WAPOR Asia Pacific Eighth Annual Conference

Registration is now open for the WAPOR Asia Pacific 2025 Conference, taking place on November 21–23 at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan.

Conference fees are as follows:

Registration includes access to all sessions, the reception party, lunches, coffee breaks, and the printed program.

Register now at our platform. Login to your WAPOR account, and then navigate to Events => Asia Pacific Regional Chapter 2025 => Register and Pay for Conference.

The World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR) Asia Pacific Chapter is pleased to announce its Eighth Annual Conference, scheduled to take place from 21 to 23 November 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. This conference will be hosted and co-organized by the Japanese Association for Public Opinion Research (JAPOR) and Rikkyo University Center for Statistics and Information, with Mr. Tokuhisa Suzuki (President of JAPOR, Japan) serving as the Local Conference Chair and Prof. Seokho Kim (Seoul National University, Korea) as the 2025 WAPOR Asia Pacific Conference Chair.

The conference will commence with a joint session between JAPOR and the WAPOR Asia Pacific Chapter on the first day, conducted in Japanese with English interpretation provided. The second and third days will feature the WAPOR Asia Pacific Chapter Conference, conducted entirely in English.

Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 May 2025.

Notification of Acceptance: Late June 2025

Conference Theme: Let’s Discuss Opinion Polls: Learning from Diversity

The 2025 conference theme invites critical reflection on how diverse cultures, political systems, and social dynamics shape public opinion across the Asia-Pacific region. Submissions that explore these dynamics from contexts outside the Asia-Pacific region are also welcome.

We encourage contributions employing a wide range of methodological approaches, including quantitative, experimental, and computational methods, as well as mixed methods and qualitative research. Please ensure that your abstract clearly outlines the methods and data sources utilized.

Abstracts should not exceed 500 words.

Presentation topics include but are not limited to:

• Protecting the core values of public opinion research
• Freedom to conduct and publish opinion research
• Public opinion and conflict resolution
• Public opinion and public diplomacy
• Public opinion, policymaking, and survey research
• Public opinion, elections, and voting
• Political behavior, participation, and culture in survey research
• Methodological challenges and improvements in the areas of sampling, measurement, survey design and survey response or non-response
• Best practices for stakeholder research and expert surveys
• Panel studies, longitudinal surveys and established survey programs nationally monitoring public opinion
• Qualitative research
• Survey research applications
• Comparative research and international survey projects
• Cross-cultural concerns in data collection and measurement issues
• Data archiving for the advancement of humanity
• News, media, journalism, and public opinion
• New sources of information on public opinion and the use of social media
• Public opinion and misinformation
• Advertising online, media and audience research
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) challenges in public opinion research and survey methods
• Big data, sentiment analysis and machine learning
• Public opinion and virtual reality
• Digitalization and new sources of information in survey research
• E-voting, e-deliberation, e-panels
• The potentials and limits of online-surveys
• New tools for data visualization

Transportation IC Card and E-Money: Suica & PASMO Guide (For Foreign Travelers)

Suica and PASMO are rechargeable IC cards that make transportation in Tokyo simple and convenient.

Suica, issued by JR East, and PASMO, issued by private railways and subways, work almost the same way and can be used interchangeably across trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo, as well as in many regions nationwide thanks to interoperability with other IC cards like ICOCA, TOICA, nimoca, and more.

For foreign travelers, there is a special “Welcome Suica” card (with no PASMO equivalent). These cards are prepaid, allowing you to pass smoothly through ticket gates without purchasing individual tickets. Beyond transport, they also function as e-money for payments in convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants, taxis, and even tourist facilities, making them a practical tool for both daily travel and everyday purchases. The Welcome Suica requires no deposit (unlike regular Suica or PASMO, which require 500 JPY), is valid for 28 days, and its balance is generally non-refundable, so it’s best to use any remaining credit at shops or vending machines before departure!

The main difference between Suica and Welcome Suica is that the Welcome Suica is designed for short-term visitors: it is valid for 28 days, requires no deposit, and its balance is non-refundable. The Regular Suica is intended for long-term use, requires a 500 JPY deposit, and both the deposit and any remaining balance can be refunded when the card is returned.

Both Suica and PASMO, including the Welcome Suica, are easy to use and follow the same process. At ticket gates, simply tap the card once to enter and again to exit, with the fare automatically deducted (note that using a different card at exit will cause an error). Recharging is straightforward: you can top up at ticket machines by selecting “Charge” and adding cash, at convenience stores by asking the cashier, at station counters with staff assistance, or even at compatible ATMs such as Seven Bank.

The cards can also be used for payments at shops and restaurants: just tell the cashier, tap the card when prompted, and confirm the receipt. If problems occur, such as insufficient balance, you can recharge at a fare adjustment machine; if a touch error occurs, ensure only one card is tapped at a time; and if a red light appears, station staff are available to help!

