Article 1The purpose of this Act is to ensure the sound development of meteorological services by prescribing basic systems concerning meteorological services, and thereby to contribute to the promotion of public welfare such as prevention of disasters, securing traffic safety, and prosperity of industries and to offer international cooperation concerning meteorological services.

Article 2(1)The term "meteorological phenomena" as used in this Act means phenomena in the atmosphere (excluding the ionosphere).

(2)The term "terrestrial phenomena" as used in this Act means earthquakes, volcanic phenomena, and phenomena on and under the ground which are closely related to meteorological phenomena.

(3)The term "hydrological phenomena" as used in this Act means phenomena in land waters and oceans which are closely related to meteorological phenomena or earthquakes.

(4)The term "meteorological services" as in this Act means the following services:

(5)The term "observation" as used in this Act means an observation and measurement of a phenomenon by a natural scientific method.

(6)The term "forecast" as used in this Act means an announcement of prediction of a phenomenon based on the results of observation.

(7)The term "warning" as used in this Act means a forecast which is made to warn that a serious disaster may occur.

(8)The term "meteorological instruments" as used in this Act means apparatuses, implements, and devices which are used in observations of meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, and hydrological phenomena.

Article 3To accomplish the purpose set forth in Article 1, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must make efforts to carry out the following matters:

Article 4When performing observations of meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tremors and ground deformations, terrestrial magnetism, terrestrial electricity, and hydrological phenomena, the Japan Meteorological Agency is to do so in compliance with the methods specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 5When finding a necessity, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may delegate observations of meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tremors and ground deformations, and hydrological phenomena or provisions of information concerning meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tremors and ground deformations, and hydrological phenomena to a governmental institution, local government, company, or any other group or individual.

Article 6(1)In cases any governmental institution other than the Japan Meteorological Agency, or any local government performs meteorological observations, it must do so in compliance with the technical standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, provided, however, that this does not apply to the case where it performs any meteorological observations listed below:

(2)In cases any person other than governmental institutions and local governments performs the following meteorological observations, the person must do so in compliance with the technical standards set forth in the preceding paragraph, provided, however, that this does not apply to the case where the person performs any meteorological observations specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism:

(3)When a person obliged to perform meteorological observations in accordance with the technical standards pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs has installed a facility therefor, the person must so notify the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This also applies when the facility has been abolished.

(4)When finding a necessity in order to establish observation network concerning meteorological phenomena, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may request a person who has made notification pursuant to the provisions of the first sentence of the preceding paragraph to report the results of meteorological observations.

Article 7(1)Any vessels that are required to be equipped with radio equipment pursuant to the provisions of Article 4 of the Ship Safety Act (Act No. 11 of 1933) and specified by Cabinet Order must be equipped with meteorological instruments pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)When the vessels set forth in the preceding paragraph are cruising in any areas specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, they must observe meteorological phenomena and hydrological phenomena in compliance with the technical standards set forth in the preceding Article, paragraph (1) and report the results thereof to the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 8(1)If any aircraft that has received the aeronautical forecast charts issued under Article 16 makes a flight, it must report the status of meteorological phenomena to the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency during its flight pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)When having completed its flight, the aircraft set forth in the preceding paragraph must report the status of meteorological phenomena in its flight areas thereof to the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 9Of the meteorological instruments used in meteorological observations that need to be performed in compliance with the technical standards pursuant to the provisions of Article 6, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), installed in vessels pursuant to the provisions of Article 7, paragraph (1), or used by a person who has obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17, paragraph (1) in observations for the forecasting services set forth in the same paragraph, those listed in the left column of the appended table as the ones needed to have certain structures (including material properties) and performance in order to ensure the performance of accurate observations and the integration of observation methods must not be used unless they pass a verification test conducted by a person who has had registration accepted by the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency pursuant to the provisions of Article 32-3 and Article 32-4, provided, however, that this does not apply to the meteorological instruments of special types or structures specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 10The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may provide guidance concerning the methods of performing observations for a person who performs meteorological observations that need to be made in compliance with the technical standards pursuant to the provisions of Article 6, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) or for a person who is engaged in meteorological observations on any of the vessels set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1) or aircraft in Article 8, paragraph (1).

Article 11When the Japan Meteorological Agency finds that immediate announcement of the results of observations of meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tremors and ground deformations, terrestrial magnetism, terrestrial electricity, and hydrological phenomena, and information on meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, and hydrological phenomena will promote public interests, it must make efforts to immediately announce the results or information and make them publicly known by seeking cooperation from broadcasting institutions, newspaper publishers, communication agencies, and other mass media (hereinafter simply referred to as "mass media").

Article 11-2(1)When the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency finds a risk of the occurrence of a large-scale earthquake pertaining to areas under intensified measures against earthquake disaster prescribed in Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Act on Special Measures Concerning Countermeasures for Large-Scale Earthquakes (Act No. 73 of 1978) based on the results of observations and research of terrestrial phenomena, tremors and ground deformations, terrestrial magnetism, terrestrial electricity, and hydrological phenomena, and surveys of land and water-areas concerning earthquakes, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must, immediately report to the Prime Minister information concerning the earthquake of which a risk of the occurrence the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency finds (including information concerning prediction of a potential tsunami of the referenced earthquake event), pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

(2)When the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency finds that any new circumstances have arisen in connection with the referenced earthquake after making a report pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must report information concerning the referenced new circumstances on each occasion in accordance with the provisions of the same paragraph. In this case, the term "Prime Minister" in the same paragraph is deemed to be replaced with "Prime Minister (or the Prime Minister and the head of the Earthquake Disaster Alert Headquarters when the Earthquake Disaster Alert Headquarters is established pursuant to the provisions of Article 10, paragraph (1) of the Act on Special Measures Concerning Countermeasures for Large-Scale Earthquakes)."

