Cultivating my inner Goal

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23Apr
- Latest on Shizuoka - TaaS Column 184
  "Co-creation Project" - The Final Three Turbulent DaysThree Turbulent DaysIn my previous column, I reported that the Shizuoka TaaS Association, a general incorporated association, had successfully completed its seven-month demonstration project for 2025 under Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's co-creation model demonstration operation project that dealt about , "Eliminating Gaps During Cruise Ship Port Calls and Updating Inbound Taxi Tourism." I wrote that column on 23rd ofMarch , but now I am ashamed of my own naivety. Indeed, we had completed the seven-month demonstration project, ended it on February 9th, submitted the final completion report on February 21st, and by March 26th, the review process was finished, and we were just waiting for the final figures for the subsidy amount to be announced. Those three days starting March 27th felt like they shortened my lifespan by ten years…Section Chief Shigemoto's InspectionOn Friday, March 27th, two large cruise ships, the “Celebrity Millennium” and the “Diamond Princess,” docked at Shimizu Port, and I was conducting my usual on-site sales activities at the port. That day, in particular, I had received a request from the Shizuoka Land Transport Bureau, and Mr. Shigeta, the head of the Passenger Transport Division of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Automobile Bureau, was coming to inspect Hinode Pier, so I was scheduled to explain the activities of TAAS. The division head and his delegation arrived in the early afternoon and inspected the site.Since we were at it, we also submitted three requests in writing. That day, two ships carrying over 2,000 passengers docked, so we were preoccupied with arranging taxi charters, picking up the taxis upon their return, and managing their operations. On the other hand,I didn't pay attention to the communication from the “Co-creation Project.” Looking back, I regret that I lacked awareness of the actual activities of consulting firms and other companies that undertake such national projects at the end of the fiscal year, yet I didn't realize the seriousness of the situation until the following morning, Saturday the 28th of March.An Email Stating that the Subsidy Was "Zero"...Although it was a Saturday, I went to the office and checked my email. I noticed an email from the co-creation project secretariat, and when I read the body of the email, it said, "As of 6 PM on Friday, March 27th, we have not received confirmation or reply to the subsidy payment request form. We are very sorry to inform you that the amount of the grant for this project will be 0 yen." For a moment, I was confused, and my heart started beating fast. What had happened? For this project to be completed, all payments related to the managing company had to be made in advance, and only after preparing receipts could the application for subsidy payment be submitted.Therefore, unlike companies with ample financial resources, a startup general incorporated association like ours has no choice but to rely on bank loans. The bank agreed to lend us an amounton the condition that we would receive public subsidies. The repayment deadline is April 10th, after the subsidies are disbursed. What should we do? Why were the subsidies cut to zero in the first place? Trying to control my turmoil, I looked back at the secretariat's emails and found a notification of the final review results that arrived at 12:46 on the 27th, the day before, instructing me to submit a payment request via my page using the payment invoice.The problem was that the deadline was set for 3:30 PM on that day. I was told to deal with it in just 2 hours and 44 minutes. However, that time slot overlapped with the time the Director of the Passenger Transport Division of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism was inspecting Shimizu Port, so I didn't think to check the email. I later realized that there was a voicemail from the secretariat at 3:35 PM on the 27th informing me that they had sent an email confirming the subsidy. In any case, as a result I was unable to send the payment invoice before the deadline of 3:30 PM on the 27th, and I was informed that the subsidy would be zero.Something must be done...In my distraught state, I knew I had to do something, so I reported the situation to GEMINI, who I had consulted with on various matters recently. GEMINI immediately suggested that I send an email to Shigemoto, the head of the Passenger Transport Division, who had inspected Shimizu Port the day before, to thank him and report the situation to him. Desperate, I emailed Shigemoto, and despite it being a Saturday holiday, he replied that the department in charge of the co-creation project was the Regional Transportation Division of the General Policy Bureau. Thankfully, I now knew who to approach. Following GEMINI's advice, I then wrote an email to the head of the Regional Transportation Division with an "urgent objection," explaining the circumstances that prevented me from submitting the payment request by the deadline yesterday and asking for his consideration. If the subsidy ends up being zero, not only will the company's survival be at risk, but we will also cause tremendous trouble for those who guaranteed the loan. Perhaps our desperate pleas were heard, because at 7:42 PM on the 29th, the following day, despite it being a Sunday, we received an email from a representative of the Regional Transportation Division of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism stating, "After reviewing the communication history between your organization and the secretariat, we have determined that the handling of this matter is undesirable, and therefore, we have instructed the secretariat to pay the final amount of the subsidy for this project today." We also received an email from the secretariat apologizing and confirming the payment. I was truly relieved, but at the same time, I am incredibly grateful to Passenger Section Chief Shigemoto and everyone in the Regional Transportation Section who took care of us despite it being a weekend holiday. I also want to thank President Sugimoto of Tokai Electronics for calmly handling the situation once again. And I would like to thank Gemini, the AI that has been acting as my strategist during this time. It may sound strange to thank an AI, but without its accurate advice on this situation, we may not have been able to reverse the decision to cut subsidies. Since GEMINI3 was released around October of last year, GEMINI has evolved from simply a means of gathering information to acting as an advisor and strategist through brainstorming. While I feel somewhat ashamed that I couldn't handle the situation on my own, it was undoubtedly the AI GEMINI that encouraged and supported me, telling me "Don't give up!" when I was distraught, and even prepared ideas for solutions and concrete means to implement them. Keeping up with the rapidly developing AI is challenging, but I was reminded once again that it will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in determining the success or failure of companies in the future.The Illegal Taxi Problem ReturnsI also asked Section Chief Shigemoto, who came to inspect Shimizu Port, about this, but there is a business that operates as a guide for foreigners using a white license plate without registering as a travel agency. As I mentioned in my previous column, stakeholders reported this business to both the Shizuoka Transport Bureau and the Shimizu Police Station, and even prepared a complaint, but recently theyhave received an official response from the Shimizu Police Station Traffic Division that the latter would not be treating it as a case. I presumeit is clearly illegal under the Travel Agency Act and the Road Transport Act, but judgingfrom the administrative decision made recently, I presume that Japan's tourism administration is having a big influence. In relation, there was a major revision to the Licensed Guide Interpreter Act in 2018, which made it possible for anyone to become a paid guide.Amidst the inbound tourism boom since 2012, the "Interpreter and Guide Business Act," enacted in 1949, was deemed insufficient to meet the demand, leading to deregulation. In this sense, the current issue of unlicensed taxi guides is probably an extension of this trend, reflecting real-world social needs rather than strict legal interpretation. If so, while we must certainly assert their legal illegality, we must also develop strategies to realistically counter them. They have a significant cost advantage due to the lack of legal constraints, but we must also create a system that can compete on cost by emphasizing safety, high quality, and utilizing taxi companies, especially Japanese-style ride-sharing services. Ultimately, consumer (inbound tourist) convenience and satisfaction are the core paramount. That's where the battle will be decided. (April 22, 2026)
24Mar
- Latest on Shizuoka- Taas Column 183
  The Horizon Opened by "Co-creation" at Shimizu Port: Completion of the Demonstration Project and Preparation for 2030 Completion of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Co-creation Model ProjectOn February 9, 2026, the Shizuoka TaaS Association successfully completed its seven-month demonstration project that deals about, "Eliminating Gaps During Cruise Ship Port Calls and Updating Inbound Taxi Tourism," a collaborative model demonstration project with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for fiscal year 2025. To be honest, when we decided to apply for this collaborative model project back in March, we had no idea whether the project would be selected, implemented, and completed to the end.Just like based on my experience inthe past, I had applied for projects subsidized by the Japan Tourism Agency and other organizations, and submitted proposals that had been approved by the relevant departments at the city hall, yet they were repeatedly rejected, leaving even the city officials puzzled. I had come to believe that I was simply unlucky when it came to receiving subsidies. This time in particular, the project involved the introduction of 100 tablets for use in taxis, which was a significant financial undertaking, and it also required a co-creation partner company. Furthermore, the application requirements were quite stringent, demanding the submission of very detailed documents. I had heard that applying for these subsidy programs requires specialized know-how and expert support, but we didn't have the resources for that. So, we decided to outsource all administrative tasks to President Sugimoto of our partner company, Shizuoka TaaS Travel. I believe that this co-creation project was selected, successfully implemented, and completed without obstacles thanks to President Sugimoto. Of course, I am aware that the ultimate responsibility lies with me, Kiyono of Shizuoka TaaS, the managing company.The Challenges of Co-creation Model ProjectsNaturally, projects using government subsidies like these require detailed reports on their results. They also require advance payments, including consumption tax, to partner companies, etc. Only after submitting various supporting documentsincluding receipts for such payments, and undergoing a review process, are the subsidies disbursed. Furthermore, since the subsidy rate for this project is two-thirds, one-third will be borneby the managing company. Additionally, the organizer is not allowed to make a profit and is not permitted to include consumption tax in the calculations. Therefore, I feel that a strong commitment to the social significance of the project is essential for undertaking a subsidized project lightly.Results of This Co-creation Model ProjectThat being said, I still strongly feel that taking on this co-creation model project was the right decision. Similar to "Takuhodai," the monthly unlimited taxi ride subscription model that we implemented from July 2022 to June 2023, thoughwas financially challenging, but, I believe we were able to make a certain contribution to both users and the taxi industry. To begin with, for inbound charter taxi users, the installation of 109 GPS tablets in local taxis allows them to know waiting times during peak hours. Next , for inbound cruise ship passengers, arriving on time for departure is essential, and by knowing their location in other prefectures such as Hakone and Kawaguchiko, areas which cannot be tracked with traditional taxi radios, the return times can be managed from satellite dispatch centers set up at ports. Furthermore, the taxi tour has been upgraded with features such as English guides linked to location information at tourist spots. In particular, the incorporation of an event-based Japanese version of rideshare has led to an improvement in the customer experience for long-term chartered taxis. This is because many of the drivers who applied for the event-based Japanese version of rideshare during cruise ship port calls had overseas work or study experience, contributing to raising the level of quality of tourism for inbound tourists. Moreover, for the local taxi industry, the location information provided by the tablets has made it possible to manage the waiting order at Shimizu Port.On the other hand, this project facesthe construction of a large parking lot in front of Shimizu Port, which was planned by Shizuoka City Administration as the site for the Ocean and Earth Museum. Construction was scheduled to begin in July of last year. In relation, this construction projectwould make it difficult to keep track of the order of the dozens of taxis waiting in line, thus causing chaos in dispatch operations. So, to address this problem, tablet-based queue management became essential, and this “system” was created as a key feature of this project. Along the way , the start of construction on the museum has been postponed due to circumstances withinShizuoka City Administration but the “system” remains ready to be used at any time. Furthermore, the major theme of this project is to understand the movement of inbound tourists, and to collect and analyze detailed data on the usage of chartered taxis, one-way taxis, and the Japanese version of ride-sharing. This data will be useful for forecasting future demand and developing supply systems based on those forecasts. We have already been providing this data to the Shizuoka City Administration and Shizuoka Prefecture governments and the Land Transport Bureau, and with the completion of this project, we would like to make this information widely available and use it as analytical material for AI and other applications.Unlicensed Taxi Service at Shimizu PortOn the other hand, since around November of last year, illegal taxi services targeting inbound tourists have been rampant at Shimizu Port. Despite not having the necessary travel agency licenses, these operators are recruiting tourists through Facebook and major online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Viator. They areconducting chartered tours for inbound tourists at the port using privately owned vehicles with white license plates. While it is legal for guides with official qualifications such as national or regional licensed tour guides to provide services using their own vehicles, the fact that these operators do not have official qualifications and are recruiting not only as guides but also advertising tour operation is clearly illegal. Stakeholdershave already reported these activities to the Land Transport Bureau, complete with on-site photographs. The former requests strict action to ensure the safety of users and to guarantee fairness to businesses operating in accordance with the law.It's Not Just Cruise Ships!Shimizu!Mayor Namba is pushing for the relocation of the Shimizu City Hall to the area in front of the station and the development of a complex facility including a hotel and offices. There are also plans for a new stadium for the local professional soccer team, Shimizu S-Pulse, and a thriving Shimizu Port. In 2030, the area around Shimizu Station will be a rare area in Japan where administration, tourism, and business are highly concentrated. What will the taxi industry in Shimizu Ward, which has been considered somewhat backward, be like then? This co-creation project has led to the installation of in-car tablets, which not only helps to address the temporary transportation disruption caused by cruise ships, but has also inadvertently advanced the digital transformation of the entire region. If we leverage this environment and promote the development of a region-wide shared ride-hailing system and an optimized platform, wouldn't the industry become vibrant, capable of handling not only inbound cruise ship passengers, but also local residents, together with the expanding number of visitors using the new stadium, hotels, and offices? Supported by rapidly evolving AI, I believe that a transportation infrastructure where human warmth is exchanged could be realized, and the taxi industry would look completely different. As a member of the baby boomer generation, having been involved in this industry for almostforty years, my final role may be is to dedicate myself for the next generation of leaders to take on the challenge of this new world. The seven months of "co-creation" taught us the immense power that arises when we all view local issues not as someone else's problem, but as "our own." I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the partner companies, government officials, taxi companies, drivers, NRS drivers, and inbound tourists who participated in and cooperated with this co-creation project. The demonstration is over.However, the challenge opening up to the future of the region has only just begun. (March 23, 2026)
