The first ET-ORST meeting (chaired by Dr. Volker Lehmann) and the second ET-SBO meeting (chaired by Mr. Stuart Goldstraw) were jointly held at JMA Headquarters from 5 to 8 October 2015. At the gathering, a total of 21 experts from 17 WMO Members discussed the improvement and integration of observation networks such as those incorporating automatic weather stations, weather radars, wind profilers, radiosondes and various other operational observation systems other than those used for meteorological satellite and airborne observation. Particular focus was placed on remote sensing observation systems (e.g., weather radars, wind profilers) and on the development of the proposed terms of reference for the WMO Coordination Group on Operational Weather Radars as a main deliverable.
JMA also shared information on its recent efforts in the field of meteorological observation, which have included the development of High-resolution Precipitation Nowcasts and collaboration with Southeast Asian countries to improve the quality of radar data and support the development of the region's radar composite.