Issue No. 46 Spring 2003
DESIGNATED CITY
Hiroshima Hiroshima City Symbol A City of World Significance
Situated on the Otagawa River Delta and human rights, environmental destruction, and in machinery and metals. Manufacturers facing the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima is known other problems that threaten peaceful coexis- account for 13.1% of Hiroshima’s gross munic- as “the City of Water.” Beginning with the con- tence. The mayor of Hiroshima delivers the ipal product, a relatively high figure compared struction of Hiroshima Castle in 1589, the city Peace Declaration at the Peace Memorial to other regional hub cities similar to has flourished as a center of politics, economics, Ceremony on August 6 every year and regularly Hiroshima. and culture for the more than 400 years. issues messages in response to nuclear tests and other related world events. Hiroshima’s knowledge and experience In 1945, the first atomic bombing in history in manufacturing have allowed new industries reduced Hiroshima to rubble. With courage, Hiroshima and Nagasaki are also working to build on existing strengths. HiVEC, the determination and generous support from both to implement Hiroshima-Nagasaki Peace Study Hiroshima Vehicle Engineering Company, is local sources and abroad, Hiroshima has emerged Courses in universities around the world. The a new automotive design firm that will draw as a vibrant city of over 1.13 million that contin- Hiroshima-Nagasaki Courses are designed to on Hiroshima’s wealth of knowledge in the ues to grow and develop into an ideal model for broadly and systematically convey the experi- automobile industry to innovate and invigorate the 21st century. ence of the atomic bomb to young people in an automotive design and engineering. The new academic setting. firm will make Hiroshima’s expertise broadly Peace Promotion available to car manufacturers internationally. Driven by its experience of the atomic Hiroshima’s Ideal Business Environment continued on page 2 bombing, Hiroshima constantly pursues diverse Hiroshima is also serious about business. TABLE OF CONTENTS ways towards lasting world peace and the aboli- By developing an ideal environment for both DESIGNATED CITY tion of nuclear weapons to prevent the repetition domestic and international business, Hiroshima Hiroshima 1 of such a tragedy. One of Hiroshima’s major has maintained a balance between the wholesale JLGC’s New Deputy Director 2 peace efforts, the Mayors for Peace Conference, and retail industries and manufacturing, chiefly PREFECTURE TODAY Saitama Prefecture 3 is an international league of cities JETAA ACTIVITIES led by Hiroshima and Nagasaki U.S. Mid-South JETAA 4 with 543 member cities in 105 JLGC UPDATE countries and regions around the The Oversea Study Program world, including 50 cities in the U.S. Local Government Service 5 United States. Mayors for Peace American NPOs 6 (www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/may- Diversity of the Community 7 GUEST COLUMN ors/english) offers cities a way to Summer Internship in Mino, Kagawa 8 transcend borders and pursue Masthead: The sakura, or cherry blossom, is Japan’s world peace by addressing starva- cherished national flower. Special hanami parties and excursions are held during blossom time each year. tion, poverty, refugee welfare, An aerial view showing how Hiroshima is truly “The City Of Water.”
Copyright 2003 Published by Japan Local Government Center The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, Tokyo DESIGNATED CITY Hiroshima A City of World Significance continued from page 1 ment. Overall, Hiroshima is an attractive city ing forward to hosting the 1st Japan-U.S. Cities that offers a high quality of life as well as the Summit (www.juscs.org) in November 2004. In the field of research, Hiroshima is work- infrastructure necessary for globalized business The new summit is built on the framework of ing to create a research institute for new forms without the congestion and high costs associat- the Japan-America Conference of Mayors and of energy, tentatively named the Future Energy ed with traditional business centers in Japan. Chamber of Commerce Presidents, a conference Research Institute. The aims of the institute of cities that has had a leading role for more include developing the means to meet regional City-Level International Affairs than 50 years of U.S.-Japan relations. The energy needs in an ecologically responsible Hiroshima has six sister and friendship Japan-U.S. Cities Summit will bring together manner and integrating new technological cities around the globe: Honolulu in the United city leaders from the United States and Japan to knowledge in Hiroshima. New technologies will States; Montréal in Canada; Chongqing in provide a valuable opportunity for Japanese and lead to the development of related industries and China; Taegu in Korea; Volgograd in Russia; American cities to tackle common challenges supplement the city’s economic strength. and Hanover in Germany. Many of these affili- and renew mutual ties. There will also be ations are based on shared tragic war experi- forums for building new economic links and Furthermore, one of Hiroshima’s main pro- ences; others developed out of friendship business opportunities. Above all, the Japan- jects is the ongoing construction of Hiroshima exchanges in fields such as culture, sports, and U.S. Cities Summit will be vital in defining the Seifu-Shinto, an area in northwest Hiroshima. botanical gardening. Hiroshima has also rein- role of cities in U.S.-Japan relations for this By combining business, industrial, living, and forced friendship relations with economic semi- century. educational facilities, the Seifu-Shinto area is nars to build concrete business ties between ideally situated as a potential distribution center companies in Hiroshima and sister cities. For further information on the diverse for the entire Chugoku region and is one of activities of the City of Hiroshima, please visit Hiroshima’s key target areas for business place- Additionally, Hiroshima is currently look- www.city.hiroshima.jp.
