Fall 2003/Winter 2004

Issue No. 48 Fall 2003/Winter 2004

SPECIAL REPORT Welcome Back Miss Miyagi! Returning Home after 76 Years by Masashi Takahashi were about to embark on a fascinating heart. Her antique shop contained a large Assistant Director of JLGC journey westward to Larned, Kansas to assortment of merchandise, accumulated meet a special elderly woman with a fasci- over many years, such as pottery, buttons, It was a typical January day in New York nation for dolls, antique dolls to be precise. stamps, lacquer ware and fine linens that City, bright, clear and quite cold. My were purchased at auction. My curiosity Deputy Director, Mieko Sato, and I Her name is Margaret R. Corbet, and she is got the best of me and I asked her; why an owner of the “Friendship did you decide to operate an antique shop? Dolls”. These special dolls She responded: “It is my great pleasure to were exchanged as tokens locate items people are interested in and of friendship between Japan have been searching for. I have been and the United States over acquiring old items according to my taste 70 years ago. while following the trends and relying on inspiration Ð but my experience living in This was our first Gifu-ken, Japan in 1947 rekindled my experience to visit Kansas, collection of Japanese artifacts.” and I was quite surprised at continued on page 2 how similar the topography was to my home prefecture, TABLE OF CONTENTS SPECIAL REPORT Miyagi-ken. I gazed upon a Miss Miyagi Friendship Doll 1 diverse landscape comprised PREFECTURE TODAY of flatlands, mountain Nara Prefecture 3 ranges, rivers and endless CORE CITY Kitakyushu City 5 fields of livestock. It CLAIR UPDATE reminded me of home, CLAIR Study Program 2003 6 and it struck me as coinci- JLGC UPDATE dental that I would soon be Forum on Emergency Preparedness 8 face to face with a woman Communicating with Origami 10 who lived most of her life in Kansas with scenery Story of Sadako 11 similar to Miyagi. A Visit to Salinas 12 Masthead: The sakura, or cherry blossom, is Japan’s cherished national flower. Special hanami parties and Ms. Corbet greeted us with excursions are held during blossom time each year. Miss Miyagi Friendship Doll a wide smile and a warm

Copyright 2004 Published by Japan Local Government Center The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, Tokyo SPECIAL REPORT Welcome Back Miss Miyagi! Returning Home after 76 Years continued from page 1 Boldly she wrote to Shiro Asano, at the Sendai Historical Museum in the Governor of Miyagi Prefecture to inform capital city of Sendai. The doll visited She related the following story. At an auc- him of her visit. With the assistance of Ms. the Miyagi Prefecture Government offices tion in 1982, Ms. Corbet saw a Miss Miyagi Toshiko Saito and Ms. Tomoko Shizukuishi, and several elementary schools. It was a friendship doll. There was no background organizers of the “Blue-eyed Doll Study wonderful opportunity to share the story history on the doll but she was determined Group” her letter was accepted and they of the Friendship Dolls, further mutual to obtain one and visited a local library prepared to host her visit. understanding and promote international- to research the dolls’ identity. ization at the grass roots level.

She discovered that they were Ms. Corbet continues to “Friendship Dolls” which were actively promote the story of given as gifts to American children the Friendship Dolls, teaching to thank them for their thoughtful- American children about Miss ness and message of peace. Miyagi. In 2000, she sent two Previously, American children in a new Blue-eyed Dolls to Monou spirit of friendship raised money to and Uwamura elementary schools buy dolls, later to be called “Blue- in Miyagi. “I enjoy showing eyed Dolls” and sent them to Japan Miss Miyagi to American school where they were enthusiastically children and I enjoy showing my received. dolls to Japanese children.” The author, Masashi Takahashi (right), presents an Honorary Associate Ms. Corbet was determined to Award from Miyagi Prefecture to Ms. Margaret R. Corbet (center) and As an acknowledgement of return to Japan and visit Miyagi- her daughter, Dody Corbet (left) with Miss Miyagi. her outstanding contribution toward ken with a Miss Miyagi doll. She felt In May 2003, Ms. Corbet, her daughter bridging cultures and furthering international- it would be a chance for Miss Miyagi Dody Corbet and Miss Miyagi embarked ization between Miyagi and the United States, to return home after 76 years and help on their trip to Miyagi-ken, Japan to fulfill Governor Asano decided to bestow her with bridge cultural relations between Japan a dream. In Miyagi-ken, Miss Miyagi was an Honorary Associate Award. As the repre- and the United States. displayed during the week of May 21-25 sentative from Miyagi in the United States,

