Issue No. 49 Spring 2004

CLAIR UPDATE Greetings from the Chairman of CLAIR

The Council of Local Authorities for strengthening networks among local internation- International Relations (CLAIR) was estab- al exchange associations and cultivating person- lished in 1988 to promote local-level interna- nel to further the goals and objectives of inter- tionalization in . CLAIR uses its seven nationalization. overseas offices: New York, London, Paris, Singapore, Seoul, Sydney and Beijing, to sup- Decentralization has made many advances port the international activities of Japanese local in Japan and local public organizations need to governments. Selected staff from Japanese keep informed by gathering, analyzing and dis- Mr. Takahiro Kiuchi, Chairman of CLAIR. local governments are dispatched to CLAIR’s seminating information about the systems and overseas offices to conduct research on matters policies of local government in foreign coun- continued support and encouragement. such as public sector management, finance and tries. By actively expanding its research, administration at the local government level CLAIR can provide the information to compare Takahiro Kiuchi within these countries. The Japan Local themes of particular interest to local govern- Chairman of the Board Government Center, New York (JLGCNY) ments in Japan. CLAIR will modernize and use Council of Local Authorities for became the first CLAIR overseas office in 1989 state of the art technology such as the Internet International Relations and is celebrating its sixteenth anniversary. and other means of communication to provide useful and informative findings. TABLE OF CONTENTS CLAIR UPDATE International exchange among local Greetings from the authorities has developed to such an extent that CLAIR is enthusiastically working to Chairman of CLAIR 1 there are presently over 1,400 international affil- improve upon the success of the Japan SPECIAL FEATURE Minister Asou’s Visit to New York 2 iations between Japanese and foreign local Education and Teaching (JET) Programme. The CORE CITY authorities. These include but are not limited to overseas Japan Local Government Centers in City 3 new sister city relationships and various friend- seven countries promote and provide informa- GUEST COLUMN ship agreements. The content of international tion about the JET Programme as well as assist Johana, Toyama Ð Marlboro, NJ 4 My CLAIR Fellowship exchange has also become increasingly diversi- in the recruitment and selection processes. Experience in Japan 5 fied with a growing trend to implement projects CLAIR is supporting the development of net- that go beyond the traditional objectives of pro- works to foster effective links with the over Memories 6 JLGC UPDATE moting international good will. For example, 20,000 JET alumni. Ohio Treasury Hosts local authorities are engaging in international Japanese Government Official 7 cooperation projects in the fields of technology I would like to express my gratitude for the GUEST COLUMN Random Thoughts After and human resource development. Responding assistance CLAIR has received over the years. One Year in Office 8 to these developments, CLAIR is working to We will continue to work toward achieving your Masthead: The sakura, or cherry blossom, is Japan’s cherished national flower. Special hanami parties and enhance its operations to meet and support the expectations and to contribute to the progress of excursions are held during blossom time each year. increased needs of local areas in Japan by internationalization. CLAIR appreciates your

Copyright 2004 Published by Japan Local Government Center The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, SPECIAL FEATURE Minister Asou pays a visit to New York to meet JET Alumni by Masashi Takahashi Assistant Director of JLGC