A Message from JLGC’s New Deputy Director I have been appointed the new deputy Some of the important tasks our center Finally, I would like to thank you for director of the Japan Local Government performs includes promoting the exchange welcoming me and for the assitance I know Center (JLGC), New York, effective April 1, and cooperation of activities between I will be given during my stay here. 2003. I have the honor of taking over from Japanese, American and Canadian local Mieko Sato Sunao Kakehi, who served here for two years. authorities, supporting the JET Programme and conducting research on local govern- I have worked for the Tokyo ments in the United States and Canada. Metropolitan Government in Japan for more than two decades. Most recently I served as I look forward to visiting a variety the director of planning and publicity for the of wonderful places and meeting many Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History diverse people in the U.S. and Canada and Culture. I am very pleased to have been while cultivating international exchange given the opportunity to work here in New and mutual understanding. Even though York, which is one of the most energetic and these tasks can be challenging, I know culturally oriented cities in the world. they will be rewarding.
JLGC Newsletter 2 Issue 46 Spring 2003 PREFECTURE TODAY Saitama Prefecture
Cultivation of Individuals with International Perspectives Saitami Prefectural Emblem
Saitama is a dynamic and energetic pre- fecture blessed with a wealth of resources. It is conveniently situated along the northern border of the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. Its population of 7 million currently ranks 5th in the nation. The average age of the popula- tion is 39 years old, the second youngest in Japan. Local industries benefit from the size and vitality of its labor force as well as the advantages of being close to a major metro- politan area. Last, but not least, Saitama is blessed with an abundance of natural resources whose beauty is enhanced by seasonal changes.
Saitama Stadium 2002, which boasts a International Understanding Support Program for Children Promotion Project: Teaching children about foreign countries. seating capacity of 63,000, was the venue for four matches of the 2002 FIFA World CupTM. Large numbers of international visitors were It is extremely important for people to The Cultivation of Children Growing attracted to Saitama for this global event. One acquire an international way of thinking from up in a Global Community Program of the matches in the stadium was the breath- an early age, so Saitama is sponsoring the This program goes one step further than taking semi-final between the tournament following programs. the one mentioned above by offering high champion, Brazil, and Turkey. Saitama uti- school students an opportunity to actually lized this splendid opportunity to carry out The Promotion of International get involved in NGO sponsored activities. numerous public relations activities and Understanding amongst Children The students volunteer their time during encourage international exchange Program their summer holidays, etc. to participate amongst the visitors. Foreign nationals, people involved in in international exchange and cooperation non-government organization (NGO) activi- activities. It is hoped that they will come Saitama is aggressively promoting the ties, former members of the Japan Overseas to view Japan as part of a global community “cultivation of a society that actively partici- Cooperation Volunteers, among others, sup- and develop a desire to be actively involved pates in international exchange and coopera- port and sponsor events to promote interna- in the field of international cooperation later tion programs” in order to foster international tional understanding at elementary and junior in life. understanding. To this end, the prefecture high schools, etc. They teach children about facilitates a myriad of opportunities for its the life and culture of foreign lands (including Furthermore, NGO volunteers compile citizenry to interact with the peoples of the language, traditional costumes, and music) booklets containing information on interna- world. Hosting matches of the World CupTM and relate their experiences with international tional exchange and cooperation activities was one such occasion Ð many residents took cooperation activities. In the fiscal year 2002, that are age appropriate for each locality interest in and decided to become involved a total of 180 schools within Saitama and/or school. They then distribute the with international activities as a result of hav- Prefecture took advantage of this program booklets to elementary and junior high ing direct contact with people from around the providing their students with prodigious school students in order to promote greater world. opportunities to open their eyes to the world. participation in such activities.