WHAT ARE THE FRIENDSHIP DOLLS? The Friendship Dolls were not merely Friendship Dolls, named as “Blue-eyed II, Japan’s army ordered that American presents but kinds of messenger of peace Dolls” by Japanese children, were wel- dolls be destroyed but it’s been said that from American children. Dr. Sidney comed in Japan with great parades and many Japanese people hid dolls in their Gulick was the main person who believed parties. Lots of Japanese people thought homes and fields. American and Japanese children could writing thank-you letters would not be learn to understand one another by giving enough to reciprocate the American ges- After World War II, more than 300 “Blue- the Friendship Dolls. The American chil- ture so 58 Japanese dolls were sent to eyed Dolls” have been found all across the dren donated their own money and raised United States as gifts in return which Japan and eight of them have been pre- funds to buy a total of 12,739 dolls. The include Miss Miyagi. During World War served in Miyagi Prefecture.

JLGC Newsletter 2 Issue 48 Fall 2003/Winter 2004 I was given the opportunity to meet her and Reference; present the award. It was a memorable event and an experience I shall never forget. American Girl, March/April 1997, pages 28-31. Look Japan, July 1995, pages 30-33. She graciously accepted the Award and remarked: “While living in Japan in 1947, I Friendship Dolls Their “mission of friendship” continues nurtured a growing interest in Japanese culture. http://wgordon.web.wesleyan.edu/dolls/index.htm I am very glad to receive this special award from Governor Asano and I shall make Report of the Miyagi Blue-eyed Doll Study Group. every effort to continue to help promote Ms. Corbet’s antique shop, “Antiques And internationalization between us forever.” Artifacts” in Kansas.

PREFECTURE TODAY Nara Prefecture

Nara prefecture is situated at the and Horyuji Temple at the center of this the birthplace of many religious faiths that heart of the Kii Peninsula on the main area is famous as the oldest wooden build- are still practiced today. This region can island of Honshu and three-fourths of the ing in the world. Another World Cultural be called “Scared Sites and Pilgrimage prefecture is actually mountains. It is an Heritage Site in Nara is “Historic Assets Routes in Kii Mountain Range” and is inland prefecture without coastline, sur- of Ancient Nara” continued on page 4 rounded by Osaka Prefecture, Kyoto which includes Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture and Todaiji Temple Mie Prefecture. One of the most famous and Heijyokyo ancient cities in the world, Nara used to Palace Site, and be an eastern terminal point of Silk Road was registered about 1,300 years ago. As the first capital by UNESCO in of Japan, Nara flourished with cultural 1998. This his- interchanges between Japan and the toric area has Orient. Nara also has a deep connection been restored with the Emperor’s family. and preserved to what it used Nara is home to numerous historic to be about and cultural sites. Two of Japan’s eleven 1,300 years ago. World Cultural Heritage Sites are located In addition, the in Nara. One is “Buddhist Structures in mountainous the Horyuji Temple” area and was regis- southern part of tered by UNESCO in 1993. The buildings Nara Prefecture in the area were built around 700 A.D., is recognized as Todaiji Temple silhouetted against a full moon.

