Silviase/jgov_v1.4_full_ann huggingface dataset:
## (c) Creation of people’s daily life suited to the age of the global environment

## (Enhancing the monitoring and projection of the global environment)

In order to contribute to mitigation measures and adaptation measures for addressing the impact of global warming, the ministry enhances environmental observation and monitoring on the land, in the air and in the sea. In addition, the ministry distributes detailed information on greenhouse gases concentrations and provides long-term environmental observation and monitoring climate change. It also strives to project global warming over the next thirty years, including anticipated extreme weather related to climate change anticipated in Japan.

## (Enhancing countermeasures against global warming)

In order to realize a low-carbon society, MLIT enhances countermeasures against global warming, for example, by: promoting the use of public transport and bicycles; streamlining physical distribution, mitigating traffic jams; promoting the wider use and development of low-emission vehicles and energy-efficient railway vehicles; promoting “cool shipping” (incorporating more low-carbon features into the whole process of marine transport); promoting the improvement of aeronautical safety systems; improving the energy efficiency of housing and buildings; promoting the shift to low-carbon urban structures where people can run errands on foot; and implementing measures based on the Hokkaido Environmental Initiative. At the same time, the ministry enhances adaptation measures to get more prepared for increasing risks associated with disasters.

## (Conserving and rehabilitating waters and green space, which preserve the variety of ecosystems)

For the purpose of conserving and rehabilitating waters and green space, which preserve the variety of ecosystems, the ministry promotes the creation of rivers rich in natural environment, the intensive implementation of nature-rehabilitation projects, the securing of green space, the promotion of afforestation, the restoration of waterside landscapes by making use of the improvement and development of sewage lines and used water, the restoration of sea grass beds and tidelands, and the creation of coastlines by paying attention to habitat environments.

## (Formulating a Sound-Material-Cycle Society)

The ministry promotes the formulation of a Sound-Material-Cycle Society, by promoting the recycling of building materials, the effective use of sewage sludge, and the formulation of venous distribution networks.
## Conclusion of Part I

## (Realizing people’s anxiety-free daily life, whereby they feel safe and affluent and have peace of mind)

As mentioned above in Chapter 1, we discussed what kind of frustration and needs people have in their daily life, in this severe socioeconomic climate and other changing environments, through the analysis from three viewpoints. Then in Chapter 2, we presented prime measures thereto among MLIT policies.

At present, our economy and employment situations are in a severe difficulty. Now is the time to invest in the future for the sake of future generations. MLIT is determined to carefully and vigorously address a variety of problems in order to remove people's fears, both tangible and intangible, in their daily life; to realize people's daily life in which they can really feel safe and affluent, and have serenity of mind; and to allow the country as a whole to restore its vitality and to prepare for the new era. We will do so by taking every necessary measure in terms of equipment and facilities and of know-how and expertises.

The implementation of policy measures always incurs costs, which will eventually be born by the people. Always aware of this, we will evaluate the necessity, validity and efficiency of policy measures, and improve them.

We always explore the way policy measures should function, seeking better approaches and discovering any existing weaknesses. Though the positive effects of policy measures do not always reach everyone straight away, we are determined to carefully and steadily address problems. Thus, we would like to address various issues in order to realize better daily life for people, step by step, together with other government institutions, local public agencies and private sector.
Part II

Trends in MLIT policies
## (5) Efficiency and competitiveness-oriented policy development

## ○ Promoting reform of the cost structure of public works projects

MLIT and its affiliated organizations almost achieved their cost reduction target, attaining a reduction rate of 14.1% in their total cost reduction efforts in FY2007 compared to the level as of FY2002. Starting in FY2008, efforts will be made to achieve an overall cost improvement of 15% over a five-year period compared to the level as of FY2007, based on the MLIT Public Work Cost Structure Reform Program, which includes additional evaluation items, putting an emphasis on the optimization of VFM.

## ○ Ensuring the quality of public works and implementing appropriate tender contracts

To ensure the enhanced quality of public works, as a general rule, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted for every public works project, and a comprehensive evaluation method has been fully implemented in construction consultant. In addition, MLIT has, as countermeasures to bidding at dumping prices, revised the benchmark prices provided by the system of examining unreasonably low tender prices, and expanded the trial implementation of examination throughout the working processes.

In order to further improve the system of tender contracts, MLIT has been promoting the application of diversified ordering methods, including expanded general competitive bidding, further utilization of the comprehensive evaluation method, use of the bid bond scheme, and application of package contracting for design and construction works, as well as the CM method.

