Sayonara pandemic, Konnichiwa new normalcy: An analysis of Japanese aviation with COVID-19

Abstract

The purpose of our research is to identify the development of the Japanese aviation system throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, covering the evolution towards the onset of COVID-19, the peak of the impact, and the endemic recovery. Our study is based on two distinct methodologies, being a combination of data science and network science, based on data for the period from the year 2019 to the year 2023. We delineate Japan’s development in contrast to other countries, showcasing how this important country managed to go through the devastating impact of COVID-19. In addition, we provide an outlook on the extent to which Japan’s endemic role in international aviation might differ compared to pre-COVID-19 times. Our study is complementary to existing work in discussing the whole period with COVID-19 and laying a focus on the domestic/international connectivity evolution.