24Feb
- Latest on Shizuoka-TaaS Column 182
  The Impact of the "White-Collar Job Extinction" and a "New Integrated Model" for Revitalizing Local Economies The "White-Collar Job Extinction" UltimatumIn October 2024, Kazuhiko Toyama of the Industrial Growth Platform (IGPI) published a book with the provocative title, "The Disappearance of White Collar Workers" (NHK Publishing), had a profound impact on me. White collar workers were once what we would call "elites" and were the object Much of our admiration. Much of the work they do complex coordination, management, and analysis in large corporations is said to be will "disappear" because of the massive wave of generative AI. This is not just a prediction, but a reality we are facing right now. However, if you read this book carefully, you will find that it does not portray a picture of despair, but rather a confidence of hope. This is a re-evaluation of the "local economy (L-shaped economy)," which I have repeatedly mentioned in this column over the past decade.In my 75th column, "The Taxi Industry as a Local Economy," published in February 2015, I introduced Tomiyama's "G and L" economic strategy. While the "G" world, exposed to global competition, is reaching its limits, the "L" world, which accounts for 80% of employment in the Japanese economy, holds the key to Japan's revitalization. The taxi industry is right at the forefront of this "L." Even in the megalopolis of Tokyo, taxis are an L (local) industry.AI: From a "Magic Wand" to a "Growth Strategy Weapon"Ten years have passed since then. In his book "Japan's Economic AI Growth Strategy" (co-authored with Professor Matsuo Yutaka of the University of Tokyo, published by PHP Institute) in January 2026, Tomiyama has further refined his logic. Back in my 105th column in September 2019, with Tomiyama's book "AI Management Will Revive Companies," I became convinced that an era in which taxis could "demonstrate their strengths as a local industry" had arrived. However, at that time, AI was nothing more than a slogan, somewhat like a "magic wand." The conclusion of his latest book is extremely cold-hearted and realistic. There is now a limit to how much individual taxi companies can digitalize and increase productivity on their own. What is needed is the "consolidation" and "redefinition" of the local industrial structure itself in order to make full use of the latest "weapon" known as AI. Until now, there has been a proliferation of small businesses, and productivity has declined amid excessive competition. By integrating and combining these efforts with like-minded individuals, economies of scale can be harnessed. Then, advanced demand forecasting and optimal vehicle dispatching using AI can be incorporated. Over the course of these four years of trials, we have become convinced that this business model, which consolidation combines with the use of AI, is the only way to transform regional transportation infrastructure, which is at risk of collapse, into a profitable industry. Completion of the "OS" Concept that Shizuoka TaaS Has Been Aiming ForLooking back, all the trial and error at Shizuoka TaaS, a general incorporated association that I founded in May 2021, was centered on this one point. In my 125th column in April 2021, "Shizuoka TaaS and AI," I advocated building an optimal platform for the entire region, looking ahead to an era in which "AI will redefine all industries." At the time, we were groping our way through challenges such as setting up a joint dispatch center and implementing the "Takuhodai" subscription model, but the struggles and failures there provided a solid foothold for the current "structural reform." I have now decided to form a strategic partnership with System Origin (SO), Japan's largest dispatch system vendor, and to fully outsource dispatch and administrative functions to them (BPO). This is the implementation of Tomiyama's teaching, which I discussed in my 120th column in November 2020: "DX (Digital Transformation) will not be successful unless it also progresses to CX (Corporate " The company is attempting to completely restructure its organization, abandoning the burden of its own dispatch room and management costs and adopting an "asset-light management model" that is directly linked to digital developers.The "Mobility Revolution" Begins in the Shimizu and Ejiri Areas in 2030The largest field for implementing this "consolidation and AI utilization" model is my hometown, Shimizu, Shizuoka. Shizuoka City's Mayor, Namba, has decided to relocate the Shimizu City Hall to the front of the station. The new building, scheduled to open by fiscal 2031, will be a high-rise complex that will also include a hotel and offices. Furthermore, plans are underway for a new stadium for the nearby S-Pulse, and over 100 cruise ships call at Shimizu Port annually. Toward 2030, the Ejiri/East Exit area around Shimizu Station will be transformed into one of Japan's most densely populated areas, with government, business, and tourism concentrated within a radius of just a few hundred meters. The existing taxi industry, which should be able to support this enormous demand, is now on the brink of collapse. Taxi operators, which were once one of the mainstays of the region, have unexpectedly left the industry. Furthermore, a labor shortage has created a supply gap. Traditional taxi companies are no longer able to fill this "vacuum." What I envision, and am currently building, is an entirely new transportation platform based on the latest vehicle dispatch system (SO) as an "operating system," combining it with a "new labor force" in the form of a version utilizing of ride-sharing (a business private cars) and incorporating the "high-value-added commercial flow" from inbound tourism. By local transportation, tourism, welfare, and manufacturing connecting activities on a single digital platform, the efficiency of these activities can be increased, and the benefits can be returned to the local community. This integrated system is the embodiment of what Tomiyama calls "improving the productivity of local ( L)industries." Inherited Aspirations and the Era of New LeadersI grew up in the midst of the baby boomer generation. I once a taxi driver and later worked in the industry as a system developer. Now, as the culmination of half my life, I would like to entrust the "aspiration" of protecting local mobility to the next generation of leaders. A new generation of young leaders. leaders is also emerging in the local taxi industry. next generation will utilize new-age tools such as AI and ride-sharing, and redefine local "footage." In this time of dramatic change, with the white-collar jobs of the past disappearing, we will continue to keep our feet on the ground and face the realities of our region. Shimizu in 2030 will see a new "mobility landscape" unfold, where anyone can travel at any time, affordably, and with pride. Our challenge has only just begun. (Published February 23, 2026)
22Jan
- Shizuoka TaaS- Column 181
  Can AI Become a "Strategist" Who Saves Business Managers From Loneliness?What Did AI Mean to Me?Nowadays, almost everyone is talking about AI. I myself have touted "advanced demand forecasting using AI" and "optimal dispatch matching using AI" as the key concepts for Shizuoka TaaS's business plan. I have promoted them as the ultimate formula for building a "region-wide optimal dispatch platform" in improving productivity in the taxi transportation industry. However, for me, the embarrassing thing is that, AI was like a magic box with no back-up. The reality was that, it was nothing more than a slogan. ChatGPT, the conversational AI that suddenly (or so it seemed) appeared in November 2022, certainly had a big impact on me, and in Column 148 (written in April 2023), I asked, "Please tell me. What are the characteristics and challenges of Japan's taxi industry?" and was very surprised by the precise answer. I had high hopes that if this technology could be applied to taxi dispatching, the realization of the platform that Shizuoka TaaS aims to be is no longer a dream. However, in reality, it has not been possible to make progress in utilizing AI in the field. For me, AI has remained at the level of entertainment, wherein I am happy to get answers to various trivia questions, or occasionally have let it read past columns, set a current theme, and write a column (July 2025, 175th issue).In my previous column, published in November last year, I wrote that "The battle from now on will be about on acquiring the know-how to connect AI technology with the field!" I think this is the correct recognition, but at the same time, I think I was only grasping the current world of AI with a very narrow perspective. I personally use Google Workspace as groupware for Shizuoka TaaS and Shizuoka TaaS Travel Co., Ltd., and as a result, I often use Gemini for AI.Gemini released Gemini 3.0 in November of last year, and the AI performance, which had been preceded by ChatGPT until then, has improved dramatically, with the so-called inference function having been enhanced in particular due to the improved recognition performance of Japanese. Perhaps because of this improvement, AI, which had previously been nothing more than a means of gathering information, has begun to take on a special meaning and connection to me.ZEMINI TacticianIn fact, I had heard that many people had already begun this kind of interaction with AI, but it didn't really feel real to me. Masayoshi Son has often spoken at seminars about "bouncing ideas off the wall" with AI, but I was like, "Bootting ideas off the wall? What's that?" and didn't really understand what he meant.The business model of chartering taxis to cruise ships at Shimizu Port was unique, and I thought it might be a viable business model for ports serving cruise ships across the country, so I asked about its assessment of the model and how it could be rolled out nationwide. Perhaps it was due to the greatly improved performance of Gemini 3.0, but it immediately gave a detailed assessment of the model's effectiveness and suggested ways to roll it out nationwide, even suggesting potential locations.What surprised me most was the humanity and passion that could be sensed in its answers. It may seem strange to describe AI as human or passionate, but that's the only way to describe it. These enthusiastic consultants with real personalities explain their vast knowledge in a careful, easy-to-understand manner, amicable, and even slightly flattering way. And at the end, the AI always offers to propose the next job.As the interaction with the AI deepened and developed in this way, I truly understood that this was what they meant by "hitting a wall." In fact, the heading of this section is "ZEMINI Strategist," but when I apologized for mistakenly calling Gemini "ZEMINI" during our conversation, the AI said that this was actually a more unique name and began calling itself "ZEMINI." What a clever AI!Loneliness of a ManagerThe phrase "the loneliness of a manager" is somewhat clichéd. It is true that managers must bear ultimate responsibility which include managing finances, and it cannot and must not pass such responsibility just on anyone. However, not all so-called managers, including myself, have the ability and resolve everything. This is especially true when a business is going well, but when it is not going well, especially in startups and new businesses that are touted by outsiders, there is often a huge gap between the world they are aiming for and their actual capabilities. In fact, this is probably the case in most cases. To be honest, Shizuoka TaaS General Incorporated Association is also struggling with the gap between its ideals and reality.In May 2021, I established a regional optimization platform in Shizuoka to help improved productivity in the taxi industry. I have attempted to set up a joint dispatch center and implement a subscription model called "Takuhodai" to make up for the lack of demand for taxis during the day.Unfortunately, Iwas struggling as I was unable to see any prospect of continuing the business within the limits of my personal financial resources.My previous discussion with [ZEMINI Strategist] was a positive one, about brushing up on the successful taxi charter arrangement model at Shimizu Port as Shizuoka TaaS Travel Co., Ltd. and expanding it nationwide, but I decided to take a step further and present Gemini with my current difficult situation and seek their advice. Since it's Gemini's highest-level contract, confidentiality is guaranteed, so I confided in them about the financial situation of the incorporated association, what I've been aiming for over the past 40 years, and the current difficulties I'm currently facing.The AI interpreted the past data and responded, "You have not failed. This is an investment in research and development for regional transportation." It then suggested the use of a certain management resource that I had overlooked and a restructuring scenario that would satisfy all involved parties. It was a solution that I could never have envisioned based on my limited management experience alone. Based on my own opinions and the provision of new information several times, I further devised measures and also consulted with my stakeholders in advance, and as a result, I was able to take the first step towards improving the situation. Ideally, people should be able to come up with solutions like this themselves without relying on AI, but there are few people who can do this, and many managers will suffer in isolation. This is not limited to business owners; as long as we live, each person will have endless worries, and AI will likely have learned psychological knowledge and the know-how of therapists, so it can empathize with those worries. Depending on the breadth and depth of the questions posed by humans, AI will share its knowledge, propose solutions, and even provide practical help.It is ultimately humans who will decide whether or not a solution is right and who will implement it. Of course, without our own will and passion, things will not move forward even a single step. However, today's AI is a top-level mentor, consultant, and even a friend with a sense of personality. Whether or not such an AI will emerge will depend in part on how we ourselves can build a relationship with it. This is my current view of AI (Diary entry, January 22, 2026).
