JITTI Journal Cultural Article November 2024 Back to All JITTI Journals November 2024 Cultural Article Christmas in Japan By Suzannah Nevas When I lived in Japan over a decade ago, I recall my State-side parents being surprised to learn that Christmas was celebrated in Japan. “But Christmas is a Christian Holiday,” my mom said. “Aren’t most Japanese people Shinto or Buddhist?” It’s true, according to Pew Research data from 2010, only 1.6% of Japanese people identify as Christian. But for the most part, Christmas is celebrated as a secular holiday in Japan. In fact, I told my mom to think of it as switching between American Christmas and American New Year’s. In the U.S., and many countries in the West, Christmas is a family holiday with religious origins and customs. In contrast, New Year’s Eve is not so much a family affair- young people will get dressed up and go out with their friends or romantic partners, perhaps anticipating a romantic midnight countdown kiss. In Japan, New Year’s is a holiday when people return to their family homes and visit the local shrine together for the first time in the new year. Christmas, however, is not associated with family or religion, but is instead imbued with connotations and expectations of romance. Christmas Eve in Japan is a bit like Valentine’s Day in the U.S. If you find yourself in Japan this Christmas, here are the key elements for celebrating like the locals: Go on a date- preferable out to a popular urban center. Extra points if your outfits are coordinated or festive themed! Major cities may have European style Christmas markets, and many restaurants will have special menus, or couple set courses for the special day. Go see an Illumination (holiday light display). These get more elaborate and spectacular each year and often feature special photo-op displays. Here is a list of Japan-Guide.com ’s 2024 Illumination locations by city. I personally recommend the Kobe Luminarie which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this winter, though it technically doesn’t begin until well after Christmas is over. KOBE Luminarie 2007 by 5th Luna (Copyrighted under CC BY-NC 2.0 ) Eat Cake. It isn’t Christmas in Japan without a Christmas Cake! Japanese Christmas cake is usually some version of strawberry shortcake- layers of sponge cake, whipped cream and strawberries. Either rolled or round, these beautiful, picturesque cakes tend to be cute and small compared to an American-sized cake- because they’re often meant for serving just 2! Pretty much anywhere that sells cakes will have these but they tend to sell out quickly. Department store patisseries will display their Christmas cake options weeks in advance so you can pre-order if you know where you’ll be. Tokyu Department Store 2013 Christmas Cake Catalogue (via this site ) Exchange gifts. While the exchanging of presents between koibito (lovers) is a far cry from the piles of wrapped boxes in stockings and under living-room Christmas trees in America, many couples do get each other a gift to open together on Christmas Eve. Don’t fret- there will be LOTS of gift ideas on display at every shop you see. Now don’t despair if you find yourself single in Japan around Christmas time. First of all- plenty of venues offer singles mixers to try and cash in on all the people not already paired off. Furthermore, pretty much everything listed above can be enjoyed just as much with your friends instead of a lover. One Japanese Christmas custom that really doesn’t have anything to do with romance is eating Kentucky-fried chicken! Thanks to an incredibly effective and enduring ad campaign by KFC in the 1970s, a bucket of fried chicken is about as iconic a holiday image in Japan as a Santa hat! In fact- you’ll often find both together! If you make it to Japan this winter, I hope you will enjoy some of these modern Xmas traditions! KFC Christmas Advertisement (via this site ) Sources https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/feature/religious-composition-by-country-2010-2050/ https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2304.html https://www.feel-kobe.jp/kobe_luminarie/eng/ https://www.jrpass.com/blog/do-people-celebrate-christmas-in-japan

The Current Use of Metropolitan Airports during the First Summer Vacation after the COVID Pandemic and the Latest Initiatives at These Airports < Back Dear Friends of JITTI USA, My name is Kazuya Fukuhara. I have been appointed as a Senior Representative of JITTI USA since mid-July this year. I would like to thank you all for your continued understanding and support of JITTI USA's activities. Today, I would like to briefly introduce myself, and I hope this will help you to become familiar with and interested in JITTI USA's activities. Before arriving at JITTI USA, I worked for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). At the MLIT, I have worked on policy and regulatory development in a wide range of fields, including aviation, housing, roads, and maritime security. I was also seconded to the Tourism Division of Kyoto City Office for three years, where I planned strategies about inbound tourism and over-tourism measures. Most recently, I was assigned to the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), where I was involved in policy compilation for the entire JCG and correspondence with the Diet. As the global security environment becomes increasingly severe, JCG is playing an increasingly important role in the security field. I was deeply involved in the discussions that set the direction for the future of the JCG, including the formulation of the policy for strengthening coast guard capabilities, taking into account the discussions on the National Security Strategy compiled at the end of last year. I myself am interested in international work and have been involved in policy formulation for infrastructure exports and other projects in the international department of MLIT, as well as having had the opportunity to study public policy at the University of Chicago. So, I am very grateful for the opportunity to work at JITTI USA. Although JITTI USA is a small organization, I am responsible