JITTI Journal May 2019 Back to All JITTI Journals May 2019 Feature Article The Japan Coast Guard’s New Challenge for Global Cooperation Among Coast Guard Agencies/ Functions by Yasuhiro Okamoto The Japan Coast Guard (herein after called “JCG”) has supported various countries’ coast guard organizations with their capacity enhancement since 1969, aiding over 81 countries and 3 regions. In addition, JCG has also played an important role in the establishment of the international cooperation framework in the region to facilitate further cooperation among coast guard agencies in Asia and the North Pacific. In this article, I would like to introduce JCG’s new challenge in creating an international framework for the Coast Guard Global Summit. The 1st Coast Guard Global Summit (hereinafter called as “CGGS”) was held in September 2017 and was co-hosted by the Nippon Foundation. The aim of this meeting was to enhance dialogue and cooperation beyond the existing regional framework, and to focus the experience and knowledge of the participants to resolve common issues that every country had faced. Although it was the inaugural meeting, representatives from 34 countries, 1 regional, and 3 international organizations visited Japan to attend. In this meeting there was recognition of the rarity for coast guard’s to gather and discuss the creation of global frameworks, the importance of doing so, and of the necessity to consider human resource development systems and the best forms of inter-regional and international cooperation. With continued interest by participants to further facilitate global cooperation among coast guard agencies, the 1st working level meeting of CGGS took place in November 2018 with the participation of 66 countries and international/ regional organizations. In this working level meeting, the following three agenda points were mainly discussed: Meeting guidelines for smooth future meetings Global human resource development Information sharing According to the meeting summary of the CGGS working level meeting, during the discussion on global human resource development, various advanced and unique programs were shared. Furthermore, there was broad support when JCG proposed to form the voluntary core member group for intensive study and discussion of this matter. It has already been decided that the 2nd CGGS will be held in Tokyo in November 2019. JCG’s new challenge has just started, and it’s not difficult to imagine that they will have additional obstacles that will need to be solved. For example, in comparison with their past cooperative activities, the JCG is unexperienced with organizing an international meeting of this size, with an increase in the number of participation confirmed as compared to the last two meetings. To plan and execute such an enormous event on a regular basis also must create budgetary and operational issues. Furthermore, there is the obvious struggle for JCG to convince participating agencies of the necessity of a global framework. As for the meeting agenda, it seems that human resource development will be a key topic. Unlike other regional cooperation frameworks, a global framework would require consideration of each regions unique issues and/or features. The first challenge for agencies from different regions is to try and cooperate for a unified goal, and to clarify ways to develop human resources in each region. I would like to closely observe the activities, discussion, and results of the 2nd CGGS to know the answer to this question, and I really hope this framework will bring great benefits to coast guard activities across the entire world. Image courtesy of the Japan Coast Guard

JITTI Journal Cultural Article September 2020 Back to All JITTI Journals September 2020 Cultural Article The Hakata Dontaku Festival: An Introduction of One of Japan’s Local Festivals by Yasuhiro Okamoto Have you experienced Japanese traditional festivals?? Even though Japan is a not a big country, each region has unique traditions and cultures, and all those cultural elements are reflected in their local festivals. Today, I would like to introduce my hometown’s festival, which is named “Hakata Dontaku Festival.” In Hakata, the Dontaku Festival has been celebrated for more than 800 years during a period of time called “Golden Week,” where we have consecutive holidays in early summer. Every year, around two million people gather in the city to observe this festival. Exploring the origins of this festival, it is said that “Matsubayashi,” which was started in 1179 (Heian era), was the source of the Hakata Dontaku Festival. During that period, people greeted their local lord when cerebrating the new year with a parade, and this became the present “Hakata Dontaku Festival.” At that time, Japan had a class system, and it was an opportunity for interaction between warriors (Samurai) and merchants. Once, this festival was even banned in the Meiji Era because of its extravagancy, but the people changed its name and tried to continue holding it. The word Dontaku comes from the word Zondag, a Dutch word that means both "Sunday" and "holiday". ( IMG_2734 by koemu is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ) The use of Shamoji in the festival invokes the image of people eagerly leaving their homes in hurry (and thus still holding their spoons) to participate in the merriment. The festival was cancelled for the first time this year since 1962, except for instances of bad weather, due to the coronavirus pandemic. In general, the festival is held from May 3rd to May 4th, and consists of the aforementioned traditional “Matsubayashi” parade, which has a mix of modern and traditional parade elements. In total, more than 230 groups and 22,000 performers join this festival, and the teams with outstanding performances are praised. One of the unique features of this parade is that people dance while clapping two rice scooping spoons (Shamoji) along to the music of “Shamisen” (Japanese traditional guitar). You can see the parade from the street, and there are more than 30 stages in the city center, so you can also buy a ticket and enjoy performances from a seat. At the climax of this festival, everybody, including observers and tourists, join the dance and play together. “Hakata Dontaku Festival” is one of biggest festivals held in spring in Japan. I’m sure that you can feel the festivity from seeing and joining this event. Additionally, there are the other two biggest and popular festivals in Fukuoka, which are “Hakata Gion Yamakasa” and “Houzyouya.” For your next trip in Japan, please go a little further to the south to explore Fukuoka. You may feel like visiting there repeatedly. ( IMG_2680 by koemu is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ) People of all ages can take part in the parade, and of course participation is encouraged as everyone dances together at the very end.