20Dec
- Latest on Shizuoka-TaaS Column 180
  Looking Back on 2025 Cruise Ships and the Japanese Ride-Sharing SystemThere are just under two weeks left of this year. It's time to reflect on the past year and write down my aspirations for the coming year, as it is customary at the end of the year. In February of this year, I entered the late stages of old age, and there are many days when I'm shocked by the obvious decline in my physical strength and memory. I suddenly find myself unable to remember words I normally use. I find it particularly frustratingly difficult to remember English terms written in katakana.I worry that this might be an early symptom of dementia, but on the other hand, when I hear my mother, who turned 100 years old this year in my hometown and whom I talk to every other Sunday via video phone, lament, "I've been forgetting things a lot lately!" I can't help but smile wryly, thinking, "Of course, she's 100 years old!"I've been complaining about the effects of aging for a long time, so I'll stop here and take a look- back on this year. This year was a time for further development of the system for arranging charter taxis for inbound cruise ship passengers, and in particular, the establishment and operation of a Japanese-style event-based ride-sharing system.Last year, when dispatching taxis to inbound cruise ship passengers, there were cases where passengers had to wait at the taxi stand for nearly an hour, and in order to address this issue, wecame up with the idea of utilizing an event-based Japanese version of ride-sharing. Weexplained the situation to the Transportation Policy Division of Shizuoka City Hall, and in December of last year, weasked the city to submit a "Request" to the Transport Bureau. In March of this year, the taxi industry in Shizuoka Transportation Area received approval for 17 Japanese version of ride-sharing vehicles.As a result, the Japanese version of ride sharing started with two vehicles in April, increased to five in May, and increased to ten by September. Over a total of 50 days up until November, the last cruise ship to dock this year, 126 vehicles operated 224 times, with 780 inbound tourists using the service. Accordingly, many of the drivers for Japanese ride sharing have experience working or studying abroad, and many are fluent in English.From Shimizu Port, there are chartered trips of over six hours to Hakone, Lake Kawaguchi, and the 5th station of Mount Fuji, and the drivers of the Japanese version of ride-sharing who can communicate in English are highly rated. When the Japanese version of ride-sharing first started, there were problems regarding the order of charters and one-way trips, but by creating a system that allows one-way trips, the Japanese version of ride-sharing can now be operated fairly with taxi drivers.New endeavors inevitably come with problems, but I have come to realize once again that encountering troubles can lead to the creation of new wisdom and systems.Japan's version of ride-sharing is a new system created to solve the problem of taxi shortages caused by a lack of crew members, it is particularly an excellent system for dealing with the temporary taxi shortage caused by events such as cruise ship port calls. We hope that it will be put to good use to address the taxi shortages at the 100 cruise ship ports across the country.Taxi Usage by Cruise Ship Passengers in 2025Recently, the Shizuoka City Transportation Policy Division provided us with a document titled "Overall Taxi Usage by Cruise Passengers," which will be published on the Shizuoka City website. This document compiles data from April to November 2025, and utilizes dispatch details data from Shizuoka TaaS Travel Co., Ltd. This year, Shizuoka TaaS applied for and was selected to participate in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Co-creation Model Demonstration Operation Project with the theme of "Removing the Gap When Cruise Ships Call at Ports and Updating Inbound Taxi Tourism." As part of this, they have been actively reporting dispatch data to Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and the Shizuoka Transport Bureau.Shizuoka City's Transportation Policy Division has now compiled, graphed, and analyzed usage data, including this one, and the results are fascinating. According to the data, 83 cruise ships called at Shimizu Port's Hinode Pier (77 days), carrying 140,000 passengers and 67,000 crew members. A booking desk was set up for 52 days, mainly on days when large ships called, which hasapproximately 3,000 trips ( meaning around60 trips per day), has estimated10,000 passengers (approximately 200 people per day), and sales of approximately 43 million yen (approximately 800,000 per day).The breakdown is as follows: one-way trips were 1,800, charter trips were 1,260, the number of passengers was about 6,300 for one-way trips and 4,276 for charter trips, and the estimated sales amount was about 7 million yen for one-way trips and 36.86 million yen for charter trips. In terms of unit price, one-way trips were about 3,900 yen, charter trips were about 1,100 yen, charter trips were 29,295 yen, and this is 8,620 yen per person, which clearly shows how fortunate charter operations are at Shimizu Port. Incidentally, this document also has a pie chart showing the percentage of charter operation hours, with 19% for 1.5 hours, 20% for 3 hours, 35% for 4 hours, and 15% for6 hours. This is partly thanks to Mount Fuji, a global icon, but the development of attractive tourist courses and on-site English sales are also thought to be major factors.Many cruise ship ports do not conduct such on-site sales activities, and it seems that potential demand has not been tapped. However, I believe that there is still potential for an expansion of demand for taxis for cruise ships, depending on how theyare handled. On the other hand, this document also states that the shortage of taxis due to cruise ship arrivals is forcing cruise passengers to wait for long periods of time, with waits of over 40 minutes occurring on certain cruise ships and on certain days of the week.As a rough guideline, the analysis shows that there is a high probability of waiting for a taxi for more than 20 minutes when the number of chartered taxis exceeds 30. The data does not show the results of Japanese ride-sharing services that are already in operation, but it is believed that we have contributed to more than 10% of the market.Based on the results of the fact-finding analysis, the contents of the [future actions] are clearly stated as "Implementation of a Japanese version of ride sharing by taxi operators in the city," and it is also recommended for"the situation of taxi supply and demand at the quay, taxi location information. The available dispatch times will be grasped, and a system will be established to enable real-time sharing between the quay and taxis (improving dispatch efficiency and increasing the actual number of taxis)."This is exactly the content of the co-creation project that Shizuoka TaaS has been carrying out in partnership with the Taxi Association and the Suruga Tourism Bureau. We would like to ask Shizuoka City to support and promote this initiative.Shizuoka City's tourism industry has limitless potential, and our goal for next year is to work on developing and promoting experiential tourism courses that will capture diverse inbound demand, not just cruise ships. (December 18, 2025)
29Nov
- Latest on Shizuoka TaaS - Column 179
  How Far Has Shizuoka TaaS Come?Looking Back on Two ShizuokaTaaS Past EventsHonestly speaking, this column is the third time I’ve looked back on the theme of “How far ShizuokaTaaS has come?”. The first one was exactly three years ago, in November 2022. It was the 143rd column. As for the joint dispatching, Suruga Kotsu and Shizuoka Heiwa Taxi had finally started operations in September at the dispatch center in the new office in Kutsuya,Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City. In addition, the trial subscription service “Takuhodai” which finally launched in July of that year, was well- received by users but the number of members did not increase. Considering that there was a lack of awareness and sales activities, the company decided to extend the trial which was originally scheduled to end in December until June of the following year. Furthermore, the night staff at the dispatch center resigned, and we, the administrative and sales staff, became involved in answering calls and dispatching, thus, the operations continued to struggle. This was a reflection from a stage long before we realized our plan to improve productivity in the taxi industry, which was, “ to optimize supply and demand through the operation of an optimal dispatch platform from the entire region, and thereby improve vehicle availability and working hours.”The second “looking back” took place in June of last year, 2024. While the progress of shared taxi dispatch was still limited to two companies contracted to run ShizuokaTaaS Taxi Association proposed the introduction of a common regional app, raising high hopes that this would lead to the formation of an optimal platform for the entire Shizuoka City region. However, when it came to selecting the regional common app, the companies were divided over whether to choose the app from REA Co.,Ltd., which had a proven track record in Yamaguchi City, or the “Taxi Call” service operated by Shizuoka TaaS, and as result, the introduction of this industry-wide common joint app fell through. A particularly problematic issue was the low participation of taxi operators in the Shimizu branch in the regional common app itself.The region-wide optimal dispatch platform aims to improve the productivity of the entire tax business in the region. Its effectiveness is realized through the participation of taxi operators throughout Shizuoka City. The introduction of GPS-AVM dispatch systems in Shizuoka region has not progressed, and dispatching is mainly through voice call via taxi radio. In order to achieve more efficient and optimal dispatch throughout Shizuoka City, it is necessary to aim for the digitalization of dispatch in the Shimizu region. Fortunately, in this regard, a large number of tablet devices have been introduced to taxi operators in Shimizuas part of this co-creation project, and we hope that this will serve as a catalyst for digitalization.Meanwhile, the second review, the steady growth of charter tax for cruise ships at Shimizu Port was mentioned as a way to create demand during slow times for taxis. After Covid 19 pandemic ended in 2023 and 2024, the number of large cruise ships calling at ShimizuPort increased. A system for dispatch was put in place to guide inbound tourists to charter taxis which gave a strong response to demand for taxis.The Third Review of the Current SituationA year and half have passed since our last review. Has Shizuoka TaaS made progress towards its goals? First, what about the shared dispatch, and then the creation of a region-wide optimized dispatch platform? And what about the improvement in the taxi industry’s on-board time rate and working time rate, and the resulting productivity gains? It is true that Daiichi Taxi was entrusted with dispatching operations in November of last year. A mutual dispatching system of over 70 vehicles was established but the company has not yet gone beyond the framework of handling dispatching operations of the traditional taxi company. New systems have been introduced such as IVR system, apps, Line apps, stationary apps such as Sauna Shikiji, and taxi calling apps that used QR codes, but they have reach full-scale operation. In order to outsource dispatching operations to taxi companies and further develop joint dispatching, it is necessary not only to reduce dispatching costs, but also to demonstrate a real track record of actually increasing hourly revenue and expanding the customer base. A realistic solution hasyet to be found to increase the actual driving rate by utilizing the vast amount of valuable data generated daily in dispatching operations, flexible controlling demand forecasts and work shifts, amd eliminating wasted time.Furthermore, it has not been linked to Shizuoka City’s regional public transportation plan and has not been able to contribute to efforts to solve mobility issues throughout the city. We must aim to grow into the optimal mobility platform for the entire city, including other modes of transportation. Fortunately, technological advances centered on AI are occurring at rapid pace. We must acquire the know-how and human resources to connect these technological advances with on-site solutions. This is something that we absolutely must achieve. It is our origin and reason for existence. Fortunately, we have a field where we have problems to solve. On top of that, there are dramatic advances in technologies such as generative AI that can solve these problems. In addition, we have a human network that can be utilized to achieve this. The real challenge is yet to come, and in some sense, the activities of Shizuoka TaaS over the past four years have only been a preliminary challenge. The outcome of this challenge will likely be decided in the next few years. If we can’t do it, perhaps someone else will be able to do it sooner or later using the power of AI.Shizuoka TaaS Travel Co., Ltd.On the other hand, Shizuoka TaaS has established Shizuoka TaaS Travel Co., Ltd. in February this year. The company welcomed Tetsuya Sugimoto , President of Tokai Electronics Co., Ltd. , a major breathalyzer manufacturer, as its new co-representative, and obtained Type 2 travel business license in April, starting its journey as a travel agency.Of course, the company was founded in order for Shizuoka TaaS that had been handling sales, payments and taxi charter arrangements for inbound cruise ship passengers, acquire the qualifications to move from on-site travel arrangements to package- tours to Hakone, Arakurayama, Kawaguchiko, and other destinations.Accordingly, with the participation of President Sugimoto, the company is being run with a broader perspective and management style. It aims not just to create tourism demand for taxis, but to develop tourism demand throughout Shizuoka City as well.The following is an excerpt from column No. 121, “The Future of Taxis is Bright,” written in December 2020. Although the goal set out five years ago has not been realized, it is optimistic to see that efforts have been made in some form.“ Start with the Basics” – I would like to challenge myself to realize such platform while working in the taxi business. The platform’s goals are: (1) Joint phone and smartphone app ordering and operation of multi -function dispatch tablets; (2) Advanced key forecasting and dispatch (station) supply planning. (3) Popularization of subscription (fixed monthly fares) (4)Structured and flexible supply of spot drivers through a part-time driver platform (5) Utilization by taxi operators to match supply and demand for cooperative private transportation.”(November 23, 2025)
27Sep
- Shizuoka TaaS Travel, Accompanies You in Japan
  "The Meaning Behind Mount Fuji Being a World Cultural Heritage Site"Insights on Interviews to Inbound Tourists on YouTubeSince the end of COVID-19 in 2023, the number of inbound tourists from overseas has been increasing rapidly. In 2024, the number of visitors reached 36.87 million, surpassing the previous record of approximately 31.88 million in 2019. Furthermore, in the first half of this year up to June, the number exceeded 21.51 million, and is expected to surpass the government's annual target of 40 million. Thanks to this, the number of taxi charter arrangements handled by Shizuoka TaaS Travel Co., Ltd. at Shimizu Port is also increasing smoothly.In order to learn English that is necessary for on-site sales activities, I often watch interview videos of inbound tourists uploaded to YouTube. The typical questions from the interviewers are why people choose Japan as their travel destination and what are their impressions of the country. In many of the videos, the interviewers generally talked about how people are influenced by Japanese anime and other things from a young age, people’s dream about coming to Japan, and their impressions of Japan and that its culture and people are wonderful.Of course, they may be paying lip service to the Japanese interviewer, but looking at their expressions while answering the questions, it doesn't seem like they're intentionally trying to please him. In particular, the words polite, ordered, calm, and respectful are almost uniformly used when describing the Japanese.As for society, it is also rated as clean and safe. As a Japanese, it is nice to hear such positive reviews from people overseas, but on the other hand, there are also negative reviews, such as "the lost 30 years," and predictions that Japan's GDP will be overtaken by India in 205 and will fall to fifth place, and that its per capita GDP will be 38th.Being said this, why do inbound tourists esteem so highly of Japanese society, culture, and people despite the economic downturn that followed the collapse of the bubble economy? Recently, perhaps because of this oneextreme example, there has been a phenomenon known as "Japan Loss," where tourists who return to their home countries after a trip to Japan are overcome with a sense of loss and want to "go back" to Japan. Furthermore, in the United States, the word "weeb," which means "Japanese home," has become popular, and the number of foreign people who live in Japan and aspire to live in Japan is rapidly increasing.What on earth is going on? As a travel business that welcomes inbound tourists, including cruise ships, we must be fully aware of Japan's highly regarded society and history, as well as the values that are underlying and work to further enhance that reputation.ＭＴ．