for its overall management, as well as planning and coordinating events such as symposiums and conducting research in areas such as aviation. I am learning every day about the differences in overseas transportation systems that arise from background circumstances such as history, culture, geography, and religion in other countries, and I find it very interesting to work in this field. In my personal life, I currently live with my wife and three-year-old son. My wife and I have lived in Chicago before, but this is my son's first time living abroad. Sometimes it pains me to hear my son says that he wants to go back to Japan, but recently he has been saying this less and less, and he seems to be getting used to life here. The parks here have a wide variety of playground equipment, which my son likes very much, and it is becoming a habit for him to visit a new park every weekend. If you see us at the park, please feel free to contact us. Last but not least, I would very much appreciate your continued support for JITTI's activities. I would also be happy to exchange ideas and opinions with you personally and with everyone who reads this journal. Sincerely, Kazuya Fukuhara

JITTI Journal Cultural Article January 2025 Back to All JITTI Journals January 2025 Cultural Article My Favorite Old Town, Kawagoe By Tomomi Dodd This time I would like to introduce Kawagoe in Saitama, my favorite old town near my hometown. Kawagoe is located less than 60 minutes from central Tokyo. It used to be the closest city for me as I grew up nearby and I have good memories there. It was never as popular as it is now and it used to be like a hidden gem for locals. Now Kawagoe is booming and there are new shops, cafes, and restaurants. They now have a lot more domestic and international tourists. As the whole area is walkable in a few hours, Kawagoe is recommended as a great day trip destination from Tokyo. Main street of Kawagoe old town: Kurazukuri zone Image Source: Tomomi Dodd Let’s talk about the history of Kawagoe. Kawagoe is known as “Ko-edo” (little Edo), as the main street preserves old warehouse styled buildings (Kurazukuri) from the Edo period (1603-1867). During the Edo period, Kawagoe developed as a supplier of commodities to Tokyo (then named Edo). As Kawagoe became an important city to the capital for trade and strategic purposes, Kawagoe Castle was also built. Jinrikisha Image Source: Tomomi Dodd If you catch a Jinrikisha, you can enjoy sightseeing without walking. Tours in English are also available. VASARA Kimoto Rental: 18-3 Renjakucho, Kawagoe city, Saitama Image Source: Tomomi Dodd At VASARA, they can put Kimono on you and you can rent it for the day. It is such a special experience to walk around Kawagoe in kimono. Toki no Kane Day Time Version & Toki no Kane NightTime Version Image Source: Tomomi Dodd Toki no Kane (Bell of Time) is another iconic symbol of Kawagoe. It was built around 1630 by the feudal lord of Kawagoe castle, Sakai Tadakatsu. It got burned down numerous times and the current one was rebuilt after the Great Kawagoe Fire in 1893. The bell is rung four times a day by an automatic machine. Kashiya-Yokocho Image Source: Tomomi Dodd Let me introduce some of my favorite spots in Kawagoe. The first spot is of course the street called Kashiya-Yokocho, meaning "candy lane". It ’s a short street with many snack and candy shops. It used to feel like such a big street when I was a child. I remember the artists making beautiful candies with very detailed designs of goldfish, dragons, birds, etc. As a child, it was always too expensive for me. I was glad to find a shop who still sells candy sculptures. I wish this beautiful culture will continue to be preserved. Candy Sculptures Image Source: Tomomi Dodd Hikawa Shrine Image Source: Tomomi Dodd My next favorite place is Hikawa Shrine. Every summer the shrine decorates itself with a bunch of beautiful and colorful wind chimes. It is also a special place for me as my close friend had a beautiful wedding there. When I visited this time, it was still packed with people for hatsu-moude (New Year shrine visiting). Another favorite place is Ichinoya. This restaurant is very popular for their unagi (eel). It is hard to get reservations with them. There are many restaurants for eel in Kawagoe as it is surrounded by rivers. Ichinoya’s sauce for eel is very mild and you can enjoy the original flavor of eel. I also would like you to try their egg omelet with eel, called umaki. Ichinoya's Eel & Umaki Image Source: Tomomi Dodd I hope I was able to show a little bit of Kawagoe with this short article. Old towns like Kawagoe are very valuable for Japan as they still preserve a lot of historic charm. Every time I visit, I always discover new things, such as a new shop on a side street. I am looking forward to continue seeing development in Kawagoe with a mixture of old and new. Starbucks in Kawagoe Image Source: Tomomi Dodd Bonus photo: Starbucks in Kawagoe is in one of the Kurazukuri houses. It looks very classic and cool! It is located near Toki no Kane. References Kawagoe Travel Guide - What to do in Kawagoe City https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6500.html Kawagoe-Guide-Map https://koedo.or.jp/wp-content/uploads/KAWAGOE-GUIDE-MAP-EngTaiwanKorea.pdf Bell of Time (Bell Tower) https://koedo.or.jp/en/spot_001/ Ichinoya: 1-18-10, Matsue-cho, Kawagoe-city, Saitama-ken https://kawagoeichinoya.owst.jp/en/