To buy a regular SUICA, available at JR EAST station ticket machines or JR EAST Travel Service Centers:

• Requires a 500 JPY deposit at purchase
• Choose an initial top-up amount, pay by cash!
• Card is issued immediately and is ready to use! They may eiter be anonymous or registered, but registered can be reissued if lost!

To buy a PASMO, available at private railway and subway station machines or station offices (Keikyu, Odakyu, Tokyu, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, etc.):

• Requires a 500 JPY deposit at purchase
• Choose an initial top-up amount, pay by cash!
• Card is issued immediately and ready to use. Anonymous and registered versions exist, but again, registered PASMO can be reissued if lost!

To buy a Welcome Suica card:

At the Narita Airport, available Narita Airport Station (JR EAST) and Narita Airport Terminal 2·3 Station (JR EAST):

• JR EAST Travel Service Centers (with English-speaking staff) sell Welcome Suica. They are open from 7:30 to 20:00 – though times might vary!
• Dedicated Welcome Suica ticket machines are also near the JR ticket gates

At the Haneda Airport Terminal 3:

• From the Arrival Lobby, follow signs “Train / Monorail” to B1F.
• Dedicated Welcome Suica vending machines are next to the Tokyo Monorail gates
• JR EAST Travel Service Center (beside Monorail gates) also sells them
• Note: PASMO can be purchased on the Keikyu Line side, but Welcome Suica is only on the Monorail side.

Major Tokyo Stations (JR EAST Travel Service Centers) will also sell the Suica and PASMO, like Tokyo (Marunouchi North Exit), Shinjuku (New South Exit), Shibuya (South Exit), Ikebukuro (Central 1 Exit), Ueno (Central Exit), Shinagawa (Central Exit), etc.

You can use your Suica, Welcome Suica and PASMO at:

• Trains: JR, subways, private railways
• Buses: most city buses
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart
• Restaurants & cafés: Starbucks, McDonald’s, Yoshinoya, etc
• Drugstores: Matsumotokiyoshi, Tsuruha, etc
• Vending machines: many in stations and streets
• Taxis: if marked with Suica/PASMO logo
• Coin lockers: IC-enabled lockers at stations
• Tourist attractions: Tokyo Disneyland, USJ, etc.
• Nationwide interoperability: usable also in Kitaca, TOICA, ICOCA, SUGOCA, nimoca, manaca areas.

When leaving Japan:

The Welcome Suica is a non-refundable card that does not need to be returned. Travelers should ensure the card says “Welcome Suica” and use up any remaining balance at airport shops or vending machines before departure – and the card can be kept as a souvenir!

In case of malfunction, refunds are possible only after the card expires and within 14 days, processed at JR EAST offices (not on the same day). Yet, lost cards cannot be refunded.

Regular Suica or PASMO card is refundable. To request a refund, go to the issuer’s counter (Suica → JR EAST; PASMO → PASMO operators). For anonymous cards, only the card is needed, while named cards may require ID. The refund includes the remaining balance minus a 220 JPY handling fee, plus the 500 JPY deposit, paid in cash. The card is collected upon refund.

Note that refunds can only be processed within the issuer’s service area, and airport counters may be crowded, so travelers should allow extra time!

Tokyo is a well-organized city, and participants arriving for the 8th WAPOR Asia Conference should plan to fly into Narita or Haneda International Airport.From there, transportation options such will provide direct access to central Tokyo and your chosen hotel, ensuring a smooth and convenient arrival.

Travelling to Ikebukuro from Narita Airport

1. Taxis

Taxis are available on-demand at the airport, with a fare of about 22,700 to 26,300 JPY. Destination arival should take between 1 to 2 hours.

2. Airport Limousine Bus

The Airport Limousine Bus departs every half to one hour, with a fare of about 3,100–3,600 JPY. Destination arrival should take between 1 and a half hour, to two.

To purchase the Airport Limosine Bus ticket:

• Ticket counters in the Arrival Lobby (T1, T2, T3), and the orange vending machines near bus stops have English options. Accepted Payment includes Cash (JYP) or credit card. If needed, tell staff you’re heading to Ikebukuro

The boarding flow is as follows:

• Terminal 3 (T3) → Bus Stop No. 6
• Terminal 2 (T2) → 1F, Bus Stop No. 7
• Terminal 1 (T1) → 1F, Bus Stop No. 3

Show ticket or QR code to staff, and store large luggage in trunk and board the bus.

3. JR Narita Express (N’EX)

The JR Narita Express runs every 30 to 60 minutes, with a fare of about 3,250 JPY. Travel time from Narita to central Tokyo is approximately 90 minutes.

