrine complex, you will find Seigantoji’s iconic, red vermillion 3-story pagoda scenically framing Nachi Waterfall –the tallest single-tiered waterfall in all of Japan! There are several places from which you can view the sacred falls, and there is even an option to pay a small fee to drink the holy water which is said to promote health and longevity. The Kohechi route heading north out of the Hongu Taisha area will take you to Mount Koya, home of Kongobuji, the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. There are over 100 temples on Mount Koya, and nearly half of them offer shokubo - temple lodging. These temple lodges offer a unique first-hand experience of buddhist monastery life and are very popular with vegetarian tourists, as an overnight stay includes shojin ryori- the traditional, meatless cuisine of Budhist monks. Tucked away in the folds of the mountains are several onsen towns worth visiting. After a long day of hiking, have a stay at one of the family-operated, Japanese-style bed and breakfasts ( minshuku) and enjoy the healing power of the natural hot spring water. Yunomine Onsen, near Hongu Taisha is colloquially called “Japan’s Oldest Spa”, and the long history of its bath, Tsuboyu has earned it the designation of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seigantoji Tips for Planning Your Trip It’s important to note that the Kumano Kodo is by no means a linear route- its a network of paths, almost like a choose-your-own-adventure book. You can start anywhere and end anywhere, go in any order, and seek or skip any site that you so desire. You may wish to backpack for a week, or send your luggage ahead and take trains and buses to major destinations to cherry-pick a few scenic sections of the trails to walk. Whether you identify as a pilgrim or a tourist, it might be impossible to wander these sacred paths without recognizing and appreciating something spiritual and moving, permeating the beautiful nature. Sources https://www.hongu.jp/ https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/ https://www.shinguu.jp/en/kumanokodo1 https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4952.html https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/hiking-the-kumano-kodo-japans-ancient-pilgrimage-route

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

JITI 2017 Aviation Workshop Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation January 27, 2017 The Hay Adams 800 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C. In December of 2015, the Paris Agreement, a new framework to address the issue of climate change was adopted, and expected to further the efforts of States addressing the climate change issue. Measures to address greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted from the international aviation sector have been discussed separately in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), due to their peculiarity in being emitted across borders and on the high seas. This past October, after many years of discussion, the ICAO assembly decided to introduce the Global Market-Based Measure (GMBM) to address international aviation emissions, with voluntary pilot and first phases starting from 2021, followed by the second phase from 2027 through 2035, as one strategy to reduce global GHGs. Both Japan and the U.S. announced that they will be participating in the GMBM from the pilot phase, which is for States that are participating voluntarily. Japan and the U.S. are both interested in how airlines will respond to the GMBM, as well as what influence the strategy will have on aviation users. For this reason, prior to the introduction of the GMBM, JITI invited an ICAO professional, who has been involved in the design of the GMBM, as well as Japanese and U.S. airline representatives, to discuss the content, as well as the discussion leading up to it, the direction of the design for the detailed system in the future, the airline response, the impact on users, and how to obtain the participation of many States during the voluntary phase. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President , JITI, USA Bio Keynote Speeches Tetsuya Tanaka Chief, Climate Change Section, Environment, Air Transport Bureau, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Bio Presentation Nancy N. Young Vice President, Environmental Affairs, Airlines for America Bio Presentation Masao Hisano Senior Manager, Corporate Planning, All Nippon Airways (ANA) Bio Presentation

Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft made headlines in 2018 and 2019 when back-to-back fatal accidents shocked the aviation community. In this report, Aviation Analyst Yoshihiro Fujimaki examines the delegation system for aircraft certification, which had recently changed prior to these accidents, and who some speculate may have played a part in these unfortunate events. < Back Civil Aviation Historical Background of the Delegation System for Aircraft Certification in the U.S. and its Status after Boeing 737 MAX Accidents By Yoshihiro Fujimaki Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft made headlines in 2018 and 2019 when back-to-back fatal accidents shocked the aviation community. In this report, Aviation Analyst Yoshihiro Fujimaki examines the delegation system for aircraft certification, which had recently changed prior to these accidents, and who some speculate may have played a part in these unfortunate events. Download the Report

