Status of Automated Driving on Subways Status of Automated Driving on Subways by Naoki Sato Automation is advancing across all sectors of society, from logistics and warehouse operations to familiar areas like automobiles and home appliances. In recent years, developments in generative AI and robotics have brought about systems that operate without human intervention, gradually becoming integrated into our daily lives. Many of you may have already experienced some form of this transformation. Subways, which support urban mobility, are also taking part in this trend toward automation. In the past, subways were typically operated manually by drivers and conductors, but in recent years, automatic train operation (ATO) systems have been increasingly adopted in countries like Japan and the United States. In this article, we will explore the definition and classification of automatic train operation in subways, introduce examples of its implementation in Japan, and compare them with the situation in the United States to gain a deeper understanding of subway automation. When people hear that a train has "automated driving" they often imagine a fully unmanned train with no driver or conductor. However, automatic train operation in the railway industry consists of several levels, which are internationally classified under the “Grade of Automation” (GoA) system. For example, GoA1 refers to "non-automated operation" (manual operation), where drivers and conductors control acceleration, braking, door operations, and respond to abnormalities. At GoA2, acceleration and braking are automated, while the driver is mainly responsible for monitoring and emergency handling. This GoA2 level is currently widespread in countries such as Japan and the United States, as mentioned earlier. GoA3 is known as "driverless train operation with an onboard attendant" — trains run and stop automatically, with no driver onboard. The attendant, who is not required to be in the front cab, is responsible for tasks such as emergency evacuation guidance. The most advanced level, GoA4, is fully unmanned — all operations, including monitoring, door control, and abnormality handling, are managed entirely by the system. In Japan, a unique intermediate level called "GoA2.5" — which is not included in the international standards — is also being considered. At this level, a crew member without a train driver’s license rides in the front cab and is responsible for emergency stops, providing a transitional form of operation. Classification of Grades of Automation (GoA) in railway operation. (Adapted from Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), September 13, 2022, "Railway Autonomous Driving Technology Study Group" p. 2) In Japan, GoA2-level operation, which eliminates the need for a conductor, is commonly referred to as “one-man operation,” and it has already been implemented on many lines. For example, on Tokyo Metro’s Namboku Line, one-man operation using ATO (GoA2) was introduced when the line first opened in 1991. That same year, the Toei Subway also introduced one-man operation (GoA2) on the newly opened sections of the Ōedo Line. Since then, this system has expanded to other lines, including Tokyo Metro’s Marunouchi and Yūrakuchō Lines, as well as Toei’s Mita Line. Alongside the introduction of one-man ATO operations, platform doors have also been installed to enhance safety, reflecting efforts to develop the necessary infrastructure for secure automated operations. Through such comprehensive initiatives, urban subways in Japan are steadily progressing toward automation, even if full driverless operation has yet to be realized. More recently, Tokyo Metro announced that starting in 2025, it will conduct demonstration tests aimed at achieving GoA2.5 operation on the Marunouchi Line, in conjunction with the transition to a CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control) system. A photo of the platform doors installed on the Namboku Line （ by Metro Cultural Foundation ） Meanwhile, subway automation in the United States began earlier than in Japan. In Washington, D.C., WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) introduced GoA2-level automatic train operation (ATO) when the system opened in 1976. However, after a rear-end collision occurred in 2009, automatic operation was suspended. Following various safety improvement measures, ATO was reintroduced on the Red Line in 2024. While there were plans to expand automated operation to other lines beginning in 2025, issues such as train overruns emerged after the reintroduction. The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) called for thorough investigation and verification before any further expansion. On May 23, 2025, WMATA received approval from the WMSC and began expanding ATO to the Green and Yellow Lines. In recent years, New York’s MTA has developed plans to upgrade its aging signal systems to CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control), and along with this, the introduction of GoA2-level automatic train operation (ATO) is also being pursued. However, due to the substantial costs involved, it appears that expanding the number of lines with ATO will take many years. WMATA GoA Initiatives （Adapted from Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), April 24, 2025, “World Class Transit Safety and Operations Committee”, p.9） Up to this point, we’ve taken a brief look at the state of subway automation in Japan and the United States. But why is automatic operation being introduced in subways in the first place? One major reason is to address labor shortages. In Japan, where the population is aging and birthrates are declining, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure sufficient numbers of drivers and conductors. Automation helps reduce the number of required personnel on-site and contributes to maintaining a sustainable operational system. In addition, by systematizing train operations, it reduces human error and improves the precision of on-time performance. (Japan had a high level of punctuality even before autonomous driving was introduced.) Furthermore, in the case of Japan, automation has been implemented in conjunction with platform doors, helping to create safer environments for visually impaired passengers and others. The advancement of automation in subways is not merely about reducing manpower—it also plays an important role in ensuring safety and peace of mind for a diverse range of users. To maintain subways—the “lifelines of the city”—in a safe and sustainable way, automatic operation technology will become an increasingly vital tool in the years ahead. While some countries and regions around the world have already introduced GoA4-level fully automated systems, it is our hope that Japan and the United States—each with well-developed existing networks and similar conditions—will deepen their cooperation and continue working toward even better subway systems. References Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute website (Research report on autonomous driving) https://www.jttri.or.jp/events/2024/sympo55.html Tokyo Metro website: https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/2023/214836.html (Consideration of GoA2.5 on the Marunouchi Line) https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/2024/219601.html (Introduction of CBTC on the Marunouchi Line) Metro Cultural Foundation https://metroarchive.jp/pic_year/year1990/%E3%83%9B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A0%E3%83%89%E3%82%A2-2.html Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism https://www.mlit.go.jp/tetudo/content/001512320.pdf WMATA https://www.wmata.com/about/calendar/events/Safety-and-Operations-Committee-April-24-2025.cfm https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Metro-to-launch-Automatic-Train-Operation-on-the-Green-and-Yellow-lines-on-May-23.cfm The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/04/09/metro-automation-red-line-safety/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/05/21/green-yellow-metro-automated/ Back to All JITTI Journals May 2025 Feature Article