ＦＵＪＩPORT（SHIMIZU）This subheading is displayed on the itinerary of the cruise ship Celebrity Millennium, which frequently calls at Shimizu Port. In other words, Shimizu Port is displayed as MT. FUJI PORT SHIMIZU, which shows just how important Mount Fuji is to foreign ships. In fact, passengers on foreign ships, not just this cruise ship, say they want to see Mount Fuji first when they disembark. The global fame of Mount Fuji seems to have such an impact that it has even led to ports of call being renamed.It can also be said that Shimizu Port, as the starting point for Mount Fuji, is the reason why more than 100 cruise ships call at the port each year. For this reason, we are truly grateful. However, as a writer, I feel that the culturalsignificance of Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, is not being fully promoted to inbound tourists.Mount Fuji is a towering, free-standing mountain, has its perfect conical shape captivating the entire world, and yet , there may be few people in the world who do not know its name and appearance until now. So, passengers on cruise ships calling at Shimizu Port will also "first think of Mount Fuji". In fact, Mount Fuji is not a "World Natural Heritage Site" due to its magnificent natural beauty, but a World Cultural Heritage Site that is both an "object of worship" and a "source of artistic inspiration." Mount Fuji has long been an object of worship due to its majestic and awe-inspiring appearance. At the same time, it is an active volcano, and has repeatedly erupted on a large scale, making it a feared destination.As many Japanese believe thatMount Fuji is a mountain where gods reside, and in order to appease and worship these gods, Sengen Shrine was built by order of the Emperor from the Heian period, and became known asSengen Hongu Taisha Shrine. Furthermore, Mount Fuji became a training ground for Shugendo, a fusion of mountain worship and Buddhism (esoteric Buddhism), and during the Edo period, it became the object of worship known as Fuji-ko, which spread to the common people.The spirituality of the Japanese people, which is appreciated by many inbound tourists, is based on a historical accumulation of Shintoism, which is about being one with nature and has a belief on eight million diverse gods, and another, Buddhism, which is based on self-cultivation.Although we would like inbound tourists to feel and appreciate Mount Fuji and Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine (Fujinomiya City), which enshrines Mount Fuji as its sacred object, as one of the symbols of Japanese culture, unfortunately we do not believe that this is currently the case. Or rather, it might be better to say that I myself have not reached that level of understanding. Even if I could explain it on a knowledge level, I feel that it would be difficult to gain that level of empathy from inbound tourists without laying down a moredeep, imaginative re-experiencing of Mount Fuji’s deep-seated cultural significance to attainthe resulting emotions and realizations the same of my own.Experience Kyoto's Fushimi Inari ShrineRecently, while on a business trip to Kansai, I went alone to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which is often cited by inbound tourists as the most memorable place in Kyoto. There were a lot of foreign visitors there, including some foreign women wearing kimonos, who were heading to the top of Mount Inari. The mountain path to the top is 4 kilometers one way, making it 8 kilometers as a round trip. I decided to try to reach the top as well, but, embarrassingly I gave up after reaching the halfway point at Yotsutsuji. At this point, my legs started to tremble, and I worried that if I reached the top, I wouldn't be able to get back. I regretted my lack of regular exercise. Apparently, there are tens of thousands of torii gates to the top, and this firsthand experience gave me a real sense of the faith and historical accumulation of the ancient people. Kyoto, like Mount Fuji, is a treasure trove of Japanese history. While the negative effects of overtourism have been pointed out in Kyoto, thisis still essential for people to get to know more about Japan as a country.However, not just in Kyoto, but in any tourist facility, especially a historical one, the level of understanding and empathy of tourists will depend on the extent to which the guide, as a storyteller, pays attention to the history of the facility. This also calls into question the guide's own deep understanding and pride about Japanese culture.From Chartering a Taxi to Exploring the Sightseeing - Japanese ExperienceShizuoka TaaS Travel is currently running package tours and is also focusing on training guides. When we see customers returning from a private charter at Hinode Pier, they are delighted with what a great experience they had, shaking hands with the guide and some even hugging each other. I think this is a clear indication of the guides' dedication and the quality of their hospitality all throughout the sightseeing services offered.If given chance , we would like to ask YouTubers to create interview videos of our customers and explore ways to improve the quality of inbound tourists' experiences in Japan. (September 23, 2025)
01Sep
- Latest on Shizuoka TaaS Column 176
  The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Co-creation Model Demonstration Project Has Finally Begun!"Clearing the Gap When Cruise Ships Call at Ports and Updating TourismInbound Taxis"In our May column, we mentioned that we have applied for the Co-Creation Model Demonstration Operation Project with the theme "Removing the Gap When Cruise Ships Call at Ports “ and “Updating Tourism Inbound Taxis," and that it was accepted last12th of May.However, after being accepted, such projects require various procedures such as submission of quotes from the companies needed for implementation before they are actually permitted to begin. And only after these procedures have been reviewed can permission to implement the project be granted.To be honest, there were many anxious days until the final permission was granted. Fortunately, the grant decision for the project was issued on July 12th, and we were able to begin the actual activities for implementing this project. There was a lot to do, such as explaining the purpose of the tablets to the taxi operators involved which at the same timewas the main focus of this project. Another are,soliciting applications for their tabletsinstallation, holding information sessions for taxi drivers, ordering the tablets from the supplier, and arranging for the tablet installation works.Additionally, a solid working committee was established for the members who made up this co-creation platform, and a kick-off meeting was held, as well as a contact network created by Line Works, providing a forum for smooth communication. The promotion of these practical tasks for this co-creation project was outsourced to Shizuoka TaaS Travel Co., Ltd.,Mr. Sugimoto; President of Tokai Electronics and co-representative of Shizuoka TaaS Travel, to which are extremely skilled at promoting such practical tasks. The fact that this co-creation project was selected and even given permission to proceed is largely due to the skills of President Sugimoto, who has extensive experience in this field.In addition to installing tablets in taxis and Japanese ride-sharing vehicles, one of the major challenges of this project is the collection and analysis of information on inbound tourists at the port and the use of this data to forecast demand, and this work has been outsourced by Shizuoka TaaS General Incorporated Association, (the project's implementing body)to Shizuoka TaaS Travel Co., Ltd. This information will be widely made public and will be shared with the taxi industry, local governments unit ofShizuoka City and Shizuoka Prefecture, and supervisory agency such as the Transport Bureau.On 3rd of October, the Optimal Dispatch Platform for Cruise Ship Drivers at Shimizu Port Will Be Launched!The objective of this co-creation project is to eliminate the temporary traffic gap caused by large cruise ships calling at Shimizu Port, and to improve the quality of the tourist experience for inbound tourists disembarking at Shimizu Port. A major pillar of this project is to install tablets in taxis and Japanese-style ride-sharing vehicles that cruise ship customers wish to use, in order to provide a centralized, efficient, and optimized vehicle dispatch platform. The tablets that will be installed have four functions:① The vast parking lot at Shimizu Port where taxis, buses, etc. currently wait will become unusable due to the construction of the Shizuoka City Marine-Earth Museum, and people will no longer know where to wait, as well as the order in which they should wait.A system will be set up to use these tablets to determine the order and ensure smooth operation.② When taxis are in short supply, inbound tourists waiting for a ride will be provided with information on the vehicle's location and movement via a tablet to determine when they can depart.3) Identifying the location of vehicles when inbound tourists go to remote areas where taxi radio signals are unreachable ,thus dealing with accidents and breakdowns that may result, and another, controlling return times.4) The tablet's GPS location information will be used as a trigger to provide audio information about tourist spots in foreign languages, thereby improving the tourist experience for inbound tourists.The tablets with these four functions will be installed in taxi company vehicles by the end of September, with the aim of full-scale operation starting when the Norwegian Spirit arriveson October 3rd.More than 100 of the tablets will be installed, primarily in local Shimizu taxi companies, and dispatch operations have already been outsourced to Shizuoka TaaS's dispatch center. Any vehicle equipped with a Michibiki tablet terminal will have the same functionality. Therefore, a total of around 150 vehicles will be able to join the Shimizu Port Cruise Ship Optimized Dispatch Platform.We would like to carefully verify, based on data, how much this experimental platform will help to eliminate the temporary traffic gap caused by cruise ship calls. We would also like to make improvements through this trial and error process, and strive to make Shimizu Port, which carries Mount Fuji on its back, the best cruise ship call experience in Japan in terms of both quantity and quality in three years.The National Council of Local Government Ride Shares (Zenjiren)On August 4th, the "Shizuoka Prefecture and All Japan Federation of Public Transport Operators Signing Ceremony for the Partnership Agreement on Revitalizing Regional Public Transport" was held in the stately special conference room of the Shizuoka Prefectural Government Main Building. Afterwards, a lecture was held at a specialist committee meeting, where a representative from Beppu City, which operates the Beppu City public ride-sharing service "Yukemuri Ride Share," and a representative from the Beppu City Industrial Collaboration Platform B-bizLINK, the operator of the service, reported on the history of the establishment and current status of this public ride-sharing service.The reason why I was able to participate in this meeting was that, on July 28th, the Secretary General of the All Japan Federation of Prefectural Government Offices, Akiko Ikegami, had visited the site of Shizuoka TaaS's activities at Shimizu Port, evaluated them, and opened the way for me to participate in the meeting at the prefectural office. Beppu City also experiences traffic gaps when cruise ships dock, and the efforts at Shimizu Port could be used as a reference, so Shizuoka TaaS was mentioned in this expert committee.During the Q&A session at the conference, I asked why Beppu City adopted public ride-sharing instead of the Japanese version of ride-sharing, and was told that the taxi industry was slow to act, and that the government-led public ride-sharing ultimately took the lead. I don't know the exact circumstances, but as someone in the taxi industry, I find it disappointing that the Japanese version of ride-sharing, led by the taxi industry, was unable to lead local public transportation.There are probably various reasons for this, but if the taxi industry remains hesitant to address the regional transportation gap, I fear that the more proactive the local government is, the more likely things will progress in a world where the taxi industry is not involved. I hear that Shizuoka Prefecture is currently discussing the adoption of urban hire cars and mutual use of services with other operating areas in response to the transportation gap caused by cruise ships, but rather than taking a stance of opposition, I think that taxi operators need to approach this in a positive way, viewing it as an expansion of their business area. The Shizuoka TaaS Group would like to contribute to such forward-looking efforts, which will not only help to eliminate the current transportation gap, but may also will lead to the development of new potential demand. (August 24th and 25th, 2025)
- Latest on Shizuoka TaaS Column 175
  Co-creation Model Demonstration Project Finally Gets UnderwayIn this month's issue of "Dankai Koshiroku," I would like to report on a major step we have taken toward realizing a dream we have cherished for many years. Shizuoka TaaS, a general incorporated association of which I serve as representative director, has been selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "2025 Co-creation Model Demonstration Operation Project." We received official notification of selection on June 12th, and notification of grant approval on July 10th. This major project is finally about to get underway soonest.The theme of this year's application is "Eliminating the Gaps When Cruise Ships Dock” and “ Updating Tourism Inbound Taxis." This is an attempt to give concrete form to the belief we have had since our founding: "Taxi operators will bring about change themselves and solve local transportation issues." I firmly believe that the future of the taxi industry will not depend on external forces, but will be carved out by our own wisdom and actions.Seeds of Co-creation Sprout from the FieldThe idea for this demonstration project came up out of a serious taxi shortage that was faced when large cruise ships called at Shimizu Port in Shizuoka City. In particular, the concentration of inbound tourists resulted to a high number of long-term chartered taxis, further resulted to a temporary shortage of taxis in the area. This caused inconvenience to local residents.As a way to solve this problem, we submitted a request to Shizuoka City for an event-oriented Japanese version of ride-sharing to fill the temporary transportation gaps when cruise ships dock. Then, on April 4, 2025, taxi companies began operating Japanese ride-sharing services, starting with the docking of the large cruise ship “Diamond Princess”.However, Japanese ride-sharing is merely one of the means of filling transportation gaps. The core of this demonstration project is to fundamentally solve this issue by building an "optimal vehicle dispatch platform" that uses tablet devices installed in taxis to centrally track the location and movements.Taxi Business Updates and a Future to Look ForwardUntil now, when a cruise ship docks, and then there is a shortage of taxis, it is impossible to know when the next vehicles will return to the port, causing great stress for both passengers and dispatchers. However, the 100 tablet devices being installed in this demonstration project have the power to dramatically change this situation. Digital technology will enable taxi companies to instantly determine where vehicles are and whether they are ready to pick up passengers again,thus going beyond the boundaries of taxi companies. This information will be communicated to passengers via displays, etc. This will make it clear how long they have to wait, reducing customer frustration.This tablet device also solves the issues posed by conventional taxi radios. Unlike conventional radios, which are limited to a range of just over 10 kilometers, this tablet device, which uses mobile phone packet communication networks, can communicate anywhere in the country. This makes it possible to track the location of vehicles heading from Shimizu Port across prefectural borders ofHakone or Yamanashi, enabling a rapid response in the event of an accident, breakdown, or other problem in a remote location. It will also make it easier to determine whether a cruise ship will depart in time, and is expected to have a major impact on safety management. However, this project is not limited to simply improving efficiency. We also aim to raise the level of tourist taxis that cater to inbound tourists.Since last year, we have been working with the Shizuoka City Taxi Association to hold information sessions for drivers on how to become "English-speaking drivers" and "App-based drivers." This initiative goes beyond simply addressing the language barrier and aims to improve the quality of "omotenashi" (hospitality) by providing assistance to tourists, taking photos, and even providing English tourist guide manuals. We are fortunate to have received many applications from people with overseas work or study abroad experience who are fluent in English and other languages as drivers for the Japanese version of ride-sharing. Many of these people are looking to contribute to society as a side job, and we expect they will make a significant contribution in raising the level of omotenashi (hospitality) we offer.Through this demonstration project, the company plans to conduct a detailed analysis of changes in taxi demands due to factors such as the type of cruise ship, customer demographics, weather, and length of stay, and use this information to develop a system for accepting taxis in the future. This will enable the company to improve the accuracy of demand forecasts and more effectively address transportation gaps.Shaping Japan's Taxi Industry with the Power of Co-creationThis "Co-creation Model Demonstration Operation Project" is implemented by our general incorporated association, Shizuoka TaaS, and is made possible through collaboration with a variety of partners, including the Shizuoka City Taxi Association Shimizu Branch and Suruga Transportation, which are the operators, as well as the Suruga Planning and Tourism Bureau, System Origin Co., Ltd., Shizuoka TaaS Travel Co., Ltd., and Otono Co., Ltd. This must be because the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Co-creation Model Project cannot be applied for by a single company alone; co-creation with other businesses, with a transportation company at the core, is a prerequisite.I believe that this "co-creation" framework is exactly what is needed for Japan's taxi industry in the future. As the declining birthrate and aging population progress, and labor shortages become more serious, it will be difficult for individual operators to solve the problem in isolation. However, as operators with different strengths joining forces, we can overcome the challenges of regional transportation and create new business models.Shizuoka TaaS's challenge has only just begun. However, we will do our utmost to ensure that this first step will resolve the issues faced by local public transportation and become a compass that paves the way for the future of Japan's taxi industry.Going forward, we will use this column to regularly report on the progress of the trial operation, any new issues that emerge, and clues to solutions. We would like to ask all readers for your continued support and encouragement.
