Welcome to our website! Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA (JITTI USA), is an independent research institute which studies various kinds of US-Japan and... Events JITTI-APTA Rail Symposium 2026 Enhancing Economic Impact, Innovation and the Customer Experience through Major Projects and Mega Events Videos on Demand VIEW ALL VIDEOS Events JITTI-APTA Rail Symposium 2026 : Enhancing Economic Impact, Innovation and the Customer Experience through Major Projects and Mega Events Thursday, March 26th | Hybrid Event: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center and Held Virtually in English and Japanese In both the United States and Japan, railways are a vital foundation supporting economic activity. In the U.S., major projects such as modernization along the Northeast Corridor are underway, and investment in rail-centered public transportation is accelerating ahead of mega events including the FIFA World Cup 2026. Meanwhile in Japan, alongside ongoing advancements in rail development and station-centered urban development in major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, network enhancements and customer-experience initiatives linked to international events have already been implemented. Investment by Japanese rolling stock manufacturers in the U.S. has also contributed to local communities. Against this backdrop, the railway sector has become a key area for sharing expertise and strengthening bilateral relations. This symposium will bring together government officials and railway operators to discuss expanding the economic impact of railway investment and leveraging mega events to enhance the customer experience. VIEW ALL EVENTS Research Reports Basic Policy Directions of Transportation and Tourism under the Second Trump Administration: Key Characteristics of Policy Management in the First Year after Inauguration Author: Kazuya Fukuhara | Tourism & More Trends in Decarbonization Policies for the Aviation and Airport Sectors in the United States Author: Yukiko Nakamura | Civil Aviation Recent Developments in the Revitalization of the U.S. Maritime Industry: Application of Section 301 under the U.S. Trade Act Author: Kazuya Fukuhara & Hiroyuki Yamagami | Maritime Transportation VIEW ALL REPORTS JITTI JOURNAL March 2026 Volume 13 Issue 2 | Feature: Naoki Sato | Cultural Article: Mamiko Kim Rail in the Greater Tokyo Area will be easier to ride with new Tap-to-Pay turnstiles. Read all about it in this month's Feature Article. Meanwhile, with spring just around the corner, the Cultural Article introduces Japan's sakura treats and how you can enjoy them in the D.C. area, through grocery store finds or making it at home. January 2026 Volume 13 Issue 1 | Feature: Yosuke Yamashita | Cultural Article: Suzannah Nevas In this journal's Featured Article, discover how Japan, along with it's strategic alliance with the U.S., is reshaping global shipbuilding and what it means for the future. Furthermore, find how Sapporo, Japan finds delight in the winter season in their annual Yuki Matsuri (snow festival). November 2025 Volume 12 Issue 6 | Feature: Yuta Arai | Cultural Article: Tomomi Dodd Read our Feature introducing a world-leading Coast Guard graduate course and have an intimate look at a Shinto-style wedding in our Cultural Article. VIEW ALL OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Rail Symposium 2026: “Enhancing Economic Impact, Innovation and the Customer Experience through Major Projects and Mega Events” Hosted by JITTI and APTA Rail Symposium 2026 Enhancing Economic Impact, Innovation and the Customer Experience through Major Projects and Mega Events A JITTI and APTA Co-hosted Event: Thursday, March 26th 3:00- 6:00 PM EST (Followed by a Reception) A Free Hybrid Event: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (Pavilion Room- 2nd Floor) 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 / Virtually hosted in English and Japanese Official Participant of the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival Register Timetable Directions to Venue Survey Download the Flyer (in English and Japanese) Overview In April 2024, JITTI USA and APTA co-hosted the “Rail Symposium 2024” in Washington, D.C., where participants discussed the social and economic value of forming intercity and intracity railway networks, as well as their contributions to urban attractiveness and resilience. As a result, the U.S. and Japan shared a common understanding that railways are an indispensable part of the economic infrastructure. Since then, the economic importance of railways has been further underscored in both countries. Major projects are underway in the U.S., including those along the Northeast Corridor such as tunnel improvements, the introduction of new Acela trains, and the redevelopment of New York’s Penn Station. In addition, public transportation improvements are accelerating ahead of upcoming international events, such as the FIFA World Cup in the Summer of 2026 and the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics. Meanwhile, Congress has advanced discussions on a new federal surface transportation bill for the period beginning in October 2026, drawing attention to the importance of continued, stable and significant investment on public transportation and passenger rail. In Japan, Takanawa Gateway City in the Tokyo area will have its grand opening on March 28, 2026, while in the Osaka area initiatives