JLGC Newsletter 3 Issue 46 Spring 2003 JETAA ACTIVITIES U.S. Mid-South JETAA Books, Flicks, and Chopsticks: Workshops for Children by Jean-Francois Mannina Mid-South JETAA President
Books, Flicks, and Chopsticks is a major We then teach some basic terms like we’ve found that kamishibai stories in particu- event for the U.S. Mid-South Chapter of the “konnichiwa,” “sayonara,” and “Watashi wa lar thrill the kids. Kamishibai stories are Japan Exchange and Teaching Program _____ desu.” They practice their new greet- depicted on picture cards that are displayed in Alumni Association (JETAA). This successful ings, complete with bowing. a small stage-like framed box. The text is program was developed to introduce elemen- written on the back of the picture cards for the tary school aged children to Japan, and it has After the language portion, we show a readers. JETAA members often dress up as been presented in the classroom, at public 10-minute Ministry of Foreign Affairs video characters in the story to give the reading a libraries, and at the Japan-Louisiana Autumn entitled, “Elementary School Life in Japan.” more theatrical feel. We have collected Festival. The video illustrates a typical day of a kamishibai cards for a number of Japanese Japanese elementary school student. We ask stories, including Momotaro, The Bamboo JETAA members and children alike love the children to pay attention to the similarities Princess, and How the Years Were Named. Books, Flicks and Chopsticks. The hour-long and differences between their lives and those presentation begins with introductions by of the Japanese students. Many are surprised To round out the program, we bring tradi- happi-clad JETAA members. To get started, that the students clean their schools, and some tional Japanese toys (in part to show American we pose questions to the kids about Japan: even think it’s a good idea. kids that there’s more to Japanese games than Where is Japan? What do you know about PlayStation). We show the kids how to use the Japan? Give an example of Japanese food. Everyone loves to be read a story, and various toys such as kendama, hanetsuki, and daruma otoshi and then allow the audience members to try for themselves. We also demonstrate how to use chopsticks.
At the end of our work- shop, we tell our new friends “sayonara” as we distribute small prizes such as mag- nets, bookmarks, and stick- ers to all the attendees.
Books, Flicks and Chopsticks is a great introduction to Japan for young Americans. And U.S. Mid-South JETAA members love the program because it allows us to relive our cross-cultural Children attending the U.S. Mid-South JETAA Workshop are enchanted by the kamishibai stories. teaching experiences.
JLGC Newsletter 4 Issue 46 Spring 2003 JLGC UPDATE The Local Government Employee Overseas Study Program Education through Internationalization Understanding diversity to enhance local government service
By Hisako Nagai (Niigata Prefecture)
The CLAIR One-year International I thought it was interesting that the leg- them with important features on new programs Study Program was a good opportunity for islative council would hire a specialist in pub- and services, including public sector job me to learn English, study about the admin- lic management to operate city government. I opportunities. istrative and financial systems of local gov- was also impressed with the City Manager’s ernment and most importantly to under- leadership ability. I paid special attention to Throughout my time in the United States, stand Japan from another point of view. her management skills. She exhibited a strong, one thing became crystal clear: that public The classes, lectures and programs coordi- calm and maternalistic presence in the work- administration is not only theory but a profound nated by Pace University were excellent place. The flexibility of my job assignments and interesting practice. There can never be a and well organized. I was able to learn the gave me time to learn about practical govern- perfect solution to a local government problem background and basic knowledge of public ment administration from the viewpoints of because situations can change quickly. Often administration in the United public managers are required States. Most rewarding were to find the best and most cost the field trips to local govern- efficient means to remedy a ments and non-profit organiza- problem. This is truly mean- tions where I was able to expe- ingful work that benefits cur- rience constituent service in rent residents and allows for action. I traveled to the future betterment of the Washington D.C. and Albany, community. the capital of New York State, where I participated in briefin- Overall, I came away with gs, listened in on lectures and a sense that good research and observed the practices of feder- an understanding of the local al and state executive agencies. issues will result in good work. I had the good fortune to be Societies in general and local placed in short-term intern- The author, Ms. Hisako Nagai (left), visited the Adult Care Center in White Plains, NY. neighborhoods in particular ships in Westchester County are influenced by history government offices and the and culture. Therefore, Planning Department for the City of different city departments. I also helped at understanding diversity and the uniqueness White Plains. community events and volunteered at the of cultures will enhance government service. Animal Service Center: a particularly For my long-term internship, I chose joyous adventure. Finally, a hearty and grateful thank you the City of Tallahassee, Florida for two rea- to all the people who took the time and energy sons: First because the Council-Manager Constituent service is given high priority to assist and support me during my stay in system, which is a popular form of govern- in Tallahassee and public access to government America; Pace University faculty and staff, ment in the United States, does not exist in services and information was advanced, flexi- my colleagues at the Japan Local Government Japan. Second, the City Manager was a ble and current. The City’s twenty-four hour Center, NY, my friends and co-workers in the woman and women are rarely in leadership cable television channel highlights programs of City of Tallahassee and everyone in my home positions in local government in Japan. interest to Tallahassee residents, providing office in Niigata City, Japan.