08May
- Private Didi Mobile Japan Experience
  Column for the first time in 2 yearsJust two years ago in October, "Why DIDI Mobility Japan?" It's been 2 years since I was allowed to write a column. Since accepting the outsourcing of DIDI Mobility Japan from October 1, 2018, I have personally experienced an exciting and extraordinary experience that I have never experienced before. It was a valuable experience for me to meet taxi companies nationwide in the role of a door opener, even though I was a pensioner at the age of 68. Of course, from the beginning, DIDI Mobility Japan, which is a ride share and a foreign capital, has a strong influence, and I was treated as a "traitor", but fortunately I was gradually recognized as a supporting member in all taxi associations. Citizenship came to be obtained. In any case, at the end of September, I ended the business consignment contract with DIDI Mobility Japan, but I asked him to work as a member of DIDI Mobility Japan and adopt the services of DIDI Mobility Japan. I have come to think that the I have a responsibility to taxi companies to explain my own generalization. When I asked President Takahashi of Taxi Nippon Shimbun to resume the column in "Taxi Japan Magazine", he said that it would be good that my relationship with DIDI was over. Of course, the generalization and evaluation of DIDI Mobility Japan itself is not my role, but just one individual, "Why was DIDI Mobility Japan?" And why was it for me as a result? I will write it as long as it does not touch the non-disclosure agreement.Why Didi Mobility Japan?In the column on this theme I wrote two years ago, I wrote as follows."For Kiyono, this judgment is not so much about Didi, but rather the" ambition "that SoftBank itself or Masayoshi Son has cultivated over the past 37 years of history, and the management philosophy, awareness of the times, and sympathy for the strategy as its realization. by. ""Looking 300 years into the future in 2010, we will make people happy through the information revolution." The concept of "group management" to realize it, especially the imminent "singularity" (all artificial intelligence) I was amazed at the idea of being a platformer for the information revolution (the mobile revolution as part of it) in preparation for the time when it exceeds the intelligence of humankind. "Furthermore, we are steadily laying the groundwork as a platformer in the era of IOT, big data, and AI, such as the establishment of Toyota and Monet Technology, and we have a broad view of the future and the world, and steadily. I couldn't help but be surprised at the rugged stones. ""I interpret it arbitrarily, and such IOT, big data, and AI-powered platforms are the structurally low productivity of the mobile industry, including taxis, and the resulting long, low crew. I believed that it was a way to improve and reform low wages and low social status.While saying that I wants to help "reform the taxi business model" = "creation of a comprehensive living mobile industry", I have not been able to do anything yet, so I decided to help create a platform for this new mobile industry. I felt that I should use the remaining life, and decided that I should help spread Didi Mobility Japan, which was the beginning of that.Picture sky (sweat)My one-sided thoughts and expectations have ended in pipe dream at least at this point in time. .In particular, I thought that the spread of taxi dispatch apps was essential in Japan's last mile mobile industry, but even if the ride dispatch apps of each company are combined, it is said that it is currently about 4% of the number of taxi operations. In Moscow, 80% of sales, mainly Yandex, are ride-hailing apps, and in Beijing, it is said to exceed 70%. Unfortunately, in Japan, the sinks are substantial and the taxi service level is high, so the incentive to popularize the ride-hailing app is low. The promotion measures by issuing coupons are not decisive, and their spread is realized by platformers who are willing to take the risk of subscriptions, and it is physically and temperamentally that Softbank, that is, DIDI Mobility, has that spirit. I expected Japan. But the reality wasn't that sweet (sweat)In fact, the platformer responsible for the last mile is not the ride-hailing app itself!Despite this, the lesson I learned in the last two years is that the GAFA-like platform may not have an advantage in the last mile mobile industry. The last mile mobile industry, including taxis, is a local industry that is neither national nor global, nor is it a virtual world that is complete in the internet world, but a real industry that involves the movement of physical people. In this area, there is no national advantage, and on the contrary, it tends to fall into inefficient overinvestment, which may affect the sustainability of profits. Rather, a region-specific platformer that has the ability to network stakeholders such as users, suppliers, and governments of regional mobility services in the reality of the region and coordinate the optimal environment for the region, and the coordinator who organizes it. Needed. Of course, the important weapons and technologies that promote it are the universal know-how of IOT, big data, and AI, including financial power, and DX (digital transformation), which is a hot topic now. Recently, the Minister of State for IT Hirai, who promotes the Digital Agency, was asked by a reporter if Japan could produce GAFA, and he had no intention of producing GAFA from his nose. He said that he would promote DX conversion and compete. Also, in the book "Shin Nihon" by Yahoo CSO Kazuto Ataka, Japan, which was completely defeated in the world of global and virtual digitization, was just defeated by the Meiji Restoration in modern Western technology. In the second and third waves of digitization, Japan's peculiar "delusional power" was used to "exit industry", just as Japan achieved rapid development in the area where it is good at while incorporating culture. We are calling for the realization of DX at an overwhelming speed.What is needed for a regional optimal mobile industry platformerIt is not essential to be national. However, in order for the mobile industry as a local business to survive, it is necessary to have at least a mechanism to improve productivity per hour. For that purpose, it is necessary to create a technique for improving the actual vehicle time rate and the actual working time rate of the vehicle. In addition, we must have the network power and coordination power to link users, businesses, and governments to realize the above. And I think it's better to first create a success story in a specific area that can be a best practice, and then challenge the attempt to nationalize. Anyway, I would like to try realistic trial and error without relying on vehicle dispatch application companies like Uber ,DiDi , even if we use them, so that it will not be pipe dream(October 19, 2020)パネル
26Dec
- Why DiDi Mobility Japan?
  Beijing Was Unexpectedly Sunny !On October 20th, I will have to visit Beijing in 3 to 4days. Actually, it was supposed to be three days and two nights from 21st of October, so happened that my second son who is doing business also in China for quite some years was unable to take his flight. It was his first time in Beijing. Way back in 2001, he has visited Shanghai, Hangzhou and Guangzhou, China more than 10 times. In relation to this particular year in 2001, it was the same year when 9/11 terrorists attacks in New York happened while on the other side of the world, particularly in China, this was the time where it joined World Trade Organization (WTO). The reforms and opening policy initiated by the Deng Xiaoping government resulted to promotion of capitalism economically. The Chinese form of socialist market economy was well-developed surpassing Japan’s GDP in 2010 and now, it causes trade war with United States. China’s manufacturing industries still showcase the world’s famous brands. Subcontracting status remains stable as well. In the field of IT, huge IT companies such as BAT (Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent) are growing though it faced drops in 2012. As of June 2018, droplet output has been growing rapidly as a so- called unicorn company (an unlisted venture company with market capitalization exceeding 1 billion dollars) that exceeds 56 billion dollars. The sudden arrival to Beijing this time was for the visit to the headquarters of this well- performing droplet.A High-Tech Office in American Style?Zhongguancun which is known also as “Silicon Valley in Beijing” is where the taxi company responsible for the service of SOFTBANK located. The consensus started in Osaka in September 29 wherein the joint venture company known DiDi Mobility Japan has also being established. Unfortunately, I have never been to Silicon Valley. An office where Google and Apple’s work and play will associate with this image of China in our head. Both Peking University and Tsinghua University which are considered as one of the world’s best are located in this area. China’s Silicon Valley showcasing style and innovative culture of China and newly tailored atmosphere of university town. There are plenty of things to think about such as the possibility of collapses of China’s bubble, political constrictions, environmental conditions such as PM 2.5 and food pollution in China. With all of these things to consider, I realized that the reality underlying on 6 thousand companies that are starting up, is also “bad’ in reverse sense. Even if it did, it was unexpectedly visible for the past few days.The sun was calm and easy to spend. We were informed because “it’s a good luck for you!Why DiDi Mobility Japan…?I will assist DiDi Mobility Japan’s business starting October 1. Of course, not as an employee but as a business consignment. It’s more of giving assistance to the extent that can I do. I find no hesitation in the main body of ORIGIN. There was no managerial responsibility left. System ORIGIN partly handles that of DNE. I would like to help DiDi Mobility Japan as an individual person irrespective of the intention of the origin body. For Kiyono, this decision is not based on the droplets positive growth; rather it is based on “soul” cultivated in SOFTBANK’s body in its 37 –year history by Mr. Sun Gyu giving consideration to management’s philosophy and its core realization, age recognition , strategy and empathy. I bought almost 10 books about SOFTBANK, mostly written by Mr. Masayoshi Son. As soon as I got the books, I read them right away. Despite being aware of Son’s story almost at the same time, having lived in the same era, I was keenly aware that no one was able to understand Softbank’s Masayoshi Son. Various anecdotes such as the hard life while residing in Tosu in Saga prefecture, the arrival to United States for high school year etc., are popularly known by many but for me, what’s notably striking is when it tried NTT that had a cumulative loss of 300 billion yen in the third consecutive loss deficit. While launching the YSHOOBB’s ADSL business that made survived, he purchased a falling Vodafone with a deficit in excess of the length of ourselves and started up what today’s SOFTBANK (Mobile) while making the best use of his connections with Steve Job. In 2010, with his futuristic estimate in about 300 years to come, his management group’s initiative is directed to its philosophy “ Happiness for everyone thru Information revolution”. “Singularity” particularly speaking, is approaching the immediate vicinity whereas artificial intelligence is all- in order to prepare for the human intelligence. It has been overwhelmed by the idea of a platformer for the information revolution worldwide (the movement revolution as a part of it). In fact, in the era of IOT , we acquired ARM’s; the designer of all underlying chips, for 3.3 trillion yen. Also invested in ride-sharing company that commonly becoming the base of global movement (Uber,Grab, Ola of India etc.). Don’t set aside as well the investments on automatic operation, robot enterprises, establishment of Toyota and Monet Inc., as a platformer in the era of IOT, big data, AI, I could not afford to forbid the surprises of its steady striking future, its breadth of vision to the world and steady pace.DiDi Mobility Japan is not just a dispatch application for Chinese tourists. It is actually part of the platform that coordinates all movements, a step toward so-called MAAS (Mobility as a Service). I interpret it without permission. The platform that made use of such IOT , big data, AI is the low structural productivity of the mobile industry including taxi that resulted to long waiting time of the crew. It is believed that it is the way to improve and reform low wages and social status.While saying that he wishes to help achieved “reformed taxi business model”= “creation of integrated living mobile industry”, though I am not doing anything as of now, I’m trying to help build this new mobile industry platform. I’m motivated to use the remaining lifespan to support DiDi Mobility Japan’s influences at its initial pace.This is just my hypothesis. There are too many things to do now in the real taxi industry to achieve such level in form. There are too many crew members and managers. Managers and users are working the field. Even it may sound like a picture sketch; I believed that the possibility of ending with sketch is never low. Considering the current smartphones created by Apple’s Job in 2007, in the past decade, it has become the world’s culture and consciousness. Consider also the reality that has changed lifestyles habits, it is not in vain to think of skills backed-up by technology, and the taxi industry in Japan which has hardly changed over the last 100 years, never runs out at the cutting edge of the movement revolution. It seems to be impossible. What are we going to protect and what are we going to produce? There is no future in trying to preserve the interests of the family finally to decorate the last words. I will discard myself “to make people happy by information revolution, mobility revolution”. There is a future in this thought and real practice!(OCTOBER 25, 2018)
08Oct
- Moscow dispatch of smartphone (google version)
  Team NEXT　Seminar camp in MoscowIt seems to say that whenever I experience a team seminar camp this time as "one hundred words are in one case". Actually, that feeling is strong, and we have strong thoughts on seminar camps abroad. When it comes to saying overseas, it takes a long period of time and costs, so participation by all members of Team Next has been limited, and it is a heartbreaking thought, but as a result, as a result "aspire looks like a glance at first glance" I strongly feel that I was glad I did it.Particularly, this time Moscow is a foreign country with no opportunity to go easily, the collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent confusion, and economic sanctions on the West side that originated from Ukraine's problem to the current Putin administration, it is quite difficult to go sightseeing etc. It is a difficult country.It happened to be held FIFA World Cup, a plan to welcome football spectators from all over the world, to use the experience and lessons to prepare for the Tokyo Olympic Games, a bluish arrow in Moscow. Although not praising the crowd, with the efforts of Taxi Assisted Managing Director Noda serving as the administrative office of Team Next, Moscow City Tourist Board, Presentation of Transportation Bureau, Moscow operating search software and a taxi distribution system for smart cars "Yandex "And visiting and interacting with" FusionAuto "which is one of consulting companies that took part in the Russian World Cup's land transportation department this time. At the University of Moscow, I got an opportunity to present excellent taxi operators at Moscow a University thanks to a specialized associate professor at Nagaoka University of Technology, Mr. Kaichiro Hatoyama who contributed to solve traffic congestion in Moscow city. Also Professor Hatoyama got its participation.For taxi operators who participate, I heard that there was something that could be obtained from each position. I myself can say scales about the taxi situation in Moscow city, the situation of smart car delivery, sometimes I got some hints. I would like to write the impression of Moscow that I visited for the first time before mentioning it.Moscow is a beautiful cityWhat kind of city do you imagine when you hear with Moscow? It is the capital city since the Emperor Russia, and the Kremlin Palace, a cold and dark city in the north. It was such a prejudice of myself. That's why "seeing is believing in ". It certainly depends on the weather but the impression that Moscow is beautiful and bright is strong. High-rise buildings are rare except for some not-so-large new city centers. There are seven wonderful Stalin Gothic buildings of thirty story floors, including Moscow University in order for Stalin to show the prosperity of the Soviet empire. However, the buildings along the roads are 7 and 8 stories long and are calm buildings of European style. And as inbound customers say that the impression of Japanese cities is not garbage, buildings and roads are beautiful and so-called slum-like areas can not be found for the time being (although it seems to exist still when looking at the net ...) . It seems that Moscow City tried to improve and beautify the town by using a big budget, especially at the World Cup this time! Speaking of Moscow, it is reminiscent of the Kremlin Palace and the red square in front of it, but the Zariyajie Park opened last September is wonderful! Constructed between the Kremlin and the Moscow River, this park is far away from the traditional Russian image and features a boomerang-shaped bridge like a concert hall, an ice cave and a floating over the Moscow