THE JITTI JOURNAL

Volume 13 Issue 2

March 2026

Welcome

Last week, the National Park Service announced their prediction of March 29-April 1 as peak bloom for the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. With this winter being snowier than recent years in the nation's capitol, we know that like us, many Washingtonians are ready for spring and the start of the cherry blossom season!

People in Japan are also watching for blooms and signs of spring, with their own predictions across the country.

As the days stretch longer and spring’s warmth nears, we hope you feel the same sense of renewal and vibrant energy found in these first blooms.

Upcoming Event

A JITTI and APTA Co-hosted Event:

Rail Symposium 2026

Enhancing Economic Impact, Innovation and the Customer Experience through Major Projects and Mega Events

Official Participant of the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival

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.

Thursday, March 26th

3:00- 6:00 PM

(Followed by a Reception)

Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

Event Website

Announcing New Speakers to the Program:

Keynote Speaker

David Armstrong Fink

Administrator,

Federal Railroad Administration

Panelist

Panel 1: Railway Investment and Economic Impact

Roger Harris

President, Amtrak

In This Issue

Feature Article:

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

Cultural Article:

Sakura Snacks and Drinks:

Japan’s Seasonal Treats for Spring

by Naoki Sato

Tokyo travel is getting a major upgrade! Starting March 25, 2026, eleven operators in the Greater Tokyo area are launching "Tap-to-Pay" across 729 stations. Enjoy seamless boarding using just your credit card or mobile wallet. Read on to see how this revolutionizes rail travel in this region—and the crucial details you need to know before tapping in.

by Mamiko Kim

With 250 new cherry trees from Japan, and the weather teasing the coming spring, a stunning sakura season awaits! This year, elevate your flower-viewing experience by enjoying sakura flavors. From local grocery finds to recipes to make at home, this article explores seasonal cherry blossom treats from Japan, and how you can enjoy them in the D.C. region.

JR East, a Japanese railway company, launches a new online booking system for Shinkansen completing a booking in as little as one minute

Japanese shipping firms working to ensure safety of crews in Middle East

Japan Airlines Outlines Long-Term Goals In New Group Strategy Roadmap

Japan Joins South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, the United States and Others by Introducing New Mandatory Pre-Travel Approval System for Tourists by 2028 : What Every Tourist Must Know Before Visiting

Read full article overviews on the JITTI LinkedIn Page, and follow along each week to our Articles of Note on X

New Published Research

JITTI USA analysts produce reports on timely US-Japan transportation and tourism issues. These reports are now published in English on our website! Why not check them out?

Our most recent reports:

Recent Developments in the Revitalization of the U.S. Maritime Industry: Application of Section 301 under the U.S. Trade Act
Basic Policy Directions of Transportation and Tourism under the Second Trump Administration: Key Characteristics of Policy Management in the First Year after Inauguration

Read the Reports

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.

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