# Chapter 1: New MLIT Policies Accommodating the Needs of the Times

## (1) Formulation and promotion of the future vision on Japan’s national territory and social capital

MLIT formulates and promotes National Spatial Strategies and National Land Use Plan in order to use, improve and conserve the national land from comprehensive viewpoints including our economy, society and culture, with consideration for natural conditions.

In addition, based on the Priority Plan for Social Infrastructure Development (the Second Plan was formulated following the expiration of the First Plan.), which has incorporated plans for nine business fields, the ministry promotes social capital improvement projects in a focused and efficient manner.

## (2) Reorganization in FY2008

## ○ Establishment of the Japan Tourism Agency

The Japan Tourism Agency was inaugurated on October 1, 2008, to demonstrate Japan’s sincere attitude toward realize the creation of a Tourism Nation, and to improve and develop systems for facilitating the collaboration with other government agencies and for clarifying and integrating the government’s contact points related to tourism.

## ○ Establishment of the Japan Transport Safety Board and Marine Accident Tribunal

The Japan Transport Safety Board and Marine Accident Tribunal were established on October 1, 2008, to improve systems that enhance the sophistication of policy planning and implementation functions, the accident-prevention functions and the comprehensive investigation into causes of railway, aircraft and marine accidents.

## (3) Promotion of new ocean policies (ocean-oriented country)

The Basic Plan on Ocean Policy, which was approved by the Cabinet in March 2008, refers to policy objectives, basic policies, and measures that the government should take in a comprehensive and well-planned manner. MLIT is responsible for a wide range of activities concerning ocean policy, including conservation of the marine environment, the securing of ocean transport, the securing of maritime security, the promotion of oceanographic activities, the development of maritime industries, the comprehensive management of coastal areas and the conservation of remote islands. In FY2008, the tonnage based taxation system was established for ensuring stable international maritime transport, and the Act on Navigation of Foreign Ships through the Territorial Sea and Internal Waters was enacted to maintain and ensure the orderly manner of foreign ships.

## (4) Result-oriented policy development

MLIT implements policy assessment (i.e. ex ante evaluation), policy checkup (i.e. performance measurement), and policy review (i.e. program evaluation) and so on. In August 2007, the evaluation process was reviewed so that the units of policy evaluation (measures) and those of the items shown in the budget and account settlement documents will be amended to correspond to each other.

As for individual public works, an integrated project evaluation system has been established, including evaluation at the project approval stage, and reevaluation and ex-post evaluation after project completion. Also, reviews of the demand forecast and examinations are being made to enable further sophistication of evaluation technique.