To purchase a Narita Express ticket:

• After passing Customs, follow the “Railways (JR/Keisei)” signs in the Arrival Lobby.
• Signs for the “JR Line” (green with the JR logo) will guide you down to the B1F (basement) station level. Look for the elevator!

Vending machines located near the ticket gates and tickets are available at:

• JR East Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi)
• JR East Travel Service Center

The boarding flow is as follows:

• Enter the ticket gate with your ticket or IC card
• Proceed to the platform clearly marked “Narita Express (N’EX)”
• Staff are available at the station to assist if needed!

More information about the JR Narita Express (N’EX) can be found at their website.

4. Train: Keisei Skyliner + JR Yamanote Line (transfer at Nippori)

The Keisei Skyliner runs every 20–40 minutes and connects Narita to Nippori in about 40 minutes. From there, a transfer to the JR Yamanote Line takes you directly to Ikebukuro. Total travel time is about 65 minutes, with a fare of approximately 2,640 JPY.

You can purchase a ticket online, or with Ticket Counter Machines located in front of the Keisei Line ticket gates.:

• After Customs, follow the “Railways (JR/Keisei)” signs
• Look for the “Keisei Line” (blue signs with Keisei logo) leading to B1F
• Staff speak English and can assist with ticket purchase to Nippori!

The Skyliner boarding flow is as follows:

• Follow signs for the Skyliner platform
• Confirm train number and departure time on ticket and platform displays!
• Board your assigned car and seat (indicated on ticket)
• Travel to Nippori Station (~40 min)

Transfer to JR Yamanote Line at Nippori:

• Exit the Keisei Skyliner gates (insert ticket or tap IC card if used)
• Follow the green “JR Lines” signs: it’s just a short 1–3 minute indoor walk
• Enter JR system with an IC card (Suica/PASMO) by tapping directly, with a paper ticket, by using a vending machines near the gates to purchase a ticket to Ikebukuro.
• Proceed to the Yamanote Line platform (green circle symbol).
• Take the train bound for Ikebukuro/Shinjuku/Shibuya.
• Travel time Nippori → Ikebukuro is about 25 minutes, trains every 2–4 minutes.
• Arrive at Ikebukuro Station: IC users can tap out, and paper ticket users will insert ticket to exit.

Travelling to Ikebukuro from Haneda Airport

1. Taxi

Taxis are available on demand 24 hours a day. Travel time from Haneda to central Tokyo is approximately 22–30 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare ranges from 13,000 to 21,000 JPY.

2. Airport Limousine Bus

The Airport Limousine Bus runs about every hour, with a travel time of ~65 minutes to Ikebukuro (depending on traffic). The fare is ~1,400 JPY for adults (one-way). Late-night and early-morning services may cost more (~2,800 JPY).

To purchase the Airport Limosine Bus ticket:

• Ticket counters in the 1F Arrival Lobby
• Ticket vending machines near bus stops (English guidance available)

Boarding Flow:

• Go to Haneda Terminal 3 (T3), 1F, Bus Stop #2
• Show your ticket or QR code to staff
• Store large luggage in the trunk and board the bus

3. Keikyu Line + JR Yamanote Line (transfer at Shinagawa)

The Keikyu Line connects Haneda Airport to Shinagawa in ~20 minutes, where you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line. Total travel time to Ikebukuro is 50–60 minutes, with a fare of 601 JPY (adult). Payment is simple: all gates accept contactless credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex).

To board from the Haneda Airport:

• After Immigration and baggage claim, go to the 1F Arrival Lobby and follow signs for “Train / Keikyu Line / Monorail”
• Go down to B1F and look for the red Keikyu Line signs (do not enter the green Monorail gates)
• Tap your contactless credit card at the gates — use the same card for the entire trip
• Go down to B2F Keikyu Line platforms. ATTENTION:
  • Correct direction: trains showing Shinagawa / Sengakuji / Asakusa / Oshiage
  • Wrong direction: trains showing Yokohama (avoid, as it goes the opposite way)
• Travel time to Shinagawa varies, the Rapid Ltd. EXp. takes up to 16 minutes, the Limited Exp. up to 19 minutes, the Express 20 mins, and the Local, usually slower and overtaken up to 25 min – avoid if possible!

Transfer at Shinagawa to JR Yamanote Line:

• Exit the Keikyu gates with your card, then tap into JR gates with the same card.
• Follow signs to Track 13 (Yamanote Line – Shibuya / Shinjuku / Ikebukuro direction).

JR Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro

• Travel time: ~30 min (12th station)
• Route: Shinagawa → Osaki → Gotanda → Meguro → Ebisu → Shibuya → Harajuku → Shinjuku → Shin-Okubo → Takadanobaba → Mejiro → Ikebukuro.
• Exit by tapping the same card at Ikebukuro Station!