In addition, the ministry asks local public agencies to promote the introduction of the comprehensive evaluation method and the elimination of bidding at dumping prices.

## Strategic maintenance and renovation of social capital in the era of aging infrastructure

Some indicate that there will be difficulties in maintaining and renovating existing facilities in the future due to rapidly aging social capital and a sharp rise in maintenance and renovations costs. In addition, with an increase in the proportion of old facilities, there will be a remarkably increased risk of serious accidents and fatal damage.

Accordingly, MLIT has shifted its focus from traditional ex-post management to preventive maintenance management in order to ensure safety and security, and to reduce the life-cycle cost of infrastructure stocks.
## O Reform of independent administrative agencies, overhaul of special accounting and the incorporation of tax revenues earmarked for road improvement into general revenues

As for the reform of independent administrative agencies, efforts will be made to integrate four traffic-related research organizations.

Special accounts were revised by integrating, during FY2008, five special accounts (special accounts of loans for road development, river improvement, port improvement, airport improvement and urban development) into the Special Account for Social Capital Improvement Projects, and integrating the special accounts for motor vehicle liability insurance business and motor vehicle inspection and registration into the Special Account for Motor Vehicle Safety.

As for the system of tax revenues earmarked for road improvement, based on On Shifting the Earmarked Revenues for Road Improvement into General Revenues, which was approved by the government and the ruling parties on December 8, 2008, the system is to be abolished, and all of the tax revenues earmarked for road improvement are to be shifted to general revenues in the FY2009 budget.

## (6) Establishing new relationships among national government, regional governments and the private sector

## O New relationships between the national government and regional governments, and utilization of the creativity and ingenuity of the private sector

Taking the appropriate role sharing between the national and regional governments into consideration, MILT is promoting the establishment of flexible standards and criteria to make appropriate options for the regions in accordance with their own circumstances (i.e. introduction of local rules).

MILT has proactively introduced the PFI method to utilize private financial resources and capabilities to provide quality public services, and has reviewed regulations on a timely basis to accurately cope with the changes of the times.

## ○ Administrative operation open to people, and promotion of interactive government

The MLIT Hotline Station has been set up to obtain a broader knowledge of the nation’s opinions and demands. For the purpose of disclosing, in an easy to understand manner, negative information, including the history of punishments imposed on business operators, the Internet Search Site for Negative Information is provided on the MLIT website. Furthermore, for the purpose of ensuring the transparency and fairness of social capital development projects in their planning and subsequent stages, new guidelines were established in FY2008 that show the standard philosophy on how the technical and professional studies of the project schemes and the process of scheme examination should be carried out, in addition to the existing procedures to invite the nation’s participation.
## Chapter 2: Realizing a Tourism Nation

## (1) Tourism trends

## ○ Significance of building a Tourism Nation

Tourism not only contributes to the revitalization of rural economies, an increase in employment opportunities and the development of all other areas of the nation’s economy, but also has significance in promoting mutual understanding with other nations. Accordingly, the realization of a Tourism Nation is an important pillar in our land planning for the 21st century.

## ○ International tourism today

Thanks to the efforts of the Visit Japan Campaign, the estimated number of foreign tourists who visited Japan in FY2008 was approximately 8.35 million, registering an increase of 5,000, or 0.1% over the previous year. The number of visitors from overseas in FY2008 was the highest ever recorded, in spite of the influence of the recession and the appreciation of the yen in the second half of the year.

Note: Estimated value for 2008

Source: Ministry of Justice and JINTO (Japan National Tourist Organization)

## (2) Efforts to realize a Tourism Natio

In order to take measures as a nation to realize a Tourism Nation in a comprehensive and well-planned manner, the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) was inaugurated in October 2008. JTA will lead the formation of internationally-competitive, attractive tourist destinations, the enhancement of international competitiveness in the tourism industry, the fostering of human resources conducive to tourism development, the promotion of international tourism, and the improvement of environments for promoting sightseeing tours, in order to realize a Tourism Nation.

