THE JITTI JOURNAL

Volume 12 Issue 2

March 2025

Welcome

Spring is in the air and you can feel the anticipation and excitement that the change of seasons brings. Sakura trees are expected to start blooming next week in Japan and the U.S. National Mall alike, and the World Expo in Osaka is poised to open just a few weeks later in April!

We are thrilled to once again be hosting an Official Participating Event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. at the end of the month: our 2025 Civil Aviation Symposium will take place on March 26th at the Ronald Reagan Building and online!


Don't miss out- Registration is only open until March 19th.

In This Issue

Feature Article:

Tourism in Japan:

A look at the Numbers from 2024 and the Outlook for 2025


by Haruhiko Koyama


Just as the global tourism industry continues to recover and grow from the pandemic, Japan has also experienced significant growth in 2024. Learn about the inbound and outbound tourism statistics for the year within the context of long-term initiatives and trends, and what is expected for 2025.

Cultural Article:

School Ceremonies

for Japanese Kids in Spring



by Yukiko Nakamura


In Japan, spring is the season of school entrance and graduation, when many children begin new phases of their lives. Here we will introduce some of the events and customs related to graduation and entrance into school, mainly for elementary school students in Japan.

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Upcoming Event

Civil Aviation Symposium 2025


The Future of Aviation Connectivity Powered by

Japan-US-ASEAN Collaboration


Air travel demand has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels in many regions, with the Asia-Pacific expected to fully return to pre-pandemic levels soon. Amid heightened geopolitical tensions, strengthening aviation connectivity is crucial not only for regional prosperity but also for global sustainable growth and stability from an economic security standpoint.


Following the pandemic, with ongoing constraints on flights between the two biggest nations across the Pacific, Japan has reinforced its role as a key hub connecting ASEAN and the U.S.


Given rising air travel demand in the Asia-Pacific region, there is an urgent need to improve airport infrastructure and air traffic management, address aviation-related human resource shortages, and develop sustainability measures.


This symposium will bring together government officials from Japan and the U.S., airline and airport representatives, as well as a representative from an ASEAN country to discuss ways to enhance aviation connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region.


Wednesday, March 26th

3:00- 6:00 PM

(Followed by a Reception)


Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

Visit Event Website
Register

Registration Deadline: March 19th

An Official Participating Event of the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival

Articles of Note:

Japan Airlines and Airbus Drive Unprecedented Growth in Sustainable Aviation by Fueling the MORISORA Project with Innovation and Large-Scale Bioethanol Production

How Japan's Welcome Suica App Will Transform Travel in 2025 and Beyond

Nissan Tests Driverless Vehicles on City Streets

Hokkaido Shinkansen Line Extension to be Pushed Back to 2039

Japan Cruises are Trending. What to Know about Sailing to Tokyo, Osaka & More

Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading the JITTI Journal.
Until the next issue, whatever your mode, travel safely! 
 
The JITTI USA Team
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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.