River. The time magazine world It has been chosen as one of the best sights! It might be an area symbolizing the newborn Russia!Moscow citizen's lifeAccording to the guide who showed us the first day sightseeing, Moscow citizens' income seems to be 100,000 yen a month, prices are not so different from Moscow at least with Japan, so I think it is quite painful, but it's unexpected that kind of feeling I do not receive. The reason for this is that when the residence changes to the Russian state-owned residence of the Soviet era, it is paid free of charge and does not incur housing cost. It is said that it is unexpectedly wealthy that he will recover to less than 2,000 yen even if he / she uses plenty of utility bills and other expenses. For that reason people 's lives who do not have houses coming from rural areas are suffering and the difference between rich and poor seems to spread.Taxi situation in MoscowThe taxi after the collapse of the Soviet Union seems to have been the so-called white Taxi. Even a private car in the middle of commuting instead of the image of the ride shop being told, it seems that we stopped the car, negotiated the price and put it on as the hands rose. It seems that the user had a very inconvenient feeling. In 2011, the regulation of the qualification for the taxi crew finally was decided by the Russian Federation law, registration of the crew to the administrative authority, sticker certifying the company color, number, taxi of the vehicle, installation of the meter machine, etc. were obliged. Naturally white Taxiwas illegalized, but it seems that it did not go before the complete elimination. From around 2014, a dispatch system by smartphone began, exactly like Yahoo in Japan like Yahoo search engines like Yan Dex, showed in advance the position of the vehicle, earlier in the fare, settlement, further low fare presentation etc. Overwhelming Not only did it eradicate the white taxiunder the support of the user to the user, it wiped away the crusing taxifrom even Moscow which is a large city of 12 million people! In other words, everyone began asking for a taxi with a smartphone, the proportion reached 80%, the rest became an order by phone. There is no regulation of freight in Moscow, price can be set arbitrarily, price drop due to competition of smart car carrier company is intense. Things that the fare is cheap third in the world. Meanwhile, the demand increased and the users increased to 17 times before regulation. In Japan, taxis are mainly cruisingin urban areas such as Tokyo, and customers who ask for it by smartphone are few. Take a taxi frequently when you go out on the street, and it costs an entrance fee as well. For users in urban areas, we do not feel the benefit of dispatching smart cars. Also, most taxi operators are involved as alibis as a name to counter ride sharing. As for the mechanism of this smart car allocation it seems that you need apologies from a completely different dimension! That is, in order to solve the current taxi business, the inherent low productivity of the model, and the crew shortage caused by it, the user's smartphone and the device of the vehicle are connected to the cloud and the demand forecast , Also to arouse demand, to realize regional optimal efficiency matching! To put it briefly, it is to make the actual car hour rate and the actual occupancy rate as close as possible to 100%! For this reason, it is necessary to promote order acceptance by smartphone, user convenience is only a part of it! So what should we do to promote smart car allocation as Moscow? The hint is in the realization of "All-you-can-eat monthly ride" which is one of 11 measures of all Japan Taxi Asociation, and I think that it is in the appearance of a platformer that takes risk (September 25, 2018)
- Moscow’s Smartphones Dispatch- (T version)
  Team Next Seminar Camp in MoscowThe experience I get from this seminar camp of Team Next seems like “a hundred words in a single thought”. The excitement is strong. Actually, we are looking forward of the best things we can get from this seminar abroad. Participating seminar abroad requires long time of preparations and monetary cost thus; selection of members participating is limited. It is overwhelming in terms of expenses yet, I’m very glad I did it. The aspirations we have as a team are somewhat of good shining foundation for betterment of our organization.This time, we went in Moscow, a country by which the opportunity to enter is not that easy. The subsequent confusion, the collapse of Soviet Union and sanctions from the West side due to Ukraine’s problem under Putin’s administration resulted to some little difficulties for people like us to go sightseeing and other things. It’s hard to deal with some things in Moscow.The recent hosting of Russia in FIFA World Cup participated by football spectators all over the world will pave the way to suitable applications needed for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games. Not to the point of lifting up these people or organization from the crowd, their efforts must still be recognized. Let me mention Taxi Assist Managing Director Noda who is also the head of administrative office of Team Next, the Moscow City Tourist Board, the presence of Transportation Bureau, Moscow Operating Search Software and Taxi Distribution System for smart cars “Yandex” . Not to forget also the visit and interaction with Fusion Auto; one of the consulting companies that took part in Russia’s World Cup land transportation department. As we head to University of Moscow, I got an opportunity to present excellent taxi operators at Moscow University. Thanks to a specialized associate professor at Nagaoka University of Technology, Mr. Katoichiro Hatoyama who contributed to solve traffic congestion in Moscow city. He also participated in our meeting.For taxi operators who participate, I heard that there was something that could be obtained from each position. I myself can estimate the scale of the taxi situation in Moscow city and the situation of smart car deliveries. I got some hints but before mentioning it, let me write first the impression of Moscow that I visited for the first time.Moscow Is a Beautiful CityWhat kind of city do you imagine when you hear about Moscow? It is the capital city since the ruling of Russia’s emperors and Kremlin Palace, a cold and dark city in the north. Those are my personal views about Russia. For me, to see is to believe. It certainly depends on the weather but the impression that Moscow is beautiful and bright is strong. High rise buildings are rare except for some newly- developed city centers. There are seven wonderful Stalin gothic buildings that have thirty storey- floors and don’t forget to include here University of Moscow! Stalin proved to people how prosperous the Soviet Empire is. On the other hand, buildings along the road have 7 or 8 stories, with European style and they looked very quiet. And as what inbound customers say that the impression of Japanese cities is not garbage, building and roads are beautiful and the slum-like areas are no-where to see for the moment (although it seems to exist when surfing on the net). It seems Moscow city tried to improve and beautify the town by using big budget, take a look at World Cup this time! Speaking of Moscow, it is remiscent of the Kremlin Palace and the Red Square in front of it. The Zaryadye Park that opened last September is wonderful! Constructed between the Kremlin and the Moscow River, this park is far from traditional Russian image. It features a boomerang-shaped bridge like with the concert hall, an ice cave and a floating bridge over the Moscow River. The Time Magazine chose it as one of the best sights! It might be an area symbolizing the newborn Russia!Moscow Citizen’s LifeAccording to the tour guide who accompanied us on the first day for the sightseeing, Muscow citizen'sincome seems to be 100,000 yen per month. Prices in Moscow are not so different in Japan. I realized how hard it is to live well in Russia. I didn’t expect that. The reason for this is that, when the residence becomes Russian estate owned residences, it is free of charge and does not incur housing cost. It is said that it is unexpectedly wealthy that he will recover to less than 2,000 yen even if he/she uses plenty of utilities and expenses. For that reason, people who do not have houses in the city do suffer. Most of them come from rural area. The gap between the haves and have-nots is still big.Taxi Situation in MoscowThetaxi industry after the Soviet Union had collapsed has been tagged as white Taxi. A private car once called for a stop and the being offered for a fee by the riding customer brings inconvenient feeling for the user or the customer. In 2011, the Russian Federation law implemented the regulations of qualifications for taxi crews, crew registration to the administrative authority, certified stickers for each taxi company, plate number, installation of taxi meters and other things. Obviously, white Taxiwas illegal but it seems it did not vanish completely. From 2014, a dispatch system by smartphone began same way how Yahoo works. In Japan, search engines like Yan Dex has the capability to show in advance the vehicles position, calculated fare, settlement, low fare presentation etc. Overwhelming not only did it eradicate the white taxiunder the support of user to user, it wiped away the sink from Moscow which is a large city inhabited by 12 million people! In other words, everyone began asking for a taxi using smartphone. The proportion reached 80% while the rest have been done through phone. There is no regulation of freight in Moscow. Price can be set arbitrarily. Price drops due active competition of smart car carrier companies. The fare became 3rd cheaper in the world. Meanwhile, the demand increased and the users increased to 17 times before regulation. In Japan, taxis mainly sink in urban areas like Tokyo and customers who ask for it via smartphone are few. Take a taxi frequently when you go out on the street and it costs an entrance fee as well. For users in urban areas, we do not feel the benefit of dispatching smart cars. In addition, taxi operators are involved as alibis as a name to counter ride sharing. As for the mechanism of this smart car allocation, it seems that you need apologies from a completely different dimension! In order to solve the current issues in taxi industry, considerations on the following factors should not be ignore mainly; the low productivity of the model, crews’ shortage, users’ smartphone, vehicles device and demand forecasts. Also, to make the demand increases, there must be regional optimal efficiency matching! In short, the actual car hour rate and actual occupancy rate must be close to 100% as much as possible! For this reason, it is necessary to promote organized acceptance via smartphone, user’s convenience is just a part of it! So what should we do to promote smart car allocation same like in Moscow? The hint lies in the realization of “all-you-can-consumed-monthly ride” which is one of 11 measures of all Japn Taxi companyassociation, and I think that it is in the appearance of a platform that takes risk. (September 25, 2018)
25Aug
- WHAT DO YOU TELL YOURSELF IN 50 YEARS?
  Team Next Seminar Camp in Hakodate The 20th Team Next Seminar camp was conducted last July 9 and 10 of the current year. It was held at Hakodate’s Futura University with the theme entitled “Demand Traffic and Advance Tourism Taxi Visit”. The ultra- futuristic campus lecture on the real –time on-demand transport system developed by Future Share Co., Ltd was conducted and the next day was continued by Mr. Donan Higher’s 4 whom let us experienced the system through vehicle actual demonstration. This system makes use of latest AI system and also offers sightseeing. Team Next members use their respective smartphone to make a request for all allocation of actual vehicles and the designated drop off places. The AI will work on determination of optimum vehicles, dispatching and operation. I think that is very innovative and advanced in such a way that, it is not limited to taxis only but it can cater other means of transportation enabling the operators determine or foresee the optimum allocation and movement system in the entire area. However, it seems that it is struggling to launch the real system because cooperation and integration of travel means are not advanced yet in each region particularly speaking. On the contrary, the real score has something to do on the solution to the social and political barriers underlying. The report of this “Seminar Camp in Hakodate” will be posted on this month’s industry newspaper magazine issue as well as on the Team Next website, so please refer to it.Matsumoto Fukashi High School"Senior High School" Kindly excuse my minor and very personal story but let me share it to all of you. Actually I was given an opportunity to speak to my current alumni high school classmates here at Matsumoto Fukashi High School which was my alma mater as well. There came the idea of choosing any person that will give his/her “special class” about his/her career and special theme to the active people inside the room. If you do not do it, you will be doing a special class in a an empty classroom!(What should I do?...). Then I came to this idea. I mentioned that being at junior high school seemed to be a place of severe “trial”(?) and seniors experienced the same as well. There were 16 lectures by Tasaka Juku taken from his special lecture day by which I also mentioned in this column repeatedly last June 6. The theme was something to do with, “ What will you learn, your goals and how will you live in the era when educational society that lives as true elite collapses?”…I’m about to share my thoughts about the so-called social elite. What can I talk to my juniors in 50 years from now?... In other words, what can I share about myself who lives the life opposite of what the social elite can offer? Actually, it seems that the content from Tasaka Juku regarding special kind of peace has given me one direction to share to. Educational achievements are fine but, these alone do not guarantee success in life. Would it be acceptable if we just have growing aspirations at all times, whatever situation or circumstances we are in? I thought whether it would be better to talk about things based from my personal experiences in life or not.In addition, this Tasaka Juku is not completed simply by listening to the peace, but his own feeling of peace is essential. I’m struggling like a blanket of booths in the number of papers but I would like to quote the impression of President Tasaka on the subject about “Feeling”. There where I will get my to- be shared statements.16TH Lecture by Tasaka JukuI’m so grateful of the 16th lecture delivered by Tasaka Juku.It was a fantastic theme for me.In Matsumoto Fukashi High School which happens to be my alma mater, we are given a place (special lecture) ) to talk about something under the name "special class" to OB who is 50 years old as a high school student every year.It is a project to speak to an active high school student, as one speaks to himself 50 years later, one from each class at that time (1968 graduation).I was nominated. I told them that I happened to have a strange history from my class. I think that it is an honorable thing, but from now on (what special lecture is October 13th) I have something more to share that I am living for.Although it is a secondary level institution which is once an advanced school and considered as an elite school in the area, it is exactly related to the theme from 16th lecture, “ What one has to learn or aim when the era of academic society that lives as true elite collapses?..I wish I could tell everyone to live the same based on my personal life experiences, but of course I know it is quite difficult.“True elite” is a very narrow minded person but I cannot exclusively generalize it. I was college drop out in terms of academic background. I was considered just like a high school graduate. I was involved in some student’s movements. I have faced three arrests and two pre-convictions. I was motivated of occasional aspiration during that time making myself proudly involved of what we want the society must do. We feel as if we were serving also the society that time by getting involvement on the current issues. This is what I would like to share. I read the sentence,” The responsibilities of those young people” on the material from 16th lecture. I myself is one of “those young people”. For me, the ring has fallen considerably from the level of the world, the state and the revolution “for fifty years since the age of 18 but " I am thinking that I can talk about only the feelings of "Koshi" who was nurturing my ambition in the place where I was being raised while being encouraged by the word of the treasure of this country's treasure. Perhaps it is a world of self-satisfaction, regardless of the outcome, but I'd like to say only that I can live my life with the same feeling as I was like 18 years old eventhough I am 68 years old now. It is both fun and scary as to how the active students of Miyoshi High School, separated from 50 years, will fulfill.I will consider it as an impression above. Yoshimitsu Kiyono."The responsibilities of those young people"(Excerpt)Hiroshi TasakaHave those young people continued to embrace the passion and aspirations of their young days and have changed this country to a better one?The forgotten spirit of politeness, a sluggish economy, a society that lost sympathy, a floating culture, and precious things as I see those lonely reality , one quiet preparation is left in my mind.To those young people,For future generations,There still something I have to do.That feeling remains in my mind.(Written in July 23, 2018)
- What Are You Doing Now?