CLAIR New York organized a round Gannon, an alumni and former Assistant (MPHPT) and CLAIR to play a more impor- table discussion of how the JET Programme Language Teacher (ALT), Ehime Prefecture, tant role in facilitating the relationship operates and how it might be improved on suggested the importance of the public diplo- between Japanese delegations and former JET May 1st in New York City. Minister Asou of macy aspect of the program relative to its Programme participants to make sure their Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and purely educational objectives. Now that he alumni will also embrace this role of so-called Telecommunications made his address in works for an independent, nonprofit, and non- “hometown ambassador.” English to the gathered JET Programme partisan organization dedicated to strengthen- Alumni and visiting Japanese delegates from ing Japan’s role in international networks of Paige Cottingham-Streater, former ALT, CLAIR, including CLAIR Chairman Takahiro Mie Prefecture, asked Kiuchi. “I have been greatly whether the number of JET looking forward to seeing Programme participants you, to learn more about might be increased and the how you managed to use program expanded further. your background of partici- The Minister replied that pation in the JET because of the current situa- Programme to benefit you in tion in Japan and the policy your current careers in so of concentrating English many different fields.” language instruction at the junior and senior high Minister Asou also school levels, there was very mentioned that this year little likelihood that there marks the 150th anniversary would be significant demand of the signing of the Treaty to expand the program on of Kanagawa, the first treaty the Japanese side. However between the U.S. and Japan. Minister Taro Asou (front, fourth from left) meets JET Alumni in New York City. he also felt that English edu- He has great hopes that the cation should be started at fellow alumni would contin- the elementary school level ue to act as bridges between the two policy dialogue and cooperation, he told us so if we could see this as a trend, the number countries to carry this long relationship that the impact of the program goes beyond of the JET Programme could be increased. forward into the future. the grassroots level, and that it really does have a political impact. Kimberly Duffy, former ALT, The JET Programme is in its eighteenth Prefecture, asked us to give any follow up or year since its inauguration in 1987. With Rosemary De Fremery, former ALT, additional information regarding this round nearly 6,100 participants from 41 countries, Prefecture, stated that many fellow table to all the former JET participants in the the JET Programme has become the world’s alumni would like to take on the role of a United States. Although she knows some of largest exchange program. Of these par- local level ambassador: fostering good rela- the questions, raised during the conversation, ticipants, roughly 2,800 people, or about tions and helping out when there is a visit by cannot simply be answered, she hoped that 46 percent, come from the United States. a governor or mayor or citizen’s group from not only today’s attendees but all JET partici- one country to the other. In this regard, she pants could get to know the new directions in During the discussion, several topics expected Ministry of Public Management, which JET Programme will take into the were discussed with the Minister. James Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications future.

JLGC Newsletter 2 Issue 49 Spring 2004 Other than JET-related topics, there was an impromptu a cappella Programme. Minister Asou and Mr. Kiuchi various issues, such as Japanese pop sing-a-long with the attendees. were grateful for the suggestions on how to culture, music, Japanese transportation manage the future of the JET Programme system were discussed. Minister Asou CLAIR Tokyo, along with CLAIR and thanked the JET alumni who con- talked about his efforts to keep his New York, will take the time to absorb and tributed their time and effort so that English fluent and when talk turned to implement many of the ideas fellow alumni MPHPT and CLAIR will have a key role his favorite Japanese pop song “Tomobo” give to make improvements to the JET in this internationally recognized venture.

CORE CITY Hamamatsu City

Global City with Cultural and Technological Excellence Hamamatsu City Symbol

Hamamatsu City, with a population of piano competitions, the city has a fashioned West of Hamamatsu City is Lake over 600,000, is the largest city in Shizuoka itself as the “City of Music” and, as a matter Hamana, a popular resort and a place of serene prefecture, and is located about the middle of fact, every piano manufactured in Japan is and natural beauty. Lake Hamana is famous point between the cities of Tokyo and . built in Hamamatsu City. for eel farming and is the home to the The rich cultural heritage and the modern busi- Kanzanji Hot Springs, the Hamamatsu Zoo ness of the city make it a unique blend of the Act City, a multi-purpose facility strategi- and Flower Park and Pal Pal Amusement traditional and modern. Park. This year from April 8th until October 11th, the Culturally, Hamamatsu is Shizuoka International a diverse city. Currently, Garden and Horticulture there are approximately Exhibition Ð Pacific Flora 23,000 non-Japanese citizens 2004 will grace the lakes from 79 countries living in the shore, enjoyed by all who environs of Hamamatsu City. visit the attraction. Sixty percent of these people are Brazilian. Japanese and There is a sense of non-Japanese alike find the uniqueness about Hamamatsu city a comfortable place to City Ð an interesting blend live and work. Tourism has of Japanese tradition and buoyed economic growth and progressive ground breaking the city’s popularity has made Pacific Flora 2004, held from April 8 to October 11, 2004, is a place where nature and international projects such as culture meet. it a destination stop for tourists Pacific Flora 2004. Hamamatsu and visitors. cally located at the Hamamatsu train station, is City has become an essential place to visit on anchored by a 45 story complex with a hotel, a tourist’s itinerary while in Japan Ð and you Major companies known for producing exhibition and event hall. In addition there are are never disappointed! motorcycles, cars, musical instruments and office spaces, conference rooms, a shopping textiles do business in Hamamatsu City, mall and two concert halls that feature promi- For further information, see the including Honda, Kawai, Suzuki and nent musical talent such as the recently held Hamamatsu City and Flora 2004 websites: Yamaha. Hosting a wide variety of 5th Hamamatsu International Piano http://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp, and international concerts, operas, ballets and Competition. http://www.flora2004.or.jp/english

JLGC Newsletter 3 Issue 49 Spring 2004 GUEST COLUMN (Johana, ) - Marlboro, NJ, U.S.A. A Lasting Friendship by R. Michael Wirin A relationship which began when Marlboro. Together, we initiated a video-pal Miyajima (Itsukushima) and , Monbusho (the current Japan’s Ministry of exchange between the students of both of our Castle, the beauty and history of , and Education, Culture, Sports, Science and schools. Students in New Jersey were as sur- the mindblowing Takeshita-doori shopping TechnologyÐformerly Ministry of Education) prised to see the school uniforms (gakuseifuku) street of the modern capital, Tokyo. This past sent me to a small town near the Japan Sea in of Japan as were the students of Johaha to see year, I traveled to Japan with Mayor Matthew 1991 continues to grow—like the branches of our “dress code” (jeans, etc.!) here in the Scannapieco of Marlboro, his wife, Michelle, a beautiful cherry tree. When I was accepted United States. But that was only the begin- and Council vice-president Jim Mione to sign into the JET Programme after graduation from ning. Starting in the summer of 1991, a dele- an official document commemorating our Boston College in 1989, I had a mission: to gation of students and adults from Johana set Sister-City activities, recognizing the future of help promote international relations and under- out to visit my hometown, as well as Boston, our relationship and proclaiming it to the standing between our countries, but at the Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, world community. grassroots level—without joining the U.S. D.C. Every year since that time, a group from State Department! I was afforded the opportu- Johana has visited the east coast of the United Even with all the excitement which nity to teach English side-by-side with Mr. States, enjoying everything from roadside fruit comes from touring each country’s famous Nobuo Ishikuro at Johana Junior sites, the centerpiece of our High School in Johana-machi in exchange program continues to be Toyama Prefecture. Not only was I the homestay experiences, both in able to share the culture of my own Johana and Marlboro. Though the homeland and hometown (Marlboro, initial exchange experience only NJ, U.S.A.), but I was also able to lasts for a short time each summer, a learn many lessons from the people door has been opened to lifelong of Johana and the surrounding relationships with new friends and Toyama-ken region. I tried many family, many of whom keep in touch things during my time in Japan, with phone calls, emails, letters and among them rice-planting (taue), even return visits! Just like the pickled plum (umeboshi) and fer- hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) mented soybeans (natto), mountain The author, Mr. R. Michael Wirin (front, far right), and other delegation experience, where we sit under a climbing (on Mt. Tateyama), members from Marlboro, New Jersey, USA., visit with friends in Johana, cherry tree at full bloom, we realize Toyama Prefecture during the Hikiyama Matsuri (Hikiyama Festival) Japanese “pinball” (pachinko), cal- following the Sister-City signing ceremonies. that the beauty of the cherry blos- ligraphy (shodou), tea ceremony soms and homestays sadly only last (chadou), Japanese fencing (kendo), and even and vegetable stands to the beaches of New for a short time, yet they are symbolic of a stint as a cable television reporter! What I Jersey to amusement parks and family gather- something greater. We know that the opportu- learned is that despite our various historical, ings; from the Statue of Liberty and the nities for exchange and sharing our cultures cultural and linguistic differences, we are still Federal Reserve Bank in Philadelphia to will always be there for us to enjoy, just like all human beings, very much the same. F.A.O. Schwartz toystore and St. Patrick’s the cherry trees which blossom every year, Cathedral on Fifth Avenue in New York City. without fail. Once these seeds have been To prove my point, soon after arriving In return, students and adults from this side of planted, it is still up to us to cultivate and in Johana-machi, I contacted Mrs. Rita Scalzo, the Pacific Ocean have experienced the Peace appreciate our relationships, and enjoy them a middle school social studies teacher in Park in , the friendly deer of for generations to come.

JLGC Newsletter 4 Issue 49 Spring 2004 GUEST COLUMN My CLAIR Fellowship Experience in Japan by David Mora City Manager of the City of Salinas

In October 2003 I had the unique The Local Government International privilege and opportunity to participate in Exchange and Cooperation Seminar 2003 the 2003 CLAIR Local Government held in Tokyo included participation from International Exchange and Cooperation CLAIR offices throughout the world. Seminar. It was one of the most signifi- London, Paris, Singapore, Seoul, Sydney, cant and enriching experiences of my Beijing as well as New York all had repre- career in local government. sentatives. The international representation was richly balanced with participants from As one of ten (10) North American throughout Japan from numerous local, pre- representatives of the CLAIR New York fecture, and national government agencies. office, I was chosen to participate as a The topics and interaction among the partici- representative of the International pants provided an outstanding intergovern- City/County Management Association. mental and intercultural experience. My interest in the program was based on working in California local government What followed was perhaps the most for over thirty (30) years, serving as a personally and professionally rewarding senior staff member in the City of Santa seven (7) days of our local government Barbara, as well as manager of the careers as we visited , California communities of Los Gatos, including Inuyama City, the Central The author, Mr. David Mora, City Manager of the Oxnard, and Salinas. The last thirteen Japan International Airport Project, the City of Salinas, California. (13) years as City Manager of Salinas has site of the upcoming Aichi World Expo, provided a rich experience in an ethnically and the Town of . Each of these and economically diverse community of visits allowed the CLAIR participants to The only disappointment of the pro- 155,000. The CLAIR Exchange allowed discuss local government management gram was that it had to end. The final din- me to understand and appreciate both the ideas and experiences with Japanese ner and celebration in was a cele- similarities and differences of local gov- local government elected and appointed bration of new friendships filled with the ernment management in the United States officials. All of us were impressed with sadness of departure. The formal ending of and Japan. the dedication, professionalism, and the visit to Japan did not end the exchange, expertise evident wherever we visited. as it was my personal privilege to be recent- The CLAIR program began informal- ly visited in Salinas by Kazuhito Watanabe ly in Los Angeles, California with an ori- The visit to Aichi Prefecture was not from the CLAIR New York office. I am entation and the beginnings of the unique all official and formal as each CLAIR confident that the dialogue and friendships hospitality experienced throughout the participant spent the weekend with a host established during the visit will continue for exchange as CLAIR New York staff host- family. Each of us enjoyed the hospitality both our Japanese hosts and for each of the ed us the evening before our departure for of Japanese home life and had the opportu- CLAIR New York office sponsored partici- Tokyo. The experience then broadened nity to share personal and informal experi- pants. To CLAIR and to all of the hosts, I with the seminar program in Tokyo and in- ences with Japanese families. The host extend my deepest gratitude for the privi- depth local government visits and discus- family visits were informative, enriching, lege of participating in such a wonderful, sions in Aichi Prefecture. and a highlight of the exchange. enriching program.

JLGC Newsletter 5 Issue 49 Spring 2004 GUEST COLUMN Shinshiro Memories Or; How I spent my summer vacation by Joe Samalin

My summer in Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture, began with not a little bit of trepidation and anxiety. Before even arriv- ing in Japan, I was informed that I would be giving an 1-hour speech in Japanese in front of over 70 politicians and local busi- ness leaders from the city in my first week there. The theme that was chosen for me was: “Amerika kara mite nihonshakai no fusigi” (Mysterious Japan as Seen From American Eyes). Although I had experi- ence talking on this topic - even in Japanese, the setting and length of this speech were new. In spite of my anxiety and a Japanese mistake or two- at one point meaning to say “tomorokosi ga suki” (I like corn), I actually said “tamanokosi The author, Mr. Joe Samalin (center), with his colleagues in Shinshiro City Hall. ga suki” (I like gold-diggers), the speech went pretty well and set the tone for my Part of my time at City Hall was spent especially the problem of sexual violence in three months in Shinshiro. preparing for the Newcastle World Summit Japan”. Not only did I get to interview vari- that started eight years ago by Shinshiro City, ous people involved with the issue, but the My time was spent divided among which means Newcastle in Japanese. Every people I worked with at City Hall were also many different jobs at the office: two years, eight different towns and cities extremely helpful and supportive: giving me I taught English to elementary school named Newcastle from around the world related articles and introducing me to people through junior college students, citizens, gather to hold a summit hosted by a different working on gender issues. The most reward- City Hall employees and city councilmen “Newcastle” each time. During the time ing thing by far, however, was the city of in Shinshiro City. I gave speeches about between summits, there are student exchanges Shinshiro itself and the people with whom I America to the Rotary Club and about and various cultural exchanges between the worked and interacted. People have a great firefighting techniques used on 9/11 at Newcastles. I worked hard on the summit affection for Shinshiro because the city is part the Shinshiro Fire Department. I spent over the summer, handling exchange pro- countryside and part urban with all the bene- three days working at a local lumber grams and preparing for the summit that took fits of both. The three homestay families I company learning how houses are made. place this last February in Newcastle, South lived with, my co-workers, the students, the I translated everything from medical forms Africa. One of the biggest benefits and life Mayor, and even all the people I met random- to folk tales at City Hall and interpreted for changing experiences of the summer was an ly on the street or in the Onsen (hot spring) visiting guests. I was a judge at the annual invitation to go to South Africa as an inter- made my summer an unqualified success. English contest as well as the annual Ikada preter for the Shinshiro delegation. There are truly no words that would be Carnival (Rafting Festival). Out and about enough to express my gratitude to Shinshiro in the city, I was kept on my toes and I was also able to conduct research on City and CLAIR for the opportunity I always challenged. my thesis topic, “Gender issues in Japan; enjoyed this last summer!

JLGC Newsletter 6 Issue 49 Spring 2004 JLGC UPDATE Ohio Treasury Hosts Japanese Government Official

As the responsibility for international Director of JLGC visited the Ohio State Risk Management and the Center for Public exchange increasingly falls on local govern- Treasury earlier this year, an enduring and Investment Management departments. ments in Japan, the Japan Local Government valuable relationship between professional Center (JLGC) in New York City has devel- counterparts was forged through the internship Some of the broader issues covered dur- oped special training programs specifically program. Mr. Wakimoto, whose background ing his visit included the authority and organi- for their employees to promote “kokusaika” is in financial management (including posi- zational structure by which the treasury oper- (internationalization). tions with Japan’s Nara Prefecture and the ates, the budgetary and governmental oversight Ministry of Public Management, Home for the office. Treasury functions, staff profes- In 1992, JLGC initiated the Staff Intern Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications), was sional development, and special programs Program designed to broaden the perspective interested in learning about the state’s cash which the office is currently developing to of Japanese local government officials living management practices and investment of improve operations and measure risk were also and working in New York City. In partnership public funds. covered. Mr. Wakimoto was most interested in with American state and local governments professional development for staff, particularly and their membership organizations including The Council of State Governments in the area of investments, and the methods the United States Advisory Commission on (CSG) arranged for Mr. Wakimoto to spend used in transferring knowledge and skill sets Intergovernmental Relations, the Council of two weeks, starting in Columbus on March from one employee to another. State Governments, United States Conference 11, 2004, with the State of Ohio Treasury, of Mayors, the National Governors’ which received the 2003 Government Treasury staff spent much time discussing Association and the Illinois Municipal League, methods used to provide oversight and objec- these two week internships afford opportuni- tive evaluation for investment and treasury ties for JLGC staff to conduct research on key management performance. At the conclusion local government issues while experiencing of the professional visit, Mr. Wakimoto told American culture. More than fifty JLGC his hosts: “I learned a lot of very useful appli- Assistant Directors have participated in this cations concerning treasury and investment pioneering experience exchange. Their management. I’m sure that what I learned in research interests covered a wide range Ohio will make a contribution to the develop- of topics, among them urban search and ment of public fund management by Japanese rescue, forestry management, emergency local governments.” medical services, e-government, school choice, adult education, tax administration Mr. Kevin Talty (right), Ohio Treasury Director of Ohio Treasury Director of Operations and performance measurement. Operations, welcomes Mr. Atsushi Wakimoto (left), Kevin Talty summed up his own thoughts on JLGC staff. Mr. Wakimoto’s visit: “Whenever we share our The Staff Intern Program is a mutually Finance Officers Association Award of methods for conducting government treasury rewarding experience for state and local offi- Excellence in the category of cash manage- management business, it encourages us to cials from both societies. It encourages open ment and investing. He visited with the reevaluate the rationale for our methodology. interaction and collaboration and continues to Auditor of State, the Office of Budget and More importantly, it provides opportunities to reinforce the spirit of international cooperation Management, and the Franklin County meet public officials from other countries and and good will among the governments that are Treasurer and Auditor Offices. Mr. to learn their methods for conducting govern- closest to the people in their daily operations. Wakimoto also spoke at length with state ment business while looking for ways to treasury directors and staff of the Revenue improve our own processes for efficiency and When Atsushi Wakimoto, Assistant Management, Investments, Internal Audit, effectiveness.”

JLGC Newsletter 7 Issue 49 Spring 2004 GUEST COLUMN Random Thoughts After One Year in Office by Anthony Bianchi Inuyama City Council Member

One year has passed since my election couldn’t come from the last April in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. bureaucracy, but right I’d like to share some random thoughts I’ve now, almost everything had since that time. comes from the bureau- cracy. Upon Being Elected As someone born outside of Japan, get- Feedback from the ting to this point was obviously a struggle. But Community actually, now I feel that I can sometimes affect We’ve been getting things in ways that maybe some other council a fair amount of feed- people can not. I mean, if some of the things back, apparently more that I’ve said or done were coming from a 45 than some other coun- year old former school teacher, a born in Japan cilors. One reason is “Japanese school teacher”,I’m sure some peo- that our office makes Inuyama City Council Member, Mr. Anthony Bianchi (left) visits the ple may say “Who does he think he is?” efforts to communicate director of JLGC, New York, Mr. Naofumi Hida (right). People say that my election is a sign that peo- with the citizens and ple are hoping for change. I’ve come to think makes it easy for citizens that it is equally accurate to say that people are to communicate with us. You can reach me at: mail@bianchi- hoping for representatives who will say what Believe it or not, I am the only council mem- inuyama.com the average citizen is thinking, but cannot due ber with a web site (www.bianchi- to social pressures. Anyway, I believe that this inuyama.com), and an office that is staffed and Take care. is my mandate and why I was elected with a easily accessible to the average person. Anthony record number. For example, we got a call from a woman Too Much Government whose son has a learning disability, a problem not widely accepted in Japan. She said that Featured There are too many elected officials and although she lives closer to another councilor, in this too many bureaucrats. There is an imbalance she felt that we might be easier to talk to. issue: of power, the bureaucracy has too much, and This led me to bring up this issue at next this power needs to be cut back. Tokyo council meeting. sneezes and everyone gets a cold. With all the talk about decentralization, why is Tokyo still My feeling is that there are too many NIIGATA PREF. telling us what we should be doing, such as “professional politicians”, people who do TOYAMA PREF. Johana cutting the salaries of our city employees? this all their lives, but are really out of touch Inuyama City Shinshiro Lawmakers in other systems actually make with the average person. I hope my candidacy City Tokyo laws and put forward bills. Most proposals encourages more average citizens to participate SHIZUOKA come from the bureaucracy, and council PREF. in the system. Hamamatsu MIE AICHI City people just say yes or no. I think we council PREF. PREF. people should be writing these bills and Thank you for taking the time to read this EHIME making laws, and the bureaucracy should be article. I would welcome any comments or PREF. implementing them. It’s not to say something feedback.

JAPAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT CENTER TEL: (212) 246-5542 E-MAIL: [email protected] 666 FIFTH AVE., NEW YORK, NY 10103-0072 FAX: (212) 246-5617 WEBSITE: http://www.jlgc.org