Article 12(1)With respect to a person who makes a report pursuant to the provisions of Article 6, paragraph (4), Article 7, paragraph (2), or Article 8, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may bear the expenses of the referenced person within the scope of the budget pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

(2)When having found it necessary, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may lend meteorological instruments and other appliances to a person who makes a report pursuant to the provisions of Article 6, paragraph (4) or to any of the vessels set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1) pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

Article 13(1)The Japan Meteorological Agency must give suitable forecasts and warnings for general use concerning meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena (in the case of earthquakes, limited to earthquake ground motions; hereinafter, the same applies in this chapter except in Article 16), tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, and floods, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order, provided, however, that this does not apply to the case where it gives warnings pursuant to the provisions of the following article, paragraph (1).

(2)Beyond the forecasts and warnings set forth in the preceding paragraph, the Japan Meteorological Agency may give suitable forecasts and warnings for general use concerning any hydrological phenomena other than tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, and floods, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

(3)When giving the forecasts and warnings set forth in the preceding two paragraphs, the Japan Meteorological Agency must independently take measures to publicize the forecast matters and warning matters and make efforts to make them publicly known by seeking cooperation from the mass media.

Article 13-2(1)In the case where it meets the criteria regarding precipitation and other, which the Japan Meteorological Agency designates as the case indicating a significant likelihood of catastrophes for abnormality of predicted phenomena, the Japan Meteorological Agency must give suitable warnings for general use concerning meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tsunamis, storm surges, and high waves, indicating a note to that effect, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

(2)When designating the criteria set forth in the preceding paragraph, the Japan Meteorological Agency must ask the opinions of the relevant prefectural governors in advance. In this case, when stating their opinion, the relevant prefectural governor must ask the opinions of the relevant mayors of municipalities in advance.

(3)When having designated the criteria set forth in paragraph (1), the Japan Meteorological Agency must make them public without delay.

(4)The provisions of the preceding two paragraphs apply mutatis mutandis to any change in the criteria set forth in paragraph (1).

(5)The provisions of the preceding Article, paragraph (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the case of warnings set forth in paragraph (1) (referred to as "emergency warnings" in Article 15-2, paragraph (1)).

Article 14(1)The Japan Meteorological Agency must give suitable forecasts and warnings for use for aircraft and vessels concerning meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tsunamis, storm surges, and high waves, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

(2)The Japan Meteorological Agency may give suitable forecasts and warnings for use in railroad industry, electricity industry, and other special industries concerning meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, and hydrological phenomena.

(3)The provisions of Article 13, paragraph (3) apply mutatis mutandis to the case where it gives the forecasts and warnings set forth in paragraph (1).

Article 14-2(1)The Japan Meteorological Agency must give suitable forecasts and warnings for use in flood prevention activities concerning meteorological phenomena, tsunamis, storm surges, and floods, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order.

(2)With respect to the rivers designated pursuant to the provisions of Article 10, paragraph (2) of the Flood Prevention Act (Act No. 193 of 1949), the Japan Meteorological Agency with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism who administers the affairs concerning flood prevention must jointly give suitable forecasts and warnings of floods for use in flood prevention activities by indicating the water levels and flow volumes of the referenced rivers (or after overflow of rivers, water levels or flow volumes, or areas flooded by overflow and water depths therein).

(3)With respect to the rivers designated pursuant to the provisions of Article 11, paragraph (1) of the Flood Prevention Act, the Japan Meteorological Agency with prefectural governors must jointly give suitable forecasts and warnings of floods for use in flood prevention activities by indicating the water levels or flow volumes thereof.

(4)The provisions of Article 13, paragraph (3) applies mutatis mutandis to the case where it gives the forecasts and warnings set forth in the preceding three paragraphs. In this case, the phrase "When giving the forecasts and warnings set forth in the preceding two paragraphs," in the same Article, paragraph (3) is deemed to be replaced with "When giving the forecasts and warnings set forth in Article 14-2, paragraphs (1) through (3) respectively, solely, jointly with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism who administers the affairs concerning flood prevention or jointly with prefectural governors,".

(5)The provisions of Article 17 and Article 23 do not apply to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or prefectural governors who give forecasts and warnings pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) or paragraph (3).

Article 15(1)When having given warnings of meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, and floods pursuant to the provisions of Article 13, paragraph (1), Article 14, paragraph (1), or the preceding Article, paragraphs (1) through (3), the Japan Meteorological Agency must immediately notify the warning matters to the applicable organs of the National Police Agency, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Japan Coast Guard, prefectures, the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation, the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation, or the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order. This also applies when any warning other than those of earthquake ground motions has become unnecessary after issuance.

(2)The organs of the National Police Agency, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, prefectures, the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation, and the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation that have received the notice set forth in the preceding paragraph must make efforts to immediately notify the relevant mayors of municipalities of the matters notified thereto.