JLGC Newsletter 5 Issue 46 Spring 2003 JLGC UPDATE The Local Government Employee Overseas Study Program Trying to find solutions for local government by looking at American non-profit organizations by Norio Uehara (Nagano Prefecture)
I was very interested in participating in be applied to my local government in Japan. the structure, functions and administration of the Overseas International Study program for American non-profit organizations (NPO). Local Government Officials so that I could 3. To expand my global perspective by inte- Hopefully, my studies would culminate in broaden my knowledge of government admin- grating and assimilating into a different culture finding the right kind of NPO system that istration in the United States and to master the and work on improving my English language would help out local governments in Japan. I English language. In skills. was fortunate to work with Japan, most government the American Red Cross officials transfer from one and The United Way. I also department to another attended several business every three to four years meetings and visited other and so do not become spe- NPO’s such as the Family cialists in any one area. Service Center, the Although we study English Neighborhood Health during our early school Center, the Hispanic years, our English speak- Coalition, and the Child ing and listening skills Care Center. deteriorate when we enter the workforce. When the Although my duties mayor of my small town, were limited to mostly Tobu in Nagano Prefecture observation, I learned that announced the opportunity although the NPO system to study abroad, I set out directly services the specif- to improve my English, ic needs of constituents, applied for the program funding can be uncertain The author, Mr. Norio Uehara (far left), enjoys a break during one of the many enlight- and unbelievably was cho- ening seminars that are a part of the Local Government Employee Overseas Program. since it is often based on sen to participate. I would intergovernmental grants be going to America! and private fundraising. Over the last ten years, Japan has been My plan was to try to attain in some small mired in a deep recession that has affected When I began to compare the local gov- measure the following goals: both the private and public sectors. In an ernment systems of Japan and the United attempt to attain more effective and efficient States, I discovered that the American system 1. To acquire knowledge about the structure local government, the national government has of NPO’s is more integrated and more finan- and operation of American public administra- strongly encouraged local government merg- cially secure than the system in Japan. It tion and government so as to compare it with ers. My hometown decided to merge with the would be encouraging if Japan could suffi- the system of government in Japan. neighboring village, so I wanted to bring back ciently fund their NPO’s so that they may some useful ideas about the American system work in tandem with all levels of Japanese 2. To understand the concepts of decentral- of local government. government to address and solve some of the ization, greater local autonomy and home rule more pressing difficulties being experienced using American case studies and how it may For my internship, I wanted to research by local community residents.
JLGC Newsletter 6 Issue 46 Spring 2003 JLGC UPDATE The Local Government Employee Overseas Study Program Diversity creating strength in the community
By Hiroshi Tanimoto (Mie Prefecture)
As a young Japanese government they dominated the cigar making industry, development a top priority. The support official living and working in America for eventually out producing Havana, Cuba as of the diverse ethnic community has con- one year, I had the opportunity to learn a the manufacturing center for quality hand- tributed to the area’s steady growth while great deal about local government and rolled cigars. By 1900, Ybor City had maintaining its cultural and historical culture in Japan and the U.S. Although become widely known as the cigar capitol identity. there are similarities between the two of the world. Unfortunately, a few decades systems of government, there are a few later, several factors including the Great I witnessed citizen participation and obvious differences on the regional level Ð Depression, the increased consumption of strong local government advocacy play states in the U.S. and prefectures in cigarettes and improved machinery for leading roles in the drive to better the Japan. rolling cigars, contributed to the decline quality of living for Ybor City residents. of the cigar industry and Ybor City. More importantly, the diversity of the Prefectures in Japan are extensions community made it possible to achieve of the national government and local In order to revitalize this diverse these results a lot easier than in Japan governments generally implement policy community, the Florida State Legislature where most communities are homogenous. according to the national framework. designated Ybor City as an historic district I found this to be a stimulating and interest- Structurally, Japanese prefectures do in 1975. Soon after, the city became a ing experience and I have become a not have the uniqueness or distinct registered National Landmark District. believer in the “melting pot” society. “personalities” prevalent in each of the Building upon its rich history and culture, As a visiting local government official, 50 states in America. Although an integral Tampa’s mayor and city council recognized it opened my eyes to the possibilities part of the federal system often allows that Ybor City had the potential to become a available when you put yourself into the local governments greater autonomy, in strong tourist attraction and made economic dynamic flow of the world. Japan there are limitations to such pro- visions between the national government, its prefectures and local governments. I learned first hand about the power and autonomy of state and local government.
