JITI 2017 Railway Workshop Transit Oriented Re-Development Using PPP December 5, 2017 The Hay Adams Hotel 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC The Trump administration’s 1 trillion-dollar infrastructure plan has brought much attention to how public infrastructure projects will be carried out in the coming years. As anticipation for updating and fixing the outdated and crumbling infrastructure in the U.S. grows, Public Private Partnership is thought to be the solution, as these capital improvement projects tend to come with a hefty price tag, and public dollars are stretched thin. In the meantime, cities in the U.S. are going through a paradigm shift as more people, in particular millennials, are choosing to live closer to their workplace in the urban centers, shifting transit stations and their surrounding areas as prime candidates to become mixed-use commercial, residential and employment centers. In response to this trend, projects are being developed in various cities across the U.S. and we have seen transit operators partnering with private sectors to redevelop transit stations along with the often underutilized surrounding area. Attempts to utilize similarly underutilized spaces is also happening in Japan, and major transit oriented development projects involving PPP are being planned. For example, construction is already underway on a project to turn a vacated rail yard in Tokyo into a large-scale transit-oriented development. This project comes in a timely manner, as Tokyo prepares itself for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The station is excepted to be open to facilitate transportation during the Games and the final completion is expected in the 2030s. The area will then serve as a residential, commercial, business, and transit center. For this workshop JITI has invited experts of PPP, particularly its use in transit oriented development, from Japan and the U.S. to discuss the challenges and benefits of PPP, lessons learned, and important takeaways for applications on future projects. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President , JITI, USA Bio Keynote Speeches Tatsuya Mizobe Deputy General Manager, Shinagawa and Large-scale Developments Department, East Japan Railway Company Bio Presentation Rina Cutler Senior Director, Major Stations Planning & Development, Amtrak Bio Presentation

JITI 2016 Drone Seminar Strategies on Drone Application in the Transportation Sector March 3rd 2016 The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. 1150 22nd St NW, Washington, D.C. With substantial technological development in recent years, the applications of drones (or Unmanned Aircraft System: UAS) has grown in various areas in the United States and elsewhere. Some suggest the growth of drone-driven business sectors will generate a 12 billion dollar market in the next 10 years. Expedited delivery services and deliveries in remote area through the use of drones are gaining more attention, as well as the incorporation of drones into daily maintenance and inspections by railroad operators and in other areas relating to the public and private sectors. This signifies the positive impact and future contribution of drones in promoting the convenience and safety for the greater public. On the other hand, drones have been reported to be found on the roof of the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, as well as in and around the White House. As these incidents have sparked discussion around security and privacy, voices seeking for stronger enforcement of drone operations have become more evident. In the US, the federal government, as well as state and local governments, have implemented, or are considering implementing, various regulations pertaining to drone operation. Similarly, in Japan, a reform bill was recently passed to regulate the operation of drones in certain airspace. This seminar called for a discussion among drone manufactures, enforcement agencies, and the transportation sector about the depth and breadth of future drone development. The discussion led to an examination of potential strategies to enable innovative and convenient commercial services to consumers via drones, while maintaining the safety and security of national airspace. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Akira Sato Senior Manager, Yamaha Co., Ltd. Bio Presentation Tomoyuki Izu President, enRoute Co., Ltd. Bio Baptiste Tripard Managing Director, senseFly Bio Presentation Travis Mason Public Policy and Gov't Affairs, Google Bio Chris Swider Manager of Research and Development, FAA Bio Panel Discussion Greg Walden Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Bio

JITI 2015 Aviation Seminar Future Challenges of Open Skies Agreements October 9th, 2015 The Willard InterContinental Washington 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. Since its creation over 20 years ago, U.S. Open Skies policy has spread throughout Europe and Asia. As the United States has reached Open Skies agreements (OSAs) with over 114 nations from around the world, it can be said that the greater part of global aviation market has liberalized today. Because of such this widespread liberalization, international carriers have expanded both their markets and flight frequency, meaning lower fares. Moreover, alliance formation has led to closer cooperation among carriers, and their strategic global network planning is progressing. On the other hand, due to stronger cooperation among the carriers, issues with OSAs have increasingly emerged, such as oligopolies in some markets and intensification of competition among traditional alliances – in part thanks to newcomers outside of the alliances. JITI invited airline representatives from around the world to discuss issues and current network expansion circumstances in the global aviation market and the propriety of future growth of OSA liberalization. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Hideki Kunugi Senior Vice President, The Americas, General Manager, New York, All Nippon Airways (ANA) Bio Presentation Michael Wascom Managing Director, Government & International Affairs, American Airlines Bio Presentation James Hnat Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, JetBlue Airways Bio Presentation Nancy Sparks Managing Director, Regulatory Affairs, FedEx Bio Panel Discussion Greg Walden Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Bio Tadashi Matsushita Director of Strategic Planning, The Americas, ANA Bio