(3)The mayors of municipalities that have received the notice set forth in the preceding paragraph must make efforts to immediately make the matters notified thereto known to the public and the public agencies located in the respective areas of responsibility.

(4)The organs of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism that have received the notice set forth in paragraph (1) must make efforts to immediately make the matter notified thereto known to the aircraft in flight.

(5)The organs of the Japan Coast Guard that have received the notice set forth in paragraph (1) must make efforts to immediately make the matters notified thereto known to the vessels in passage or in port.

(6)The organs of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation that have received the notice set forth in paragraph (1) must immediately broadcast the matters notified thereto.

Article 15-2(1)When having given emergency warnings of meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tsunamis, storm surges, and high waves pursuant to the provisions of Article 13-2, paragraph (1), the Japan Meteorological Agency must immediately notify the warning matters to the applicable organs of the National Police Agency, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the Japan Coast Guard, prefectures, the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation, the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation, or the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order. This also applies when any emergency warning other than those of earthquake ground motions has become unnecessary after issuance.

(2)The organs of prefectures that have received the notice set forth in the preceding paragraph must immediately notify the relevant mayors of municipalities of the matters notified thereto.

(3)The provisions of the preceding Article, paragraph (2) apply mutatis mutandis to the case where the organs of the National Police Agency, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation, and the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation have received the notice set forth in paragraph (1).

(4)The mayors of municipalities that have received the notice set forth in paragraph (2) or in the preceding Article, paragraph (2) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the preceding paragraph must immediately take measures to make the matters notified thereto known to the public and the public agencies located in the respective areas of responsibility.

(5)The provisions of the preceding Article, paragraph (5) apply mutatis mutandis to the case where the organs of the Japan Coast Guard have received the notice set forth in paragraph (1), and the provisions of the preceding Article, paragraph (6) applies mutatis mutandis to the case where the organs of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation have received the notice set forth in paragraph (1).

Article 16The Japan Meteorological Agency must issue aeronautical forecast charts containing the predictions of meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena (excluding earthquakes), or hydrological phenomena to any aircraft specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism before their flights.

Article 17(1)Any person other than the Japan Meteorological Agency who intends to perform the services for forecasting meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, or floods (hereinafter referred to as "forecasting services") must obtain a license from the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

(2)The license set forth in the preceding paragraph is granted with the purposes and scope of forecasting services determined.

Article 18(1)When having received an application for the license under the provisions of the preceding Article, paragraph (1), the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must make an examination in accordance with the following standards:

(2)When having found that the application conforms to the standards set forth in the preceding paragraph as a result of making an examination pursuant to the provisions of the same paragraph, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must grant a license except in the following cases:

Article 19(1)A person who has obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17, paragraph (1) must obtain approval from the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency when intending to change the purposes or scope of the forecasting services set forth in the same Article, paragraph (2).

(2)The provisions of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Article 19-2A person who has obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17 (excluding a person who has obtained a license only for the services for forecasting earthquake ground motions, volcanic phenomena, or tsunamis; the same applies in the following Article) must staff a certified weather forecaster (referring to a person who has had the registration set forth in Article 24-20 accepted; the same applies hereinafter) at each business office where the referenced forecasting services are performed, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 19-3A person who has obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17 must, among the referenced forecasting services, assign the predictions of phenomena to a certified weather forecaster.

Article 20A person who has obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17 must make efforts to quickly transmit to the users of the referenced forecasting services the Japan Meteorological Agency's warning matters pertaining to the purposes and scope of the referenced forecasting services.

Article 20-2When a person who has obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17 no longer falls under any of the items of Article 18, paragraph (1) or when the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency otherwise finds a necessity in order to ensure the appropriate operation of forecasting services by a person who has obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may order the person who has obtained the referenced license to take measures to ensure conformity to the items of the same paragraph with regard to the facilities and staff members thereof or the methods of predicting phenomena thereby and other necessary measures to improve the operation of the referenced forecasting services.

Article 21When a person who has obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17 falls under any of the following items, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may order the person to suspend the services for a specified period of time or revoke the license:

Article 22When a person who has obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17 suspends or abolishes all or part of the forecasting services, the person must notify the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency to that effect within thirty days from the date of the suspension or abolition.

Article 23Any person other than the Japan Meteorological Agency must not give warnings of meteorological phenomena, earthquake ground motions, volcanic phenomena, tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, or floods; provided, however, that this does not apply to any cases specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 24A person who announces or transmits forecast matters or warning matters concerning meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, and floods by means of signs in figurations, colors, lights, or sound must do so in compliance with the methods specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 24-2(1)A person who intends to become a certified weather forecaster must pass an examination for a certified weather forecaster's license which is conducted by the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency (hereinafter referred to as "examination").

(2)An examination is conducted with respect to the knowledge and skills necessary for the services of a certified weather forecaster.

Article 24-3When a person to take an examination holds any service career or qualifications specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in connection with forecasting services and other meteorological services specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the person may be given exemption from part of the examination pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 24-4A person who has passed an examination has the qualification to become a certified weather forecaster.

Article 24-5(1)The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may designate a person (hereinafter referred to as "designated examining body") and cause the referenced person to administer the affairs concerning the implementation of an examination (hereinafter referred to as "examination affairs").

(2)The designation of a designated examining body is made upon application by a person who intends to administer examination affairs.

(3)The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency is not to administer examination affairs when having designated a designated examining body.

