Feature Issue on Passive Optical Network Architectures and TechnologiesFiber-to-the-home (FTTH) development in Japan is described. Although the title says Japan, the descriptions are primarily from the standpoint of NTT with overviews of the latest Japanese FTTH market trends and discussion of the driving force behind FTTH growth. Also introduced are technologies used to realize the massive FTTH rollout such as FTTH system architecture and easy construction schemes for prompt and massive FTTH service offerings.