The home of JITTI U.S.A, Washington D.C. has had some encouraging progression in the efforts for Mobility on Demand, with mobile app developers, rail operators, car/bikesharing companies, etc. playing their part. Click to read more about the capital city’s unique circumstances and partnerships to achieve more accessible and convenient travel. < Back Surface Transportation Mobility on Demand Trends in the United States ~A Case Study of Washington, D.C., Part 1~ By Daisuke Miyamoto The home of JITTI U.S.A, Washington D.C. has had some encouraging progression in the efforts for Mobility on Demand, with mobile app developers, rail operators, car/bikesharing companies, etc. playing their part. Click to read more about the capital city’s unique circumstances and partnerships to achieve more accessible and convenient travel. Download the Report

JITI 2017 Aviation Seminar Global Harmonization of the New Air Navigation System May 18th, 2017 InterContinental The Willard Washington DC 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC Global aviation demand will continue to increase steadily in the future, due to the increasing world population and the expansion of human exchange across national borders. During the 20 years between 2015 and 2035, air traffic volume is expected to increase threefold in Asia, twofold in Europe, and by 1.5 in North America. The processing capacity of existing air traffic systems is approaching its limit. In order to respond to such a dramatically increasing air traffic volume, it is necessary to increase the number of aircraft that are capable of being processed in certain airspaces, with the aim of streamlining aircraft operation. For this reason, programs such as CARATS in Japan, NextGen in the U.S. and SESAR in Europe have been launched. In addition, new procedures for air traffic control and aircraft operation in future air traffic systems are being developed. In order to ensure smooth deployment of such procedures, it is indispensable that each program cooperates with the others to help build a universal system. Under the new air traffic system, it is expected that airline companies will be able to operate more efficiently, as well as reduce fuel consumption and travel time. Considering the above, JITI invited officials from Japan, the U.S., and Europe who have been involved in the development of future air traffic systems, academic experts, and airline industry specialists to a seminar. Ath the seminar, the panelists gave keynote speeches found below and discussed the current situation of each program, mutual cooperation between the programs, and the challenges in future development and deployment. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Steve Bradford NextGen Chief Scientist, FAA Bio Presentation Toshihiro Yamakoshi Director, Air Navigation Services Planning Division, JCAB Bio Presentation Michael Standar Chief Strategy and External Affairs, SESAR Joint Undertaking Bio Presentation Mike Cirillo Managing Director, Air Traffic Management, A4A Bio Presentation Panel Discussion Akbar Sultan (moderator) Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, NASA Bio

JITTI USA interviews photographer Keisuke Hirai, whose recent photo exhibition in Washington D.C. features the residents of Ishinomaki and their continued ability to smile after the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Shape of Happiness through Keisuke Hirai's Lens: When Survivors Smile for the Camera By Daisuke Komatsu Intro duction Japan, known as a disaster-prone country, welcomed the new year of 2024 with a devastating magnitude 7.6 earthquake striking the Noto Peninsula, resulting in over 200 deaths and numerous injuries. In Ishikawa Prefecture, at the earthquake's epicenter, over 40,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, forcing many into unfamiliar and challenging living conditions amidst ongoing aftershocks.　 This year marks 13 years since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, which received immense humanitarian support from the United States. Japan has shifted its focus from physical rebuilding to the psychological care of survivors and community rebuilding. In this context, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA presents "Recapturing Happiness," a photo exhibition by Keisuke Hirai, a photographer from Kagawa Prefecture with no prior ties to Ishinomaki, but who has lived there for 12 years since volunteering post-disaster. T he exhibition, held at the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. , focuses not on the devastation but on the smiles of Ishinomaki's residents, showcasing the happiness found amidst recovery. As the interviewer for this story, I have a personal interest in Mr. Hirai’s work. Not only do I come from Kesennuma, which is located about 100 kilometers north of Ishinomaki, but I have family who were directly affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and was also involved in the recovery and reconstruction efforts as a Coast Guard Officer. With this connection, I was granted the opportunity to converse with Mr. Hirai. This article aims to introduce the connections between people that Mr. Hirai wants to convey through his volunteer experience