JLGC Newsletter 3 Issue 48 Fall 2003/Winter 2004 PREFECTURE TODAY Nara Prefecture

continued from page 3 prefecture, the steep geographical waterfalls, valleys and ravines. There are features of the mountains and the also many hidden hot springs where expected to be registered as another World great volume of water from being it was said that historical celebrities Cultural Heritage visited. Nara also Site of Japan in has a sanctuary 2004. Besides these for wild birds areas, there are many and one of the other historic and few habitats for cultural sites to visit plants and animals in Nara. indigenous to Japan including Nara is also rich nihonkamoshika in nature. In the (Japanese serow), north, seasonal wild deer, and changes are often tukinowaguma complemented with (Japanese bear). historical cultural events, highlighting Due to the the magnificent abundant natural natural beauty of the resources, agriculture area. In March, the and forestry are ume (Japanese plum) popular industries trees bloom in in Nara Prefecture. Tsukigase in the Nara is also northern part of Nara famous for and is the centerpiece Yamato Tea, to a celebration for Japanese persimmon, the ending of winter. ayu (sweetfish), The blooming sakura and Japanese (cherry blossoms) cedars. and accompanying festivals in April For further in Yoshino region information, in the middle of Nara please see the is a sign of spring’s Nara Prefecture arrival. Near the end Government of year, the brilliant web site: http://www. autumn leaves mark “Historic Assets of Ancient Nara” include Todaiji Temple as part of World Cultural Historic Sites. pref.nara.jp/ the advent of winter in Tonomine also in the middle the rainiest area in Japan have formed Source: Nara Prefecture Tourist of Nara. In the southern part of the characteristic natural scenery such as Association.

JLGC Newsletter 4 Issue 48 Fall 2003/Winter 2004 CORE CITY Kitakyushu City An International Gateway with Local Flair

Kitakyushu was founded in February 1963 as the unprecedented merger of five cities: Moji, Kokura, Tobata, Yahata and Wakamatsu, each with its own long history and traditions. Located on the northern tip of Kyushu in western Japan, Kitakyushu is midway between Tokyo and Shanghai, 600 miles away from both cities, and only about 125 miles from the most southern part of Korea Peninsula. The city has thrived as a gateway for trade with Asia for many years and also developed as one of the major industrial cities in Japan. Today, Kitakyushu has a population of one million and an area of 120 acres rich in waterfronts and greenery, with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Kitakyushu has implemented a wide Kokura Castle, located at the center of Kitakyushu, is a symbol of the old-time Japan variety of projects to guide it towards becoming an international city of technolo- Kitakyushu is rejuvenating the local econ- exchange are held at the International Village gy, One of the main projects is international omy through expanded international exchange Center in Yahatahigashi Ward and at various cooperation. Kitakyushu had experienced with US and Canada as well as Asian coun- locales in Kitakyushu. severe pollution during its major economic tries. The Kitakyushu International growth as an industrial city. The public and Association (KIA) presents exchange activities Another international event is the private sectors worked together to create for Japanese and non-Japanese residents Kitakyushu International Music Festival with partnerships and technologies to overcome around the city to deepen mutual understand- chamber music as its main feature. It was the pollution problem and these are now ing and friendship and to promote world inaugurated in 1988 to commemorate the 25th being applied to international cooperation peace. It provides necessary information on anniversary of the City of Kitakyushu. The projects. The city has also accepted more daily living, cultural opportunities such as outstanding concerts, played by top-level than 3,000 trainees from developing homestays, foreign language seminars, lectures artists from Japan and abroad, are held every countries to further promote international and cultural events for those living in weekend for three weeks and attract many cooperation. Kitakyushu. KIA aims to create a place where music lovers to the city every year. everybody feels comfortable and appreciates a Another unique project is peaceful global atmosphere. Kitakyushu can provide you with various “Kitakyushu’s Eco-Town” project. The opportunities so come and see for yourself Eco-Town project is aimed toward becom- Kitakyushu International Week is held what Kitakyushu City has to offer. ing a society that recycles more and pro- ever year in early October under the theme, duces less waste. In July 1997, Kitakyushu “The World is a Global Family.” During For more information and background, was designated as one of the first eco-town International Week, a myriad of events pro- see the Kitakyushu city web-site: areas by the national government. moting international awareness and grassroots http://www.city.kitakyushu.jp/~english/