Article 24-6(1)The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must not designate a designated examining body unless no other person has been designated a designated examining body and the application set forth in the preceding Article, paragraph (2) is found to conform to the following standards:

(2)When a person who has made the application set forth in the preceding Article, paragraph (2) falls under any of the following items, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must not designate the person a designated examining body:

Article 24-7(1)When having designated a designated examining body, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must publicly notify the name and address of the designated examining body, the location of the office where it administers examination affairs, and the date when it commences examination affairs.

(2)When intending to change its name or address, or the location of the office where it administers examination affairs, the designated examining body must notify the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency of the referenced intention at least two weeks prior to the date when the change is scheduled.

(3)When having received the notification under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must publicly notify to that effect.

Article 24-8When administering examination affairs, the designated examining body must cause an examiner who satisfies the requirements specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (hereinafter referred to as "examiner") to administer the affairs concerning any judgments as to whether or not a person has necessary knowledge and skills as a certified weather forecaster.

Article 24-9(1)No appointment and dismissal of an officer of the designated examining body engaged in examination affairs are effective unless approved by the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

(2)When having appointed or dismissed any examiner, the designated examining body must notify the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency to that effect without delay.

(3)When any officer or examiner of the designated examining body has violated this Act, any of the orders or dispositions pursuant to this Act, or the rules of administration for examination affairs set forth in Article 24-11, paragraph (1), or committed any extremely inappropriate acts in connection with examination affairs, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may order the designated examining body to dismiss the referenced officer or examiner.

Article 24-10(1)Officers or employees (including examiners), whether current or former, of the designated examining body must not divulge any secrets that come to their knowledge in connection with examination affairs.

(2)With respect to the application of the Penal Act (Act No. 45 of 1907) and other penal provisions, officers or employees (including examiners) of the designated examining body who engage in examination affairs are regarded as personnel engaged in the performance of public duties in accordance with laws and regulations.

Article 24-11(1)The designated examining body must formulate rules of administration for examination affairs concerning the matters which are specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism with regard to administration of examination affairs and obtain approval of them from the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency. The same applies when it intends to change them.

(2)When having found that the rules of administration for examination affairs approved under the preceding paragraph have become inappropriate for the fair and proper administration of examination affairs, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may order the designated examining body to change them.

Article 24-12(1)The designated examining body must prepare a business plan and an income and expenditure budget pertaining to examination affairs each business year, and obtain approval of them from the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency prior to the beginning of the referenced business year (or in the case of a business year containing the date of designation, without delay after the referenced designation). The same applies when it intends to change them.

(2)The designated examining body must prepare a business report and a statement of accounts pertaining to examination affairs each business year, and submit them to the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency within three months after the end of the referenced business year.

Article 24-13The designated examining body must maintain books into which to make entry of the matters concerning examination affairs as specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and preserve them pursuant to the Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 24-14When finding a necessity in order to enforce this Act, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may give the designated examining body orders necessary for supervision of examination affairs.

Article 24-15(1)The designated examining body must not suspend or abolish all or part of examination affairs without obtaining permission from the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

(2)When having granted the permission set forth in the preceding paragraph, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must publicly notify to that effect.

Article 24-16(1)When the designated examining body has come under any of the items of Article 24-6, paragraph (2) (excluding item (iii)), the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must revoke its designation.

(2)When the designated examining body falls under any of the following items, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may revoke its designation or order it to suspend all or part of examination affairs for a specified period of time:

(3)The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must publicly notify the referenced fact when having revoked designation pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or the preceding paragraph or ordered the suspension of examination affairs, in whole or in part, pursuant to the provisions of the same paragraph.

Article 24-17(1)The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency is to administer all or part of examination affairs oneself, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 24-5, paragraph (3) when finding it necessary to do so if the designated examining body has suspended all or part of examination affairs pursuant to the provisions of Article 24-15, paragraph (1), the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency has ordered the designated examining body to suspend all or part of examination affairs pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article, paragraph (2), or it has become difficult for the designated examining body to administer all or part of examination affairs due to a natural disaster or for other reasons.

(2)The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must publicly notify to that effect in advance when having decided to administer examination affairs pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph or not to administer the examination affairs while so doing pursuant to the provisions of the same paragraph.

(3)The handover of examination affairs and other necessary matters if the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency has decided to administer examination affairs pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), has permitted the abolition of examination affairs pursuant to the provisions of Article 24-15, paragraph (1), or has revoked designation pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), are prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 24-18(1)With respect to a person who has taken or intended to take an examination by wrongful means, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may revoke a decision of the person's having passed an examination or suspend the person's examination.

(2)The designated examining body may exercise the authority of the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency set forth in the preceding paragraph.

(3)In light of the circumstances, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may designate a period of up to two years during which to prohibit a person, who has been subjected to any dispositions prescribed in the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, from taking an examination therefor.

Article 24-19With respect to any dispositions pertaining to examination affairs that are made by the designated examining body or the inaction thereof, the claim for review may be filed with the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency. In this case, with regard to the application of the provisions of Article 25, paragraphs (2) and (3), Article 46, paragraph (1) and (2), Article 47, and Article 49, paragraph (3) of the Administrative Complaint Review Act (Act No. 68 of 2014), the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency is deemed to be a higher administrative authority of the designated examining body.

Article 24-20A person who holds the qualification to be a certified weather forecaster must have registration accepted by the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency in order to become a certified weather forecaster.