As a participant of the International Overseas Program, I was placed as an intern in the city of Tampa, Florida. I became interested in the historic district known as Ybor City, a section of the greater metropolitan area that comprises Tampa. Ybor City has a rich and storied history. Founded by Vicente Martinez Ybor, it developed into a diverse and multi-ethnic community where English was the second language. The two largest ethnic groups The author, Hiroshi Tanimoto (third from right), learned about strength through diversity first hand with were the Spaniards and Cubans. Together the staff of Tampa Bay Economic Development Corporation where he had an internship.
JLGC Newsletter 7 Issue 46 Spring 2003 GUEST COLUMN Summer Internship 2002 in Mino, Kagawa Advancing International Relations through People-to-People Diplomacy
By Mike McCartt
As a graduate student in International I visited local schools and answered stu- Affairs, I have focused my studies on the use dents’ questions about life in the United States. of various forms of public diplomacy to culti- I also participated in a series of “International vate positive international relations. My per- Understanding Panel Discussions” in which sonal belief is that international exchange pro- the town’s residents and foreign guests came grams are among the most effective ways to together to share and discuss our perspectives accomplish this goal and foster mutual under- on various topics. I was also interviewed on standing between individuals as well as Kagawa’s prefectural radio show, assisted in The author, Mr. Mike McCartt (right), participated nations. It is this interest in “people-to-people the implementation of a home stay program in the Mino Town International Exchange diplomacy” that led me to participate in the for elementary school students from Virginia, Association’s 10-Year Anniversary Party. Summer Internship Program sponsored by the and participated in the Mino Town International Japan Local Government Center. Exchange Association’s 10-Year Anniversary side of Shikoku Island and the community I Party. represent in the United States. In the summer of 2002, I spent eleven weeks as an intern in the International Although my independent research My experience as an intern in Mino has Exchange Association of Mino Town, a small and responsibilities as an intern were enlight- been Ð and will continue to be Ð highly valu- agricultural community of approximately ening, the most educational and enjoyable able as I work to build a career in public 10,000 residents in Kagawa Prefecture. part of my program was, unquestionably, diplomacy and U.S.-Japan relations. Moreover, Despite its relatively small size, Mino has a the time I spent with my host families. it has reinforced my deep conviction that remarkably active and successful International Throughout the summer, I stayed with three exchanging ideas and culture on an individual Exchange Association. Its mission is to pro- different host families in Mino, each for three level is not only highly effective, but essential mote internationalization and to create a sense to four weeks. With them and other people to fostering positive international relations. of excitement about global inter-dependence whom I met in town, I attended BBQ parties, among town residents by providing activities participated in the town’s tug-of-war competi- such as foreign language classes, cultural tion, held a weekly volunteer English conver- Featured demonstrations, and overseas study tours. As a sation class, went to several festivals through- in this result of the Association’s efforts, Mino’s resi- out Shikoku, spent an afternoon working at issue: dents have developed a remarkably high level an egg farm, and even won 30,000 yen at my of enthusiasm and interest in international first Pachinko outing. activities as well as an appreciation of foreign cultures and people. Since returning to the United States, I have kept in touch with many of the friends I I spent the summer researching the orga- made in Mino. I have also incorporated much SAITAMA PREF. Seto Inland Sea nization and management of Mino Town Inter- of what I learned about Japanese local govern- Tokyo Hiroshima national Exchange Association in order to gain ment into my studies, and have shared this City an understanding of Japanese local govern- information with my professors, other stu- KAGAWA ments’ approach to developing and implement- dents, my family, and friends. As a result of PREF. ing international cultural and educational pro- the JLGC Summer Internship Program, a posi- Mino Town grams. In addition, as a rare foreigner, I was tive and enduring link has been established often at the heart of some of these activities. between this small community in the country-
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