Someone who is interested in the weather and the changing seasons. A person who likes science and science, and is the type of person who immediately wants to investigate anything he or she has questions about.

Weather forecasters use their own judgment to forecast the weather based on weather data observed by the Japan Meteorological Agency and data from the target area. While most of their work is seen in the weather sections of TV and radio programs, there are many occupations that are affected by the weather, and one of their jobs is to provide information to such organizations and companies. For example, they can provide information on the availability of outdoor events, trends in supermarket and convenience store sales (e.g., if it is going to be hot, they may need to increase ice cream shipments), predict the best routes for airplanes and ships, forecast planting and harvesting schedules, advise on construction periods, and more.

To become a weather forecaster, one must pass the national "Certified Weather Forecaster Examination" (twice a year) and register with the Japan Meteorological Agency. The exam consists of a written exam and a practical exam, and tests not only meteorological knowledge, but also the ability to accurately read actual weather maps in a short period of time. Although no age or educational background is required to take the exam, the exam is known for its difficulty, and the pass rate is about 5-10% each year.

You may think of the Japan Meteorological Agency as a place of employment for meteorologists, but since JMA employees are national civil servants, they must first pass the national civil service examination. After passing the exam, an interview at the JMA determines whether or not you will be hired. Although a meteorologist license is not required for employment, many people who aspire to work for the Japan Meteorological Agency seem to have obtained their certification as a meteorologist since they were university students. If you wish to work for the Japan Meteorological Agency, you can also go on to a meteorological college. Since the Meteorological College was originally created to train candidates for senior positions in the Japan Meteorological Agency, students are given the status of employees (students) of the Japan Meteorological Agency upon entering the college and are paid a salary as public servants even while in school. However, the school is a four-year college with only 40 students in total, making it an extremely selective institution. It is an elite school where the best and the brightest gather.

Most meteorologists work for major weather companies, TV and radio stations, companies that require weather information, universities, and research institutes, as they are authorized by the Japan Meteorological Agency to provide weather information as a "forecasting service licensee. Recently, however, the number of companies that provide pinpoint forecasts has increased, and the options have become more diverse, including community-based weather forecasts provided via CATV, weather information provided via the Internet as a personal service, and companies that specialize in lightning forecasts. The need for detailed weather information is expected to increase, and meteorologists will be able to play an increasingly active role as they hone their skills in their specialty areas. Since "licensed forecasters" can be registered under their own names, it is possible for them to start their own company after gaining experience working for a private weather service company.

Varies depending on the workplace. Employees of the Japan Meteorological Agency are national civil servants, those of the Japan Weather Association are semi-private, and those of private weather companies depend on the job regulations of their respective companies. Weathercasters are treated differently depending on whether they belong to a TV station or are contracted as freelance weathercasters. However, this job does not necessarily end with being a salaried employee, as there are also opportunities to become an independent weathercaster and set up a company.

Because they are dealing with nature, workplaces are open 24 hours a day. However, many workplaces have a shift system, so it is relatively easy to get time off. However, this is not the case during typhoons.

Generally, weathercasters work for private weather companies or corporations that are licensed by the Japan Meteorological Agency. There is also a way to work as a freelance weathercaster under contract with a TV station or other organization.

It's a chart that shows at a glance the main routes to getting a job as a weather forecaster!