such as development of the Naniwasuji Line and redevelopment of Umekita (the Osaka Station North District) are also progressing. In addition, advancements have been made as a result of international events, such as multilingual support and accessibility measures introduced for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), and railway development for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Japanese rolling stock manufacturers are also entering the U.S. market, contributing to the U.S. rail infrastructure and the local economy through rolling stock supply and job creation, including the establishment of manufacturing facilities. Railway investments are generating significant economic benefits and innovation in both countries, increasing efficient mobility options for all, improving the customer experience, and creating new business and job opportunities. Mega events are providing opportunities to accelerate these investments in and contribute to enhanced service quality as a lasting legacy. The railway sector is therefore an important field for sharing expertise and deepening U.S.–Japan cooperation. Such cooperation will not only contribute to the continued development of the railway sector in both countries but also strengthen overall bilateral relations through deeper economic ties. Based on the above, the 2026 symposium will invite government officials and railway operators from both the United States and Japan to discuss important future issues for both countries, such as expanding the economic ripple effects of railway investment and leveraging mega events to improve the rail customer experience. UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that this symposium covers: Opening Remarks Masafumi Shukuri Chairman, Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA (JITTI) Chairman, Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (JTTRI) Bio Paul Skoutelas President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Bio Greetings by Guest of Honor Shigeo Yamada Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America Bio Keynote Speeches David Armstrong Fink Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration Bio Yoshimichi Terada Vice-Minister for Transport, Tourism and International Affairs, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Bio Panel Discussion 1 Railway Investment and Economic Impact Moderator Tom Wright President and CEO, Regional Plan Association (RPA) Bio Panelists Roger Harris President, Amtrak Bio Janno Lieber Chair and CEO, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bio Hidetoshi Miura Senior Director, North America Commercial Development and Japanese Synergies, Hitachi Rail STS USA, Inc. Bio Nobuhiko Takeichi Senior Executive Officer, Deputy Senior General Manager, Regional Revitalization and Development Headquarters, JR West Bio Panel Discussion 2 Mega Events and Public Transportation Safety and Accessibility Improvements Moderator Carlos M. Braceras, P.E. Executive Director, Utah Department of Transportation Bio Panelists Conan Cheung Chief Operations Officer, LA Metro Bio Ryan D. Coholan Chief Operating Officer, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Bio Kiyoshi Eguchi Executive Officer (Railways); Deputy General Manager, Transportation Business Unit; General Manager, Expo Transportation Management Center; General Manager, Safety Management Division; Osaka Metro Co., Ltd.（Osaka Metro） Bio Jannet Walker-Ford Secretary-Treasurer, APTA; Business Line Executive, Advisory and Planning, WSP USA Bio Noriyoshi Yamagami Managing Executive Officer, Tokyo Metro Bio Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (Pavilion Room- 2nd Floor) 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Register Timetable Directions to Venue Survey Survey to open on event day Download the Flyer (in English and Japanese)

The JITTI Journal is a bimonthly publication of the Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA (JITTI USA), in which JITTI USA shares information on transport and tourism developments in Japan and elsewhere, as well as recent JITTI USA programs. As a supplement to our regular events, we hope that the Journal likewise serves as a resource for the transport and tourism communities. JITTI Journal Filter by Year Reset March 2026 Main Page: Read More Feature Article: Japan’s Rail Tickets and Payment System: The Latest Developments Cultural Article: Sakura Snacks and Drinks: Japan’s Seasonal Treats for Spring January 2026 Main Page: Read More Feature Article: Japan’s Initiatives on Revitalizing the Shipbuilding Industry Cultural Article: Yuki Matsuri November 2025 Main Page: Read More Feature Article: Graduate Course Specifically Focused on Coast Guard Studies Cultural Article: My Japanese Shinto-Style Wedding September 2025 Main Page: Read More Feature Article: Regional Revitalization Centered on Airports: Initiatives at Japanese Airports Cultural Article: 110, 119 and Ten Other Speed Dials July 2025 Main Page: Read More Feature Article: Amendment of Japan’s Civil Aeronautics Act in Response to the Haneda Airport Runway Collision Cultural Article: Japanese Horror: A Look Through Time of Heart-racing Films May 2025 Main Page: Read More Feature Article: Status of Automated Driving on Subways Cultural Article: Hotaru Matsuri 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 9 Pre-2018 Journals

