Japan Meteorological Agency

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Japan Meteorological Agency

Kishō-chō (気象庁)
Logo
Headquarters building in Tokyo
Agency overview
Formed	July 1, 1956; 68 years ago (1956-07-01)
Preceding agencies	Tokyo Meteorological Observatory Central Meteorological Observatory
Jurisdiction	Government of Japan
Headquarters	3-6-9 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan 35°39′57″N 139°44′45″E / 35.66583°N 139.74583°E / 35.66583; 139.74583
Employees	5,539 (2010)[1]
Annual budget	¥62.0 billion (2010–11)[2] ¥59.0 billion (2011–12)[3] ¥58.9 billion (est. 2012)[3]
Agency executives	Toshihiko Hashida, Director-General Itaru Kaga, Deputy Director-General
Parent agency	Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Website	jma.go.jp

The Japan Meteorological Agency (気象庁, Kishō-chō), a division of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, is dedicated to the scientific observation and research of natural phenomena. Headquartered in Minato, Tokyo the agency diligently collects data on meteorology, hydrology, seismology, and volcanology, and other related fields. Through meticulous analysis and interpretation of this information, the JMA provides vital insights to the public, offering crucial knowledge and forecasts to enhance preparedness and mitigate risks associated with weather patterns, earthquakes, volcanic activities, and other natural occurrences.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is responsible for collecting and disseminating weather data and forecasts to the public, as well as providing specialized information for aviation and marine sectors. Additionally, the JMA issues warnings for volcanic eruptions and is integral to the nationwide Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system. As one of the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers designated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the JMA also forecasts, names, and distributes warnings for tropical cyclones in the Northwestern Pacific region. This includes areas such as the Celebes Sea, the Sulu Sea, the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Yellow Sea, the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.