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

JITTI Journal March 2018 Back to All JITTI Journals March 2018 Feature Article Railway in Japan During Rush Hour by Yoshitaka Araki ◆ On-time operation during rush hour In metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, the terrible congestion of trains and people during the commuting rush-hour seems to be recognized as a kind of common feature for Japan. I think there are rush-hours during common commuting times in every country. However, in Japan, especially in the metropolitan area which highly depend on the public transportation of railways and subways, there are some sections where the congestion rate exceeds 250%. This is such a high rate of congestion that passengers can't move at all. On-time operation is essential for safety and quality of service, and this especially applies during rush hour. Each railway company in Japan has ways of mitigating the troubles caused by rush-hour commuters, as well as improving on-time operation. In this article, I'll introduce some of these methods. ◆ Facilities Some features located around train facilities to aid on-time and safe train operations are listed below: *Wide train doors One of the reason for delays is the time it takes for passengers to get in and out of train cars. Some train cars have been adapted to have doors that are a shoulder-width wider than the standard, which makes it easier for passengers to get in and out of the trains more smoothly. *Platform screen doors and Automatic operation Platform screen doors doesn't have a direct relation to on-time operation, but it contributes to the reduction of risk of passengers falling onto the train tracks, which aids on-time trains and safety. Furthermore, most of the screen doors contain Train Automatic Stopping Control systems, so that trains stop with precision at the right position. This system contributes to on-time operation as it shortens the amount of time necessary for braking, etc. . *Train protection system - Speed control by ATC (Automatic Train Control) During rush hour, it is necessary to increase the number of trains so that many passengers can be transported. For smooth operation in such situations, train protection systems, such as signals etc., are essential. In Japan, most urban transit systems and the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) have ATC, or equivalent equipment, which enables high density transportation. A quick explanation of ATC in Japan follows: Most ATC has tracking circuits on the rails which recognize the spaces between trains and sets the speed limit. When trains exceed the speed limit, their speed is automatically reduced. This system also enables trains to stop with proper space between them and others. ATC is different from the recently popular type of systems such as PTC, CBTC, etc., systems which use wireless communication. Most ATC systems were introduced prior to the recently developed digital wireless communication technology, so wireless protection systems are not as popular in Japan. Of course, these newer types of systems have more advantages than the current ones, so some railway companies in Japan are considering introducing them. *Smooth ticket gate process In Japan, as in other countries, the purchase of fares using IC cards has been increasing in recent years. When passengers go through the ticket gate, they need to hold their IC card over the readers. If it takes a long time to read the card this can cause congestion in the station before even getting to the platform. The standard for IC cards for transportation in Japan requires that they can be read within 0.2 seconds. In this way, 60 passengers could go through the ticket gate per minute. ◆ Employees The companies' activities toward rush hour traffic consists not only of the facilities, but also service by the employees. *Controlling the distance between trains Especially during rush hour, the Railway Control Center adjust the positions of the trains so that their distances will be equal. The main adjustment, especially in cases where the gap between trains has become wider than originally intended, is delaying the departure of preceding-train to shorten the distance between it and the following train. If the timing of the trains is left widened, passengers at platform will be concentrated when boarding the following one, and that will cause further delays. In addition, the following-trains will have to stop before arriving at the platform to