JITTI Journal Cultural Article March 2026 Back to All JITTI Journals March 2026 Cultural Article Sakura Snacks and Drinks: Japan’s Seasonal Treats for Spring By Mamiko Kim In the D.C. region, within the mix of snowy weather has been days of glowing sunshine and warmth, teasing the coming spring and with it the promise of flowers abloom. This year’s display of fragrance and color is sure to be even more beautiful, as 250 cherry blossom trees were gifted from Japan in commemoration of the United States’ 250 th birthday earlier this year. While flower viewing, or hanami in Japanese, is beloved across nations, there is one aspect of the Japanese tradition that is less common here in the States, and that is the inclusion of another of the five senses- taste! Often hanami includes the inclusion of eating and drinking under the cherry blossoms. As such, I hope to introduce seasonal sakura foods and drinks, some traditional and some modern, that are commonly sold in Japan to coincide with the blooming of the cherry blossom trees. In preparation of this article, I went to several Asian grocery stores in the D.C. region and also checked out the websites of locally owned shops to see whether I could spot these items, and have made note of whether they can easily be found! When I couldn’t find it locally, I’ve written how to still get or make them. 1. Sakura-mochi Sakura-mochi is a traditional treat made of pounded sweet rice that is dyed pink, filled with velvety red bean paste, and wrapped in a salt-pickled cherry blossom leaf. The entire thing is edible and has a sophisticated balance of flavors. The sweetness from the rice and red bean is beautifully countered by the salty-sour pickling of the leaf, and the bean paste also provides some creaminess to each bite. Sakura-mochi is found during the cherry blossom season, but also even before the blooms arrive. Some regions of Japan also eat it on March 3 rd during Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival/ Girl’s Day) as part of those celebrations. As such, sakura-mochi is a quintessential spring dessert in Japan. Spotted in the DC region?🌸 Yes! Sakura-mochi was by far the easiest to spot of the items on this list, and could be found in multiple Asian grocery stores, including several HMarts across the area and Marufuji in Vienna, VA. Sakura-mochi 2. Hanami Dango Hanami Dango are striking in their appearance, and can often be found at outdoor food stalls while strolling and viewing the cherry blossoms in Japan. Pink, white, and green bite-size rice dumplings are lined in this order, and conveniently skewered on a stick for easy holding while walking. Sweet, soft, and chewy, the treat has extra meaning, as each color reflects the experience one might have while viewing the cherry blossoms. The soft pink represents the flowers themselves, the white, lingering snow, and the green for new blades of grass growing as the weather warms. It certainly understandable why this treat would be so popular during the flower-viewing season. Spotted in the DC region?🌸 Sadly, no, I could not find hanami dango in the Asian grocery stores nearby. However, this may be due to timing. While sakura-mochi can be eaten from earlier in the season, hanami dango is usually eaten in mid-March to April. I was looking for items in late February in preparation for this article, so there’s still a good chance that they might make an appearance close by soon! For those who can’t wait, please find this recipe to make hanami dango at home: www.okonomikitchen.com Hanami Dango | 花見団子 - Okonomi Kitchen This Hanami Dango recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients. Chewy and tender with the perfect amount of sweetness! Hanami Dango 3. Sakura Drinks There are many variations of sakura-flavored drinks in Japan. One traditional option, is Sakura-yu, a cherry blossom herbal tea. Preserved sakura blooms are dried after having been pickled in plum vinegar and salt. Once ready to consume, hot water brings them back to life, and they seem to slowly blossom again in your cup, giving an artful display and a gently floral and slightly sour and salty taste. However, there are many modern takes on sakura drinks too. For example, it is common and legal in Japan for people to enjoy an alcoholic beverage while sitting under a cherry blossom tree, and many Japanese breweries now offer seasonal sakura-flavored items. Additionally, Starbucks Japan announces a cherry-blossom themed menu to much fanfare every year. This year’s lineup includes a “Sakura Saku Yo” Latte (“The Cherry Blossoms Will Bloom! Latte”) with steamed milk and sakura syrup decorated with a chocolate cherry tree and pink shavings. With so many sakura-flavored options to choose from, everyone can enjoy their favorite drink while celebrating the beauty of the season. Spotted in the D.C. region?