Airport Concession Policy in Japan < Back

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

JTTRI-JITTI Global Seminar Series A Rapidly Changing Post Pandemic World Order and the New Japan-U.S. Relationship Hereafter A free virtual Zoom event hosted in English and Japanese (simultaneous interpretation provided) Monday, December 12th 8:00 - 9:30 pm EST Tuesday, December 13th 10:00 - 11:30 am JST / Save Event Details Overview The international situation is changing drastically in the post-COVID era. In addition to unforeseen and serious situations such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, the relationship between the U.S. and China is changing into a competitive one as a result of China's aggressive maritime expansion. Under these circumstances, some countries that are in favor of the concepts of (1) promoting and entrenching the rule of law, freedom of navigation, and free trade, (2) pursuing economic prosperity, and (3) ensuring peace and stability are emerging, while other countries are emphasizing relations with China and Russia, which are promoting changes in the status quo through force. At a time when the international order is undergoing rapid change, it is very important to discuss how the Japan-U.S. relationship, which has always been the most important bilateral relationship, should evolve to a new dimension. In addition to government-to-government diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have played a key role in the foundation of the Japan-US relationship, covering multiple layers and a wide range of areas including business, academia, culture, education, and tourism. However, since COVID has forced people to communicate virtually, it is necessary to reconsider the significance of the Japan-US relationship and reconstruct it at a higher level. In the seminar, we had two of the most knowledgeable and experienced experts on diplomacy and security in the U.S. and Japan speak on these topics. Opening Remarks Masafumi Shukuri Chairman, Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (JTTRI) Bio Keynote Speeches Richard L. Armitage Former Deputy Secretary of State President, Armitage International Bio Shotaro Yachi Former Secretary General of the National Security Secretariat Former Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs President, Fujitsu Future Study Center Bio Discussion Moderator Yoshikatsu Suzuki Distinguished Research Fellow, The Japan Forum on International Relations, Inc Bio Closing Remarks Tetsuya Okuda President, Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA (JITTI USA) Bio