JLGC Newsletter 5 Issue 48 Fall 2003/Winter 2004 CLAIR UPDATE CLAIR Short-Term International Study Program 2003 (CLAIR Kokusai Jyuku) Important things I learned from “Please help yourself” and “NIMBY” by Toshiko Mitsui Participating in the CLAIR Short- The two phrases and Term International Study Program 2003 concepts of: “Please help (CLAIR Kokusai Jyuku) gave me the yourself” and “NIMBY” valuable opportunity to study not only (Not in my back yard) the United States local government struck me as particularly system, but also the differences between important features of our two cultures. I had been to the U.S. American culture. three times prior to this program and did not expect to discover anything new. The phrase “Please The program had also arranged staying help yourself” had such a with three different host families where strong impression on me I gained new insights that were contrary because it was the most The author, Toshiko Mitsui (right), with her Host mother and her cat. to my expectations. It truly made the frequently heard phrase experience extremely fruitful and reward- whenever I changed host families. As a addition, it was my understanding that a ing. Although there is much to tell about guest, I tried to be as good as I possibly guest should not step into private areas what I learned about local and state could; I tried not to bother my hosts, ate such as the kitchen so I did not open the government, I would like to focus on everything that was served, tried to involve refrigerator nor ask for the beverages in it. what I should keep in mind culturally myself in various conversations and did not Believe it or not, in Japan we seldom hear when attempting to promote internation- request anything even if I needed some- the expression, “Please help yourself” espe- alization. thing or wanted something to be done. In cially if you are a guest or visitor in some- one’s house. This difference in hospitality Itinerary of the CLAIR Short-Term International Study Program 2003 was a major cultural gap for me. At first, August 22 Travel to New York. I took these words as “Please do not bother August 22-26 Opening session and orientation at Japan Local Government Center in New York me” so I felt rather unwelcome. However, August 27 Travel to Alexandria, VA as time went by, I realized that this phrase -September 21 All-day language training (Stay in a hotel) meant “Please make yourself at home and September 22 All-day language training 3 days a week / let me know if there is anything you need.” -October 10 Meetings and site visits in Washington D.C. area rest of a week Later, when talking to other program par- (Stay with a host family) ticipants about their host families, I found October 11-17 Meetings on state government (Group I: Austin, TX Group II Atlanta, GA) out that many of them had similar experi- (Staying in a hotel) ences. It took time for us to understand October 18-24 Meetings on municipal government (Group I: Seattle, WA Group II Boulder, CO) the real meaning of what our host families (Staying in a hotel) were saying, and we almost misunderstood October 25 Individual Internships (2-week internship in municipal government(s)) the host families’ true hospitality. -November 7 (Stay with a host family: I stayed with 3 host families) November 8 Independent travel (I went Cleveland, OH and Boston, MA) (Staying in a hotel) I learned from this experience that - November16 (meetings with municipal government(s) or organization about own theme) in order to avoid misunderstanding others, November 17 Closing session at Japan Local Government Center in New York especially those from different cultural November 18 Travel to Japan backgrounds, the most important thing to

JLGC Newsletter 6 Issue 48 Fall 2003/Winter 2004 do is talk with one another and ask ques- the difficulties that must be faced when try- to the public. In the future, this should be tions when faced with things that are diffi- ing to reach a general consensus or agree- a more open process in order to better meet cult to understand. I learned that simply ment. One of the local government offi- with public’s interests. Personally, as a talking together was the most important cials that I interviewed told me, “To find local government employee, this was one step in truly understanding each other. the best answer, we spend a lot of time of the most valuable points I discovered researching the influences of different pro- and I will endeavor to keep it in mind for The first time I heard the phrase jects as well as listening to and talking with the future. “NIMBY” (Not in my back yard) was dur- various groups of citizens. Although it ing an interview about public transportation takes a long time, we believe this process These experiences made me rethink with local government officials. The offi- brings the best and most well received my own attitude towards work. As a local cials explained that on government official one occasion when a dealing with interna- new subway station tionalization, I have was to be built, it was been too focused try- difficult to for residents ing to complete proof the area to reach a jects and their various consensus because of aspects just to accom- the attitude of plish the task at hand. “NIMBY”. The idea First, I need to work behind it was on training myself to “Expanding the railway investigate projects system was a good with different points idea, but not if the new of view. Second, I train station was going should try harder to to be built in my neigh- help more people borhood.” It was very reach beyond set surprising to hear citi- boundaries while zens or groups of citi- Halloween pumpkin carving with local town people. avoiding misunder- zens express such standings. Finally, I strong opinions against public interest. The results for the citizens.” This comment also need to keep in mind that my job is strong will and power citizens possess to reminded me that, as a government for the public’s benefit and therefore, I express their beliefs can often move admin- employee, I should also consider various should not neglect to listen to the opinions istration to action, but it can also cause ideas and points of view when I work. I of others even if they tend to sound friction as well. At first, I could not under- was a little embarrassed for taking this negative at first. stand why people said, “NIMBY”, but after “NIMBY” stance as just a selfish comment being reminded that American citizens are from the citizens. In Japan, we are used to The time I spent in the U.S. taught me from all over the world, with each of them government administration making deci- so much. I sincerely hope that next year’s having different ideas, economic situations, sions through a process that, when com- participants will have a similarly rewarding beliefs and cultural backgrounds, I realized pared to America’s, tends to be more closed experience.