JITI 2014 Global Logistics Seminar Infrastructure for Future Competitiveness March 27, 2014 Grand Hyatt Washington 1000 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 Global logistics is changing. The shipping industry, which plays an important role in the global movement of goods, for example, has sought more efficient service through bigger ships, re-planning routes, and reshuffling partnerships, like the alliance among megacarriers, as well as other business strategies. The Panama Canal expansion, scheduled for completion in 2015, will accelerate this trend, especially in transpacific routes between Northeast Asia and North America. Considering this change on either side of the Pacific Ocean, the United States and Japan are developing infrastructure to strengthen their competitiveness through facilitating trade and fostering business activities. Under the leadership of President Obama, the U.S. government continues efforts to help modernize U.S. ports and other infrastructure for a more efficient intermodal system. Likewise, the Japanese government has launched a plan to develop “International Strategic Ports” in the Tokyo/Yokohama and Osaka/Kobe areas. These changes are expected to bring about, among other benefits, lower logistics costs, more exports, and prosperity for the national and local economies. However, some disadvantages are also expected. Larger ships may prefer fewer calls at ports, which would result in some ports’ loss of gateway status. Developing ports in neighboring countries may intensify competition with ports in the U.S. and Japan. What form then should the U.S. and Japanese approaches to infrastructure development take to manage the changing global logistics climate? With this question in mind, American and Japanese experts discussed how the transportation network will change in the years to come, infrastructure needs, and the expected effects on transpacific trade. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Yvette Fields Director, Office of Deepwater Ports and Offshore Activities, U.S. Maritime Administration Bio Tatsuyuki Kose Director, International Logistics Division, Policy Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan Bio Presentation Jeffrey Florin Deputy Executive Director, Operations (COO), Virginia Port Authority Bio Presentation Tsuyoshi Yoshida President and CEO, MOL (America) Inc. Bio Presentation Robyn Boerstling Director, Transportation and Infrastructure Policy, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Bio Presentation Panel Discussion David Matsuda (moderator) Former Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration Bio

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

The Japan Coast Guard’s New Challenge for Global Cooperation Among Coast Guard Agencies/ Functions < Back