Article 24-21A person who falls under any of the following items may not have the registration set forth in the preceding Article accepted:

Article 24-22(1)A person who intends to have the registration set forth in Article 24-20 accepted must submit a written application for registration to the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

(2)The written application for registration set forth in the preceding paragraph must be accompanied by a document certifying that the applicant holds the qualification to be a certified weather forecaster.

Article 24-23When a person has submitted the documents under the provisions of the preceding Article, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must register the following matters with the registry of certified weather forecasters except when the referenced person falls under any of the items of Article 24-21:

Article 24-24When there is any change to the matters registered with the registry of certified weather forecasters pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article, a certified weather forecaster must notify the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency thereof without delay.

Article 24-25(1)When a certified weather forecaster falls under any of the following items or applies for cancellation of the registration set forth in Article 24-20, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must cancel the referenced registration pertaining to the referenced certified weather forecaster:

(2)When a certified weather forecaster has come under the preceding paragraph, item (i) or item (ii), the person's heir or the referenced certified weather forecaster must notify the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency thereof without delay.

Article 24-26(1)A person who intends to take an examination or have the registration set forth in Article 24-20 accepted must pay to the State (or to the designated examining body in the case of a person who intends to take an examination conducted by the designated examining body) a fee of which the amount is determined in light of the actual cost by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)The fee paid to the designated examining body pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph is an income to the designated examining body.

Article 24-27Beyond what is provided for in this chapter, any necessary matters concerning the examination, the designated examining body, and the registration set forth in Article 24-20 are prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 24-28The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may designate a general incorporated association or general incorporated foundation which is intended to ensure the sound development of meteorological services and found to conform to the following standards concerning the services prescribed in the following Article as a private weather service support center (hereinafter referred to as "center"), upon application thereby:

Article 24-29A center is to carry out the following services for the purposes of supporting the sound development of forecasting services performed under license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17 and other meteorological services in the private sector and ensuring the promotion of the use of meteorological information in industries, transportation, and other social activities:

Article 24-30The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency is to provide a center with the meteorological information which is necessary for the implementation of information providing services and specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, as well as with necessary guidance and advice concerning the implementation of the referenced services.

Article 24-31(1)When performing information providing services, a center must formulate rules for information providing services concerning the methods of implementing the referenced services, fees relating to the referenced services, and other matters specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and obtain approval of them from the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency, prior to commencing the referenced services. The same applies when it intends to change them.

(2)The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may order a center to change them when finding that the rules for information providing services approved under the preceding paragraph have become inappropriate for the proper and sure implementation of information providing services.

Article 24-32A center must separate accounting for information providing services and accounting for other services, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 24-33The provisions of Article 24-6, paragraph (2) (excluding item (i)), Article 24-7, Article 24-9, paragraph (1) and paragraph (3), Article 24-12, and Articles 24-14 through 24-16 are to apply mutatis mutandis to a center. In this case: the phrase "the preceding Article, paragraph (2)" in Article 24-6, paragraph (2) is deemed to be replaced with "Article 24-28"; the phrase "Article 24-16, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2)" in the same paragraph, item (iii) with "Article 24-16, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 24-33"; the phrase "Article 24-9, paragraph (3)" in the same paragraph, item (iv) with "Article 24-9, paragraph (3) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 24-33"; the phrase ", the location of the office where it administers examination affairs, and the date when it commences examining affairs" in Article 24-7, paragraph (1) with ", and the location of the office where it performs the services prescribed in Article 24-29"; the term "examination affairs" in the same Article, paragraph (2), Article 24-9, paragraph (1) and paragraph (3), Article 24-12, Article 24-14, title of Article 24-15, the same Article, paragraph (1), and Article 24-16, paragraph (2) and paragraph (3) with "the services prescribed in Article 24-29"; the phrase "officer or examiner" in Article 24-9, paragraph (3) with "officer"; the phrase "rules of administration for examination affairs set forth in Article 24-11, paragraph (1)" therein with "rules for information providing services set forth in Article 24-31, paragraph (1)"; the phrase "any of the items of Article 24-6, paragraph (2)" in Article 24-16, paragraph (1) with "any of the items of Article 24-6, paragraph (2) as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 24-33"; the term "this chapter" in the same Article, paragraph (2), item (i) with "the provisions of Article 24-31, paragraph (1) or Article 24-32, or this chapter as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 24-33"; the phrase "any of the items of Article 24-6, paragraph (1)" in the same paragraph, item (ii) with "any of the items of Article 24-28"; the phrase "Article 24-9, paragraph (3), Article 24-11, paragraph (2), or Article 24-14" in the same paragraph, item (iii) with "the provisions of Article 24-31, paragraph (2), or Article 24-9, paragraph (3) or Article 24-14 as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 24-33"; and the phrase "rules of administration for examination affairs approved pursuant to the provisions of Article 24-11, paragraph (1)" in the same paragraph, item (iv) with "rules for information providing services approved pursuant to the provisions of Article 24-31, paragraph (1) ".

Article 25The Japan Meteorological Agency must announce the information to be prepared through integration of the following matters by radio communications which are intended for reception by the organs engaging in meteorological services in and outside Japan, vessels, or aircraft, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism:

Article 26(1)Any person other than the Japan Meteorological Agency who intends to perform the services for announcing the results of the meteorological observations thereby performed by radio communications which are intended for reception by the organs engaging in meteorological services in or outside Japan, vessels, or aircraft, must obtain a license from the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency, provided, however, that this does not apply to the case where a vessel or aircraft performs the referenced services.