JITI 2010 High Speed Rail Seminar Mobilizing a New Generation January 21, 2010 The St. Regis Hotel 923 16th and K Streets, NW Washington, DC PRESENTED BY: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan Institute for Transportation Policy Studies (ITPS), Japan Japan International Transport Institute (JITI) Seminar Overview In 2009, as part of the stimulus package, President Obama dedicated eight billion dollars to help turn the U.S. vision of high speed rail (HSR) into reality. HSR is proven to be an effective, energy-efficient way to move large numbers of people quickly over long distances. In addition, HSR can reduce travel times, highway and airport congestion,and pollution ― all while creating tens of thousands of jobs. “High speed rail is a smart transportation system equal to the needs of the 21st Century” President Obama, April 2009 Sharing Expertise With nearly 50 years of experience, HSR is well established in Japan, and is a way of life for many. Leaders in the Japanese transportation industry and government will share valuable insights about HSR in this half day seminar. Topics include how a HSR system fits into an American context, the economic and environmental benefits, as well as some specific concepts for introducing HSR systems to the U.S. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of America's new era in transportation. Opening Remarks Sumio Mabuchi Senior Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Bio Jiro Hanyu President, ITPS Bio Guest Speakers Secretary Ray LaHood U.S. Department of Transportation Bio Congressman James L. Oberstar Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Bio Congressman John L. Mica Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Bio Congresswoman Corrine Brown Chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Bio Secretary Eugene A. Conti, Jr. North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Chairman of the Standing Committee on Rail Transportation, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bio Arthur L. Guzzetti Vice President - Policy, American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Bio Presentations Lee Schipper Project Scientist, Global Metropolitan Studies, University of California, Berkeley Bio Yuki Tanaka Director, International Affairs Office, JITI Bio Presentation Akira Yonezawa Deputy Director-General for Engineering Affairs, Railway Bureau, MLIT Satoshi Seino President and CEO, East Japan Railway Company Bio Presentation Tsutomu Morimura Senior Executive Director and Director General of the General Technology Division, Central Japan Railway Company Bio Presentation Masashi Ishizuka Associate Officer and General Manager, Project Management Division, Rolling Stock Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Bio Presentation Panel Discussion Louis S. Thompson Principal, Thompson, Galenson and Associates (Moderator) Bio Remarks Secretary Eugene A. Conti, Jr. NCDOT, AASHTO Arthur L. Guzzetti APTA Manmohan Parkash Principal Transport Specialist, Asian Development Bank Bio Closing Remarks Makoto Washizu President, JITI Bio Presentation

JITTI Journal September 2021 Back to All JITTI Journals September 2021 Feature Article A Private Workspace in Train Stations  by Akito Okabe Introduction Do you know what these strange boxes are that have been popping up across train stations in Japan? Image Source: Tokyo Metro Co.,Ltd They are private workspaces made for one person and are used for various situations, such as when you have spare time while going out and about, or when you need to hold a quick web conference. These workspaces can also be used not only for work, but also for reading, studying, etc. This article introduces a unique approach to manage privacy needs in Japan, where these facilities inside stations have become well developed. Background: Diversification of Work Styles Japan is facing a "decline in the working-age population due to the falling birth rate and aging population" and greater "workforce need diversification, such as balancing work with childcare and nursing care.1” In order to solve these problems, Japan has been striving to create a society where people can choose various ways to work so that each individual can have a better vision of his or her future.1 Against this backdrop, telework, a flexible work style that is not restricted by location, has been gaining attention as a part of corporate work style reforms. In addition, in recent years, the spread of coronavirus infections has restricted people's mobility and discouraged them from coming to the office, resulting in a rapid acceleration of telework. On the other hand, there are challenges in promoting telework. In particular, in Japan, unlike in the U.S., due to the small size of houses, many disincentives are cited, such as the lack of dedicated workspaces, and the inability to concentrate due to the close proximity of family members. In addition, although it is not impossible to work in cafes, there are still inconveniences such as the lack of available seats, inability to concentrate due to noise, and inability to do highly confidential work within view of others. Companies in various industries are devising ways to solve these problems. While private workspace set-up in train stations are described in this article, there are many other initiatives being launched by companies, such as hotels and karaoke bars offering plans for telework stays. Overview of Private Workspaces In Japan, train stations are not just a place to catch a train or make a connection, but also a place where you can do many things, such as going to eating and drinking establishments, pharmacies, convenience stores, and many other commercial facilities. Private workspaces　are also a unique feature of Japan's well-developed stations, and several companies are currently producing them. CocoDesk is one such workspace, and is a joint project between Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. and FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp. The installation of CocoDesk booths started in February 2020 and are currently underway mainly in subway stations. They are 51 inches wide, 39 inches deep, and 83 inches high, making them large enough to be used comfortably. In addition, the room is equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi for mobile devices, and the temperature can be adjusted by the air conditioner, so you can make phone calls or prepare documents without worrying about your surroundings. Moreover, a ventilation fan is in place along with all items covered with an antibacterial coating, so even if you are wary of the coronavirus, you can use it having peace of mind. The service hours are from 7:00 to 22:00, and the fee is approximately 2.50 USD per 15 minutes, so users can freely choose the time of use according to their purposes. The above figure is reprinted and translated from the FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp website. Conclusion Post-pandemic, teleworking is expected to take root to a certain extent, and I believe it is important for the government and companies to continue to work together to create an environment that facilitates teleworking. Tokyo Metro has announced that it will continue to install CocoDesk booths in stations and will consider various initiatives to make stations more convenient and comfortable to use as a part of business and daily life in order to more closely match customers' various ways of working.2 Why don't you experience this unique service when you visit Japan? ※CocoDesk is a registered trademark or trademark of FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp. References 1.Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000148322.html 2. Tokyo Metro Co.,Ltd. press release https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/2021/210791.html Image Sources 1. Tokyo Metro Co.,Ltd 2. FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp

Contact Us The Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA is located in the business district, in the heart of Washington, DC. Our office is open on Monday to Friday, closed for Federal Holidays and the Japanese New Year. The closest stations to our office are Farragut North (Red line) and Farragut West (Silver/Orange/Blue). Please contact us at any time regarding our events or your transport and tourism research questions. Phone: 202.833.9763 Fax: 2 02.833.9769 JITTI USA 1819 L Street NW, Suite 1000 Washington, D.C. 20036 Send Thank you for your email. We will respond as soon as possible.

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

As the demand and usage of unmanned aircraft expand for both casual and professional usage, the FAA continues to evolve regulations to match real-world operations. Meanwhile, businesses and governments look to the future on how to further innovate this contemporary field. < Back Civil Aviation Regulation Trends for Unmanned Aircraft and a Summary Report of the 2020 FAA UAS Symposium (Part 1) By Yoshihiro Fujimaki As the demand and usage of unmanned aircraft expand for both casual and professional usage, the FAA continues to evolve regulations to match real-world operations. Meanwhile, businesses and governments look to the future on how to further innovate this contemporary field. Download the Report

JITTI Journal Cultural Article July 2021 Back to All JITTI Journals July 2021 Cultural Article Shohei Ohtani Trivia by Tetsuhiro Nakagawa If you're interested in Major League Baseball, you've undoubtedly heard of Shohei Ohtani. If you haven’t, he's the hottest player in the MLB right now. He has hit the most home runs in the league so far this season and throws a ball over 100 mph. He is the first real two-way player since Babe Ruth in the Major Leagues and Ted Radcliffe and Charles Rogan in the Negro Leagues. Here is some trivia about him. Shohei Ohtani by Erik Drost is licensed under CC BY 2.0 1. Where He is From He was born in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan. He went to Hanamaki Higashi High School, which is a powerhouse in the Japanese high school baseball world. Incidentally, it is the same high school as Yusei Kikuchi, the Japanese left-handed pitcher of the Seattle Mariners, though they were three years apart and never played together on the same high school team. 2. Family His father worked as an employee of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, and played on the company's baseball team. After moving to Iwate Prefecture, Ohtani’s father served as a coach and manager for his elementary and junior high school teams. His mother was a badminton player and went to the national tournament as a student. Shohei has a brother who is seven years older and a sister who is two years older. Shohei Ohtani and His Siblings. Image from Birth Day (TBS) 3. High School and After While competing at the Iwate Prefecture tournament in the summer of his 3rd year in high school, he became the first amateur player in Japanese baseball history to throw a 100 miles per hour pitch. After graduating from high school, he announced that he would strive to join the MLB instead of going on to Japanese professional baseball. This is a very unusual decision, as almost all Japanese baseball players have played several years in the NPB before joining the MLB. In the end, however, he was persuaded by the manager of the Hokkaido-based Nippon Ham Fighters to join the team. The number the Fighters gave him was "11," the same number that Yu Darvish of the San Diego Padres had worn. 4. “Goal-achievement Sheet” In his high school years, he created a goal-achievement sheet in which he set eight goals, including "body building," "control," and "speed of 100 MPH," in order to achieve his main aim of being selected first in the draft by eight teams. One of the eight goals also included "(gaining) luck." In order to achieve this state of "luck," goals such as "picking up trash," "offering greetings," and "having a good attitude toward umpires" were set. He says that by picking up trash, he is "picking up luck." Shohei Ohtani's high school goals for succeeding in baseball. Image from Birth Day (TBS) 5. Two-way player Playing two-way is called "Nito-ryu (Two-swords style)" in Japanese. It is derived from a school of Japanese swordsmanship founded by Miyamoto Musashi, a master swordsman in the early Edo period. It means fighting with two swords, or in baseball, playing on one hand as a batter and the other as a pitcher. You may perhaps be surprised to learn that this word is used completely naturally among the Japanese when describing Ohtani. In terms of the sound and profound meaning of the word, I think it is the perfect one to describe Ohtani, who is exploring his own unique path as an athlete. Portrait of Miyamoto Musashi 6. Pitcher or Hitter There were different opinions in the Japanese baseball world when Ohtani crossed the ocean to become a major leaguer. While some gave a shout-out for his passion to compete two-way, others contended that he should give up playing two-way and concentrate on pitching, while others argued that he should concentrate on hitting. Ichiro, who played for the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees, said, "There are a lot of great pitchers out there. But a hitter like him doesn't come along very often.” Knowing better than anyone else the grueling MLB game schedule, Ichiro seemed to recommend that Ohtani concentrate on hitting. 7. Final Thoughts Shohei Ohtani is currently 27 years old. With the excitement we've seen from him this season, and the many more golden years that we can expect him to continue playing at this high caliber, there will surely be more impressive performances to come. I, for one, will continue enjoying watching him play baseball and cheering him on. Image Sources Cover Image- Shohei Ohtani by Dinur is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ) Shohei Ohtani by Erik Drost is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Birth Day (TBS)