🌸 Depends on what you are looking for! At Marufuji, I found sakura-matcha tea bags from Aomori, Japan. D.C. Sake Company offers several alcoholic drinks with sakura notes, including a Kanazawa Sakura Ale brewed with sakura yeast from Kenrokuen Garden, which can be ordered online. However, I could not find the pickled and dried sakura blossoms needed for Sakura-yu in our area. To try this drink, you’ll have to order them online or make your own . Of course, our U.S. Starbucks, while announcing cherry blossom themed merchandise this year, does not have sakura-flavored drinks on the menu for Spring 2026. Instead, readers might need to make copy-cat versions at home, such as by using this recipe: www.countryhillcottage.com Sakura Latte Sakura latte is a sweet and creamy warm drink that blends milk with cherry blossom powder. Sakura-yu "Sakura Saku Yo" Starbucks Japan 2026 Spring Drink Lineup: It includes the latte described in the article (left) along with other sakura and white peach flavored drinks. (Image Source: Eat Japan ) While the actual petals haven’t quite made their debut, the anticipation of cherry blossom season is already in full swing. These sakura treats and drinks offer a taste of spring and are a perfect way to get in the hanami flower-viewing mood while we wait for the blossoms to take center stage. Until then, and hopefully throughout the season, bon appétit! References: https://www.kikkoman.com/en/cookbook/glossary/sakuramochi.html#:~:text=Sakuramochi%20is%20said%20to%20have%20become%20popular,This%20has%20led%20to%20sakuramochi%20representing%20Hinamatsuri . https://www.justonecookbook.com/hanami-dango/ https://journal.rikumo.com/journal/2019/4/24/savor-spring-how-to-make-preserved-cherry-blossom-tea https://www.eat-japan.com/news/starbucks-japan-launches-its-first-cherry-blossom-drinks-of-2026/

JITTI Journal March 2026 Back to All JITTI Journals March 2026 Feature Article Japan’s Rail Tickets and Payment System: The Latest Developments by Naoki Sato Buying a ticket (fare media) and entering through the fare gates is, quite literally, the entry point to the rail experience. In Japan, this entry point has been changing in recent years. This article provides an overview of the latest developments. A Brief Overview of How Japan’s Fare Media Has Evolved Since automatic ticket gates were introduced in the late 1960s, Japan’s fare media has evolved from paper tickets and prepaid stored-value magnetic cards to contactless transit smart cards. In Japan, these contactless transit smart cards are commonly referred to as “transportation IC cards,” such as Suica and PASMO. Alongside the evolution of fare media, coverage expanded through interoperability across different operators. Put simply, paper tickets originally had to be purchased separately for each operator. As prepaid stored-value magnetic cards became widespread and region-by-region interoperability frameworks were developed, passengers could ride across multiple operators and lines within a region. Later, transportation IC cards initially followed a similar “regional interoperability” model, but nationwide interoperability began in 2013. Today, with a single transportation IC card, passengers can generally use rail and other public transport across Japan (with some exceptions in certain areas or services). Paper tickets (Image Source: Tokyo Metro | Regular Tickets ) Prepaid magnetic stored-value cards (Image Source: https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/2014/626.html ) 　　 Contactless transportation IC cards (Image Source: https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/ic/howtoget/ , Tokyo Metro | PASMO (IC Card) ) Latest Developments: Expansion of “Tap-to-Pay” with Credit Cards and Similar Methods Thanks to this evolution, Japan is already highly convenient from a domestic perspective: if you carry a transportation IC card, you can generally use rail and other public transport anywhere in the country. At the same time, to provide a comfortable and seamless travel experience for diverse passengers—including international visitors and those who do not use public transport frequently—railways are also developing an environment in which passengers can ride simply by using one familiar payment method, such as a credit card. In the Kanto region (Greater Tokyo Area), 11 railway operators announced that they will launch interoperability for “Tap-to-Pay” boarding using credit cards and similar payment methods starting on March 25, 2026. The key points are as follows: (1) Start date: From the first train on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (2) Coverage: 11 operators, 54 lines, 729 stations (*Note: For some operators, not all lines and stations are included.) (3) How to use: Tap a contactless credit/debit card (or mobile wallet) on the reader at the fare gates when entering and exiting; you can pass through without purchasing a separate ticket. (4) Fare: Adult fare only (discounted fares such as child fares are generally not available). Important Notes (Especially When Traveling Outside the Eligible Coverage) One particularly important point is that if you enter using Tap-to-Pay, you generally cannot ride beyond the eligible coverage (i.e., outside the 11-operator / 54-line framework). In other words, both your origin and destination stations need to be Tap-to-Pay eligible. If you accidentally exit at a non-eligible station or travel onto a non-eligible line, you may need to settle two separate fare obligations to resolve the discrepancy. This firstly entails paying for the non-eligible segment of your journey at the exit station. Furthermore, the initial Tap-to-Pay entry record (outstanding balance for travel along the route with Tap-to-Pay coverage) must be cleared by visiting the operator’s service counter in-person at your entry station or along the route with eligible coverage. What’s more, you may be asked to make either payment in cash or by other methods (i.e., not by credit card). For these reasons, it is important to confirm in advance that your destination station is eligible. As