(2)The provisions of Article 18 (excluding items (ii) through (iv) of paragraph (1)) and Articles 20-2 through 22 apply mutatis mutandis to the case referred to in the preceding paragraph. In this case, the phrases "any of the items of Article 18, paragraph (1)" and "the items of the same paragraph" in Article 20-2 are each deemed to be replaced with "Article 18, paragraph (1), item (i)".

Article 27Deleted

Article 28(1)When an application for verification has been filed regarding the meteorological instruments listed in the left column of the appended table, a person who has had the registration set forth in Article 9 (hereinafter referred to as "registered verification body") accepted must inspect whether or not the referenced meteorological instruments conform to the following items and verify the instruments when they are found to conform thereto:

(2)When performing the inspections set forth in the preceding paragraph on any meteorological instruments that have been granted the type certification set forth in Article 32, paragraph (1), a registered verification body may omit the inspection as to whether or not to conform to the same paragraph, item (i).

(3)The inspection as to whether or not to conform to paragraph (1), item (ii) when the inspection as to whether or not to conform to the same paragraph, item (i) is omitted pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph may be made by means of a document containing the results of the referenced measurements, when a person authorized under Article 32-2, paragraph (1) has performed measurements for instrumental errors pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 29(1)A verification seal is affixed onto any meteorological instruments that have passed a verification test, pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, provided, however, that this does not apply to those meteorological instruments difficult to affix a verification seal to for their structural reasons which are specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)When meteorological instruments have passed a verification test, a registered verification body must issue a verification certificate to the person who has applied for verification certificate.

Article 30Deleted

Article 31The valid period of verification of any meteorological instruments that are specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as those for which it is found appropriate to determine a valid period for verification in light of their structures, conditions of use, and status of use, etc. is as specified by the referenced Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 32(1)Upon application the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency grants type certification regarding the types of meteorological instruments specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)When receiving the application set forth in the preceding paragraph, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must inspect whether the meteorological instruments pertaining to the referenced application conform to Article 28, paragraph (1), item (i) and grant type certification when having found that they conform thereto.

(3)Type certification is granted by issuing a type certificate to an applicant.

Article 32-2(1)Upon application with respect to a person who performs measurements for the instrumental errors of meteorological instruments, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may grant authorization to the effect that the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency conforms to the following items, per office thereof, in accordance with the categories specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism:

(2)When a person who has obtained the authorization set forth in the preceding paragraph (hereinafter referred to as "authorized measurer") falls under any of the following items, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may revoke the person's authorization:

(3)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding two paragraphs, necessary matters concerning authorization and its revocation are prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 32-3The registration set forth in Article 9 is made upon application by a person who intends to administer the affairs concerning the implementation of a verification test on meteorological instruments (hereinafter referred to as "verification affairs").

Article 32-4(1)When a person who has applied for registration pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article (hereinafter referred to as "applicant for registration") conforms to all of the following requirements, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must do the registration. In this case, necessary procedures for registration are prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism:

(2)The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must not register any applicant for registration who falls under any of the following items:

(3)Registration is to be made with the following matters entered in the registry of registered verification bodies:

Article 32-5(1)When making the registration set forth in Article 9, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must publicly notify the matters listed in items (ii) through (v) of the preceding Article, paragraph (3) and the date of commencement of verification affairs.

(2)When intending to change the matters listed in item (ii), item (iii), or item (v) of the preceding Article, paragraph (3), a registered verification body must notify the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency of the referenced intention at least two weeks prior to the date when the change is scheduled.

(3)When notified pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must publicly notify to that effect.

Article 32-6(1)Unless renewed at an interval prescribed by Cabinet Order between five years or more and ten years or less, the registration set forth in Article 9 ceases to be effective upon expiration of the referenced period.

(2)The provisions of Articles 32-3 and Article 32-4 apply mutatis mutandis to the renewal of registration set forth in the preceding paragraph.

Article 32-7(1)When receiving an application for verification, a registered verification body must conduct a verification test without delay except if there are justifiable grounds not to do so.

(2)With respect to the measuring instruments listed in the right column of the appended table, a registered verification body must undergo calibrations by the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency or calibrations pursuant to the provisions of Article 135 or Article 144 of the Measurement Act at an interval prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(3)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding paragraph, a registered verification body must conduct a verification test fairly by a method which complies with the requirements listed in Article 32-4, paragraph (1), item (i) and item (ii).

Article 32-8(1)A registered verification body must formulate rules concerning verification affairs (hereinafter referred to as "rules of administration for verification affairs") and prior to commencing verification affairs, so notify the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency. The same applies when it intends to change them.

(2)The rules of administration for verification affairs must prescribe the methods of administering verification affairs, the fees relating to verification, and other matters specified by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 32-9(1)When intending to suspend or abolish all or part of verification affairs, a registered verification body must notify the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency of the referenced intention in advance pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)When receiving the notification set forth in the preceding paragraph, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must publicly notify to that effect.