JLGC Newsletter 7 Issue 48 Fall 2003/Winter 2004 JLGC UPDATE 2003 Local Autonomy Forum Focuses on Emergency Preparedness

The 2003 U.S.-Japan Local Autonomy public/private partnership in managing risk, Forum, held on November 13th & 14th at including factors to take into account when the offices of the Japan External Trade designing incentive and enforcement struc- Organization in Midtown Manhattan, took tures to compel private sector entities to “Emergency Preparedness and Local prepare for and attempt to mitigate potential Government” as its theme. These forums disasters. Professor Hideaki Shiroyama brings together experts from the U.S. and from Tokyo University, on behalf of Japan to discuss a wide range of topics Associate Professor Masato Abe also from relating to the various challenges faced by Tokyo University, gave the second keynote local governments in both countries. This speech. Professor Abe addressed the topic was the sixth annual forum whose topics of government’s role in establishing a risk have included decentralization in Japan management system, giving a broader ana- compared with federalism in the U.S., taxa- lytical description of public and private sec- tion, freedom of information, urban revital- tor players. Professor Abe also focused on ization, and public/private partnerships. how risk is perceived by different parties and on government’s pivotal, almost man- Thursday, November 13th, had opening agerial, role in addressing issues of risk. In remarks and the two keynote speeches. This contrast, Professor Kunreuther gave a more year’s first keynote speaker was Professor nuts and bolts description of possible mea- Opening Speech by Naofumi Hida, Director of Howard Kunreuther, from the University of sures to be taken, focusing on specific poli- JLGC. Pennsylvania. He spoke on forms of cies and strategies that could be used to motivate stakeholders to more effectively manage their risks.

A buffet reception was held in the evening, giving participants a chance to talk with one another in a more relaxed setting. Friendships, some created and some renewed, provided a backdrop to wide-rang- ing conversations about politics and life in the participants’ home communities, helping to put professional discussions of emergency management in clearer contexts.

Friday’s session was a panel discussion on case studies in emergency management, moderated by Professor Shiroyama. The first speaker was Mr. Norihiko Yagi, Senior Director of Reconstruction Planning for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, who Buffet Reception on the opening day of the 2003 U.S.ÐJapan Local Autonomy Forum. talked about the city’s new Disaster

JLGC Newsletter 8 Issue 48 Fall 2003/Winter 2004 Prevention Division and efforts to prepare developing relationships among emergency tive communications built on strong rela- for and respond to emergency situations managers and responders prior to any major tionships among city officials and with the such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and event. Drawing on his experience and per- community. After each panelist made a possible terrorist attacks. Next, Mr. Masaru spective gained in the wake of the short presentation, they discussed some Matsumoto, Manager of the Commercial September 11th attacks and other major dis- points among themselves and invited mem- Risks Department for Tokyo Marine and aster response situations for the city, he bers of the audience to ask questions. Fire Insurance, spoke about seismic risk used many firsthand examples to illustrate management for enterprises. This includes how crucial well-developed lines of com- working to evaluate potential earthquake- munication are in responding effectively to related risks, estimating their attendant any emergency situation. The last speaker costs, and then formulating countermea- was Dr. Frank Straub, Commissioner of the sures such as investing in earthquake- Department of Public Safety for the City of proof construction or establishing business White Plains, who first outlined the mea- continuity plans. The third speaker was sures his city had taken to enhance their

Keynote speaker Professor Howard Kunreuther from the University of Pennsylvania.