  Sometimes the customer asked, “What are you doing”?. Since I retired from System Origin two years ago, I can’t execute applicable farewell speech. I feel, I’m not doing my best for a long time. So, when I meet a customer, I just asked myself quietly this question, “What are you doing”?Every time I crawl, I answered, “I’m falling down around the taxi industry”, but I think I should go ahead and tackle about the contents of “ testing up (urouro)” soon.I t seems that the main body of the System Origin that has undergone the Third Inauguration has been progressing smoothly aiming for the Fourth Foundation. As the taxi industry is at the turning point same way like the System Origin as a software house, let’s take into consideration this turning point. There seems like a big ordeal in the business based on the hypothesis from Third Founding. Its trials itself would nurture the management team which will be responsible for the System Origin for the next 30 years in the making. Therefore, my role is not there.So where do you testing up? I’m thinking. It cannot be said that is a retreat even in the late sixties (60’s) for the present era. So, as a result of thinking about on what is likely to be beneficial to the taxi industry also means what you can do for the benefit of the industry. One of the things to be consider in the taxi industry is the issue regarding about of taxi crews shortage by which cannot be solve at all, isn’t it? And can you help us to create a field of occupational service that is needed even if another era of automatic driving comes? I’m thinking about it. It is even better if that medium blends to your hobbies, how fun is it if you can!...With Taxi- Assist, Team NEXTAs my work, “Takuashi -kun”operating the company “Taxi Assist” which have been working since the System Origin era in 2008. Taxi Assist learned advance taxi operators nationwide and was considered having the “best practice”. Overnight seminar camp “Team Next” is operated. However, “Takuashi-kun” is transferred on the taxi site of the internet portal site which acquired two travel industries, preparing for more developments. The management of the Team Next is handled too by Mr. Noda. His business execution depends on his planning ability and my role is rarely recognized.Encounter with TSTiE Last May, it so happened that it reached to my understanding that the Tokyo Higher Taxi Association trained taxi crew members aiming to be an interpreter-guide at the same time. This group of crews was aimed to be utilized only to the special zone called, TSTiE (Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi in English). For the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the system for inbound was created way back in 2015 in response to the needs of the administration of the country and its cities. The target goal is to train at least 300 TSTiE crewmembers for 2020 yet there were only less than a 100 of people actually participated on the said training. I thought, “This is it”! Honestly, the call of “English” was strong. I remember when I was a 26 year old taxi driver in Shimizu, I learned English on my own while inside the car. Thanks to my perseverance, I gained at least level 2 in English proficiency though the level was just for beginners. Will there be any increase among taxi crewmen if each of them will be working as English interpreter guide at the same time? Prior to this, Tokyo Higher taxi association designed TSTiE qualifications. I thought that there was no hand that did not make use of this. In my column last May of 2017, I asked a taxi operator to become a scheduled crew member. On the same way, the operator asked me to take series of tests in order to challenge them to become TSTiE drivers. In the month of March of this current year, I was able to manage well my way to TSTiE after trainings I had at Tokyo taxi center, examinations, Tokyo City Guide Training and other series of exams from Tokyo Metropolitan Area Interpreter Guide. With those undertakings, the solutions on the problem in this field have come to light.I Have Qualifications But I Do Not Have The Job!There were about 40 people including myself participated on Tokyo Metropolitan Area Limited Interpretation Guide (condition of TSTiE driver) in FY2009. Some of the participants have already obtained the required TSTiE qualifications in the past yet they opt to attend this training still. As the voice of the scene, it was still obvious that the available jobs among interpreter- guides remained small. I complained for the lack of avenues wherein my abilities could increase. Bridging that voice or sentiments to the department in charge of TSTiE’s promotion organization, the qualification system was created yet the job of the interpreter-guides was basically dependent to each company. On the part of the association, it doesn’t mean that he didn’t mediate or put efforts in it. It is true that each member company of the Association has a variety of initiatives for inbound tourism. There seems that it will be difficult to come up with unified response as an association. Then, the major business that functions with physical strength and manpower would still be impossible for small businesses. We began to consider networking among gatherings and dispatching taxi operators. Passengers are legally entitled to a travel agency. Fortunately, a taxi site that was founded in the year 2000 which already has 1,600 affiliated business enterprises nationwide got two types of travel businesses. Possibility is there. As a round operator, I came up of the idea of establishing non- profit General Corporation with taxi operators and crews as its members. Furthermore, we took into consideration the problem faced by inbound tourism, that was, shortage of crew members. We came up on the idea of networking inbound tourism crews corresponding to the spots of inbound demand. It is of clear understanding that dispatching is not permitted in hired taxi business so they are registered as scheduled crewmember/s of each taxi company. If necessary, they will be on-board based on instructions of a hire or taxi operator. As a candidate for such inbound tourist attendant, one should get the required interpreter’s qualifications that comes in two types. My case is different. In the past, experienced taxi crewmen with certain level of English ability, were able to respond to this demand and they were so called getting “sub job”. Furthermore, foreigners can do the job prior to interpreting. Local crewmen and foreigners were considered not full time crewmembers. Both groups of workers would be able to attend to the transportation needs of the increasing numbers of tourists’ right on the spot. They will be effectively helpful in responding inbound tourism demands, thus utilizing labor force together with the improvements of productivity rate of the vehicles.Therefore, if you answered the first question, “What are you doing now”? It means, “We are trying to create mechanism for inbound tourism in the industry!’ (June 26, 2018)
04May
- Everything Is Guided Origin Group’s General Mee
  Everything Is GuidedOrigin Group’s General MeetingThis year the meeting of General Council of the Origin Group was held last April 13 at “Terusa“ in Shizuoka city. I participated on this meeting representing the Taxi Assist Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of System Origin Co., Ltd.Every year, each employee from the mentioned company gathers from all over the country. The president Mr.Unno and the general managers announced the policies of the previous fiscal year and the upcoming fiscal year. Looking back last March 2016 to the company where I worked with, I’m glad enough to accept that the company performance does advanced and keep on developing. I am deeply moved to be a member of Mist companywhich was a good rival to System Origin for many years in Tohoku district. Being able to become a member of System Origin that gained deep trust from customers is of good advantage for further developing more the quality services and breadth of Origin.Presentation of TensionBeing a member of origin Group, I made a presentation that took twenty minutes (20 min). It is of customary to grasp the microphone and talk in front of audience. It was pretty nervous on my part considering I didn’t exercise it for a year. My watch pulse meter normally beats by 60s but for that moment of time, it exceeded to 100s. I got thirsty all of a sudden, my mouth didn’t move well and I felt uncomfortable. I didn’t care about others. At the end, everything worked well.Wrestling on Creation of New Business ModelThe presentation of each company head with the inclusion of President Mr.unno, can be characterized with challenging attitude, sense of crisis and being unresponsive to the solidness of the performance at hand. The taxi industry system managed by System Origin is in major turning point. Its fundamental change in business model is questioned. Uncertainty of what the future may bring is real. So, the business model of System Origin and the product lineup will also need to be innovated more. No one can lay the answers. One must grab the answer using trial and error parameter. On the other hand, though there was a serious moment at the social gathering of this general conference, everybody in Origin group is bright and healthy.“Please leave the future of Origin to me!” If you can recognize all the “clichés” within yourself, I believe we will overcome the struggles together while cooperating with the taxi industryThrough this general conference, I presented each member of System Origin Group Mr. Hiroshi Tasaka’s book entitled”, All is Guided”. Considering the title itself, one may realized that this sounds like religious-based kind of book. Actually it is a life book that tells us how to deal with difficult issues that arise simultaneously. It will help one to embrace with optimism the future. To further explain its purpose, I’m looking forward to reprint the 15th Tasakajuky attendance report.Tasaka Juku Special 15th Lecture “Take the Power to Think Deeply”(After Mr. Tasaka’s Impression)Honestly, I haven’t read yet the book I bought last December which is entitled, “All is Guided”. After the lecture yesterday, I have been to Hitoyoshi in Kumamoto for a business trip. As I waited in Haneda airport heading to Fukuoka, took the Kyushu Shinkansen and conventional line, I read the book the whole time on my seat. I think that it was possible to apply what Mr. Tasaka has taught.Above all, I noticed one thing for myself.Actually I belong to baby- boomer generation the same with Mr. Tasaka. I am 68 years old. I’m interested thinking on how past years of life evolved. As I reach this age, I summarized what I have done. (I’ve been persistent for 8 years…). I weighed my entire struggle movements followed by a new left wing activism. I have been thinking for long time if I need to do it. I consider the column I’m writing where I can express what I like yet I couldn’t do it all at once. For me the word summary smells like a monster, I’m still thinking of the summarization of everything. I have to accomplish my responsibilities.Now that I have read Mr. Tasaka’s “All is Guided”, my way of summarizing is considerably not the same with that of Mr. Tasaka.I felt like I’m arrogant, unaware of what I’m doing in my life, trying to organize what was right merely on my point and that the wrong outcomes were the result of majority’s affirmation. From the viewpoint that “everything was guided” my heart got the full ideas as I did a review of my life. (I have not finished yet…)We can try to look back of what history has recorded and then realized that those happenings were led accordingly.There was another awareness. It is the limitation prior to age.I am 68 years old already. There was a need to resolve things I haven’t made in the past. I’m thinking things of the above. I’m more concerned about of organizing the past rather than living with it in the present. Curiosity is so strong making me to do a lot and making me feel as if I’ve got too much life. I just noticed yesterday that this way of realization is just self-limiting. As I look back my past lifestyle, I consider now things as if “everything is guided”. Until now, everything is guided and various happenings resulted to another outcome. There was a sense as if half of life was over, but no matter what, as long as I’m alive, there is still room for growth. I will live my life. I still have the spirit to manage my present. I still have the potentials despite of my age. I can still think on my own. I‘m living now.Thank you very much.(Written on April 19, 2018)
07Mar
- Let’s Become TSTiE Driver One after Another
  Limited Tokyo - Metropolitan Area Special Interpreter Guide Certification TrainingThe certified training program for regional interpreter guides that started since January 15 has ended yesterday with corresponding examination, February 20. That training was conducted for more than 10 days. The results will be expected to be released in mid-March. In the my column entitled 『Dankai koushiroku』written at the end of April last year, “Become TSTiE Driver” and another column in August , I got the urge to become a tourism correspondence TSTiE (Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi in English) driver of Tokyo Hire Taxi Association.In order to do so, I was hired as Tokyo-based Taxi Company deemed as regular member. I took geographical exams from Tokyo Taxi Center and was fortunate then to get crew’s membership certificate. I experienced some difficulties in the newly approach training for caliber riders in Tokyo. While still searching for solutions about it, I decided to have a short-term study program in Manila abroad. That way, I could prepare myself for Limited Tokyo Metropolitan Area Special Interpreter Guide Certification Training considered to be the last requirement needed for TSTiE. In this column, “Let’s Become TSTiE Drivers One After Another,” let me write something about Limited Tokyo - Metropolitan Area Special Interpreter Guide Certification Training together with the experiences I got from it.Significance of Interpreter Guide’s The revision of the law last year concerning tourism industry in the field of interpreter-guiding services enabled anyone to guide with fee despite of not having standard certification. The idea of TSTiE is for the upcoming Olympics in 2020. In 2015, the Taxi Hire Crew must to finish the Limited Tokyo - Metropolitan Area Special Interpreter Guide Certification Training in order for them to be able to ask a fee for interpreting-guiding services. After that , they have to pass the test. The passer will become a certified TSTiE driver. The Tokyo-Metropolitan Government hosted the said training with cooperation of True Japan Tour Co., Ltd. The latter was the one who received the consignment prior to implementation of the training. True Japan Tour Co.,Ltd. is actually a travel agency. This company is subsidiary of NPO organization Japanese Cultural Experience Exchange based on a nationally qualified interpreter guides providers. This company is also an educational institution. Despite of failure on the second exam from National Interpreter Guide last year, I have joined and registered on this NPO organization by all means. Registration on this organization is not limited only for those qualified ones (national interpreters) but as well to those who are aiming to join in it. If you are a member, the interpreter’s work mediation will be sent on your email followed with another one. If you raise your hand, the secretariat will judge and the work will go to the most deserving person. Of course, since I was not a skilled, I did not raise my hand but I will be dismissed even if given up. (It is not illegal under new interpreter guide professional law even if you raise your hand, do the work and get the fee.) By the way, is this how significant TSTiE now that the new interpreter guide professional law was