Article 32-10(1)A registered verification body must prepare an inventory of property, a balance sheet, a profit and loss statement or an income and expenditure statement, and a business report for each business year (including an electromagnetic record (which means any record that is prepared by electronic, magnetic, or other means unrecognizable by human perception, and is provided for information processing by a computer; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) in cases where an electromagnetic record is prepared in lieu of the preparation thereof in the form of paper documents; referred to as "financial statements, etc." in the following paragraph and item (ii) of Article 50), within three months after the end of the business year, and maintain them at its office for a period of five years.

(2)Meteorological instrument manufacturers, etc. and other interested parties may make the following requests at any time within the service hours of a registered verification body; provided, however, that to make any request set forth in item (ii) or item (iv), the fee specified by the registered verification body must be paid:

Article 32-11When finding that a registered verification body no longer conforms to any of the items of Article 32-4, paragraph (1), the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may order the registered verification body to take necessary measures to ensure conformity to the provisions of the referenced items.

Article 32-12When finding that a registered verification body is in violation of any provisions of Article 32-7, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may order the registered verification body to administer the verification affairs under the provisions of the same Article or take necessary measures to improve the methods of verification and other operational methods.

Article 32-13(1)When a registered verification body has come under item (i) or item (iii) of Article 32-4, paragraph (2), the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must revoke its registration.

(2)When a registered verification body falls under any of the following items, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may revoke its registration or order the suspension of verification affairs, in whole or in part, for a specified period of time:

(3)When having revoked the registration set forth in Article 9 pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or the preceding paragraph or ordered the suspension of verification affairs, in whole or in part, pursuant to the provisions of the same paragraph, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must publicly notify to that effect.

Article 32-14(1)The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may administer all or part of verification affairs oneself when no person has had the registration set forth in Article 9 accepted, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency has been notified by a registered verification body of the suspension or abolition of verification affairs, in whole or in part, pursuant to the provisions of Article 32-9, paragraph (1), the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency has revoked the registration set forth in Article 9 pursuant to the provisions of the preceding Article, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency has ordered a registered verification body to suspend all or part of verification affairs pursuant to the provisions of the same paragraph, it has become difficult for a registered verification body to administer all or part of verification affairs due to a natural disaster or for other reasons, or the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency otherwise finds it necessary to do so.

(2)The Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must publicly notify to that effect in advance, when administering verification affairs pursuant to the provision of the preceding paragraph or ceases to administer the verification affairs in which the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency is engaged pursuant to the provisions of the same paragraph.

(3)The handover of verification affairs and other necessary matters when the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency administers all or part of verification affairs pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) are prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 32-15The provisions of Article 24-13 applies mutatis mutandis to a registered verification body. In this case, the term "examination affairs" in the same Article is deemed to be replaced with "verification affairs."

Article 33A person who intends to obtain the type certification set forth in Article 32, paragraph (1) or the authorization set forth in Article 32-2, paragraph (1), undergo the calibrations by the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency set forth in the same paragraph, item (ii), Article 32-4, paragraph (1), item (i), or Article 32-7, paragraph (2), or have a verification test conducted by the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency pursuant to the provisions of Article 32-14, paragraph (1) must pay to the State a fee of which the amount is determined by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in light of the actual cost.

Article 34The form of a verification seal, the form and re-issuance of a verification certificate and type certificate, and other detailed matters concerning verification, type certification, authorized measurer, and registered verification body are prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 35(1)The Japan Meteorological Agency, upon the request of the public, certifies and appraises the facts concerning meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, and hydrological phenomena.

(2)A person who intends to obtain the certification or appraisal set forth in the preceding paragraph must pay a fee pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 36Beyond what is provided for in Article 11, the Japan Meteorological Agency is to announce the results of observations, investigations, and research concerning meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tremors and ground deformations, terrestrial magnetism, terrestrial electricity, and hydrological phenomena, and statistics thereof by issuance of publications or other means, for the sake of the general use.

Article 37Any person must not, without justifiable grounds, destroy or relocate any meteorological instruments installed outdoors by the Japan Meteorological Agency or a person who performs meteorological observations that must be made in accordance with the technical standards pursuant to the provisions of Article 6, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2); or any signs of warnings concerning meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena (for earthquakes, limited to earthquake ground motions), tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, or floods, or otherwise conduct any acts detrimental to the effects of the referenced meteorological instruments or signs.

Article 38(1)If it is necessary for performing observations of meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tremors and ground deformations, terrestrial magnetism, terrestrial electricity, or hydrological phenomena, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may cause the staff members engaging in the referenced services to enter land or a water surface which is owned, possessed, or occupied by the State, a local government, or a private person.

(2)In cases causing the staff members to enter either a building lot or a plot of land or water surface enclosed with fences, rails, etc. pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must so notify the owner, occupant, or user thereof in advance, provided, however, that this does not apply when it is difficult to so notify the referenced person in advance.

Article 39(1)If there is an unavoidable necessity for performing observations of meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tremors and ground deformations, terrestrial magnetism, terrestrial electricity, or hydrological phenomena, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may cause the staff members engaging in the referenced services to clear or remove the plants, fences, rails, etc. that would cause interference by obtaining prior approval from the owner or occupant thereof.

(2)In the case of observing meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tremors and ground deformations, terrestrial magnetism, terrestrial electricity, or hydrological phenomena in an isolated island, a lake or swamp, a forest, a wilderness area, or a place similar thereto, if it is difficult to obtain prior approval from the owner or occupant thereof and no considerable damage will be inflicted on the existing state of the referenced property, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may cause the staff members engaging in the referenced services to clear or remove the plants, fences, rails, etc. that would cause interference without obtaining approval from the owner or occupant thereof, notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph. In this case, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency must promptly notify the owner or occupant to that effect.