The two days of presentations and discussion were invaluable in bringing together a broad range of people from academia, local government, and the private sector both from Japan and the U.S. to exchange Panel discussion on case studies in emergency management. information and provoke serious considera- tion of how best to prepare for and respond Mr. Bradford Billet, OBE, Deputy preparedness and then related how this paid to emergency situations. The greatest bene- Commissioner in the Office of the Mayor off in responding to the August 2003 black- fit will come, however, from continued for the City of New York, who discussed the out. He emphasized the need to prepare and communication and cooperation among the importance of comprehensive preparation practice response plans, establish a coordi- participants, as they work to improve their for a wide range of potential emergencies. nated incident command structure, train emergency management capabilities on One important aspect of this preparation is public safety personnel, and develop effec- behalf of their communities.

JLGC Newsletter 9 Issue 48 Fall 2003/Winter 2004 JLGC UPDATE Communicating with “Origami” by Yujiro Toi Assistant Director of JLGC

Nashville, Tennessee, the home of country western music was the venue for the 2003 Congress of Cities, the annual conference of the National League of Cities, which took place December 9-12, 2003. The Japan Local Government Center (JLGC) participated as an exhibitor showcasing our pro- grams and services and intro- ducing the various activities of Japanese local governments to over 5,000 municipal government officials.

After my arrival to America in April 2003, I attended the United States Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado where I learned about the business of being an American mayor. A JLGC staff demonstrates Origami at annual conference of the National League of Cities. However, manning an exhibitor’s booth and trying to enjoyed the simple things. I am a pretty fair became for me to communicate with them. explain what I had learned was daunting. paper folder and always had a fondness for Origami transformed me into a communica- Although I had been in the United States for making “origami” (Japanese art of folding tor. It was a great feeling to know that I did a short time, I had many chances to experi- paper into decorative shapes and figures). indeed have something to contribute. I never ence firsthand American hospitality and The crane is my specialty, so I started mak- thought that origami could be an effective friendliness so I felt good about trying. I ing paper cranes of all sizes and colors. communication tool, but I began to think was a bit apprehensive mainly because of Within the next couple of hours I made over that maybe I had more dormant talents that my limited English language ability and I one hundred different cranes and people could entertain people. felt I had little to offer the guests that were stopping by to watch and ask for stopped at our booth to inquire about our instruction. I was surprised and delighted One of the reasons for coming to the organization or wanted to chat about their by their interest and their willingness to United States was to learn not only about experiences in Japan. I had some difficulty construct a paper crane along with me. American people and their culture, but also engaging in conversation let alone answer When I made a paper crane for an elderly to learn about ourselves. I am still working questions about our exhibit. I started to feel lady and presented it to her, she was on improving my English language ability, the frustration creeping in. delighted and hugged me. My confidence but now I have the added boost of self grew. As I instructed young and old in the assurance attained while making and Then I remembered how much I art of origami I was amazed at how easy it talking about origami.

JLGC Newsletter 10 Issue 48 Fall 2003/Winter 2004 JLGC UPDATE The Story of Sadako

