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JTTRI, ASEAN-India Regional Office
I am RYO SASAKI, and I assumed the position of Director of the ASEAN-India Regional Office of the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (JTTRI) on June 24, 2026. I am fully aware of the responsibilities of this position and am committed to fulfilling my duties to the best of my ability, drawing on my professional experience. I look forward to your continued support and cooperation.
Over the course of my career, I spent approximately 36 years at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), nearly one year at Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), and five years at Narita Airport Techno Co., Ltd. At NYK Line, I learned the importance of developing corporate strategies from a global perspective, while my experience at Narita Airport Techno taught me the value of on-the-ground capabilities in supporting critical social infrastructure.
My relationship with JTTRI dates back more than 30 years. In May 1994, I was assigned to the Washington International Affairs Office as a research officer. At that time, trade friction between Japan and the United States was a major issue. Through supporting policy dialogues and negotiations in various fields, including automobiles, shipping, and aviation, I learned the importance of international mutual understanding and trust.
Since its establishment in 2021, the ASEAN-India Regional Office has steadily developed cooperative relationships with government agencies, research institutions, and international organizations across ASEAN and India. Its activities have focused primarily on transport, logistics, and tourism. Through these initiatives, I believe that understanding of and trust in the Institute’s work have continued to grow.
Since taking up my post, meetings with stakeholders from ASEAN countries have once again impressed upon me the vitality and future potential of this region. While population growth and economic expansion continue, ASEAN countries also face many common challenges, including advancing logistics systems, strengthening supply chain resilience, developing sustainable transport systems, and further promoting tourism.
This fiscal year, JTTRI plans to establish new overseas offices in India and Europe. The new office in New Delhi will take a leading role in strengthening cooperation with India. Meanwhile, our office will place greater emphasis on the ASEAN region and work closely with the New Delhi office to address shared regional challenges.
In ASEAN in particular, we aim to advance research and policy dialogue on common challenges in logistics, transport, and tourism, while further deepening cooperation with governments and relevant organizations through the sharing of research findings and expertise. Our offices in Tokyo, Washington, Bangkok, New Delhi, and Brussels will work together, drawing on their respective knowledge and networks to promote international cooperation and mutual development in transport and tourism.
With an increasingly global perspective and a continued focus on practical realities on the ground, I will do my utmost to contribute to the further development of the ASEAN-India Regional Office and strengthen our partnerships across the ASEAN region. I sincerely look forward to your continued guidance and support.