you may have noticed from the discussion above, when using Tap-to-Pay it is important to confirm in advance that your exit station is included in the eligible area. A related point is airport access. Under the “Tap-to-Pay interoperability” framework covered in this article, not all airport access operators are included. For example, JR East and Keisei Railway are not part of this framework. Therefore, as of this writing, access to Narita Airport is generally outside the eligible area, and for Haneda Airport, certain routes may be outside the eligible area as well. Passengers should confirm eligibility for their intended route and stations in advance. One reason these constraints arise is that, in Japan’s major urban areas, multiple operators run through-services (interlining), and cross-operator travel is an everyday occurrence. Rolling out a new method such as Tap-to-Pay at a larger scale requires substantial coordination and preparation among operators, such as aligning how fares are calculated and settled (fare clearing) and the associated rules, as well as system changes and station equipment upgrades. The press release announcing the launch of interoperability for Tap-to-Pay boarding also included the following statement: “ We will continue to position transportation IC cards—already used by many customers—as the primary payment method, while responding flexibly to changing customer and societal needs…” In other words, this is not a policy of fully switching to Tap-to-Pay. Rather, transportation IC cards remain the mainstay, while Tap-to-Pay and other methods are being introduced as additional options that provide added value. Conclusion As described above, transportation IC cards in Japan have established a strong foundation. With one IC card, passengers can generally use rail and other public transport across Japan. In addition, mobile-app versions are also available, making it possible to use a smartphone without carrying a physical card. Beyond rail and bus, these cards function as e-money and can be used widely in daily life—at restaurants, convenience stores, vending machines, parking facilities, coin lockers, and more. Building on this strong base, initiatives such as interoperability for Tap-to-Pay boarding across operators are expanding, aimed at delivering a comfortable and seamless travel experience for a diverse range of users, including international visitors and infrequent riders. While some aspects may still be confusing today, Japan’s public transport systems are expected to keep evolving as operators incorporate operational experience and user feedback into ongoing improvements. References: Joint press release by the 11 operators (Launch of interoperability for Tap-to-Pay boarding using contactless credit cards and similar methods) https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/images_h/metroNews260128_g03.pdf Suica service area / coverage https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/area/ PASMO service area / coverage (for visitors) https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/ Tokyo Metro (Types of tickets) https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/index.html

Japan’s Rail Tickets and Payment System: The Latest Developments < Back

Japan’s Rail Tickets and Payment System: The Latest Developments Japan’s Rail Tickets and Payment System: The Latest Developments by Naoki Sato Buying a ticket (fare media) and entering through the fare gates is, quite literally, the entry point to the rail experience. In Japan, this entry point has been changing in recent years. This article provides an overview of the latest developments. A Brief Overview of How Japan’s Fare Media Has Evolved Since automatic ticket gates were introduced in the late 1960s, Japan’s fare media has evolved from paper tickets and prepaid stored-value magnetic cards to contactless transit smart cards. In Japan, these contactless transit smart cards are commonly referred to as “transportation IC cards,” such as Suica and PASMO. Alongside the evolution of fare media, coverage expanded through interoperability across different operators. Put simply, paper tickets originally had to be purchased separately for each operator. As prepaid stored-value magnetic cards became widespread and region-by-region interoperability frameworks were developed, passengers could ride across multiple operators and lines within a region. Later, transportation IC cards initially followed a similar “regional interoperability” model, but nationwide interoperability began in 2013. Today, with a single transportation IC card, passengers can generally use rail and other public transport across Japan (with some exceptions in certain areas or services). Paper tickets (Image Source: Tokyo Metro | Regular Tickets ) Prepaid magnetic stored-value cards (Image Source: https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/2014/626.html ) 　　 Contactless transportation IC cards (Image Source: https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/ic/howtoget/ , Tokyo Metro | PASMO (IC Card) ) Latest Developments: Expansion of “Tap-to-Pay” with Credit Cards and Similar Methods Thanks to this evolution, Japan is already highly convenient from a domestic perspective: if you carry a transportation IC card, you can generally use rail and other public transport anywhere in the country. At the same time, to provide a comfortable and seamless travel