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

JITTI USA activities include areas in all tourism, transportation areas (maritime, aviation, surface), emerging technologies, and more. Overview of JITTI USA Activities JITTI USA is an independent research organization which studies various US-Japan and international transport and tourism issues, and disseminates the latest knowledge to the public. Our scope covers all modes of transport, tourism, and common topics of interests to both the U.S. and Japan. Recent Topics Include: Civil Aviation: The trans-pacific aviation market between the U.S. and Asia is rapidly evolving. As the economies of these regions grow, greater numbers of aircraft become capable of flying more passengers and/or longer distances. International aviation policy and airport developments in Japan and other Asian countries have a great impact on both U.S. and Japanese aviation industries. We will be hosting the International Civil Aviation Seminar in October 2019 to discuss the future vision and strategies of international civil aviation in the Asia Pacific region. In addition to holding events such as these, we also study trends on the aviation industry in the US, international civil aviation policies of the US government, and airport congestion and slot control. Tourism: Tourism has experienced continued growth to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. In order to expand tourism and international exchanges, various policies are being implemented in both the U.S. and Japan, such as the creation of competitive and attractive tourism destinations, the promotion of destination marketing, and the advancement of the tourism industry. We co-hosted the “International Exchange and Tourism Seminar: The Future of the US-Japan Friendship” with JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) in March 2019, and where we invited a team of tourism experts to discuss the current situation, issues in their field, and the measures which need to be taken to deepen international exchange and tourism between the US and Japan. Our studies of the subject include the recent development of tourism such as DMO (Destination Marketing / Management Organization) and IR(Integrated Resort) in the US. High Speed Rail: Japan has a long record of operating safe and reliable high-speed rails (known as “Shinkansen”) and has started the construction of super-conductive magnetic levitation trains (MAGLEV). In the U.S., high speed rail project plans are in place and are getting more attention. We hosted our High Speed Rail Seminar “The Future of High Speed Rail ~ U.S. and Japan~” in October 2018, and invited high speed rail experts to discuss the challenges of deploying high speed rail in the US and Japan, railway countermeasures against natural disasters, and connections between high speed rail and existing rail networks. As for our studies on this topic, we’ve also recently researched the recent development of high speed rail plans, trends on Intercity passenger rail in the US. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): As private development continues to sprout near transit and passenger rail facilities in both Japan and North America, transport and transit agencies and companies continue to seek ways to create value capture through transport and transit investments. We co-hosted the joint session “Revenue Opportunities from Value Capture” with APTA (American Public Transportation Association) in June 2019, and facilitated discussion from successful applicators of TOD on their experiences of transit-oriented development in Japan and North America, the methods to mitigate the risk of estate market volatility and how they offer affordable housing. Our studies also include the examples and experiences of railway construction and transit-oriented development in North America. Transport Infrastructure and Public Private Partnerships(PPP): Both the U.S. and Japan have been facing issues with aging transport infrastructure. Utilization of private funding to revitalize the infrastructure has been considered as one of the solutions to this important issue. We study trends on airport development using PPP in the US. Advanced New Technology and New Business Potentials: Transport is entering its new paradigm as modern advanced technologies, such as the deployment of automated vehicles, development of artificial intelligence, and utilization of drones, are changing the norms of traditional transport. We study trends on MOD (Mobility on Demand), the recent development and policies of drones in the US.