The name "meteorologist" is probably familiar from TV weathercasters. Although some TV announcers have obtained this certification and are in charge of weather sections of news programs, many of them are active as so-called freelance weathercasters.
However, only a handful of meteorologists appear on TV like that. Most of the actual qualified people work for private weather companies. They provide their own weather forecasts to various industries based on weather data released by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
From airlines and shipping companies, whose arrival and departure times and routes depend on the weather, to event and travel companies, weather conditions are very important information. The role of the weather company is to contract with these companies and provide them with the detailed forecasts they need.

Many meteorologists also work at the Japan Meteorological Agency, the headquarters of the weather industry. To enter the Japan Meteorological Agency, one must pass the difficult national civil service examination. They are truly the elite of the meteorological world.
In addition to these professionals, there are many people who use the knowledge and skills they have acquired through their qualifications as a hobby. They publish the results of their research on their homepages, or gather together with other weather enthusiasts to form clubs.

(財)気象業務支援センター　試験部
〒101-0054　東京都千代田区神田錦町3-17
東ネンビル
TEL　03-5281-3664