experience for diverse passengers—including international visitors and those who do not use public transport frequently—railways are also developing an environment in which passengers can ride simply by using one familiar payment method, such as a credit card. In the Kanto region (Greater Tokyo Area), 11 railway operators announced that they will launch interoperability for “Tap-to-Pay” boarding using credit cards and similar payment methods starting on March 25, 2026. The key points are as follows: (1) Start date: From the first train on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (2) Coverage: 11 operators, 54 lines, 729 stations (*Note: For some operators, not all lines and stations are included.) (3) How to use: Tap a contactless credit/debit card (or mobile wallet) on the reader at the fare gates when entering and exiting; you can pass through without purchasing a separate ticket. (4) Fare: Adult fare only (discounted fares such as child fares are generally not available). Important Notes (Especially When Traveling Outside the Eligible Coverage) One particularly important point is that if you enter using Tap-to-Pay, you generally cannot ride beyond the eligible coverage (i.e., outside the 11-operator / 54-line framework). In other words, both your origin and destination stations need to be Tap-to-Pay eligible. If you accidentally exit at a non-eligible station or travel onto a non-eligible line, you may need to settle two separate fare obligations to resolve the discrepancy. This firstly entails paying for the non-eligible segment of your journey at the exit station. Furthermore, the initial Tap-to-Pay entry record (outstanding balance for travel along the route with Tap-to-Pay coverage) must be cleared by visiting the operator’s service counter in-person at your entry station or along the route with eligible coverage. What’s more, you may be asked to make either payment in cash or by other methods (i.e., not by credit card). For these reasons, it is important to confirm in advance that your destination station is eligible. As you may have noticed from the discussion above, when using Tap-to-Pay it is important to confirm in advance that your exit station is included in the eligible area. A related point is airport access. Under the “Tap-to-Pay interoperability” framework covered in this article, not all airport access operators are included. For example, JR East and Keisei Railway are not part of this framework. Therefore, as of this writing, access to Narita Airport is generally outside the eligible area, and for Haneda Airport, certain routes may be outside the eligible area as well. Passengers should confirm eligibility for their intended route and stations in advance. One reason these constraints arise is that, in Japan’s major urban areas, multiple operators run through-services (interlining), and cross-operator travel is an everyday occurrence. Rolling out a new method such as Tap-to-Pay at a larger scale requires substantial coordination and preparation among operators, such as aligning how fares are calculated and settled (fare clearing) and the associated rules, as well as system changes and station equipment upgrades. The press release announcing the launch of interoperability for Tap-to-Pay boarding also included the following statement: “ We will continue to position transportation IC cards—already used by many customers—as the primary payment method, while responding flexibly to changing customer and societal needs…” In other words, this is not a policy of fully switching to Tap-to-Pay. Rather, transportation IC cards remain the mainstay, while Tap-to-Pay and other methods are being introduced as additional options that provide added value. Conclusion As described above, transportation IC cards in Japan have established a strong foundation. With one IC card, passengers can generally use rail and other public transport across Japan. In addition, mobile-app versions are also available, making it possible to use a smartphone without carrying a physical card. Beyond rail and bus, these cards function as e-money and can be used widely in daily life—at restaurants, convenience stores, vending machines, parking facilities, coin lockers, and more. Building on this strong base, initiatives such as interoperability for Tap-to-Pay boarding across operators are expanding, aimed at delivering a comfortable and seamless travel experience for a diverse range of users, including international visitors and infrequent riders. While some aspects may still be confusing today, Japan’s public transport systems are expected to keep evolving as operators incorporate operational experience and user feedback into ongoing improvements. References: Joint press release by the 11 operators (Launch of interoperability for Tap-to-Pay boarding using contactless credit cards and similar methods) https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/images_h/metroNews260128_g03.pdf Suica service area / coverage https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/area/ PASMO service area / coverage (for visitors) https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/ Tokyo Metro (Types of tickets) https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/index.html Back to All JITTI Journals March 2026 Feature Article

JITTI Journal March 2021 Back to All JITTI Journals March 2021 Feature Article 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.