and the smiles captured in his photographs. From right to left, Keisuke Hirai and Daisuke Komatsu (interviewer) The Dialogue Komatsu: Could you share your thoughts behind holding this photo exhibition in Washington D.C.? Hirai: The first spark [for this idea] came when I held the initial exhibition in Ishinomaki in 2021. The former Japanese Ambassador to the U.S., Mr. Fujisaki, visited with his wife. Because it was during the pandemic, there was a suggestion about maybe sharing it online instead of just somewhere in the U.S. However, that idea didn’t pan out. I came to Ishinomaki to help as a volunteer, but as I met more people there, I learned so much about the importance of human connection from the locals. Before I knew it, I went from being the one providing assistance to the one being taught. That experience, which turned me from a helper to a learner, has kept me in Ishinomaki for 12 years now. We've been fighting tooth and nail together, but it's been fun living here as neighbors, and that's why I've been in Ishinomaki for this long. I really want people far away to get a feel for these experiences, which is something that grew on me as I kept taking pictures, leading up to this event. I've been kind of experimenting with how to get this across, and figuring out the best way to share it. Komatsu: When it comes to sharing, many photos and videos from the Great East Japan Earthquake tend to focus on the extensive damage. However, the theme of this photo exhibition, "Recapturing Happiness," surprised me because the photos, taken from the perspective of reclaiming joy and happiness, aren't frightening. Instead, they're all of people with beautiful smiles. What inspired you to take these photos, and how were you able to capture such moments? Hirai: My initial motivation for visiting the disaster-struck Ishinomaki was partly curiosity for the macabre and a desire to document firsthand how survivors from a calamity considered once-in-a-thousand-years would rebuild their lives. There was a deep-rooted interest in how individuals and towns bounce back from such profound despair. I was pretty sure that there'd be a lesson there, and that's why I wanted to capture it in photos. I figured that by showing these to people living outside the disaster area, it could somehow channel their energy into the affected area, whether through donations or volunteering. That's what I was thinking. At the time, there was a sort of unspoken rule against photographing the faces of disaster victims, but through volunteering, I got to know the people of Ishinomaki and I built relationships with them. I gained their trust and consent to take their photos, continuing to document their stories. While the media focused on reporting the extent of the disaster’s damage, I could concentrate on capturing the people themselves. Ultimately, I believe it's crucial to do your best with whatever you’ve got, given the situation and position you're in. This exhibit comes a decade after the disaster, and in its 11th year, I spent a year asking the people of Ishinomaki, who had been affected by the disaster, “When,” “Where,” and “Who do you want to take a picture with?” aiming to capture special commemorative photos. I felt like it's in the midst of normal, everyday life, the kind that doesn't make the news, where you can really start to ponder what happiness is. Exhibition in D.C. [Photo Credit Keisuke Hirai] Komatsu: When it comes to sharing, many photos and videos from the Great East Japan Earthquake tend to focus on the extensive damage. However, the theme of this photo exhibition, "Recapturing Happiness," surprised me because the photos, taken from the perspective of reclaiming joy and happiness, aren't frightening. Instead, they're all of people with beautiful smiles. What inspired you to take these photos, and how were you able to capture such moments? Hirai: My initial motivation for visiting the disaster-struck Ishinomaki was partly curiosity for the macabre and a desire to document firsthand how survivors from a calamity considered once-in-a-thousand-years would rebuild their lives. There was a deep-rooted interest in how individuals and towns bounce back from such profound despair. I was pretty sure that there'd be a lesson there, and that's why I wanted to capture it in photos. I figured that by showing these to people living outside the disaster area, it could somehow channel their energy into the affected area, whether through donations or volunteering. That's what I was thinking. At the time, there was a sort of unspoken rule against photographing the faces of disaster victims, but through volunteering, I got to know the people of Ishinomaki and I built relationships with them. I gained their trust and consent to take their photos, continuing to document their stories. While the media focused on reporting the extent of the disaster’s damage, I could concentrate on capturing the people themselves. Ultimately, I believe it's crucial to do your best with whatever you’ve got, given the situation and position you're in. This exhibit comes a decade after the disaster, and in its 11th year, I spent a year asking the people of Ishinomaki, who had been affected by the disaster, “When,” “Where,” and “Who do you want to take a picture with?” aiming to capture special commemorative photos. I felt like it's in the midst of normal, everyday life, the kind that doesn't make the news, where you can really start to ponder what happiness is. Komatsu: Could you explain your goal for exhibiting these photos in Washington D.C.? Hirai: I was thinking, maybe there's something in these photos that could resonate with anyone, whether they're from America, Europe, Asia, or the Middle East. I'm not entirely sure, but if the people looking at them can feel the emotions captured, and if I’m able to receive the impressions or thoughts