Details of the Initiative

My research centers on developing novel statistical methods for the smooth visualization of directional data, including wind direction. As a field that infers the whole from limited data, statistics plays a key role in shaping a sustainable society. With knowledge gained from my research, I was involved in building an evidence-based policy-making (EBPM) model in Nagano Prefecture.
For this project, we analyzed changes in tourism behavior before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed new trends in tourism demand distinct from past patterns. For example, it was observed that the number of visitors to certain ski resorts declined, likely owing to a shift among out-of-prefecture tourists toward ski resorts closer to their home. Objective, data-based evidence like this serves as a valuable foundation for formulating directions in tourism policy and regional development.
Nagano Prefecture has been working to build a system that enables staff to form hypotheses, analyze data, and incorporate the findings in policy, in collaboration with experts. EBPM equips local governments with tools to respond flexibly to shifting conditions and promote the development of sustainable communities.

Wind direction data smoothly visualized using kernel density estimation (dashed lines). Tsuruta and Sagae (2020, AISM)
Overview of the Nagano Prefecture EBPM Model Development Project
Source: “Efforts Toward EBPM in Nagano Prefecture (FY2023 EBPM Model Development Project),” Presentation Materials from the FY2024 Statistics Data Utilization Promotion Project Results
DataStart Case Study, Nagano Prefecture Data Utilization Promotion Center
Comparison of ski resort visitors by prefecture
Source: “Efforts Toward EBPM in Nagano Prefecture (FY2023 EBPM Model Development Project),” Presentation Materials from the FY2024 Statistics Data Utilization Promotion Project Results
DataStart Case Study, Nagano Prefecture Data Utilization Promotion Center
Trends in ski resort visitors from the Kinki region
Source: “Efforts Toward EBPM in Nagano Prefecture (FY2023 EBPM Model Development Project),” Presentation Materials from the FY2024 Statistics Data Utilization Promotion Project Results
DataStart Case Study, Nagano Prefecture Data Utilization Promotion Center