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

JITTI Journal November 2024 Back to All JITTI Journals November 2024 Feature Article Tokyo Metro's Stock Listing and the History of Tokyo's Subway By Naoki Sato On October 23, 2024, Tokyo Metro, a railway (subway) operator in Japan, was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Previously, Tokyo Metro's shares were entirely owned by the Japanese government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. However, with this listing, 50% of these shares were sold. As of the date of its listing, this was the largest Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2024, attracting significant attention. In this article, I would like to briefly review the history of the Tokyo’s subway system and describe how Tokyo Metro was listed. In addition, I would like to inform you in advance that this article was written based on the author's research and from the standpoint of a researcher at the Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA. Overview of Tokyo’s Subway System Today There are 13 subway lines in Tokyo, mainly in the wards of Tokyo, but they are operated by two railway (subway) operators, "Tokyo Metro" and "Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation (TOEI)". To briefly explain, Tokyo Metro has a network of 180 stations with 9 lines of 195.0 km(121.1miles), of which 7 lines operate directly through each other with other railway companies, covering a distance of 556.6 km (345.8miles) of commercial lines, including mutual direct service destinations. In fiscal 2023, Tokyo Metro carried an average of approximately 6.52 million passengers per day. TOEI, meanwhile, has a network of 106 stations with 4 lines of 109.0 km(67.7miles), three of which operate directly through each other with other railway companies, covering a distance of 363.3 km(225.7miles) of commercial lines, including mutual direct service destinations. In fiscal 2022, TOEI carried an average of approximately 2.24 million passengers per day. (*As far as the author has been able to ascertain, the most recent fiscal year for TOEI figures was FY2022.) Tokyo Subway Route Map （by Tokyo Metro | Subway Map ） The beginning of Tokyo’s subway The history of Tokyo’s subway system began in 1927 with the opening of Japan’s first subway line, the Ginza Line, which initially operated between Asakusa Station and Ueno Station. The organization responsible for this construction was the predecessor of Tokyo Metro, a company established with private capital. In other words, the first steps in development of Tokyo’s subway system were initiated by a private company. The construction of a subway system by the private sector alone became difficult due to the recession and other factors, and in 1941 the Teito Rapid Transit Authority was established as a joint public-private investment organization under a law promulgated and enforced in 1938. The purpose of the Teito Rapid Transit Authority was to construct and operate the Tokyo subway system in a unified manner. View of the ticket gate at the opening of the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line （by Metro Cultural Foundation ） Participation in the construction of the Tokyo’s subway by TOEI Although the Teito Rapid Transit Authority started as a public-private venture, private capital was excluded in 1951 in favor of government funding, transforming the organization into one owned by only the national government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. At that time, Japan was experiencing economic growth and population concentration in cities, and there was an urgent need to improve the subway network. Teito Rapid Transit Authority had started construction work on the Marunouchi Line, but in order to cope with the increase in users, it was decided that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government would construct a subway as well. This was the beginning of the TOEI. Then, in 1959, the Marunouchi Line (now operated by Tokyo Metro) was fully opened, and in 1960, the Asakusa Line (operated by TOEI) began service, initially between Oshiage Station and Asakusabashi Station. This marked the start of Tokyo’s subway construction being advanced by two different operators. Furthermore, when the Asakusa Line opened, it became the first Tokyo subway line to engage in through-service operations with a private railway, Keisei Electric Railway. Ceremonial scene at the opening of the TOEI Asakusa Line （by TOEI TRANSPORTATION ） Privatization of From Teito Rapid Transit Authority to Tokyo Metro and the Discussion on Unification Tokyo Metro and TOEI Subway construction continued over the years, and by 2004, when the construction of the subway was largely completed, the Teito Rapid Transit Authority was privatized (incorporated into a corporation), becoming Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. Even after privatization, shares were held by the national government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, but the law called for the prompt sale of shares, that is, complete privatization. However, there were calls from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to discuss the unification of Tokyo’s subway operators, taking into account the historical context and convenience for passengers. In 2010, a council was established, composed from members of the national government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and Tokyo Metro, to discuss unification. Thus, discussions on the timing of the stock listing proved difficult. Amid these debates, a law was passed in 2011 stipulating that the proceeds from the sale of the national government’s Tokyo Metro shares would be allocated to the reconstruction fund for the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Stock Listing and the Expansion of the Yurakucho Line There is no doubt that the law for reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake has encouraged the listing, but I believe that there are other factors that have led to its occurrence at this time, with one of these being the expansion of the Yurakucho Line. One of the key reasons for the privatization of the Teito Rapid Transit Authority was that most new subway construction had been completed, and the focus had shifted primarily to operations. In other words, after the transition to Tokyo Metro, no new large-scale subway line construction was planned. However, due to strong local demands, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government sought to push forward with the expansion of the Yurakucho Line. Simply put, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government had two desires: to unify subway operators and to extend the Yurakucho Line. In this context, the national government presented a recommendation in 2021, stating that it would be appropriate for Tokyo Metro to be the primary entity responsible for extending the subway system while the national government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government would retain half of Tokyo Metro’s shares for the time being. In response, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government decided to proceed with the sale of its Tokyo Metro shares, which had been delayed due to discussions about unification, and also to advance the expansion of the Yurakucho Line. At last With Tokyo Metro’s stock listing, the company will undoubtedly attract more attention than ever before. This means that Tokyo Metro will need to be more conscious of its stock price and consider the voices of new shareholders in its management decisions. However, the fundamental role that Tokyo Metro and the TOEI play as subway operators in Tokyo is unlikely to change. Moving forward, I hope that both operators will continue to achieve high customer satisfaction and persist in developing a sustainable subway system that Tokyo (and Japan) can proudly present to the world. Reference Tokyo Metro https://www.tokyometro.jp/corporate/enterprise/passenger_rail/transportation/lines/index.html Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/about/service/subway.html Tokyo Subway Corporation Act https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/414AC0000000188 Recommendation of the Council for Transport Policy https://www.mlit.go.jp/policy/shingikai/content/001414998.pdf