that they felt, then I could learn something too about the differences in culture, regions, and the problems they face. And from that, maybe, just maybe, a sort of mutual understanding could emerge. So, here's a funny story: About a year after the Great East Japan Earthquake, I got the chance to join the Peace Boat and exhibit photos of the disaster in several countries we visited. We couldn't dock in Saudi Arabia, but the locals brought food to the boat and threw us a party. At the photo exhibit there, a Saudi guest saw a photo of an elderly lady from Onagawa wearing a headscarf while clearing rubble. He mentioned, surprised, "There are Muslims in Japan too? I'm worried about our Muslim brothers and sisters." This grandma isn't Muslim, but I found the way he perceived things fascinating. It's amazing how different our interpretations can be, or how we might find common ground in a photo, or even feel a sense of empathy. Even such a small misunderstanding could spark a conversation, and I thought, maybe it could be a chance to make friends with someone from Saudi Arabia. Photo Credit Keisuke Hirai Komatsu: Is the aim here, with the D.C. exhibit, really about using the photos as a way to bond with people in America, to help them find commonality with the folks from Ishinomaki and across Japan? Hirai: Yeah, I really think that's a big part of it. For folks in Ishinomaki, it's like, if people in Washington D.C., who they thought lived in a completely different world, can see the photos and the stories behind them and find similar experiences or feelings, then it could create a kind of connection between people in Ishinomaki and D.C. It's like opening a door to connect people, making both sides feel closer to each other, you know? And after sharing my thoughts and what I've seen and heard about hosting this photo exhibition with the friends who helped me create the photo book in Ishinomaki and those featured in the photos, I thought, even if we haven't met, maybe they'd feel closer to someone in Washington D.C. Like, if someone hears that my photo was displayed in Washington D.C. and asks, 'What's that about?' it could spark more connections between people. Komatsu: Viewing this Washington D.C. exhibit as a milestone, has it inspired you to want to hold similar photo exhibitions in other parts of America or in other countries? Hirai: For this exhibition, there was a coordinator who helped me think through the English translation of the photo backgrounds and how best to present them. Hearing feedback from those who actually saw it, I've come to think anew that this format could work as an exhibition in other languages and regions as well. Komatsu: From the photos exhibited, I sensed the "human connections" you've mentioned learning from the people of Ishinomaki. With the Noto Peninsula earthquake occurring early this year in Japan, could you share how these human connections are utilized during disasters? Hirai: You know, it's often mentioned in disaster support, but I think it can somewhat solve the issue of mismatched aid. Of course, I believe both the national and local governments have organized the aid needed by disaster victims based on reviews of past incidents. However, there's a tendency, especially in more remote areas, for residents to hesitate in communicating their needs to authorities, out of respect or reticence, which I think is one of the causes of mismatches in the support provided. If you're a volunteer on the ground, you might notice what's needed while helping out the locals, or you could more easily ask them what they require, right? Also, if there are connections between people who've been affected by the disaster, they might be able to share and exchange whatever supplies they're lacking, helping each other get through the immediate aftermath. For example, one person might have rice but no water to cook it, while another has water but no rice. If they connect, they can share their resources and both have a warm meal that day. I'm concerned that in the metropolitan area, where connections between people are said to be weak, whether such mutual aid would be possible in the event of a disaster. For example, in apartment complexes where it's not clear who lives next door, I worry that situations could arise where an elderly person trapped under a fallen wardrobe might go unnoticed by their neighbors. Komatsu: I see. So, it's about leveraging personal connections for gathering hard-to-reach information and supporting areas where official aid might not easily reach. I remember from my time providing relief during the Great East Japan Earthquake, it was tough to get information on what aid was truly needed by those affected. People in rural areas, even in dire need, often hesitated to communicate their needs to authorities or tried to endure without asking for help, feeling reluctant to impose. That makes a lot of sense. Building face-to-face relationships with those affected in the disaster zones as a volunteer surely makes it easier to gather such information. From the perspective of information, the way it's conveyed is also crucial. During the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, there were intense and fiercely urgent evacuation calls made by NHK announcers. Similarly, from the administrative side, there's been a shift towards delivering life-saving information in simpler language to clearly communicate imminent dangers and making visual enhancements for better understanding. For example, the Japan Meteorological Agency now uses numbers and colors like purple and red to indicate the severity of danger. Plus, for tsunami warnings, in addition to TV, radio, cell phones, and sirens, they've started using "tsunami flags," which are checkered in red and white. Lifeguards at the beach wave these, or they're hung on tall buildings to be visible from afar. This