## ○ Creation of internationally-competitive, attractive points of interest

JTA is engaged in support for tourism projects through the “tourism regions development subsidy system” pursuant to the Act on Promotion of Tourists’ Visits and Stays through Development of Tourism Regions, which was enacted in July 2008, support through tourist destinations creating plans, intensive consulting by the tourism town development advisory conference, and the “tourist regions producer” model projects.
○ Improving the international competitiveness of the tourism industry and developing human resources to contribute to the promotion of tourism

JTA is engaged in the implementation of demonstration experiments with the aim of formulating new business models for the tourism industry and populating and developing them, establishing tourism charisma schools and a “human resource development symposium for creating tourist destinations,” generating support through the development of mailing lists concerning human resource development for creating tourist destinations, promoting cooperation among the government, industry and academia to train tourism-related workers, and promoting education on the concept of a tourism-oriented country.

## ☐ Promotion of international tourism

In addition to promoting the attractiveness of Japanese tourism, the Visit Japan Upgrade Project is under way with the goal of enhancing the satisfaction of visitors from overseas, and the ministry works to increase international conferences to be held or invited to be held in Japan, to enhance the convenience of public transport for foreign tourists, and to improve facilities to accept foreign tourists to Japan more smoothly.

## ○ Improvement of environments to promote tourism

JTA works toward the equalization of tourism demand; the creation of environments that encourage people to go on vacation; the promotion of tourism based on the concept of universal design; the development of a system to provide information on tourist destinations; the protection of consumers with respect to changing environments concerning tour transactions, such as the description of tour prices, including fuel surcharge prices; developing measures to encourage Japanese people to travel overseas; the creation of new forms of tours; and the preparation of tourism statistics.
## (3) Developing scenic landscapes and other aesthetic land planning

## ○ Developing pleasant landscapes

We work hard to develop pleasant landscapes based on the Three Laws on Landscape and Greenery in order to introduce the registration system of outdoor advertisement businesses pursuant to the revised Outdoor Advertisement Act, and promote the outdoor advertisement related administration, including the enactment of ordinances to regulate outdoor advertisements by municipalities that are landscape administrative organizations.

In FY2007, MILT fully introduced a landscape assessment system for projects under the ministry’s direct jurisdiction and management.

## ○ Development of attractive landscapes the public can be proud of

MLIT is moving forward with the removal of power poles to improve the appearance of townscapes; the promotion of the Scenic Byway Japan project aimed at various parties promoting tourism and contributing to the invigoration of local communities; and the development of waterside spaces. In addition, flexible budget allocation measures are made available throughout the fiscal year to facilitate the effective implementation of various government offices' projects aimed at developing pleasant landscapes.

Note1: Data on cities overseas is based on “Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan for 1977.” (Based on cables extended)

Note2: Data on cities and urban areas in Japan is from “Quick estimate for FY2007 by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism” (Based on roads extended)

Note3: Trunk lines (Arterial roads) are general national highways and prefectural roads

“As a whole” refers to roads in urban areas

## ○ Creation of local communities that make better use of the local natural environment, history and culture

MLIT is involved in the improvement and development of “The Asuka-Nara Palace Site Historical National Government Park(Nara Palace Site)” the preservation of historic landscapes in ancient cities, and the promotion of town development through the preservation and improvement of historic scenic beauty pursuant to the Historic Town Development Act enforced in November 2008.
## Chapter 3: Promoting Regional Revitalization

## (1) Initiatives toward regional revitalization

The Cabinet has recognized regional revitalization as one of the most important issues facing Japan. With the aim of proactively dealing with regional differences, the implementation structures of the four headquarters established in the Cabinet in connection with regional revitalization (Headquarters for Urban Renaissance, Headquarters for Promotion of Specified Zones for Structural Reform, Headquarters for Regional Revitalization and Headquarters for Revitalization of Central City Areas) were integrated to promote measures across ministries and across policies. In December 2008, the Regional Rehabilitation Strategy was revised to present new policies that incorporate three important pillars: local growth potential enforcement, ensured infrastructures in daily lives at a local community and the creation of a low-carbon society.

In order to invigorate regions, we are determined to proceed with concentrated investment in really indispensable social capital, making use of the framework of National Spatial Planning. In addition, it is necessary to promote comprehensive and strategic traffic measures, to invigorate core urban districts and rehabilitate urban areas, to shift existing cities into more intensive urban structures, to support community-based creative measures to promote tourism, and to promote construction businesses. For the purpose of invigorating regions with a rapidly declining and aging population, the ministry will create areas where people feel at ease in their daily lives from their viewpoints, through support to regional construction activities by “the new public sector.”