compensate for this delay and once the train stops, it takes time to restart, which can also cause more delays. An effective countermeasure to prevent these types of issues is for employees to adjust the distance between trains equally. *Part-time employees during rush hours on platforms Have you ever gotten your body or belongings stuck in the door when getting on the train, when in a hurry, or just because you got caught in the crowd? There are platform employees positioned during morning rush hour to help support passengers so that they can get in and out of the train cars smoothly. Of course, they are not only there for when the doors open or close, they also are there to answer passenger questions. ◆ Cooperation by Passengers In the above we discussed some of the ways that train companies are working to alleviate the problems associated with morning rush hour. Needless to say, it is also essential for smooth operations that train companies have the cooperation of riders. I would briefly like to discuss some of the requests made of rush hour commuters in metropolitan Tokyo. *Early Bird Morning rush hour occurs according to ordinary business hours, so passengers can avoid the terrible crowds by taking a train 1 or 2 hours earlier than the rush will be. To promote this, train companies promote deals for those who are willing to be "early birds". For example, passengers can get rewards if they go through ticket gates before certain times, and they can redeem these points for their daily travels or for shopping. *One-side Pedestrian Traffic on Concourses Have you ever bumped into to someone when walking on the concourse because you were both walking on the same side? Many stations in Japan indicate in which direction to walk, right side or left side, to help aid the smooth flow of passengers. *Manners It is essential for passengers to cooperate when they're on the platform, concourse, and trains. Since it's not rules but manners that are necessary, the train companies ask for everyone's cooperation, and have devised content, such as posters. Example related to rush hour are below: >>> Forming a line on the platform, Smooth boarding of trains While waiting the next train, passengers are encouraged to form a line on the platform. When getting in and out the train, have you ever had difficulty because of people standing near the door and not moving? In Japan, there are posters asking for cooperation in moving out of the way when the doors are opened. >>> Personal baggage in the trains Have you ever been hit by someone else's baggage when standing or sitting on the train? I think many people have had this experience, especially when it is baggage on someone's back, such as backpacks. Railway companies in Japan suggest that passengers carry their baggage on their front, even backpacks. Carrying bags on your back can cause a bother for others in crowded cars but changing the way you carry them can improve flow in train cars. >>> Smartphones People with smartphones are increasing, and that can cause various problems in railway facilities. Railway companies ask passengers to observe some cellphone manners, such as refraining from talking in cars, turning off their cellphones near priority seats, and so on. Recently the issues resulting from walking while using smartphones are also increasing, such as people falling on the rails, hitting other passengers, blocking people who are trying to walk, and etc. The companies have asked passengers to be mindful of this while using their smartphones as well. Two examples of these posters follow: ◆ Conclusion Recently, the diversity of types of work in increasing in Japan. Workers can choose short-time work, staggering their office hours, telecommuting, and so on. However, at the same time, daily ridership in the metropolitan area is also increasing, as well as sales of commuter train passes. Regular sales of the commuter passes indicate how many people work regularly in the downtown area of the city and it indicates the concentration of people and economic activities there. The population in Japan is decreasing, and it's said that even in the metropolitan areas it will start to decline. In addition, the recent sharing economy for cars and bikes, development of autonomous vehicles, etc. are all threats to the vitality of the railway transportation industry. But, from the perspective of recent trends in the use of railways, railway companies will need to continue to solve issues related rush hour congestion.