JITTI Journal NOTE: JITI USA changed it's name to the Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA (JITTI USA) in August 2019. As such, all published materials before then are named the JITI Journal 2022: January JITTI Journal feature on the outlook of the tourism, transportation, and economic sectors in Japan in 2022 cultural article on Nengajou, Japanese New Year's Cards March JITTI Journal feature on technology-based strategies to combat urban rail congestion in the Japanese railroad industry cultural article on Izakayas: Japanese-style bars May JITTI Journal feature on mandatory registration of unmanned aircraft in Japan cultural article on the origin of Okinawan taco rice July JITTI Journal feature on recent developments in the US-Japan Coast Guard partnership cultural article on what it's like to travel with an infant in Japan September JITTI Journal feature on the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, the first international exposition to be held in Japan in 20 years cultural article on Japan's unique vending machines November JITTI Journal feature on Japan's reopening of borders since the COVID pandemic (link) cultural article on JITTI staff, Suzannah Nevas' personal experience honeymooning in Japan with the border opening (link) 2021: January JITTI Journal feature on Japan's budget for FY2021 cultural article on Shodo, Japanese calligraphy that has been traditionally done on January 2nd March JITTI Journal feature on new Japanese legislation on sUAS flown beyond visual line of sight and over people cultural article on anime and manga May JITTI Journal feature on guidelines for creating manuals to assist foreign tourists during an emergency cultural article on native animals to Japan and where to find them July JITTI Journal feature on the Japanese Coast Guard's response to Chinese government ship activities around the Senkaku Islands cultural article on Shohei Ohtani trivia September JITTI Journal feature on public office booths set up in Japanese train stations as a service for teleworkers during the pandemic and beyond cultural article on Shogi November JITTI Journal feature on the Japanese government's 2022 fiscal budget to bolster the tourism industry and to encourage the travel of international visitors cultural article on native dinosaurs to Japan 2020: January JITTI Journal feature on Japan's policy on unmanned aircraft systems cultural article on Osechi, or traditional foods eaten to celebrate the new year March JITTI Journal feature on cruise trends in Japan cultural article on the Japanese tradition of Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing May JITTI Journal feature on the effects of the novel coronavirus on the shipping sector cultural article on little known facts of the Japanese music industry July JITTI Journal feature on Mobility as a Service in Japan cultural article on the sounds that remind Japanese people of summer September JITTI Journal feature on the impacts of COVID-19 on Japanese transportation industries cultural article on the Hakata Dontaku Festival November JITTI Journal feature on the domestic tourism initiatives started during the pandemic cultural article on traveling to Shuzenji through the "Go To Travel" Campaign 2019: January JITI Journal feature on Capacity Enhancement of Narita International Airport cultural article on Hatsu-moude, or the tradition of visiting shrines in the new year March JITI Journal feature on Tokyo Metro's initiatives to enhance foreign traveler experiences cultural article on Osaka's winning World Expo bid for 2025, and the expected changes that will occur to prepare for the event May JITI Journal feature on the Japan Coast Guard as they create new international frameworks with coast guards of the world cultural article on Shichi-Go-San, a Japanese coming-of-age celebration for children turning seven, five, and three July JITI Journal feature on our Revenue Opportunities through Value Capture Session which we co-hosted with APTA during their 2019 Rail Conference cultural article on Koshien, a high school baseball tournament which has become a summer classic in Japan September JITTI Journal feature on high speed rail in the United States, and analysis of issues preventing it from becoming more prevalent cultural article on Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a local festival and pant-less affair November JITTI Journal feature on Haneda Airport slots, and their effects on civil aviation in the Asia Pacific Region cultural article on Miyakojima, a resort island in Okinawa 2018: January JITI Journal feature on Capacity Building Support by the Japan Coast Guard to Developing Countries - Mobile Cooperation Team short article on Niihama March JITI Journal feature on the railways in Japan during rush hour short article on manners for shoes in Japan May JITI Journal feature on improving and strengthening the transport safety management system short article on Miyajima July JITI Journal feature on airport concession policy in Japan short article on awaodori September JITI Journal feature on strengthening aviation safety through SSP short article on Takarazuka Revue November JITI Journal feature on measures taken against falling objects from airplanes short article on facial hair in Japan 2017: January JITI Journal Feature on urban rail transit in Japan short article on the Kintaikyo Bridg March JITI Journal feature on package delivery service in Japan short article on "suna-mushi" in Ibusuki May JITI Journal feature on ICAO and the CORSIA Scheme agreement short article on outings with babies and toddlers in Japan July JITI Journal feature on becoming a pilot in Japan short article on Art Island September JITI Journal feature on license plates in Japan short article on Kawagoe castle November JITI Journal feature on public restroom facilities in Japan short article on Sakai 2016: January JITI Journal feature on the inauguration of the Hokkaido Shinkansen's partial operation status short article on Kamata Ryokan March JITI Journal feature on airport privatization and the concession style of airport management short article on the temples of Kyoto May JITI Journal feature on an overview of the Japan-US Agreement for opening Haneda's daytime services short article on Shinjuku Suehirotei July JITI Journal feature on drones and how we can move toward safe operation of unmanned aircraft short article on Kumamoto September JITI Journal feature on ways for airports to minimize the disruption caused by natural disasters short article on Kamakura November JITI Journal feature on capacity building support by the Japan Coast Guard in developing countries short article on Yamazaki Pre-2016 JITTI USA was incorporated in 2008, and took over the research activities held by Institution for Transport Policy Studies (ITPS)/ JITI Washington DC office.