At their 76th Annual Meeting, the International Air Transport Association made predictions of a continued difficult 2020, but some upswing in 2021. With the Covid-19 pandemic still causing hardship on the aviation industry, read more on how they came to this conclusion, and what recommendations were made to combat recovery challenges. < Back Civil Aviation The Aviation Industry's 2020 Full-year Forecast and 2021 Outlook -As Detailed in the IATA Annual Meeting Report- By Daisuke Takagi At their 76th Annual Meeting, the International Air Transport Association made predictions of a continued difficult 2020, but some upswing in 2021. With the Covid-19 pandemic still causing hardship on the aviation industry, read more on how they came to this conclusion, and what recommendations were made to combat recovery challenges. Download the Report

JITTI Journal Cultural Article September 2022 Back to All JITTI Journals September 2022 Cultural Article Unique Vending Machines in Japan by Akito Okabe “In Japan, everything comes in a vending machine!” We often hear this opinion from tourists who have come to Japan, and it is true that no other country has vending machines that are as well developed. Living in Japan, it is commonplace to see vending machines not only indoors, such as at train stations or convenience stores, but also along the street. Vending Machines Located Outdoors (by Lordcolus) In terms of the simple number of vending machines, Japan lags behind Europe and the United States, but in terms of the number relative to the population, it is by far the largest, indicating that Japan is a "vending machine superpower.” I would like to introduce a few of them in this article because Japanese vending machines are a rarity for people from overseas, and it is uniquely part of Japanese culture. There are several reasons why vending machines became widely used in Japan. The first instance of expanded usage was in 1964, around the time of the Tokyo Olympics, when Japanese National Railways (JNR) introduced ticket vending machines and a large number of coins were put into circulation. Later, around 1974, "hot and cold machines," which were exclusive to Japan, became widespread, and these machines were popular with consumers. Hot and Cold Machine (Image by: acure) The fact that Japan is a safe country and there was little risk of robbery or vandalism when vending machines were introduced also contributed to their spread. The vending machines also offered significant advantages for sellers, such as higher profit margins, the perk of beverage manufacturers being able to display their products alone, and the ability to conduct market research. However, it is said that the number of vending machines installed in Japan is already saturated. In fact, after peaking at about 5.6 million in 2000, the number has been gradually declining year by year. In order to expand the market for vending machines and increase their value, Japan has been evolving its own vending machine business. Here are some examples unique to Japan. Ramen: (Image Credit: macaroni and DIAMOND SIGNAL) These vending machines sell ramen from famous restaurants in frozen form, allowing you to enjoy delicious ramen in the comfort of your own home Fresh Foods: Image Credit: Hyogo Official Tourism Navigation They don't just sell frozen foods, they also sell fresh foods! The strawberries in the photo are very fresh because they were picked that morning. They are very popular and sell out quickly. Such cases of vending machines selling local specialties are also common in Japan. This article only introduces food, but there are many other vending machines in addition to these. Some sell gold and jewelry, and others allow donations to be made through them. Vending machines can be found in places close to wherever you would be, such as subway stations, so please try using one when you visit Japan! Image Resources: Kyoto_20101020_E100G-Roll-27_28 by Lordcolus is licensed under CC BY 2.0 acure macaroni DIAMOND SIGNAL Hyogo Official Tourism Navigation

Read publications by JITTI USA staff that are outside of their regular reports, including of special projects. SPECIAL REPORTING Latest News June 2024 United States Coast Guard Academy Commencement: A New Era of Leaders in Maritime Security By Daisuke Komatsu Read More (English) (Image Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Academy) February 2024 The Shape of Happiness Through Keisuke Hira i's Lens: When Survivors Smile for the Camera By Daisuke Komatsu Read More (English) Read More (日本語) _

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