Preface
Amidst the wave of economic and social globalization, there is a growing overseas call for research into Japanese systems and customs. Foreign researchers are showing a particular interest in the study and analysis of the transportation area, as it provides Japan's basic infrastructures for internationalization, and represents one of the significantly developed industries.
Japan's transport policies are shifting toward global standards. For example, the abolition of the supply-demand adjustment regulation in December 1996 signified the adoption of the market principle as one of the basic policy principles. Yet, accumulated policies so far have been built on the nation's unique systems and customs, thus hindering foreign policymakers' understanding of Japan's transport policies. With the prospect of increasing international exchanges, it is imperative to ensure that foreign countries correctly understand both the terminology used in our policy debates and the social backgrounds of the terminology, so that they comprehend our transport policies with accuracy.
This documentation is a glossary of transport-related terms used in Japan, compiled to help foreign policymakers and researchers accurately grasp Japan's transport policies.
In publishing this documentation, we extend our sincere respect and deepest gratitude to each committee member of the Glossary of Japanese Transport Policy Project Group for their efforts in authoring and editing the contents, and to The Nippon Foundation for its generous assistance in project funds.
Policy-related international exchanges are set to become even more active in all areas including transportation. It is our hope that the compilation of this transport glossary encourages the launch of similar projects in other areas.
March,2000
The Tokyo Foundation
Chairman Kimindo Kusaka