Tourism in Japan: A look at the Numbers from 2024 and the Outlook for 2025 Tourism in Japan: A look at the Numbers from 2024 and the Outlook for 2025 by Haruhiko Koyama Global and Japanese Tourism in 2024 The year 2024 marked a recovery for the global tourism industry, with many regions entering a phase of growth beyond pre-pandemic levels. According to UN Tourism, international tourist arrivals in 2024 reached approximately 1.4 billion, equivalent to 99% of 2019 levels. Total exports from tourism, including passenger transport, hit a record high of USD 1.9 trillion, with international tourism receipts reaching USD 1.6 trillion, a 4% increase compared to 2019. This recovery has been driven by strong post-pandemic travel demand, robust performance from large source markets, and the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Japan has also emerged as one of the popular destinations for international travelers, setting a new record for annual inbound visitors. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), about 36.9 million foreign tourists visited Japan in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 31.9 million in 2019 by approximately 16%. Furthermore, total spending by inbound tourists reached a historic high of approximately JPY 8.1 trillion (USD 53.3 billion), with per capita spending estimated at around JPY 227,000 (USD 1,493). Inbound tourist spending of JPY 8.1 trillion (USD 53.3 billion) ranked as Japan's second-largest export sector, following automobile exports, which amounted to approximately JPY 17.7 trillion (USD 116.4 billion) in 2024 (based on trade statistics from the Ministry of Finance for January to November, annualized). This underscores the increasing importance of tourism in Japan’s economy. A Look at Japan’s Inbound Tourism Growth First, let's look at the trend of Japan’s inbound tourism growth over the years. Japan’s strategic approach to increasing inbound tourism began in 2003 with the "Visit Japan Campaign." Despite setbacks such as the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, tourist numbers gradually increased, surpassing 10 million for the first time in 2013. Subsequent policy measures, including visa relaxations, expanded tax-free programs, improved immigration procedures, and the expansion of flight networks, led to a record-high 31.9 million visitors in 2019. Like many other countries, Japan’s tourism industry suffered a major blow from the pandemic starting in 2020. However, after the easing of border restrictions in 2023, inbound tourism gradually recovered, with momentum accelerating in 2024, eventually setting a new record of 36.9 million visitors. Factors Behind the Increase in Foreign Tourists in Japan Let’s take a look at the details of Japan’s inbound tourism in 2024. According to reports, the JTA believes that several factors have contributed to the rise in inbound tourism in 2024. The recovery of airline routes is thought to have boosted visitor numbers not only from East Asia, which had already been a major source market before the pandemic, but also from Southeast Asia, the United States, Europe, and Australia. Additionally, the efforts made by both the public and private sectors, including sustained promotional activities, continuous improvements to tourism content, and other long-term initiatives undertaken since before the pandemic, have yielded results. Along with favorable exchange rates for international visitors, these initiatives are considered to have further encouraged travel throughout the year. Top Five Source Markets for Japan’s Inbound Tourism in 2024 According to the JNTO, the top five inbound markets in 2024 were as follows (figures in parentheses indicate year-over-year growth): South Korea: 8,817,800 visitors (+26.7%) China: 6,981,200 visitors (+187.9%) Taiwan: 6,044,400 visitors (+43.8%) United States: 2,724,600 visitors (+33.2%) Hong Kong: 2,683,500 visitors (+26.9%) East Asian countries and regions, which are geographically close to Japan, dominate the top ranks. However, the United States stands out as the fourth-largest inbound market, with its year-over-year growth exceeding that of South Korea and Hong Kong. Regarding China, inbound travel remained sluggish in 2023 due to political and economic factors related to Japan’s release of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water into the ocean, as well as delays in the recovery of airline routes following the pandemic. As a result, the year-over-year increase in 2024 was significant. In 2019, China accounted for approximately 9.6 million visitors to Japan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced last year plans to relax tourism visa requirements for Chinese visitors, aiming to implement the changes around spring 2025. The changes include introducing a 10-year multiple-entry visa for affluent travelers and extending the maximum stay for group tour visas to 30 days. If political and economic conditions remain stable, the number of Chinese tourists in 2025 could match or even surpass pre-pandemic levels. Tourist Destinations in Japan According to the JTA, approximately 70% of foreign visitors to Japan in 2024 traveled to the three major metropolitan areas (Greater Tokyo, Greater Osaka, and Aichi), while 30% visited regional destinations. In 2019, about 60% of visitors stayed in the three major metropolitan areas, with 40% exploring regional areas. This indicates a post-pandemic trend of increased concentration in urban areas. However, the JNTO reports that more travelers from the United States, Europe, Australia, India, and Singapore are staying in regional areas in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels. The JTA recognizes the importance of promoting regional tourism to stimulate local economies and prevent overtourism. To achieve this, the government, local authorities, and private-sector businesses are collaborating to develop high-quality, immersive tourism experiences in regional areas. Key initiatives include supporting the development of experience-based tourism products and selecting 14 model destinations nationwide to attract luxury travelers. These efforts aim to introduce Japan’s "hidden gems" to a broader international audience. Outbound Tourism from Japan On the other hand, outbound travel from Japan has seen only a modest recovery. According to the JTA, approximately 13 million Japanese travelers went abroad in 2024, 65% of pre-pandemic levels. The agency attributes this to exchange rate fluctuations and rising travel and airfare costs to popular destinations. Recognizing the importance of outbound travel for fostering international awareness and mutual understanding, the JTA is working with relevant ministries to promote educational travel abroad. From the perspective of deepening international exchange and increasing mutual visits, it also believes that establishing sister city relationships between Japanese and foreign municipalities is crucial for strengthening ties. Outlook for 2025 From this April to October, Osaka will host the World Expo. According to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, approximately 28.2 million visitors are expected, with about 10% coming from overseas. In addition, major international sporting events, such as the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (September) and the Deaflympics in Tokyo (November), are also expected to drive inbound tourism. Similarly, for outbound tourism from Japan, these global events may inspire Japanese travelers to explore the world beyond Japan. Additionally, Japan’s visibility in media remains strong. For instance, Japan ranked first in Condé Nast Traveler’s "Top Countries in the World: Readers’ Choice Awards 2024" in the U.S. and U.K., Osaka and Toyama were featured in The New York Times’ "52 Places to Go This Year," and Kanazawa was listed in National Geographic’s "Best of the World 2025." These factors are expected to contribute to continued inbound tourism growth in 2025. The JTA has set ambitious targets of 60 million inbound visitors and JPY 15 trillion (USD 98.7 billion) in tourism-related spending by 2030. Public-private collaboration will continue to enhance promotional efforts to achieve these goals. Looking Ahead According to UN Tourism, international tourist arrivals in 2025 are projected to grow by 3% to 5% compared to 2024, assuming favorable global economic conditions, continued inflation decline, and stable geopolitical situations. Since the inauguration of the Trump administration, geopolitical and economic uncertainty have been increasing. However, tourism plays a crucial role not only in providing enjoyment and joyfulness to travelers but also in fostering international understanding and cultural exchange. As both the global and Japanese tourism industries navigate this evolving landscape, we will continue to closely monitor how they adapt to these shifting dynamics in 2025. References UN Tourism, International tourism recovers pre-pandemic levels in 2024 https://www.unwto.org/news/international-tourism-recovers-pre-pandemic-levels-in-2024 Japan Tourism Agency, White Paper on Tourism in Japan, 2024 (Summary) https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001767069.pdf Japan Tourism Agency, White Paper on Tourism in Japan, 2019 (Summary) https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/810003406.pdf Japan Tourism Agency, The New Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/en/kankorikkoku/kihonkeikaku.html Japan National Tourism Organization, Japan Tourism Statistics Latest Information https://statistics.jnto.go.jp/en/graph/#graph--latest--figures Condé Nast Traveler, Top Countries in the World: Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 (US) https://www.cntraveler.com/story/top-countries-in-the-world The New York Times, 52 Places to Go in 2025 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/travel/places-to-travel-destinations-2025.html National Geographic, Best of the World 2025 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/slideshow/best-of-the-world-2025 Exchange Rate Assumption All USD conversions in this document are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = 152 JPY, which reflects the exchange rate at the time of writing. Back to All JITTI Journals March 2025 Feature Article

JITTI Journal Cultural Article January 2019 Back to All JITTI Journals January 2019 Cultural Article Hatsu-moude by Tomomi Dodd Many Japanese people visit shrines or temples at New Years in a practice called “Hatsu-moude.” “Hatsu” means new or first, and “Moude” means visiting shrines or temples. Traditionally people are supposed to visit their local shrines or temples. This is because it is believed that the spirits worshipped in local shrines or temples protect their regional areas. However, there is no strict rule, and many people visit big places such as “Meiji Shrine” in Tokyo or “Kawasaki-daishi” in Kanagawa Prefecture. People pray to God/spirits to show them appreciation for the last year and to wish for a good new year. Some people wear kimonos to go to Hatsu-moude. Some people wear new clothes, including underwear, as it is a Japanese custom to refresh oneself in the new year. ( DSC_4405 by Éric Fournié is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ) It is said that Hatsu-moude became popular in Japan after World War II as the development of transportation progressed. Many people start Hatsu-moude after midnight, despite the cold weather and long lines, as trains operate 24 hours on Dec 31st through Jan 1st , and there will be food trucks waiting for visitors at many temples and shrines. ( 靖國神社 初詣 2012 by CLF is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ) People also draw fortune slips at shrines or temples. These are called “omikuji.” Each omikuji predicts different levels of luck for the new year: very good luck, good luck, OK luck, bad luck, or extremely bad luck. It also tells your fortune in specific areas of your life, such as health, romance, money, and education. Many people tie them to the trees at the grounds of shrines or temples after reading them, as it is believed you can tie a bond with God by doing so. ( kichi by fui :-) is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ) I recommend you go to Hatsu-moude if you ever have a chance to visit Japan during the new year.