Rulemaking Activities for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Japan < Back

When looking at Mobility on Demand in the United States, what better place to start than New York City? This largest market for MOD in the U.S. has had it's fair share of interest by train operators, bike share companies, smartphone app designers and more, as public transportation users look for more convenient and practical ways to make their commute. < Back Surface Transportation Mobility on Demand Trends in the United States ~A Case Study of New York, Part 1~ By Daisuke Miyamoto When looking at Mobility on Demand in the United States, what better place to start than New York City? This largest market for MOD in the U.S. has had it's fair share of interest by train operators, bike share companies, smartphone app designers and more, as public transportation users look for more convenient and practical ways to make their commute. Download the Report

JITTI Journal Cultural Article January 2026 Back to All JITTI Journals January 2026 Cultural Article Yuki Matsuri By Suzannah Nevas For many of us in the northern hemisphere, this is a cold and snowy time of year. What if you didn’t fight it, but instead leaned into all the wonders that ice and snow can uniquely provide? This year marks the 76th annual Yuki Matsuri, or Snow Festival, in Sapporo, Hokkaido. This spectacular seven day festival runs from February 4 – 11, and spreads out across three main venues. Yuki Matsuri is most famous for its iconic snow and ice sculptures (of which there are usually over 400!), some as tall as 30-50 feet high! The event also features many wintery activities and attractions including s ledding, snow rafting, snow mazes, skating, snow cornhole, ice slides, indoor and outdoor markets with gourmet food, an ice bar, and numerous photo ops! History of the Snow Festival The first Yuki Matsuri was held in Sapporo on February 18th in 1950. It was actually started by a group of industrious junior high and high school students who planned snow-themed activities and erected 6 snow statues in Odori Park. Their efforts attracted over 50,000 tourists, and for the last 75 years, the event has only continued to grow in scale and popularity. Here are a few highlights from the last 75 years: 1950 - The first festival, organized by local students, featuring an ice carnival, snowball capture the flag, and 6 snow sculptures. 1955 - The students and ordinary citizens who constructed the snow sculptures were joined by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, who began adding very large snow sculptures to the festival. 1959 - The event became televised nation-wide. 1965 - The event expanded to add a second venue and the Citizen’s Snow Sculpture Competition was added. 1974 - The International Snow Sculpture Contest was added. 1983 - The event expanded to add a third venue. 1987 - The event was extended to seven days. 1996 - The internet was used to solicit snow sculpture designs from students across the world. 2005 - Several changes were made to try and mitigate overcrowding and long lines 2019 - Attendance reached an all-time high of 2,737,000 visitors 2021 - The event was held online due to the world-wide COVID-19 Pandemic. The 75-year history of the festival also includes countless stories of incredible feats to overcome the challenges of insufficient snowfall and melting sculptures. Snow sculptures vary in size, with some being multiple stories tall Snow & Ice Sculptures The most awe-inspiring part of Yuki Matsuri is the incredible ingenuity and artistry of the snow and ice sculptures. There are several ginormous snow scenes & structures- often with extremely intricate detail and precision that are illuminated with lights and projected images. The International Snow Sculpture Contest features 10 competing teams of professionals from around the world. As part of the festival, you can watch these masterpieces being created live at the venue from February 4th to February 6th. The Citizen’s Snow Sculpture event is just what it sounds like- ordinary citizens enter a lottery to compete for the “Most Popular” sculpture voted by the festival’s visitors. There are also exquisite ice sculptures- some with fish frozen into them! How to Prepare Reserve your hotel - While there is no admission fee to join the event, accommodations do fill up, so it’s best to plan ahead and secure your lodging. Pack appropriately- The average temperature in Sapporo in February is typically between 20 ° - 30 ° F. While the main attractions are mostly outdoors, you will frequently want to pop into cute shops and restaurants to warm up, so remember to bundle up and wear layers that can easily be taken off and put back on! Bring a portable phone charger- The cold can drain your phone battery more quickly and you’ll want to use your phone to take many pictures of the incredible sights! Sources https://www.snowfes.com/ https://www.sapporo.travel/en/event/event-list/sapporo_snow_festival/ https://ssf-css.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapporo_Snow_Festival

Regional Revitalization Centered on Airports: Initiatives at Japanese Airports < Back