helps those who are deaf or can’t hear well due to loud waves or wind, or when there's no power to receive broadcasted information, serving as an analog way to spread the word. Hirai: I believe making disaster alerts clear through simple language and visual information can promote more effective evacuations. I wasn't aware of the "tsunami flag," but I think if influential people within the community spread the word through their connections, it can help extend government efforts more easily to the locals. Photo Credit: Japan Meteorological Agency Komatsu: It's really about the importance of human connections, isn't it? Based on your experiences and insights gained through volunteer work, what can each individual do to prepare for disasters? Hirai: I think it's crucial to actually consider what would happen if a disaster occurred. Many people have started to buy emergency preparedness kits, but few have actually used them to familiarize themselves with their contents. Similarly, while many might know their evacuation routes, not many have walked them. Opening your emergency kit and using its contents can prevent confusion during a crisis. Walking your evacuation route could reveal challenges, like steep hills that could hinder your escape. Evacuation drills in elementary schools shouldn't just end with gathering in the schoolyard and taking attendance. They should include practicing evacuation routes to higher ground. Otherwise, in an actual emergency, both teachers and students might find themselves confused and unprepared. Komatsu: It's exactly like the saying, "Experience is the best teacher." A month has passed since the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Many people are still living in difficult conditions. What are your current concerns? Hirai: What I'm most concerned about right now is disaster-related deaths. Of course, there are some aspects where the response can’t keep up. Relying solely on cold boxed meals can lead to nutritional imbalances, health deterioration, or the worsening of pre-existing conditions, especially as life while evacuated prolongs. To prevent this, I believe it's crucial to have an environment where warm meals, like hearty soups, form the base of food distributions and are continuously provided. Komatsu: Ishikawa Prefecture, the epicenter of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, is encouraging secondary evacuations to locations outside the disaster-affected areas in order to prevent disaster-related deaths and ensure a stable living environment in the short term. However, there have been reports that this process is not progressing as quickly as hoped. Hirai: Just like during the Great East Japan Earthquake, even if the government provides a safe place, people don't just move, you know? They probably need some time to calm down emotionally, and I can understand the feeling of anxiety about leaving the place you're used to living and going to a location where you don't know anyone in the neighborhood. I think it's hard for them to consider evacuating to somewhere far way unless they believe they can eventually return to where they were originally. I think it's partly due to the Japanese national character, but the fact that there aren't many people around who have evacuated to another safe place as a second evacuation site also affects the current situation. Even here, by evacuating as a community, or if influential people move, or through neighbors diligently reaching out to each other, it's possible that the situation could change. Komatsu: It really made me realize again how important connections between people are. Lastly, could you share what you'd like to say to the visitors of the photo exhibition? Hirai: I kind of feel like it's somewhat inevitable that, with just photos, these disasters might be seen as something happening to strangers far away. But I really hope visitors take the time to read the stories too, and try to put themselves in those situations. These stories aren't exactly newsworthy, but I'd be happy if people could relate to them, and feel like “This applies to me too. We’re in this together.” I think that’d be the best outcome. After all, those affected by disasters are just regular people too. And I’d be happy if they could think of something for themselves that is their “piece of happiness” and start making even small actions. For example, perhaps it leads to someone calling their parents whom they haven’t spoken to in a while, or expressing gratitude when they usually don’t. I believe there are quite a few things you can easily do right away, close to home. I'd be glad if you could find happiness from there. Photo Credit: Daisuke Komatsu Reflection Thirteen years are on the verge of passing since the Great East Japan Earthquake. With each arrival of March 11th, television screens are filled with the visages of those who lost family and loved ones, those who were stripped of their livelihoods, and those living a solitary existence in lands far from their hometowns, speaking of the tragic disaster with sorrowful expressions. One wonders, how long must those affected remain enshrouded in sadness? Surely, those who have suffered are also entitled to share moments of joy with friends, forge new familial bonds, and speak of the mundane happiness of daily life on television. Myself included, whether working in Japan or since arriving in DC, conversations invariably touch upon the hardship of the disaster, prompting me to explain the immediate, grim aftermath with a somber demeanor. Attending Mr. Hirai's photo exhibition brought the realization that such expressions of sadness are not obligatory, offering a sense of salvation. Furthermore, the "connections between people" felt through Mr. Hirai's photographs and words highlight the critical importance of these bonds in preparing for disasters, including