Japan's Policy on Unmanned Aircraft Systems < Back

Aviation Analyst, Daisuke Takagi, shares his insights of the aviation policy changes shared at the TRB 99th Annual Meeting held in January 2020. Topics include Brexit, the greater African presence in the world of aviation, and air connectivity. < Back Civil Aviation 2020 Transportation Research Board 99th Annual Meeting Report By Daisuke Takagi Aviation Analyst, Daisuke Takagi, shares his insights of the aviation policy changes shared at the TRB 99th Annual Meeting held in January 2020. Topics include Brexit, the greater African presence in the world of aviation, and air connectivity. Download the Report

Outlook of the Tourism, Transportation, and Economic Sectors in Japan in 2022 < Back

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

Regional Revitalization Centered on Airports: Initiatives at Japanese Airports . Regional Revitalization Centered on Airports: Initiatives at Japanese Airports By Yukiko Nakamura 1. Background Airports are not only hubs for the movement of people and goods but can also serve as “cores” for showcasing the appeal of the regions where they are located. While airports are gateways that welcome many passengers, they also function as icons that convey the unique attractions of their surrounding areas. Moreover, the areas around airports tend to host industries related to airport operations and transportation, serve as valuable tourism resources, and provide residential zones for many of the people working at the airport. By collaborating with their surrounding communities, airports can not only promote greater use of their facilities but also help enrich local communities. In Japan, initiatives are increasing where airport operators closely collaborate with local governments and businesses in the airport's region to leverage this potential and revitalize the area. The following introduces some of these initiatives. 2. Initiatives of Airports in Japan Case 1 - Narita International Airport Narita Airport is Japan's busiest airport for international passengers, connected to 123 cities worldwide (As of April 2025). While the airport is accessible from central Tokyo in about one hour, it is located in Chiba Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo. Narita City, where the airport is situated, and its surrounding areas boast many tourist attractions and local specialties, including historical buildings like temples, traditional streetscapes, and abundant natural scenery. Narita Airport Location and Surrounding Area (Image Source: Visit Chiba ) Narita Airport has been working on expansion projects to prepare for future growth in air traffic demand in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Its plan is to increase the annual slot capacity from 300,000 to 500,000 by March 2029 through the extension of existing runway and the construction of a new one. In addition to expanding runway capacity, the airport envisions consolidating passenger terminals and developing a new cargo area to enhance both passenger and cargo handling capacity. Importantly, the plan also emphasizes collaboration and co-development with surrounding regions, not just expansion of the airport itself. Narita "Airport City" Concept In June 2025, Narita Airport, together with Chiba Prefecture and surrounding municipalities, announced the "Airport City Concept," aiming for integrated growth of the airport and its surrounding areas. Its concepts and vision are as follows. ■Concepts Ÿ A key national project to strengthen Narita Airport's international competitiveness and drive Japan's growth strategy Ÿ Harnessing global dynamism to maximize the inherent potential of Japan, Narita Airport, and the surrounding region Ÿ Transforming into a metropolitan area that leads the world ■Vision Ÿ Becoming a flagship airport city that continues to make Japan shine on the global stage Ÿ Generating vitality through fostering next-generation industries and leveraging digital transformation. Ÿ Forming an international industrial hub, Japan's most global city = a future-oriented airport city Ÿ Forming the airport region's unique identity and landscape ■Zoning Ÿ Creation of a broad economic sphere centered on the airport Ÿ Dividing the Narita Airport area into five interconnected zones to form a globally leading airport city region; utilizing the high accessibility and prime locations of the four zones near the airport to establish international industrial and logistics hubs Ÿ Simultaneously forming integrated industrial, residential, and tourism hubs where the airport and surrounding areas organically collaborate Conceptual Zoning of the Airport Periphery Area (Image Source: Narita Airport City Concept ) 1. Industrial Gateway (Red): A mixed-use zone where logistics and industrial functions coexist with high-value-added agriculture and export hubs 2. Sky Frontier Cross (Blue): A cluster zone for advanced industries and training facilities, centered on the aerospace industry 3. Life Science Park (Yellow): A cluster zone for life science businesses centered around medical and R&D hubs 4. Access Business Hub (Green): A hub zone featuring business and lodging functions Development and Sales of Products Using Local Specialties Narita Airport also collaborates with local producers and businesses to develop products using specialty items from the surrounding area, selling them both inside and outside the airport. 　