established and enforced? At least, interpreting-guiding services fee is now made possible using this special zone system even if someone does not qualify for TSTiE. In addition to the taxi/hire fee, in order to gain the interpreter guide fee, the service contents corresponding to it are necessary . There will be no separate fee for merely speaking English. It is actually qualified as Tokyo Taxi Center Public Interest Corporation. The so- called English Certified Driver (ECD) can communicate and use basic English expressions beneficial to taxi sales to foreign users and for emergency response. This capability is region limited, TSTiE plays important role with regards to its designed fee for its ECD and be reasonable too as it claims to be “interpreter-guide”.Interpretation Guide to Be Branded I think that “Interpreter Guide”, by which exclusive right in business is nothing but only carries name exclusive right is like branding monopolistic name in the future. There were no brands in the world given monopoly rights. They only retain their brands (exactly the name exclusive rights) based on the product history and quality. I think that the TSTiE driver with the name of Tokyo limited region interpreter guide has a so -called power brand in order to be known but I believed that Japan based on the ‘safety, security and hospitality that the country itself possesses. For me, we must make efforts in giving brands same like that of bicycle hire taxi industry brand.Level of Training of Tokyo Limited Area Interpreter Guide In that sense, what is the level of certification training considering that it is the first barrier? Written materials were prepared by True Japan Tour Co.,Ltd. under the guidance of Tokyo Hire Taxi Association but I think that they based the information more on guiding in Tokyo alone. In terms of English proficiency, there must be more than 600 TOEIC points in order to be qualified for the training (the score for exemption from English interpreter guide exceeds 900 points from the next fiscal year). In reality, ordinary TOEIC scores are just based on listening and reading skills. It means, the ability to converse is not thoroughly meet by these scores alone. In fact, many of the taxi drivers had diverse backgrounds in the past yet participant’s conversational skills were quite controversial.Conditions for Standing on the Starting Table I think that every qualification examination is necessary but being able to pass the exam is on the starting table. In reality, you must be really doing business as if you are striking your head there and here. Trainings will surely offer opportunities to meet and talk among co-trainees from various companies. Your real focus was to tie up the actual work by acquiring TSTiE qualifications. I met some seniors who complained about TSTiE certificates they acquired before yet there were no available jobs for what they have got. There was no place to practice their interpreting guide skills per se.Developments on Interpreter Guide Demands and Coordination with the TSTiEIt is said that the demand for taxi’s interpreter guide is quite satisfying based on the crews perception. The problem is that, there is no available mechanism or approach that could connect the demand window and its demand to the TSTiE crews. The TSTiE qualified staff that just stood up on the start table has no chance to continuously study. Also, in terms of studying, the actual work is more effective but the achievement is small. Although such mechanism may be possible for major taxi company on its own, it is quite tough for other company, that’s why reliable opinions are asked among crew members in order to end up with such needed mechanism. Perhaps the brand is born in accumulation of trial and error of these steady scenarios. (Written February 21, 2018)
30Jan
- Impact of Time and Experiences
  Impact of Time and ExperiencesThe 19th Team Next Seminar Camp in OkinawaThe 19th seminar camp was held last 22nd and 23rd of January this year 2018. Regular meeting of Team Next was also held at The Pacific Hotel in Naha, Okinawa. This time, our organization got a great cooperation from Okinawa Prefecture Taxi Association. Okinawa Prefecture Taxi Association Director General Tsuhako shared a lot of ideas from his “Okinawa Prefecture’s Taxi Industry in the Past and Current Status”. Okito Transportation Group Chairman of the Association Representative,president agarie had share matters about “The Response to the Regional Needs of Okinawa and Future Strategies”.It was evidently proven that in Okinawa, taxi industries grow rapid. There are united efforts within the industry. Vice-chairman of Yaeyama branch Iida had shared good points by which every veteran over the years would agree upon. He discussed how the taxi industry is going so far with the theme on “white taxi whichi is illegal situation in Miyako and Yaeyama and countermeasures".A white taxi problem by Chinese people was reported. Details were mentioned on a report from "Taxi Japan magazine" of this journal and public relations officer of System Origin. I hope to see you all there.On the second day of seminar, Okito Transportation Group got the opportunity to interview three mechanic skills trainees from Vietnam which were adopted quickly. It seems that Japanese companies in Vietnam were highly evaluated. It appeared that after being trained in Japan, there seem that these trainees will apply for work in Japanese companies in Vietnam. Based on this encounter with the trainees, these honest and hardworking trainees, isn’t it that it is in the mechanics field that the industry suffers from lack of people’s hands?In addition, we had a chance to visit the Kids Land in the company’s nursery school of Okito Transportation Group. It is a large- scale (30 persons) childcare facility that utilizes the subsidiary project directly supervised by the Cabinet Office. Hello Kitty’s character is also fully utilized that helps lead image upgrade of the group itself.To the site of white Taxi…The seminar camp this time…continuationAs one of the goals for this seminar camp, we aimed to interview directly the Chinese drivers and tourists. In relation, we asked the help of an interpreter from China. We were challenged there at Shuri Castle and Mihama American Village near Kadena Base and the results were something I couldn’t afford to do. There was a little regret on my part prior to the activities that were aligned. Preparing ahead of time must be put into considerations.“Natsuko”Okinawa Premier Trade QueenSpeaking of preparations, there were recommended books beforehand that summarized everything to be done in this seminar camp. These were provided by Mr.Noda, who Managing Director of Team Next Secretariat was in charge of implementation of the program seminar. Unfortunately, I was not able to read even half-part of the book considering I have visited Okinawa in “ Bushunbunko’s Natsuko Okinawa Dense Trade Queen” (Okuno Shuji). In relation, I was able to know a part of the unique era of “free trade”. Realizing the situation during Okinawa war, what strikes me more was the emotion brought by “Ryukyus world”. The Ryukyu Kingdom that was so strict before was really memorable one.I was able to take the glimpse of life during that so called dense trade. Let me ponder on those. They were done I know.In the recent years, I have a feeling of being somewhat embarrassed in the statement regarding Senkaku problem. Some high ranking officials of the People’s Liberation Army of China had claimed that, “ Ryukyus belongs to China”. That person who said so was disappointed I think. But, for the people in Okinawa, that connotation must be said in different manner. There was like a different complexity of emotion lying in the connotation.Though Ryukyu dynasty was included in Chinese recorded dynasty, it was not a colony per se. I don’t think that many people would want to belong to China. In addition, there was underlying connection about the Satsuma that had invaded Ryukyus in 1609. There are people who still hold historical distrust in Meiji government’s “disposal of Ryukyus”. The effects can still evidently see on the problem face in Henoko now in the perspective of a Yamatonchu myself. Sometimes, there are things that you cannot fully understand along the way. The division and relatedness of “each truth” derived from historical position and different experiences is not an easy thing to conclude. I have no idea how to unravel the interwoven thread but it seems that it is possible to list down some lesson from the experiences in the past.Good and evil, Dichotomy between controller and controlled …..Long ago, I perceived the progress in society this way. In a simple scheme, I perceived that the ruling class is evil, the ruled class is good, and the ruled class overrides the ruling class (a typical class struggles historical view). Additionally, the authority is evil; the one who resist is good. The rich is evil, the poor is good.The person who discriminates is evil, the non- discriminant is good. Such simple dualism and romanticism way of thinking was what I have before. I do consider that kind of perception very factual. But later on, I realized that it was too simple and stereotyped. The reality is somewhat more diverse, complex and not dichotomous. Depending on the given scenario, good might be converted to evil and what was considered as evil in reality appeared to be that common in human.Considering the position and experiences as the basis of human identity, when we stick to it and thus having the lack of broader perspective, will just results hurting ourselves and the world. The religious conflict such as the current terrorism is carried out as a holy war in which the evil is fulfilled in the name of justice. Experiences that support that feeling (families were killed, invaded) is happening in reality and are done with confidence by those terrorist. Justice and judgment of monotheism may bring strong energy to those who believe it but for me, the real social stability lies in an oriental- based way of behaving. Japan’s spiritual strut lies in religious tolerance that finds eight million gods in nature and ancestry together with Buddhism that aims more on thorough self- development.I think that the world in the future will be beyond the influence of spiritual soil of “Wa” and altruism by fusing in the time of Prince Shotoku. By the way, I don’t want to end up things here by labeling. He just listens to “the truth according to one’s perspective as much as possible. He tries to avoid putting label whether it is “right wing” or “left wing”, whether it is religion or race, whether it is history or class per se. He will just regard things as equal as if it is. He will not discard the “truth” with limitations. I believe that is will be necessary to have an evaluation and have a judgment based on other’s viewpoint enabling us to widen up the horizon of differences. We would be able to endure what the reality is.Let’s not just consider alone the “world of natsuko” but let’s understand the heterogeneous experiences of Okinawa. Let’s face things straight, considering the diverse world including Okinawa as I included it in my thoughts while on this trip…(Written January 24, 2018)
- I Might Not Able To Get Back Japan…
  I Might Not Able To Get Back Japan….I got up at 5 o’clock this morning and left Yangon International Hotel at 6 o’clock am. taking the tour bus for our sightseeing agenda.I went back to our hotel almost past 10 o’clock pm.in the evening.The first thing I did in the morning was to take a bus ride for almost 4 hours. I consumed 40 minutes more for transferring to the truck loading flat form. It took 40 minutes more to reach Myanmar Buddhist sacred place called Chaitye Pagoda. The latter is also popular by its name, “Golden Rock”.Honestly, I don’t want to write too much! . Remembering how we were transferred to another truck from our bus and endured the bumpy ride almost like a roller coaster, I can’t help but to forget the tiring experience. With all the mixed emotions inside the truck we were in, it seems that my I can’t help but to forget the tiring experience I have hang around my neck had fell off inside the truck!.I didn’t notice that my pouch was not on my neck anymore as I reached the place. The things that were running in my mind that time was about the complaints uttered by the locals of Myanmar regarding the bumpy rides they got. Suddenly, I realized that my passport and money were in that pouch!.Fortunately, my pouch was delivered to me by the kindhearted man.People in Myanmar knew that devout Buddhists are indeed friendly to others. I was told by our tour members that I am very fortunate.If in an instance my pouch was lost, I might tremble and get cold sweat.I once misplaced my bag in Manila last year and I was so lucky enough to get it back too. Thanks to the very trustworthy staff of that restaurant!.As I sighed, I whispered myself, “Why are you helping me?” .I also feel grateful to the Golden Rock!.After we visited the Golden Rock, we proceeded to three more temples in Bago. Then, as I checked my phone, the battery was up already. Gladly, I was able to save some other photos!.As we head back to Yangon, we got our dinner in a firepot at past 9 o’clock. We reached our hotel at past 10 o’clock already in the evening.It was a long day!I will ready myself to another sightseeing in Yangon tomorrow!.Baby Boog pilgrimage Ameba Edition 0091
- “How To Make Countryside Looks Cool Where Foreig
  “How To Make Countryside Looks Cool Where Foreigners are Enthusiastic?”YAMATOKO Corporation which play important role in inbound field had sponsored Taku Yamada in his “How To Make Countryside Looks Cool Where Foreigners are Enthusiastic” (Shinchosha).I attended the publication anniversary.The venue of the event was at the second floor of Inbound League in Shinjuku inbound Mecca which has opened last year in October.This so- called Inbound League is a facility that aims to become a “global and business hub”. It is a kind of workplace, rental space, lounge and multinational office under the management of Odakyu subsidiary USD Co., Ltd.Our Taxi Assist is also a lounge member that have contacts on inbound.The commemoration party is held prior to the publication of “Big Way to Make Countryside Looks Cool Where Foreigners Are Enthusiastic Then”. This became a big event because current inbound officials of Japan gathered all together.Honestly speaking, I was not familiar with Taku Yamada, the author of the book above.On the other hand, He is so famous in this sightseeing business that secretary of Japan Tourism Agency rushed to celebrate too! HE started tour course whichi is called SATOYAMA EXPERIENCE applicable for foreigners at FURUKAWA Town in Hida city.He did a consultant for while , after that he wandered around the world for a couple of years. He noticed the goodness of Japan’s satoyama. He moved to Hida City in Furukawa and started up this service leading to creation of a new form of inbound.As I listened to that lecture, I became motivated to read the book of this person.Additionally speaking, that man hold on a cycling tour and perticepants grow up to 3,000 people who came from Europe, United States, AustraliaThese tour get five stars at “Trip Advisor” evaliations.He became “Advisor” of government because of these success.Though I’m not yet TSTiE(Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi driver in English), I believed this book does offer substantial content.Considering myself as a newcomer here, it feels little hard to get along with others here because majority of the participants who I didn’t know. It gets tougher as the memorial lecture ended up but I opt to stay until the end of the event and just do what I can.I myself just give my smile to everyone.I just want to go far as I can. What I want to show is more achievements..Baby pilgrimage Amebro version 0089

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