the development of robust transportation infrastructure. I remember, back when I was at the Minister's office of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and attended a local road opening ceremony where those responsible for the construction spoke of roads as pathways that "connect people, goods, and lives." The Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture, a region with few major arterial roads, starkly revealed the vulnerabilities in local transportation infrastructure, impeding rescue efforts, transport of relief supplies, and emergency medical services. While lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake have been applied, mismatches between the needs of the affected areas and the provided assistance have emerged. The key to resolving these mismatches lies in the connections and exchanges between people. Such exchanges are born from meetings facilitated by well-developed transportation infrastructure. Strengthening this infrastructure is not only vital for enabling efficient relief, recovery, and support activities but is also crucial for the swift restoration of happiness to those living in these areas, reinforcing my belief in its importance as a policy. NOTE: Mr. Hirai's exhibition, "Recapturing Happiness" is currently featured at the Japan Information & Cultural Center (1150 18th Street, N.W., Suite100, Washington, DC, 20036) through March 13, 2024. The exhibition website is: https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/exhibits/recapturing-happiness.html BIO: Keisuke Hirai Mr. Keisuke Hirai is a freelance photographer who strives to capture the lives of people in their e ntirety, believing that it is the unique contradictions of humans that make seemingly imperfect human lives perfect. Mr. Hirai credits his love of photography to a friend he met while studying abroad in Canada that urged him to take photography classes. E ver since then, he has been behind the camera. Whether it is in Cambodia, Nepal, Inner Mongolia, South Africa, or Japan, he sets out to capture photographs that illustrate the humanity we all share. Mr. Hirai is ever curious and has been involved in activities such as demining, reforestation, community revitalization, international aid, and international exchange. After traveling to Ishinomaki in April 2011 to document and promote recovery efforts, he moved there permanently and now resides in the city. Currently you can find him taking photographs of the fisheries industry in and around Ishinomaki. Mr. Hirai has launched several photography projects in the past. Some of his most known are the Funny!!Project, a project based on the theme “We All Laugh Together in Different Ways,” which uses photographs as a communication tool for various activities such as exhibitions, events, workshops, and talks at educational institutions around Japan. In addition, he launched the photo exhibition 10 Years of Happiness in Ishinomaki in 2021 and published the photo book 10 年の幸福写真 〜 10 YEARS AFTER 3.11 (10 Years of Happiness 〜 10 YEARS AFTER 3.11) in 2022.

In April 2021, after much discussion and consideration, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's proposal of unmanned aircraft regulations was finally adopted. In this report, JITTI USA Senior Fellow, Yoshihiro Fujimaki, fully describes the details of these regulations. < Back Civil Aviation Publication of Traffic Management Regulations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Europe By Yoshihiro Fujimaki In April 2021, after much discussion and consideration, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's proposal of unmanned aircraft regulations was finally adopted. In this report, JITTI USA Senior Fellow, Yoshihiro Fujimaki, fully describes the details of these regulations. Download the Report

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which commenced on February 24, 2022, raised concerns about further serious implications for the already exhausted maritime industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This report aims to provide an overview of the effects of the Ukraine invasion on the maritime industry, which have significantly impact global supply chains and negatively affect overall logistics efficiency, as well as looking for potential new opportunities. < Back Maritime Transportation The Impact and Challenges on the Maritime Industry in the Wake of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine By Daisuke Komatsu The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which commenced on February 24, 2022, raised concerns about further serious implications for the already exhausted maritime industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This report aims to provide an overview of the effects of the Ukraine invasion on the maritime industry, which have significantly impact global supply chains and negatively affect overall logistics efficiency, as well as looking for potential new opportunities. Download the Report