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

JITTI USA Events Upcoming Events 2026 JITTI USA and APTA: Rail Symposium 2026 Enhancing Economic Impact, Innovation and the Customer Experience through Major Projects and Mega Events Past Events 2025 U.S.–Japan International Exchange Symposium 2025 Building a Trusted and Collaborative Partnership through Multi-layered Engagement Civil Aviation Symposium 2025 The Future of Aviation Connectivity Powered by Japan-US-ASEAN Collaboration 2024 Reischauer Center and JITTI USA: Maritime Symposium 2024 Sea Lane Safety and Supply Chain Resilience for Economic Security JITTI USA and APTA: Rail Symposium 2024 Value Creation for a Sustainable Society 2023 Civil Aviation Symposium 2023 Achieving Aviation Sustainability: Challenges and Necessary Cooperation U.S.-Japan International Exchange and Tourism Symposium 2023 Rebuilding and Strengthening Exchange and Tourism Between the U.S. and Japan Post-COVID 2022 JTTRI and JITTI USA: Global Seminar Series A Rapidly Changing Post Pandemic World Order and the New Japan-U.S. Relationship Hereafter 2021 JTTRI and APTA: Commuter Rail Round Table Promoting Safe Transportation: A Focus on Rail Safety Organized with JITTI USA 2020 JITTI USA and APTA: International Rail Safety Symposium Promoting Safe Transportation: A Focus on Rail Safety Postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic 2019 JITTI USA Civil Aviation Symposium The Future of Civil Aviation in the Asia Pacific Region APTA/ JITI Joint Session: Revenue Opportunities from Value Capture co-hosted during the 2019 APTA Rail Conference Held at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel in Canada JTTRI / JNTO 2019 International Exchange and Tourism Seminar The Future of the US-Japan Friendship: How International Exchange and Tourism are Changing Perspectives Organized with JITTI USA 2017 JITI 2017 Railway Workshop Transit Oriented Re-Development Using PPP JITI 2017 Aviation Seminar Global Harmonization of the New Air Navigation System JITI 2017 Aviation Workshop Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation 2018 JITI 2018 Disaster Prevention Workshop Strengthening Railway Countermeasures against Hurricanes and other Disasters JITI 2018 High Speed Rail Seminar The Future of High Speed Rail ~U.S. and Japan~ JITI 2018 Public Transportation Seminar Improving the Convenience of Public Transportation in a Cashless Society JITI 2018 Automated Vehicles Seminar Development of Automated Vehicles within the Current Legal Framework JITI 2018 Airport Workshop Airport Redevelopment Using Public Private Partnerships 2016 JITI 2016 Aviation Tourism Seminar Maximizing the Benefit of the New Haneda Daytime Services JITI 2016 Self-Driving Vehicle Seminar The Future of Self-Driving Vehicle Technology JITI 2016 Drone Seminar Strategies on Drone Application in the Transportation Sector JITI 2016 Railway Workshop Initiatives Targeting On-Time Departures for Metro Areas 2015 JITI 2015 Aviation Seminar Future Challenges of Open Skies Agreements 2015 High Speed Rail Forum in California Sharing 50 Years experience of the Shinkansen JITI 2015 Cruise Workshop Exploring the Japanese Cruise Industry's Potential JITI 2015 Rail Workshop Challenges for Railroad Improvements and Projecting New Lines JITI 2015 Railway Seminar The Co-Development of Urban Railroads and Infrastructure 2014 JITI 2014 Airport Seminar Enhancing Airport Value New Opportunities for the Hokuriku Region Impact of Japan's Newest High Speed Rail JITI 2014 Global Logistics Seminar Infrastructure for Future Competitiveness JITI 2014 Intersections Series Mobility Innovation in the Sharing Economy 2013 JITI 2013 Aviation Seminar The Future of the U.S.-Japan Market JITI 2013 Intersections Series Improving Railroad Safety: The Status of Positive Train Control and Its Implications JITI 2013 Intersections Series The Future of Regional Jets JITI 2013 Safer Vehicle Seminar Advanced Automotive Safety Technologies JITI 2013 Urban Transportation Seminar Increasing Public Transit Ridership 2012 Cherry Blossom Festival : Special Symposium on Tourism to Japan JITI 2012 Airport Seminar Maximizing the Potential of Multiple Airports in a Region 2011 JITI 2011 Air Cargo Transportation Seminar State of the Industry and Future Trends in Asia 2011 High Speed Rail Seminar in California 2010 Economic Revitalization through the Transportation Industry Exploring New Business Opportunities and Job Creation within the Transportation Sector 2010 High Speed Rail Seminar in Chicago JITI 2010 Tourism Seminar New Developments in the Tourism Industry : Exploring the Potential of the Tourism Business and Collaboration with Transportation JITI 2010 High Speed Rail Seminar in DC Mobilizing a New Generation 2009 JITI 2009 Seminar on Sustainable Logistics What are economically feasible solutions for environmentally-friendly logistics?

With the coronavirus greatly impacting the state of air travel, airlines have had to rapidly respond to the crisis by dually keeping in mind the safety and convenience of customers while also trying to preserve company profits. In this report, read about the reactions of the U.S.'s three largest airlines during the 2020 second quarter, when the effects of the pandemic first became fully apparent. < Back Civil Aviation Financial Results of U.S. Major Airlines from April to June 2020 By Daisuke Takagi With the coronavirus greatly impacting the state of air travel, airlines have had to rapidly respond to the crisis by dually keeping in mind the safety and convenience of customers while also trying to preserve company profits. In this report, read about the reactions of the U.S.'s three largest airlines during the 2020 second quarter, when the effects of the pandemic first became fully apparent. Download the Report

JITTI Journal September 2023 Back to All JITTI Journals September 2023 Feature Article 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

Improving and Strengthening the Transport Safety Management System < Back