Certified weather forecaster

This is a national qualification that recognizes those who are in charge of forecasting work as experts who can predict weather and waves by appropriately using observational data and forecast data. It was established by the amendment of the Meteorological Services Act in May 1993.

With permission from the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency, weather companies, broadcasting stations, local governments, etc. provide weather forecasts for a wide range of fields, including forecasts for the general public, as well as for the safe and economical operation of ships, aircraft, roads, railways, and other means of transportation, the smooth running of outdoor work and events, and sales promotion in the manufacturing and distribution industries.However, the Meteorological Services Act stipulates that predictions in such cases must be made by weather forecasters.

To become a weather forecaster, one must pass the weather forecaster exam and register as a weather forecaster with the Director-General of the Japan Meteorological Agency. There are no age or educational qualification restrictions for the weather forecaster exam, so anyone can take it. In addition to basic meteorological knowledge, the exam tests knowledge and ability to process data and make predictions, and knowledge and ability to take disaster prevention into consideration when providing forecast information. Meteorology is a science field because it is inseparable from physics and mathematics, but there are also many people with liberal arts backgrounds who pass the exam. As of January 1, 2011, there are 7,854 weather forecasters in Japan. The Japan Weather Forecasters Association, a general incorporated association, was established with the aim of promoting friendship and technical training among weather forecasters, as well as activities to contribute to society as weather forecasters.

[Takashi Aoki]

"Japan Weather Forecasters Association, ed., Weather Forecaster Handbook (2008, Ohmsha)" ▽ "Japan Meteorological Agency, ed., Meteorological Services Today (2010, Kenseido Printing)"

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

観測データや予測データを適切に用いて、気象や波浪を予想できる専門家として予報業務を担当することが認められる国家資格。1993年（平成5）5月の気象業務法改正により設置された。

　気象会社や放送局、自治体などが、気象庁長官の許可を受けて、一般向けの予報のほかに船舶や航空機、自動車道路、鉄道など交通機関の安全、経済的運航、また屋外作業やイベントの円滑な遂行や、製造流通業界の販売促進のためなど、幅広い分野に気象予報を提供しているが、このような場合の予想は気象予報士に行わせなければならないと気象業務法に定められている。

　気象予報士になるには、気象予報士試験に合格して、気象庁長官に気象予報士として登録する必要がある。気象予報士試験には年齢や学歴等の受験資格の制限がなく、だれでも受験できる。試験では、気象学の基礎的知識のほかに、データ処理と予測を行う知識と能力、予測情報を提供するときに防災上の配慮ができる知識と能力などが問われる。気象学は物理や数学と切り離せないので理科系の分野だが、文科系の人たちの合格者も少なくない。2011年1月1日現在の気象予報士の数は7854名。気象予報士相互の親睦と技術研鑽(けんさん)、さらには気象予報士として社会に貢献する活動などを目的として、一般社団法人日本気象予報士会が設立されている。

［青木　孝］

『日本気象予報士会編『気象予報士ハンドブック』（2008・オーム社）』▽『気象庁編『気象業務はいま』（2010・研精堂印刷）』

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