JITTI Journal Cultural Article May 2024 Back to All JITTI Journals May 2024 Cultural Article Furoshiki by Suzannah Nevas This month was my husband’s birthday, and as I was scrounging in my closet for something with which to wrap his present, I found an old furoshiki I had brought back with me from Japan many years ago. As I googled proper folding techniques for the traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, I rediscovered my love and admiration for this beautiful (and practical!) part of Japanese culture. “Furoshiki” comes from the words “furo”, bath, and “shiki” which can mean a mat to spread out or cover. In the 1300s, people visiting bath houses would wrap their belongings in a unique cloth called furoshiki. But the history goes back even further; the furoshiki’s predecessor, the tsutsumi, shows use dating back to the Nara period in the 8th century! Over time, the furoshiki grew in popularity as well as application of use. In the modern era, furoshiki are used to wrap and carry things in addition to clothes, such as lunch boxes and presents. These items can come in many shapes and sizes, and yet there is almost a one-size fits all approach when it comes to furoshiki. The Japanese Ministry of the Environment published a PDF diagram of “How to Use ‘Furoshiki’”, showing how the same cloth can be folded differently in order to wrap many differently shaped objects- including a watermelon, or two glass bottles! The cloths themselves are almost but not quite square-shaped, usually coming in 45-50cm, 70cm, and 100cm. While they were traditionally made of silk, today you can also find them made from cotton, rayon or polyester. Furoshiki originally displayed family crests (demarcating the ownership of one’s things at the bathhouse), but now it is common to see them decorated with traditional or auspicious imagery from nature, and modern textile artists sometimes add a playfulness to their furoshiki designs. (Image Sources (left to right): 2023-02-12 16.44.57 by albyantoniazzi , Panda Snowman furoshiki from Seria by Marceline Smith , Bear Furoshiki by Ted Laderas ; each of these images are licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED ) The popularity of furoshiki took a dive when post-war consumerism spread across the world and plastic bags started popping up everywhere. However, in recent years, Furoshiki have made a cultural comeback as they dovetail nicely with the sustainability/eco-friendly trends we see today. Because the cloth isn’t pierced or damaged in the wrapping process, it can be re-used over and over again, proving to be much less wasteful than the disposable wrapping paper and curling plastic ribbon most often used in the West. And don’t let cost deter you from switching over to the aesthetically elevated and sustainable art of Japanese wrapping cloth! While a very fancy furoshiki could sell for several hundred dollars, they can also be purchased in the $5-$10 range–not that differently priced from a roll of nice wrapping paper in the U.S.! A few quick cultural disclaimers: Be warned that furoshiki are not appropriate for very formal or ceremonial occasions-those call for the more formal, fukusa, textiles instead. Also, when you do bring a gift wrapped in a furoshiki, the recipient will unfold it to reveal the gift inside, and it is understood that the furoshiki still belongs to the gift-bearer (though honestly, the furoshiki itself would make a splendid gift!). I hope this has sparked your interest and I encourage you to peruse the internet as there are many online resources for purchasing furoshiki and learning different ways to fold and tie them. Furoshiki cloth folded to carry bottled drinks Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furoshiki https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/17/style/gifts-wrapping-furoshiki-japan.html?te=1&nl=morning-briefing%3A-europe-edition&emc=edit_mbe_20231121 https://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.html

Legislation Amending the Japanese Civil Aeronautics Act to Implement Small UAS’s BVLOS Operations Over People Legislation Amending the Japanese Civil Aeronautics Act to Implement Small UAS’s BVLOS Operations Over People by Yoshihiro Fujimaki 1. Background and Overview The bill to amend the Japanese Civil Aeronautics Act, which will allow for a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) over people, was submitted to the National Diet of Japan on March 9th, 2021. At present, in cases when someone in Japan would like to operate sUAS beyond visual line of sight, he/she must get individual approval for that operation. In addition, operations flown over people (third parties) are prohibited. On the other hand, in 2017, Japanese industries and the government collaboratively developed the “Roadmap for the Aerial Industrial Revolution,” which was intended to develop technology and improve the overall environment for safe utilization of sUAS. This roadmap has been revised each year, and in the latest version, the target date of implementing BVLOS operations over people was set for FY 2022 (by March 2023). Based on this roadmap, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has been studying necessary regulatory changes for implementing such operations, and submitted the bill to amend the Japanese Civil Aeronautics Act to the Diet. This bill also aims to make the current regulatory framework more efficient. For these purposes, the bill includes two new regulatory content, a sUAS type certification / airworthiness certification and a sUAS pilot license. 2. sUAS Type Certification / Airworthiness Certification In the Japanese Aeronautics Act, manned aircraft and sUAS are clearly distinguished, and currently there is no regulation regarding type certification / airworthiness certification for sUAS. The bill will establish such certification. There will be two classes of the sUAS type certificate / airworthiness certificate: 1st class and 2nd class. For operations which will be flown over people (third parties), which are currently prohibited by the law, sUAS will be required to have a 1st class sUAS airworthiness certificate (and a 1st class sUAS pilot license). For operations which will not be flown over people, sUAS will still be able to be flown based on individual approval for each flight, and will not be required to have any class of airworthiness certificate. However, in the case that someone would like to perform a BVLOS operation that does not fly over people, he/she will not need to get individual approval IF the sUAS has either class of the sUAS airworthiness certificate AND the pilot has either class of the sUAS pilot license, which is described in next section. The relationship between sUAS type certification and