Examples include sweets made from local agricultural products such as sweet potatoes and peanuts, craft beer brewed with Chiba-grown olives and Japanese pepper, and original gin flavored with timber felled during airport expansion work. These uniquely developed products not only appeal to airport users through on-site sales but are also sold in local stores and online, promoting the airport and its surrounding region to wider audiences. This enhances recognition, supports future tourism growth, and increases sales of local products. Original confections and alcoholic beverages using local specialty ingredients (Image Source: +NRT Factory , NARITA AIRPORT to TABLE ) Creation of the promotional brand "NARITA BEYOND" Narita Airport has also launched “NARITA BEYOND,” a destination promotion brand that highlights the attractions of the surrounding area. Through an information space within the airport, as well as a website that allows users to book local experiences, dining, and accommodation, the initiative aims to deliver regional information to a wider audience, stimulating tourism and local consumption. Although Narita is close to Tokyo, travelers often bypass Chiba Prefecture altogether. This initiative addresses that challenge by positioning the airport’s surrounding area as a destination in its own right, generating benefits for both the airport and the region. The "NARITA BEYOND" website introduces the attractions and experiences around Narita Airport (Image Source: NARITA BEYOND ) The information hub for "NARITA BEYOND," which opened in August, 2025 at Narita Airport's Terminal 1 (Image Source: https://pnl.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/20250725_naritabeyond.pdf ) Case 2 - Nanki-Shirahama Airport (Kumano Shirahama Resort Airport) Nanki-Shirahama Airport is located in Wakayama Prefecture, in Japan's Kansai region, with approximately 235,000 passengers recorded in fiscal year 2024. The airport is relatively close to Kyoto and Osaka. Wakayama Prefecture is also blessed with rich tourism resources, including the World Heritage sites of Kumano Kodo and Koyasan, as well as beaches, hot springs, and recreation parks. Although Nanki-Shirahama Airport is a relatively small airport in terms of passenger volume, it actively engages with the local community, promoting tourism resources and encouraging travel within the region. This approach aims to revitalize the surrounding area and boost airport usage. Location of Wakayama Prefecture and Kumano-Shirahama Resort Airport (Nanki-Shirahama Airport) (Image Source: Wakayama Travel Guide ) Enhancing Regional Circulation and Convenience with Facial Recognition Nanki Shirahama Airport collaborated with NEC, a company with advanced facial recognition technology, to conduct pilot projects from 2019 to February 2025. The service allowed registered users (by uploading facial images and credit card information in advance) to make payments at participating stores through facial recognition, unlock hotel rooms, and gain fast-track entry to recreational facilities. Additionally, electronic coupons were linked to the system, encouraging tourists to visit multiple facilities while collecting valuable data on consumer behavior. This initiative, led by the airport in collaboration with private companies and local governments, represented a novel IT-driven effort to promote regional tourism and attracted significant attention in Japan. Image of the facial recognition service (Image Source: Nanki Shirahama "Only Here" Experience ) Participating facilities of the project (at the time of the pilot project) (Image Source: Nanki Shirahama "Only Here" Experience ) 3. Conclusion In Japan, airports are evolving beyond mere transit points to become hubs that disseminate regional information and appeal, attract visitors, and drive integrated regional development. The Japanese government has positioned "regional revitalization" as a key policy theme and has been pursuing it long-term. At the same time, efforts to attract inbound travelers are being strengthened, with the dual aims of spreading economic benefits to regional areas and addressing over-tourism in major cities . Airports are expected to continue evolving as bridges that connect local communities with travelers, serving as models for promoting regional exchange, tourism, and international outreach. References Visit Chiba https://www.visitchiba.jp/ Narita Airport "Airport City" Concept https://www.narita-airport.jp/files/e8dcfc7ebbb6416e580989eb56a9b92b96307709d7fee29441e84a81127cb6fa https://www.pref.chiba.lg.jp/kuushin/narita/kousoukouhyou.html +NRT Factory https://plusnaritafactory.com/EN NARITA AIRPORT to TABLE https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/company/sustainability/examples/narita-airport-totable/ NARITA BEYOND https://narita-beyond.jp/en/ Nanki Shirahama Airport (Kumano - Shirahama Resort Airport) https://shirahama-airport.jp/# Wakayama Travel Guide https://visitwakayama.jp/en/index.html Facial Recognition Service Trial at Nanki Shirahama Airport (NEC) https://www.nec.com/en/global/delight/tourism/nankishirahama/index.html Back to All JITTI Journals September 2025 Feature Article

JITTI Journal July 2019 Back to All JITTI Journals July 2019 Feature Article Value Capture Session Overview by Mamiko Kim A few weeks ago, on June 26 th , JITI held a joint session with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) titled “Revenue Opportunities from Value Capture” as part of APTA’s 2019 Rail Conference. In the early 2010s, JITI held programs in Chicago and California. However, this was the first JITI event held in Canada since its inception. Due to the distance from our home base in Washington, DC, and the fact that our regular audience members may not have gotten a chance to attend this session, I hope to relate more details about this event’s subject and the discussion that took place to our readership. We had speakers from Japan and North America, which diversified the experiences shared For those unfamiliar with the term “value capture,” particularly in regards to rail, it refers to instances where rail companies are able to create capital through infrastructure and land investments above and around stations and rail lines. These investments create revenue opportunities as people are enticed to shop and spend money in these locations, and in turn increase ridership to and from stations. We had presentations by Yuji Murakami of the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Kantaro Yamaguchi of the Tokyu Corporation (Tokyu) who both shared illustrations of success stories in Japan where consistent cash flow came into their organizations by utilizing value capture. It is important to note that most rail systems in Japan are operated by private companies, and do not receive financial assistance from governments. In fact, these private companies own real estate and businesses that are separate from the rail sector (such as shopping centers as opposed to station properties), and the rail system is sustained by both ridership and money pulled from these businesses and real estate owned by the company. There are particular challenges in the US and Canada to utilize value capture due to the fact that most rail systems are operated by the public sector, and thus construction and operation are usually funded by state, local, and federal governments. This in turn means that there is more restriction on the type of development that rail systems are able to make, with much of the revenue from real estate around stations being pulled into private businesses rather than returning to the rail system. Heather McKillop of the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Kevin Desmond of the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (Translink) presented their own successful models of how they are able to combat these challenges. This included Denver’s achievement of partnership and collaboration with multiple players in order to accumulate some 14 different funding sources to revitalize the Denver Union Station, which they did with such success that they were able to pay off all loans 21 years early. Mr. Desmond described how they have levied property taxes on real estate around stations, doubled property values through pre-development work before disposition, through commercial partnerships, and how they will begin imposing development cost charges in 2020 as another way to fund stations. Panelists consisted of leaders in organizations with success in value capture There were two main discussion points that the moderator, Sasha Page of IMG Rebel, introduced to the panel discussion. The first question was how rail companies are able to manage real estate risk. Mr. Murakami explained that JR East’s goal is to add value to the areas around the station as well as to run trains smoothly in those areas. This could mean that they find areas of interest to work with. For example, there is a famous temple in Nagano. By creating a rail line to this temple, it gives people an attractive option to get there. This intrinsically benefits the rail line and the area around it. Mr. Yamaguchi, acknowledging that their goals are similar to that of JR East, added that with changes in the real estate market due to gentrification and an aging population, Tokyu is working with municipal governments to try to minimalize risk. In Denver’s case, Ms. McKillop elaborated that to mitigate risk, Denver took out a large credit risk premium. Now that there has been a precedent set, she believes that it will be easier to work with the US Department of Transportation in the future. Finally, Mr. Desmond explained that at Translink they have a revolving land account, where they buy and sell land for strategic acquisition. As introduced earlier, they have begun doing pre-development of the land to increase land value before the sale. In the future they are looking into doing more joint developments as well, which carries less risk than creating developments alone. In addition, Mr. Page asked each of the panelists on how their organizations deal with the affordable housing issue. Gentrification, which we are also familiar with in the DC Metro area, is especially a problem around rail stations as it pushes out the very residents who need public transportation the most. Mr. Desmond relayed that this was particularly an issue in 2017 in the Vancouver area, as not only were middle- and lower-income buyers priced out of real estate, but there was a lack of rental properties being built around rail. Since then, municipalities have been working to resolve this problem. He emphasized that policies need to begin at the municipal level. Translink, as they begin joint development ventures, are looking to make sure that areas they control have affordable housing. Ms. McKilllop echoed Mr. Desmond’s points, as she noted that land-use decisions are made by municipalities. She spoke of the power of rail companies to negotiate with municipalities, such as a recent example of an affordable housing unit next to a station which was unable to build due to parking requirements from the city. RTD was able to negotiate for limiting the number of parking the housing unit needed as both RTD and the city of Denver hoped to encourage people to use public transit. The situation in Japan is rather different. Mr. Yamaguchi revealed that like the United States and Canada, land use is determined by municipalities. However, Mr. Murakami explained that in Japan there are strong social programs that protect individuals in middle- and lower-income brackets. In fact, because municipalities have successfully made these efforts, JR East has never been asked to include affordable housing in their developments. Mr. Yamaguchi said that Tokyu does do work to help renovate older properties along their rail lines, which attracts younger people, single mothers, and the elderly. They also expand their bus services so that those who live farther away have access to the stations. The speakers of our session stood together for a group shot The discussion continued with questions from the audience, which I will not cover here. However, I do encourage you to view the full videos or to listen to the audio we have on our website. I hope this report gives the readers a taste of the session, which covers much more information than written here. The major takeaway was that each of the rail systems represented strives to be the world’s best, but there are unique challenges that impact them differently. However, all of the speakers spoke of their common goals to commit to best practices, to build and maintain efficient, convenient, and reliable rail systems, and to sustain these activities through sound business methods, such as value capture discussed in this event. This joint session may not have covered or resolved every issue that rail companies face as they seek to utilize value capture, but we believe that it is one step towards opening up a discussion so that all may benefit internationally. We will continue to follow this topic closely in the future, and hope that you can join us in our next event.