## (2) Promoting policies that support regional revitalization

## ○ Initiatives toward enhanced autonomy and discretion of regions and the private sector

MLIT is working toward the expansion and better operation of the Regional Revitalization Infrastructure Reinforcement Grants, Regional Housing Grants, Community Renovation Grants and other grants, and is also encouraging local governments to take advantage of private sector expertise and funds. The ministry also works to create an integrated system that supports measures for regional rehabilitation.

## O Comprehensive initiatives to realize intensive-type urban structures

The ministry is involved in measures combining the development and revitalization of public transport facilities based on the rural/regional comprehensive traffic strategy and urban development measures aimed at developing stronghold city areas. In addition, pursuant to the Act on Vitalization in City Centers revised in 2006, the ministry takes support measures for designated areas, in a focused manner.
## ○ Development of towns and infrastructure development

MLIT pushes forward the development of roads, based on city planning, effective in luring private sector investment. It also carries out the improvement and development of traffic nodes, the improvement of railroad crossings, extensive infrastructure improvement that attracts businesses, and the promotion of other community-based projects and systems. It also promotes cadastral survey, the utilization of deep underground space, and the development of community-based town management by residents, so as to invigorate their local community.

## ○ Independence and revitalization of expanded regional blocks and regional/national building

The Regional Independence and Revitalization Comprehensive Assistance Program was introduced in FY2007 with the aim of promoting the independence and revitalization of expanded regional blocks. The ministry is promoting the assistance, in an integrated manner, in terms of know-how and expertise for infrastructure improvement based on plans proposed by local communities themselves in collaboration with the private sector. It also promotes the improvement of bases for the autonomous development of various extensive regional blocks. In addition, the ministry pushes forward the creation of local communities through the new public sector led by various entities, including residents, community-based organizations, NPOs and businesses.

## ☐ Promoting coordination and exchange among regions

MILT is improving roads in order to promote identification among integrated municipalities and interaction among the regions, exchange between cities and farming, forestry and fishing villages, and also settlement in provincial areas.

## ☐ Securing means of regional transport

In the FY2008 budget, pursuant to the Act concerning Revitalization of Local Public Transport, enforced in October 2007, the “local public transport systems invigoration and rehabilitation comprehensive project” was established. This project aims to comprehensively support councils that address, through originality and ingenuity, various projects concerning regional transport systems, including railways, community buses, shared taxis, and passenger ships. The ministry also renders assistance to the revitalization of local railways, and the maintenance and the securing of local bus routes and transport links to remote islands.
## Flexible budget allocations promoting urban renaissance

Flexible budget allocation measures, available through the National Spatial Projects Adjustment Expense, which was inaugurated in FY2008 by integrating the Urban Renaissance Project Promotion Budgets and other budgets items, provide necessary funding throughout the fiscal year to facilitate effective project implementation.

## (4) Promotion of development measures for specified areas

MILT is proactively promoting the development and promotion of heavy snowfall areas, remote islands, the Amami Islands, the Ogasawara Islands and various peninsulas.

## (5) Promotion of the comprehensive development of Hokkaido

## ☐ Formulation and promotion of ‘Leading the Era of the Global Environment, The New Hokkaido Comprehensive Development Plan’

‘Leading the Era of the Global Environment, The New Hokkaido Comprehensive Development Plan’ which has decided at a Cabinet meeting on July 4, 2008, sets the following strategic goals: “Realization of an Open and Competitive Hokkaido,” “Realization of a Sustainable and Beautiful Hokkaido,” and “Realization of a Hokkaido with Diverse and Distinct Regions.” It promotes various measures and projects by proceeding with the collaboration and cooperation with a variety of entities and by promoting innovative and experimental activities. In order to achieve the goals of the Plan, the ministry will be engaged in the strengthening food supply capabilities, the promotion of the Hokkaido Environmental Initiative, measures to make better use of biomass resources suited to Hokkaido, the invitation of international conference and other events to Hokkaido, and the development of social infrastructure for achieving the strategic goals.

## ☐ Promoting distinctive local areas and culture

The ministry is engaged in the promotion of areas adjacent to the Northern Territories. In addition, pursuant to “the resolution which considers the Ainu as indigenous people” adopted by both the Upper and Lower Houses on June 6, 2008, a “discussion session on experts concerning policies regarding the Ainu people” was set up on July 1 in the Cabinet Secretariat. In coordination with these moves, the ministry has promoted the Ainu culture and has popularized information and knowledge about the Ainu people’s tradition.