sUAS airworthiness certification is the same as that for manned aircraft; a sUAS manufacturer will apply for a sUAS type certification for a type of sUAS, and once it is certified, sUAS airworthiness certification inspections that are typically needed for every sUAS will be partially or totally omitted for that type. The above figure is reprinted and translated from the interim report published by JCAB on March 8th, 2021 ( https://www.mlit.go.jp/policy/shingikai/kouku01_sg_000288.html ) 3. sUAS Pilot License In addition to sUAS type certification / airworthiness certification, currently there is no regulation regarding sUAS pilot licenses, and so the bill will establish two classes: 1st class and 2nd class. If a pilot plans to operate sUAS over people (third parties), a 1st class sUAS pilot license will be required. If he/she does not plan to operate sUAS over people, the sUAS pilot license will not be mandatory. However, as described in the previous section, in the case that someone would like to perform a BVLOS operation, but not over people, he/she will not need to get individual approval IF the sUAS has either class of the sUAS airworthiness certificate AND the pilot has either class of the sUAS pilot license. Also, the bill will approve private training organizations for sUAS pilots. Once a pilot has completed a course at an approved training organization, the test for the sUAS pilot license will be partially or totally omitted. In addition, he/she must take a course at an approved training organization every three years for license renewal. The above figure is reprinted and translated from the interim report published by JCAB on March 8th, 2021 ( https://www.mlit.go.jp/policy/shingikai/kouku01_sg_000288).html ) 4. Effects From Its Implementation In FY 2019 (from April 2019 to March 2020), the number of sUAS operation approval applications submitted was 48,364, and the breakdown of approvals is shown in the next figure. (Please note that one application may include several approval items.) Most approvals are related to night operations, BVLOS operations, operations near people or buildings, and operations in densely populated areas. For these operations, individual approval will not be necessary IF the sUAS has a sUAS airworthiness certificate AND the pilot has a sUAS pilot license. The above table details information from material that JCAB submitted to the council on Nov. 19, 2020 ( https://www.mlit.go.jp/policy/shingikai/kouku01_sg_000281.html ) On the other hand, some sUAS operations, such as those conducting around airports, flying above 150m altitude, transporting hazardous material, etc., will remain subject to individual approval. Operations by the sUAS which weigh over 25kg will also remain subject to individual approval. Back to All JITTI Journals March 2021 Feature Article

JITI 2010 Tourism Seminar New Developments in the Tourism Industry: Exploring the Potential of the Tourism Business and Collaboration with Transportation March 16, 2010 Washington Marriott at Metro Center 775 12th Street, N.W., Washington, DC Recently, the development of the tourism industry has been considered as one of the major national issues in Japan. The government and industry have been cooperating in various measures such as the Visit Japan Campaign to expand the inbound market. Development of new styles of tour plans/products and collaboration between tourism resources and transportation modes are a new movement in the industry. It is true that the current economic difficulty produces a negative impact on the tourism business. The question of how to overcome such a difficult situation and to energize the tourism industry is a common issue between the U.S. and Japan. At the same time, it is important to grasp exactly what attractions and tourism resources are fascinating to foreign tourists and translate such information into successful business schemes. In Japan’s case, in addition to traditional historical and cultural sightseeing spots, recently pop-culture and visual-arts attract attention especially among young generations, which can be a new market to be explored. In this seminar, we will study the recent developments in the tourism industry in both the U.S. and Japan, explore the ways of developing the tourism business, and discuss ways of strengthening mutual communication between the two countries. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Tadayuki Hara Associate Dean & Associate Professor, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida Bio Presentation Bryan Lewis Chief of Staff and General Counsel, U.S. Travel Association Bio Presentation Yoshitaka Ohkuma General Manager, Market Development, JTB Global Marketing & Travel Bio Presentation David Lim Chief Marketing Officer, Amtrak Bio Presentation Shinichi Sakamoto Executive Advisor and former President, Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) Bio Presentation Panel Discussion Tadayuki Hara (Moderator) University of Central Florida Bryan Lewis U.S. Travel Association David Lim Amtrak Shinichi Sakamoto JR Hokkaido Yoshitaka Ohkuma JTB Global Marketing & Travel

This is part 5 in a series on emerging Smart City trends in the West, and highlights the Washington, D.C. region as a case study for exemplary TOD. Read about how the Rossyln-Ballston Cooridor in Arlington, County has served as an example of best-practice in the United States. < Back Surface Transportation Survey of Smart City Trends in the West: Transit-oriented Development and Mobility-as-a-Service Part 5: Case Study – Washington DC (2) By Akito Okabe This is part 5 in a series on emerging Smart City trends in the West, and highlights the Washington, D.C. region as a case study for exemplary TOD. Read about how the Rossyln-Ballston Cooridor in Arlington, County has served as an example of best-practice in the United States. Download the Report