JMA’s WIS Services

Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is operating following international roles, each designated as Global Information System Centre (GISC) or Data Collection or Production Centre (DCPC) within the framework of WMO Information Systems (WIS).

GISC Tokyo

Global Information System Centre (GISC) is your entry point to WIS through following functions, as well as regional coordinator of realtime network.

  • GISC Cache: service of “global data,”  information intended for global distribution, traditionally exchanged via GTS
    [bulletins, warnings, and KML]
  • DAR Catalogue: made from metadata to be collected from entire WIS.

GISC also has responsibility on coordination of area meteorological telecommunication network.

RTH Tokyo (DCPC)

Tokyo has long served as Regional Telecommunication Hub in Global Telecommunication System (GTS).  Its roles are:

  • to collect and to disseminate meteorological data and product within its responsibility area, and
  • to exchange it with other RTHs.

RSMCs (DCPCs)

Tokyo has been designated as three types of the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) of the World Weather Watch (WWW) Programme.  All are designated as DCPCs.

(1) RSMC Tokyo — Geographical (DCPC)

The RSMC with Geographical Specialization is responsible for providing regional analysis and short-term forecast products.

(2) RSMC Tokyo — Typhoon Centre (DCPC)

The RSMC Tokyo – Typhoon Center is one of six RSMCs responsible for analysis and forecasting of tropical cyclones. The Center conducts the following operations on a routine basis:

  • Preparation of information on the formation, movement and development of tropical cyclones and associated meteorological phenomena;
  • Preparation of information on synoptic-scale atmospheric situations that affect the behavior of tropical cyclones; and
  • Dissemination of the above information to National Meteorological Services (NMSs), and in particular to the Members of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee.

Catalogue of the Typhoon Centre’s product is available at GISC Tokyo

(3) RSMC Tokyo — ATM/EER Centre (DCPC)

This is another RSMC with activity specialization for atmospheric transport model, in charge of WMO’s Environmental Emergency Response Activity.  This centre disseminates information directly to relevant NMHSs.

Satellite Centre (DCPC)

JMA operates geostationary meteorological satellites, and provides imagery to NMHSs.

RCC Tokyo (Tokyo Climate Center） (DCPC)

The Tokyo Climate Center (TCC) supports NMHSs to deliver better climate services.  TCC’s two major activities involve providing basic climate data and products to NMHSs through its website and assisting with capacity building at NMHSs in the Asia-Pacific region.  TCC has been designated as a Regional Climate Center (RCC) in WMO RAII.

Global Producing Centre for Long-range Forecast (DCPC)

Tokyo is also designated as centre of providing global products of long-range forecast.  The products are provided via TCC website.

WDCGG (DCPC)

World Data Center for Greenhouse Gases is one of World Data Centres (WDCs) of Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) programme.  It serves to collect, archive, and provide data on greenhouse gases and related gases in atmosphere and ocean, as observed under GAW and other related programmes.