Have you ever heard the story of “Sadako visiting her. When graduation day arrived, the of cranes always believing and hoping that this Sasaki”? For the citizens of Hiroshima City, diploma was given to her father. After one action would extend her life. But on October they are constantly reminded of her story month in the hospital, she enrolled in the same 25, 1955, after an arduous eight month strug- whenever they see paper cranes. junior high school as her friends, but she never gle, she succumbed to the disease and passed attended class. away surrounded by her family. She was born in Hiroshima City on January 7, 1943 and was only two years old On August 6, 1954, she received permis- Her death generated a campaign to build a when the atom bomb struck on August 6, sion from her doctors to leave the hospital to monument where people could pray for world 1945. At home with her family in Kusunoki- attend the Peace Memorial Ceremony with her peace and for those children who lost their cho, only 1.7 kilometers (1.06 miles) from family. On the way to the park, however she lives to the atomic bomb. The Children’s the center of the blast, she was exposed to had a relapse, fell ill and immediately returned Peace Monument, standing in Peace Park was the fallout. built with donated funds from all over Japan. As the story of At first, there were no Sadako spread worldwide, the apparent injuries and she was response was overwhelming. healthy and gifted athletically. Today, approximately 10 mil- Although a little thin, weigh- lion paper cranes are offered ing 27 kilograms (59.5 lb.), annually at the Children’s she stood 135 centimeters tall Peace Monument. (4.43 ft.) and exuded vigor. She especially enjoyed run- Visitors to Peace ning and ran the 50 meters Memorial Park enjoy the (164 ft.) in 7.5 seconds. She visual delight of thousands of never lost a race. As a result brightly colored paper cranes of her ability and success she that are everywhere to be seen was chosen to run the relay in the park. The paper cranes race at the Fall Sports Day are part of an ancient and turned in a fine perfor- Japanese tradition known as mance. Her dream was to paper folding or “origami”. become a physical education 10 million paper cranes are offered annually by visitors as a prayer for world peace at the Today, these paper cranes Children’s Peace Monument in Peace Park, Hiroshima. teacher in junior high school. symbolize more than just a craft; they have become a Nine years later, however, while in the to her hospital bed. She never experienced the symbol of peace. Paper folding is done in 6th grade of elementary school, she suddenly Peace Ceremony. many countries as a “wish for peace”. The developed symptoms of an illness. In lasting connection between paper cranes and February of the following year, she was admit- One day, a thousand paper cranes arrived peace can be traced back to a brave young ted to the Hiroshima Red Cross hospital. The at the hospital and she was given some of them girl named Sadako Sasaki. diagnosis was leukemia. as a get well gift. She was inspired to begin folding her own paper cranes believing that For more information, please visit: Upon hearing the news from their teacher, this would help her recover from illness. She www.cityhiroshima.jp/shimin/heiwa/ classmates at the elementary school took turns meticulously worked the paper into the shape crane.html

JLGC Newsletter 11 Issue 48 Fall 2003/Winter 2004 JLGC UPDATE My Visit to the City of Salinas by Kazuhiro Watanabe Assistant Director of JLGC

A mere twelve miles from the Pacific Ocean, Salinas is part of the Central California Coast and is known as the “Salad Bowl of the World.” With over 150,000 residents, Salinas blends yesterday’s charm with today’s modern conveniences. The world famous Steinbeck Festival, the California Rodeo, the California International Airshow and the National Steinbeck Center are just a few of the attractions in this beautiful area.

I was impressed with how the community participated in the decision making process. I attended a city council meeting to observe local democracy in action and learned how problems that can occur can be solved. For example, Salinas has a problem with shopping carts that people leave in residential areas. City officials proposed imposing fines. Local business owners and the The author, Kazuhiro Watanabe (right), with Mr. David Mora (left), City Manager of the City of Salinas, California. community actively took part in the discussion. I would like to express my appreciation to David Mora, City Featured As another example surrounding a Manager of the City of Salinas, in this more complex issue, a new parking California for extending the invitation issue: garage to accommodate downtown com- to visit this wonderful city. Mr. Mora mercial construction was to be publicly visited Aichi Prefecture last year as financed by means of local bonds. At a participant of the 2003 CLAIR

MIYAGI the council meeting, the underwriter’s Fellowship Program and his generous PREF. representative gave a presentation to the reciprocity gave me the opportunity to GIFU PREF. council members and the attending public learn more about the fabric and culture KYOTO PREF. OSAKA PREF. on the bond issuance process. This kind of the community he serves. Lastly, Tokyo of work session, which included detailed special thanks to Assistant City Manager Hiroshima City Kitakyushu City AICHI PREF. explanations and community participation, Green who arranged my meetings and MIE PREF. NARA PREF. is not normally experienced at Japanese interviews during my visit. I shall WAKAYAMA assembly meetings. It made me reflect on never forget my stay in Salinas and PREF. the independent and autonomous character someday hope to have the good fortune of American local government. to return there.

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