Article 40(1)If any loss has arisen from the entry, clearing, or removal under the provisions of the preceding two Articles, the State will compensate the aggrieved person thereof for the loss that would normally arise.

(2)The amount of the compensation set forth in the preceding paragraph is decided by the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

(3)A person who is dissatisfied with the decision set forth in the preceding paragraph may demand to increase the amount of compensation by means of an action within six months from the date when the decision comes to the person's knowledge.

(4)In the action set forth in the preceding paragraph, the State is to be the defendant.

Article 40-2(1)Conditions may be attached to a license or approval, and they may be changed.

(2)The conditions set forth in the preceding paragraph must be limited to the minimum necessary to ensure public interests, and must not be to impose unreasonable obligations on a person who obtains the referenced license or approval.

Article 41(1)Within the limit necessary for enforcement of this Act, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may cause a person who has obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17, paragraph (1) or Article 26, paragraph (1) or any of the vessels set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1) to report on the meteorological services thereof.

(2)Within the limit necessary for enforcement of this Act, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may cause a designated examining body, center, or registered verification body to report on the services thereof.

(3)Within the limit necessary for enforcement of this Act, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may cause an authorized measurer to report on the services thereof.

(4)Within the limit necessary for enforcement of this Act, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may cause its staff members to enter the business office, or the place where observations are performed, or any of the vessels set forth in Article 7, paragraph (1), of a person who has obtained a license pursuant to the provisions of Article 17, paragraph (1) or Article 26, paragraph (1) or a person who performs meteorological observations that must be made in accordance with the technical standards pursuant to the provisions of Article 6, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2),; inspect meteorological records, meteorological instruments, or other articles thereof; or ask relevant persons thereof questions.

(5)Within the limit necessary for enforcement of this Act, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may cause its staff members to enter the office of the designated examining body, center, or registered verification body; inspect the status of services, or books, documents, and other articles thereof; or ask relevant persons thereof questions.

(6)Within the limit necessary for enforcement of this Act, the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency may cause its staff members to enter the office of an authorized measurer, inspect the status of services, or books, documents, and other articles thereof, or ask relevant persons thereof questions.

(7)The authority under the provisions of the preceding three paragraphs must not be construed as being vested for criminal investigations.

Article 42Any staff member who is engaged in the referenced services pursuant to the provisions of Article 38, Article 39, or the preceding Article, paragraphs (4) through (6) must carry an identification and show it upon request by any person concerned.

Article 43(1)Upon the request of the public, the Japan Meteorological Agency may perform specialized observations, forecasts, collection and preparation of information, investigations, and research concerning meteorological phenomena, terrestrial phenomena, tremors and ground deformations, terrestrial magnetism, terrestrial electricity, and hydrological phenomena, and matters closely relevant thereto; provide the guidance therefor; and carry out the designing, manufacturing, verification, repairing, and conditioning of meteorological instruments as well as apparatuses, implements, and devices used in observations of tremors and ground deformations, terrestrial magnetism, and terrestrial electricity; to the extent that no performance of its services is interfered with.

(2)A person who makes the delegation set forth in the preceding paragraph must pay a fee pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 43-2(1)In response to consultation from the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency, the Council for Transport Policy investigates and deliberates the matters listed in the items of Article 3 and other important matters concerning meteorological services.

(2)With regard to the matters prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the Council for Transport Policy may state its opinions to relevant administrative organs.

Article 43-3When any order is established, revised, or abolished pursuant to the provisions of this Act, required transitional measures (including transitional measures concerning penal provisions) may be prescribed by the referenced order to the extent that they are judged to be reasonably necessary in connection with the establishment, revision, or abolition.

Article 43-4(1)The authority of the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency prescribed in this Act may be delegated in part to the Director-General of a Regional Headquarters or the Director-General of the Okinawa Regional Headquarters pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(2)The authority delegated to the Director-General of a Regional Headquarters or the Director-General of the Okinawa Regional Headquarters pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph may be delegated in part to the Director of a Local Meteorological Office pursuant to the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 43-5Beyond what is provided for in this Act, procedures and other matters necessary for implementation of this Act are prescribed by Order of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 44A person who has violated the provisions of Article 37 is punishable by imprisonment for not more than three years or a fine of not more than 1,000,000 yen, or both.

Article 45A person who falls under any of the following items is punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year or a fine of not more than 500,000 yen:

Article 46A person who falls under any of the following items is punishable by a fine of not more than 500,000 yen:

Article 47A person who falls under any of the following items is punishable by a fine of not more than 300,000 yen:

Article 48When falling under any of the following items, any officer or employee of the designated examining body, center, or registered verification body that has committed the respective violation is punishable by a fine of not more than 300,000 yen:

Article 49When a representative of a corporation, or an agent of a corporation or individual, or an employee or other worker of a corporation or individual has conducted any of the violations set forth in Article 44, Article 46, or Article 47 in connection with the services of the referenced corporation or individual, not only is the offender punishable but also the referenced corporation or individual is also punishable by the fine prescribed in the respective Articles.

Article 50A person who falls under any of the following items is subject to non-penal fine of not more than 200,000 yen: