Prime Minister Abe Meets with Former Participants of the JET Programme

ISSUE NO. 62• SUMMER 2007 [JETAA ACTIVITIES] Prime Minister Abe meets with former participants of the JET Programme ...... 1 [JLGC UPDATE] A Greeting from the New Directors ...... 2 [JLGC UPDATE] A Message from the New JLGC Assistant Directors ...... 3 [JLGC RESEARCHER’S EYE] Japan Enacts Education Reform Bills...... 4 [JLGC RESEARCHER’S EYE] My Introduction to Japanese American History ...... 5 [SISTER STATE / CITY] Maryland - Kanagawa / Thunder Bay - Gifu City...... 6 [CORRESPONDENCE FROM FORMER JLGC MEMBER] Return to Okinawa...... 7 [DESIGNATED CITY] City of Saitama ...... 8

J APAN L OCAL G OVERNMENT C ENTER ( CLAIR, NEW Y ORK) Prime Minister Abe meets with former participants of the JET Programme Robert Tuck / JETAA New York President

JETAA ACTIVITIES

been twenty years since the and every one of the fifty or so of us in JET program began. Shortly attendance. after being introduced to the It was a polished performance by assembled JETs, Abe made the Prime Minister. I suspect that after sure in a short speech to note spending the morning discussing both the milestone and the matters of state with US President incalculable value to Japan of George W. Bush, he was happy to have having had 20,000 Americans the chance to do something a little more participate in the program light-hearted. I think everyone there since it began, remarking that was suitably impressed that he was it had served to “shorten the willing to take a little extra time to meet Prime Minister Abe meets with the President of JETAANY distance between Japan and and talk to us, a courtesy that heads of the United States”. Indeed it state do not always manage to extend. apanese Prime Minister Shinzo- has! Things have changed a lot since With individual photos over, so too was Abe’s visit to the United States on 1987; one wonders if the first JETs the reception, and we were left with a JApril 27th, 2007 was his first imagined that trade friction as a key little time to explore the Ambassador’s official visit to these shores and his first issue in US-Japan relations would give residence. Then it was time to return to trip to Camp David. It was also his first waytodebateastowhethertheRed New York. meeting with JETAA New York. Along Sox got a good deal with Matsuzaka. Only three weeks into the with Mr. Hiroshi Sasaki of the JLGC, I Concluding his speech, Abe and his presidency of JETAANY, and I’d met and two other JETAANY members wife proceeded to work their way the Japanese Prime Minister in (Secretary Carol Elk and Linda Kim) around the room, making a point of Washington DC. My only concern had the considerable honor of being shaking hands with and talking to arising from an otherwise invited to the Ambassador’s Residence everyone in attendance, including unforgettable day is that when the high in Washington D.C. in order to meet yours truly. He asked when and where point comes so soon, there can only be the Prime Minister alongside past JETs I had been stationed in Japan, whether one way to go for the remaining two from all over the country. While most I had picked up the local dialect at all, years... were from the DC metropolitan area, and what I was doing now; when I told some had come from as far away as him I was studying for a Ph.D. in Alaska and Oregon, and they were Japanese literature, he seemed equally diverse in terms of their JET somewhat surprised (though speaking experience. Some, like myself, had from experience, that’s not an returned relatively recently, some had uncommon reaction). Each of us then been in Japan ten or more years ago, had the chance to speak with his wife, Masthead: and one or two numbered among those Deputy Cabinet Secretary Shimomura, The Asagao, semi-mythical beings who were the instrumental in creating and or Morning Glory, is one of the most popular summer flowers in Japan. very first JETs to set out at the strengthening the JET program and - It opens in the morning and closes program’s inception in 1987. Ambassador Kato, too. And finally, the in late afternoon. In the language of Part of the point of this Prime Minister was good enough to flowers, it signifies short-lived love. gathering, of course, was that it has pose for an individual photo with each

JLGC UPDATE

ello, my name is Ryuichi JLGC’s purpose is as important as ever. I look forward to getting to know Kohama. I have been This year will be unique for the you and working with you. Also, I look Happointed director of the Japan JLGC NY office because it now has one forward to visiting a variety of wonderful Local Government Center, New York, executive director and two directors. As places in the United States and Canada (JLGC) beginning June 1, 2007. I have one of the two new directors, I am in while cultivating international exchange the honor of succeeding Erena Niwa who charge of the JET Programme, assisting and mutual understanding. worked here for more than two years. the overseas activities of Japanese local Finally, I should like to thank you Some of the important tasks our authorities and general affairs and for welcoming me and for the assistance center performs include: promoting the accounting within the office. I know I will be given during my stay mutual exchange of ideas and activities I have been employed with the here. among Japanese, American and Canadian Tokyo Metropolitan Government in local authorities, supporting the JET Japan for thirteen years. During this Programme, introducing the Japanese period, I worked for different local administration system to local departments such as the Bureau of authorities in the United States and Housing, Bureau of Port and Harbor, Canada, conducting research concerning and for the headquarters of the Governor issues pertaining to American and of Tokyo. In many respects, Tokyo like Canadian local governments, and New York City is experiencing municipal assisting the overseas activities of Japanese problems that require solutions. I am local authorities. Since local-level pleased to be given the opportunity to internationalization is ubiquitous today, work in New York. Ryuichi Kohama

JLGC UPDATE

ello. My name is Toru culture. Hiroshima City is well known these cities, I learnt about local Mukaikubo and I have recently for its initiatives supporting and governments in the United States. I Hbeen appointed to serve as nurturing the world wide peace especially enjoyed my home stays with director at the Japan Local Government movement and I am thankful for my American families. Center. I began my duties on June 1, small part in furthering it. For the next two years, I look 2007. I am not a stranger in the United forward to working with many state and The Japan Local Government States having briefly visited New York local government officials in the United Center was established in 1989 to foster, City in May 2005 to support Hiroshima States and Canada. New York City is a develop and cultivate at the sub-national City’s participation in the vibrant and exciting place to live and level, an international mutual Nonproliferation Treaty Conference held being able to work and enjoy everything understanding between Japan and other at the United Nations. At this the Big Apple has to offer is a dream nations. Our mission promotes the conference, the Mayor of Hiroshima City come true! exchange of ideas relating to local and mayors from all over the world government administration and gathered to support peace through the management. eradication of nuclear weapons. For the past twenty-three years, I My first visit to the United States worked as an employee of the city of was in 1996. I was fortunate to be able Hiroshima in Japan. During this period, to live in America for three months. I I held many job positions and worked on visited many interesting places in the numerous projects including: urban cities of New York, Washington establishing a new city university, D.C., Boston and San Francisco. I also supporting small and medium enjoyed my experiences in smaller cities businesses, promoting the tourism such as Des Moines, Iowa and Freeport, industry and promulgating a peace Illinois. During the time I spent in all Toru Mukaikubo

PAGE 2 JLGC NewsLetter No. 62 • © 2007 Japan Local Government Center A Message from the New JLGC Assistant Directors Sho Nakazono, Kaoru Fujiwara, Kazumitsu Tanaka, Satoru Kimura, Shinya Bando, Hidenori Inoue, Takashi Daito / Assistant Directors of JLGC

JLGC UPDATE

Hi! My name is Sho assortment of fruits, such as cherry, peach and people and experience different cultures. I shall Nakazono and I am pear and for its tasty beef. The Yamagata make the most of this wonderful opportunity. from the City of landscape features historical temples and Sakai. Sakai became a shrines and fabulous hot springs. If you visit 7 designated city in April Yamagata, you can enjoy traditional as well as 2006 affording it the modern Japan. Hello! My name is potential to progress in My job at the Japan Local Government Center Hidenori Inoue. I am many new areas. It will is to introduce Yamagata to American people originally from the be a great honor to represent Sakai City during and to promote industrial, educational and Ministry of Internal my two year stay at the Japan Local cultural exchanges between the United States Affairs and Communi- Government Center in New York City. As an and Yamagata. If you are interested in visiting cations where I assisted architectural engineer I am looking forward to Yamagata Prefecture, please let me know. in the preparation of visiting as many places as possible to observe a the Ministry’s budget variety of building styles and designs. 7 and the planning of local government bonds. I am eager to make new connections in the Also, I had an opportunity to work for United States and renew old relationships made Hello! My name is Kagoshima Prefecture government where I years ago when I lived in New York. Satoru Kimura. I am provided financial advice and guidance to glad to be living and municipalities in Kagoshima Prefecture. While 7 working in New York. working at the Japan Local Government Center It will be a great in New York, I should like to research American Hello! My name is and certainly unique and Canadian local government, specifically Kaoru Fujiwara. It is a experience for me to issues relating to taxation and finance. great pleasure to meet reside in the United I came to New York City with my wife and you. I am a detective States. daughter. I know that living in a foreign with the Tokyo I am originally from Saitama City located in the country will be a valuable experience for us; Metropolitan Police central part of the Kanto Plain in Japan. therefore, I would like to visit many places with Department. I was Saitama City is a beautiful place to visit as I my family. I also hope to improve upon my transferred from the explain in my article included in this newsletter. English language ability and by talking to a lot Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department to Please enjoy it! I'd like to communicate with of people I will be able to better understand the work for two years at the Japan Local many people in America and to get to know language and culture. Government Center in New York City. American culture. Also, my goal is to learn During my stay in New York, I shall continue about how the American local government 7 to cultivate the strong relationship between the system operates and to share information about New York City Police Department and the Japanese local governments with my American Hi! My name is Takashi Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. The counterparts. Daito and I am the job of city police to protect citizens from crime second person from the and accidents is becoming all the more 7 city of Hamamatsu to important as recent trends indicate higher work at JLGC. criminal activity perpetrated by international Hello! My name is Located between crime groups. While working at JLGC, I would Shinya Bando and I am Tokyo and Osaka, like to investigate and research measures used the first representative Hamamatsu is an to combat criminal activity by illegal from Wakayama City to attractive city which has a beautiful lake, immigrants in order to assist Japanese police work for the Japan magnificent beaches, and dramatic mountain dealing with similar problems as Japanese cities Local Government ranges. The people of Hamamatsu are friendly, diversify. Center (JLGC) in New and are said to have an adventurous spirit. York City. Hamamatsu is the birthplace of Soichiro 7 Let me introduce Wakayama City. Honda, the founder of Honda Motor. Wakayama City is situated in the northern part Automobile and motorcycle manufacturing is a My name is Kaz Tanaka of Wakayama Prefecture. Wakayama City is major industry in Hamamatsu. Furthermore, and I am from famous for its beautiful beaches and the Hamamatsu City is trying to promote new Yamagata Prefecture. magnificent ocean views from the top of industries such as optical electronics. Yamagata is located at Wakayama Castle. If you like the sun and surf, With a sense of adventure, I look forward to the northern part of I am sure you will enjoy our pristine beaches. meeting new people and experiencing many Japan and you can reach I am interested in environmentalism. I new situations while living and working in the there in two and one should like to focus my research on how local United States. half hours by bullet government policies and practices protect the train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo. The prefecture environment from pollution. is famous for its beautiful mountains, delicious While in NY, I would like to meet a lot of

JLGC RESEARCHER’S EYE

n the current session of the Japanese made its first report to the prime their certification every ten years, in National Diet, the ruling party, minister with the aim of defining clearly order to update their skills. It is ILiberal Democratic Party (LDP), what the principles for education reform expected that roughly 100,000 submitted three bills to begin the process were. Thus, the first-ever revision to the teachers will take the 30-hour training of reforming education in Japan. Each of 1947 Fundamental Law of Education course each year. The local board of these bills has been passed by both actually was made at the end of 2006 and education will determine whether or houses of the National Diet and has stipulated that Japanese children should not the teacher is competent. become law. Education reform has been be taught a respect for the tradition and ELocal Education Administration and is one of the most important policy culture of Japan as well as a love of Law: areas for the current Prime Minister, country and the community in which 7The change to this law allows the Shinzo Abe. they grow up. Nevertheless, a respect and education minister to order boards of Before becoming prime minister, an appreciation for other countries, education to take remedial action if Shinzo Abe had published a book, titled together with a desire to embrace an the minister considers that they have Utsukushii kuni e (Toward a Beautiful international spirit, also were to be just as not followed the education laws. (This Country). In that book, he spoke about important. change is, in part, a response to the the importance of reform in Japan’s With its second report to the widespread acknowledgement that educational system. Almost immediately Prime Minister, the Education Rebuilding more than 650 high schools in the last he became prime minister, Shinzo Abe Council made recommendations for academic year had not offered enough set up an ‘Education Rebuilding specific changes to the structure of the of the required classes for students to Council’. As he said, at the time, educational system in Japan. graduate.) “Restrengthening Japan’s education Subsequently, in late June 2007, the 7Also, at least one parent of a student system is one of the most important National Diet passed three bills that will must be allowed to sit on the local items on the Cabinet’s agenda”. Indeed, have an impact on how Japan’s children board of education. he added how dispiriting it was to hear will spend their schooling days in the Of course, it is too soon to know about what he called “heart-wrenching future. The major changes are as follows: what effect these changes will have. news such as children committing suicide ESchool Education Law: Education, however, is always uppermost because they were bullied. Experts today 7The first change involves aligning the in the mind of society when it is going point to declines in children’s morals and School Education Law with the through uncertain times. academic abilities, and the families and revision to the Fundamental Law of communities in which children grow up Education to include the teaching of are said to be less and less capable at ‘love of country’ and discipline to filling the educational roles they once students as a goal of Japanese did”. The thrust of the prime minister’s education. reforms is to recreate the spirit of ‘love of 7Academic guidelines for elementary, country’, which can be found in the junior high and high schools will be words of Shoin Yoshida who was adjusted. Textbooks reflecting such executed in 1859 for plotting against the adjustment will be available shortly Tokugawa Shogunate’s treaties with the thereafter. American Commodore Perry. The 7More managerial posts will be allowed opening words of his isho ryukonroku (a in kindergarten, elementary and junior sort of last will and testament), written high schools. These include vice the night before he was executed, began principal, managing teacher and “though my life may end on the Musashi advising teacher. The aim of these Plain, my Japanese spirit shall be left yet positions is to improve school in this land”. oversight and the instruction of This, then, is the background to teachers and students. the push for education reform in the EEducation Personnel current Abe Administration. Late in Certification Law: 2006, the Education Rebuilding Council 7Teachers will be required to renew Junior high school students attending classes.

JLGC RESEARCHER’S EYE

States Census, there are 796,700 Japanese Americans with the highest concentrations in California, Hawaii, New York, Illinois and Washington. In addition there are another 300,000 to 400,000 individuals who self identify themselves as Japanese and at least one other race. The Japanese American experience in the United States spans more than a century. It can be analyzed in three periods: First, 1868-1924 was the major period of Japanese immigration to Hawaii and the United

Volunteer docent giving a tour to interested children. Photograph by Don Farber States and the beginning of organized efforts against Japanese Americans ne of the many pleasures about historic district of the Little Tokyo culminating in the Immigration Act of being a researcher is that you neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles. 1924, which barred further immigration Oalways have the opportunity to It is the only museum in the United from Japan. The period 1924-1941 self educate and learn about subjects that States dedicated to sharing the experience represented Japanese settlement and somehow escape the traditional of Americans of Japanese ancestry. community development and the education process. I have been working Founded in 1985, the Japanese American emergence of the nisei, American born as a researcher at the Japan Local National Museum has chronicled more Japanese Americans. The period 1941- Government for seventeen years. During than 130 years of Japanese American 1945 were the years of war time this time, I have learned many things history. From 1985 to 1992, the Museum incarceration and 1945 to the present, from my Japanese colleagues about Japan raised funds to renovate a former the post war recovery period when and about being Japanese and living and Buddhist temple, which became the first Japanese Americans rebuilt their lives working in America. headquarters for the institution. In 1999, and communities. What I did not know and fully the National Museum opened its brand One of the best reference books understand was the history and plight of new Pavilion which contains the Manabi written about the history of Japanese Japanese Americans living in the United and Sumi Hirasaki National Resource Americans is: Japanese American States. My curiosity about this subject Center that serves researchers, writers, History: An A to Z Reference from 1868 piqued during a business trip to students, family historians, filmmakers to the Present. Edited by Brian Niiya, it California where the Japan Local and other museum visitors both onsite is the first work of its kind to provide an Government Center hosts a pre-departure and online through its reference, research overview of the Japanese American dinner for American and Canadian and reproduction services. experience. It is an encyclopedia that government officials who visit Japan as I recalled my earlier visit to the reflects the current knowledge in the field participants of the CLAIR Fellowship Japanese American National Museum of Japanese American studies. The book Program. Prior to the dinner, the group and was astounded to view the highlights the achievements of the brave listened to a presentation on the history difficulties encountered by Japanese issei pioneers and their descendents, the of Little Tokyo, an ethnic Japanese Americans during the first half of the third and fourth generation Japanese American district in downtown Los 20th century in the United States. Americans whose names are easily Angeles. The group was treated to a tour Needless to say, as a researcher with a recognizable: U.S. Senators Daniel of one of the original Japan town’s visiting basic instinct to attain further Inouye and Spark Matsunaga, former small stores and taking photographs of information, I could not resist the Congressmen Norman Mineta and historic monuments located near the temptation to explore what was for me Robert Matsui, sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Japanese American National Museum. the beginning of a new and fascinating actor George Takei, astronaut Ellison The Japanese American National understanding of minorities in America. Onizuka and Olympic gold medalist Museum is a striking venue located in the According to the 2000 United Kristi Yamaguchi.

SISTER STATE

delegation of ten members of the Council has visited Maryland! the Kanagawa Women’s Council visited the Kanagawa Women’s Council from Maryland State Arts Council. They enjoyed AKanagawa, Japan visited Maryland viewing Landscape & Nature: A View from for an international woman’s health and Maryland, an exquisite exhibit of Maryland aging seminar hosted by members of the artists’ works with plans to travel to Maryland-Kanagawa Sister States Women’s Kanagawa. Before this exhibit, an ardent Issues Subcommittee. Kanagawa Prefecture is volunteer from Kanagawa was able to have Maryland’s second oldest Sister-State, having numerous ukiyo-e prints sent from celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2006. Kanagawa and displayed in Maryland. This The sister state relationship example of cultural exchange is indicative of between Kanagawa and Maryland began in a proactive sister state relationship. 1981 when the governor of Kanagawa The Kanagawa Women’s Council attended a meeting of the Japan-U.S. Kanagawa Women’s Council presentation on health and aging issues exudes the passionate interest that embodies governors to deepen understandings with During this recent visit, the the Kanagawa / Maryland sister state American governors. Subsequently, the delegation’s itinerary included tours of the relationship these past 25 years. Exchanges Embassy of Japan and the United States Annapolis Senior Center and the Bates continue as a result of the hard work and Department of State served as go betweens Senior Residence facility. On site diligent effort of the many volunteers from as Kanagawa and Maryland agreed to enter presentations included lectures by various Kanagawa and Maryland. With this type of into a sister-state relationship. The formal consultants for the aging and aging issues. commitment, there is a growing confidence agreement signed in April 1981 pledged Moving to Baltimore, the delegation visited that the relationship will continue that “with mutual prosperity and happiness the Maryland State Medical Society successfully for the next 25 years. as their shared objective, both states will (MedChi) where the featured speakers were endeavor to bring about better Gloria G. Lawlah, Secretary of the understanding and closer cooperation Maryland Department of Aging and Dr. through the implementation of exchange Steven Gambert, the Physician in Chief at programs in various fields.” Although Sinai Hospital. Members of the Kanagawa originally intended to focus on economic Women’s Council and the Maryland Sister development the relationship during the States Women’s Issues Subcommittee also intervening years has blossomed to include spoke about women’s health and aging in exchanges and events in areas such as the United States and in Japan and a lively education, sports, art, culture, senior discussion ensued after the informative citizens and women’s issues. In fact, this is presentations were completed. the third time the Kanagawa Women’s After the seminar, the members of Members of Kanagawa Women’s Council and Maryland officials Gifu City and Thunder Bay “Renewing Sister-City Relations” Keitaro Tanaka / Assistant Director of JLGC

SISTER CITY

he cities of Gifu in Japan and Thunder Gifu City Hall on May 28th, 2007, Bay in Ontario, Canada recently culminated with the exchange of city flags. Tcelebrated their new sister-city The twinning agreement with Gifu partnership. The signing ceremony held at City is a continuation of Thunder Bay’s relationship with the former town of Yanaizu, Japan which recently became part of Gifu City. The friendship between Thunder Bay and the town of Yanaizu began in 1988 when Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University located in Yanaizu town began operating student exchange programs with Lakehead University located in Gifu City officials, citizens and members of Thunder Bay's delegation discussing new opportunities for exchange programs. Thunder Bay. The successful program bore fruit and a “Friendship City” agreement was initiate a fresh approach to furthering

Mr. Shigemitsu Hosoe, Mayor of Gifu, and Ms. Lynn signed in 1997. Now with the new sister-city exchange programs that will bear additional Peterson, Mayor of Thunder Bay, exchanging city flags. agreement Gifu City and Thunder Bay will success and more importantly be long lasting.

PAGE 6 JLGC NewsLetter No. 62 • © 2007 Japan Local Government Center Return to Okinawa Rediscovering My Life and Work Takao Aharen / Senior Staff of Military Base Affairs Division, Okinawa Prefectural Government (Former Assistant Director of Japan Local Government Center)

CORRESPONDENCE FROM FORMER JLGC MEMBER

fter completing my two year divisions must respond to inquiries from kariyushi! The national government work assignment at the Japan the members of the Assembly. At times, encourages kariyushi promotion as an ALocal Government Center in more than 300 questions out of a total of example of “cool biz” casual wear. Since New York City, I returned to my about 1,300 questions pertain to the the national government actively hometown in Okinawa, Japan. I military bases. Often, I have promotes greenhouse gas reduction by thoroughly enjoyed my life and work opportunities to receive visitors who are keeping the temperature of offices at during my time in New York City. I interested in learning more about the 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit even the Prime accomplished many things and met many military base issue. In addition to our Minister and members of his Cabinet interesting people. Indeed, I was a bit professional staff, Coordinators for have begun to wear kariyushi! hesitant to return to Japan even though I International Relations from the Japan missed my family and friends there. Exchange and Teaching Program (JET Okinawa is an island prefecture Program) play an important role in located southwest of mainland Japan and assisting foreign visitors by serving as has the distinction of being the only sub- facilitators and interpreters. tropical region in Japan. Okinawa The issue of American military accounts for a mere 0.6 % of Japan’s total forces in Japan and especially Okinawa is land area, yet hosts vast United States a sensitive topic and I personally hope military bases, which represent that this issue will continue to be The author in kariyushi wear working at the office approximately 74.6% of all facilities handled smoothly. Perhaps a solution can exclusively used by U.S. Forces in Japan. be attained by consensus of all the stake I shall never forget my United States military presence on holders including the United States experiences in America. I currently Okinawa is a contentious issue amongst government, Japanese government and spend most of my day working hard at the Okinawan people. Government Okinawa prefecture and municipal my new job. Occasionally, I still find policy has advocated for a reduction and governments. time to check out what is happening in realignment of the military bases. On a less serious note has anyone the United States and Canada because I heard of the latest Okinawan would like to stay connected. fashion craze called kariyushi I also want to maintain my English wear? If you can visualize a language ability. Finally, I will try to use Hawaiian shirt, you have got what I learned during my two year stay the idea. Kariyushi wear is in the United States and keep in touch designed and manufactured in with the people I met. Okinawa and believe it or not For more information: it can be worn for formal as EOkinawa Prefectural Government well as casual occasions. The http://www.pref.okinawa.jp Okinawan term, “kariyushi” EFor visitors to Okinawa means something red-letter or http://www.ocvb.or.jp lucky. Originally, kariyushi Okinawa government building (left) and the Okinawa Assembly building (right) wear appeared in Okinawa in the 1970’s, and it became I returned to work for Okinawa popular outside of Okinawa when world Prefectural Government, and was leaders including the President of the assigned a job with the Military Base United States and the Prime Minister of Affairs Division beginning April 2007. Canada wore it at the G8 summit held in My duties include compiling and Okinawa in 2000. recording statistics, and preparing From April through November responses for the Prefectural Assembly Okinawa promotes the wearing of which meets four times a year. When the kariyushi. Throughout the entire Assembly is in session, the Military Base prefecture, you can see it worn Affairs Division, and other related everywhere. Even the Governor wears

DESIGNATED CITY

aitama City is the capital of environs that are now part of Saitama Saitama-ken and is located in the City. Currently, there are bonsai in the Ssoutheastern part of the prefecture. village gardens that exceed 500 years in Saitama City is a new city created on age and have been declared a national May 1, 2001, resulting from the merger treasure. Bonsai lovers from all over the of three cities formerly known as Urawa, world visit to enjoy this precious Omiya and Yono. On April 1, 2003, the experience. Saitama City is the Mecca for city of Saitama became the 13th bonsai enthusiasts! government designated city in Japan. An Saitama is a museum city; additional merger with the former including the Tougyoku Dolls museum, Minuma Tanbo Iwatsuki City on April 1, 2005, has the John Lennon museum and the new swelled Saitama City’s population to railway museum that will open this Also, city officials and citizens approximately 1.2 million solidifying it October. The Tougyoku Dolls museum hope to encourage the solving of as the urban center of the Kanto region. is the largest traditional doll museum in environmental problems in order to Historically, the city developed as Iwatsuki Ward exhibiting a wide variety attain a rich green city where humans a railroad town along the Nakasendo of dolls. Fun workshops allow visitors to and nature can coexist. Finally, to be a Road. Today, Saitama City boasts an experience traditional doll making. city that supports a comfortable lifestyle excellent ground transportation system to nurture youth. The city actively with 5 shinkan-sen lines that along with promotes improvement in welfare, the JR Railway and private railroads education and other social services to service the entire city. Saitama City is one enrich human life and to develop a city of the major railway junctions in eastern that allows everyone in the community Japan. Saitama City features convention to live their lives to their fullest potential. centers including the Saitama Super The city also aims to nurture youth to Arena one of the world’s largest movable enable them to carry forward a new era stage systems. Its four different stages and bring unique and attractive culture provide venues for concerts. You can into the city. Saitama New Urban Center with Saitama Super Arena easily reach Saitama City from Tokyo in Saitama City is a comfortable, about half an hour with convenient Saitama City has a clear vision for exciting and hopeful city for everyone. I access to neighboring sightseeing resorts. its future. First, it strives to maintain its enjoy everything it has to offer and I am Saitama City is a sports city. Three image as a dynamic hub city for Eastern sure that when you visit Saitama City stadiums are home to three highly Japan. The development of the Saitama you will agree. If you have any questions, respected soccer teams that play in Saitama New Urban Center will support and please contact me! Thank you. City: the Urawa Red Diamonds, Omiya extend the transport of goods and EMore information: Ardija and Urawa Reds Ladies. The Urawa services while serving as an incubator for http://www.city.saitama.jp/ Red Diamonds won the J-League and creating new service and information en/index.html Emperor’s Cup tournaments in the Asia industries. Second, city officials want to E-mail: Championship League. Saitama Stadium balance economic development with [email protected] 2002 hosted the 2002 World Cup environmental interests. In the center of (Satoru Kimura) championship games showcasing Saitama the city are the minuma tanbo (rice City to Asia and the world. fields), to the west is the Arakawa River Saitama is a cultural city. Bonsai, and to the east is the Moto-arakawa the art of dwarfing trees or plants by River. These are the foremost natural growing and training them in containers resources in the capital region. The green according to prescribed techniques was area of minuma and the waters of the introduced to Japan during the Arakawa River harbor a variety of flora Kamakura period (1185-1333). After the and fauna. It is Saitama City’s intention Great Kanto earthquake, bonsai suppliers to conserve, recover and create these and in Tokyo moved to other locations and other places for their residents and Bonsai Village was established in visitors to enjoy.

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