At the ICMA Annual Conference

ISSUE NO. 59• FALL 2006 [JLGC UPDATE] JAPAN NIGHT! / [Column] SCI Annual Conference ...... 1 [SPECIAL FEATURE] Downtown in Japanese Cities...... 2 [JETAA ACTIVITIES] 2006 JETAA USA Conference Focuses on “Community”...... 4 [JETAA ACTIVITIES] JETAA Canada National Conference 2006 ...... 5 [JLGC UPDATE] The Governors Meet in Charleston, South Carolina...... 6 [JLGC UPDATE] “Strong States’ Strong Nation" - The 2006 National Conference of State Legislatures..... 7 [PREFECTURE TODAY] Seeking the Heart of MIYAGI ...... 8

J APAN L OCAL G OVERNMENT C ENTER ( CLAIR, NEW Y ORK)

JAPAN NIGHT! at the ICMA Annual Conference

JLGC UPDATE his year, at the ICMA annual conference in San TAntonio, Texas, we hosted a reception for former CLAIR international fellows and friends of the Japan Local Government Center in New York. Managers and staff of the ICMA organisation were feted with sushi and drinks to celebrate our strong and thriving relationship with these most important local government officials. Mr. Hirai, the executive director, expressed his delight at being able to say ‘thank you’ and ‘welcome’ to more than 40 people who attended. He commented on how essential the work of city managers is to their Japanese counterparts.

SCI 50th Anniversary Conference The annual conference of Sister Cities International was held in Washington, Masthead: D.C. from July 13th through 15th. The Tsuwabuki, Mr. Shinji Hirai, Executive Director of Japan Local Government Center, and two JLGC or Farfugium, blooms officials attended. in late autumn or early This year’s conference commemorated the 50th anniversary of President winter in Japan. It is often Eisenhower’s statement that defined citizen diplomacy as the basis for sister cities cultivated as the undergrowth of a relationships. Many people involved in the sister Japanese garden. In the language of cities movement, including two city mayors and flowers, volunteers from Japanese municipalities, came it signifies together and celebrated the past 50 years and pledged the next 50 years for world peace at this modesty. historical event. Mary Jean Eisenhower, President and CEO of People to People International, and the granddaughter of President Eisenhower, gave the celebratory speech. Mary Jean Eisenhower giving the celebratory speech

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SPECIAL FEATURE

E Japanese downtown now Sprawl is not a discriminating phenomenon. Perhaps best exemplified by the suburban sprawl experienced by American cities, random and uncontrolled growth has had a debilitating effect on urbanism worldwide. The economic and social decline of cities, especially their downtown areas has generated a resurgence of policies to stem outward growth and have spawned movements to engender “smart growth” and “compact cities”. Japanese cities are no exception. In Japan, Machidukuri {community development} Three Laws were passed in 2000 to remedy haphazard development and to economically and socially redevelop depressed downtown areas. The Town “Vehicle-Free Street,” six week experiment in Tenjin, Fukuoka Center Revitalization Law, the Large- Scale Retail Stores Location Law and the square meters and initiated policies to to put into action ideas and programs revised Town Planning and Zoning Act assist local governments in their efforts that would better serve the community were enacted to provide new methods to revitalize depressed downtown and its residents. Presently, there is a for economic and social development business districts. The revised laws growing movement among some through comprehensive planning and intend to bring attention to the concept advanced town centers to secure the zoning. of “town centers” by introducing the necessary financial resources to meet the “Town Center Activation Meeting”. challenge of revitalizing their core These meetings will focus on models business centers. The following that will enable the revitalization of the scenarios are now being introduced. town centers. Participants will be the commercial landlords, tenants, area • Japanese BIDs residents and private sector companies. - Voluntary assessment One model being considered is the There are a few successful “Business Improvement Districts” examples of Japanese type BIDs in large (BIDs) common in the United States. cities where property owners meet to These BIDs serve designated geographic plan and carry out various activities areas and provide a variety of services, such as beautification to enhance A typical shopping mall in Japan: many vacant shops, few people walking during daytime hours such as planning, sanitation, security property values within the area. Such and beautification. Businesses in the areas include the district called Despite such laws, downtown BIDs are assessed a fee for these “Daimaruyu,” near Tokyo station; shopping districts were becoming services. “Shiodome”, a newly developed district “ghost towns,” and after five years, these In Japan, however, there are no where several large companies have laws needed to be revised to retard the provisions for special purpose established their headquarters; and in building frenzy of large scale retail governments that have taxing authority other cities like “Tenjin” in Fukuoka stores in suburban areas. The new laws enabling the implementation of special and “Midosuji” in Osaka where similar regulated new development of large projects. Downtown areas in Japan are activities have been undertaken. scale retail stores in excess of 10,000 consistently challenged to raise money Common among these areas is the

PAGE 2 JLGC NewsLetter No. 59 • © 2006 Japan Local Government Center more discretion in strong networks with neighboring using public space. universities, non profit organizations Income can be derived and volunteers in an effort to improve from business management organizations located advertising and sales within the town center. revenues from street cafes, bistros and E Strategic fundraising small retail shops. The critical ingredient in a Recently, deregulation successful town center activation has fostered an meeting is the ability to creatively and increase in business strategically raise funds early in the enterprises using open redevelopment process. Extensive and space to conduct their deliberate planning should be

My student researchers observing a local shopping area activities. conducted to evaluate the needs of the community. The needs assessment collection of a voluntary assessment • Community Business should identify the problems, concerns from property owners in the districts. Businesses that use community and remedies and establish the In the Tenjin area, for example, the resources are actively finding solutions appropriate relationship between cost planning and implementing for local community problems. These and profit. Strategic thinking and organization is called “We Love Tenjin “community businesses” are presently planning are important in taking into Meeting”. Their assessment fee is called flourishing in Japan. In town centers, consideration all possible scenarios that a self-governance cost paid by business community businesses occupy vacant could impact upon the goals and managers and property owners. There shops transforming these spaces into objectives of the community. are other sources of revenue that help purposeful services such as lunch box In Japan, it is vitally important support the businesses in the district, delivery stations for senior citizens and that property owners, residents, but the existence of the self-governance school lunch cooking centers for the merchants and companies share their cost is a good indicator that the public schools in the neighborhood. In ideas and strategies when discussing the betterment of the area is widely Nagahama-shi, Shiga Prefecture, for future of the area. A BID like system supported by all whom live and work example, senior citizens converted should be encouraged and introduced there. vacant shop spaces into thrift stores and throughout communities in Japan to other types of businesses and in bring about a renewed energy that will • Citizen Donations and addition to the normal tourist trade invigorate and sustain economic and Financial Support pulling in customers from the social growth in areas that are sliding Recent trends in community neighborhood and surrounding area. into decline. development in Japan are focusing on Income from these community organizations and their businesses can be a source ability to fundraise through citizen of revenue for particular donation and financial support. The town center activation SaseboYokabi Merchant Association for projects that support a example introduced a “cheering party” broader plan to revitalize accepting minimum donations of 1,000 the town center. yen and incorporating citizen involvement in their activities. • Other inducements Resources for • Income Generation through revitalizing town centers Public Space Use should include One possibility of raising funds inducements other than to stimulate redevelopment of town money. Advanced town “Platinum Plaza,” a community business operated by senior citizens located centers is to allow the private sector centers have established on a main street in Nagahama

JETAA ACTIVITIES

he US chapters of the JET hardship, and the Alumni Association held their difficulties now faced T 5th annual conference on by Little Tokyo itself as Friday and Saturday, August 11th and a coherent community 12th, in the Little Tokyo section of as Japanese-Americans Los Angeles. This year’s conference move out into the focused on “community” - namely, suburbs and around the communities of JET Program world to chase new participants and alumni, and their opportunities. Nancy relationships with communities in the then talked about her larger society around them. experiences in helping found the chapter after she returned from teaching in Japan in

1989. Because there Each chapter expresses its distinctive personality was no funding or support from the Japanese initiatives to be undertaken by government in those days - other than chapters individually or on a national a list of names and phone numbers of level, and on policy and strategy returning JETs - it took a lot of proposals. One development that perseverance and dedication to get appears likely to move forward is the At the reception by the Consul General of Japan people together and get the chapter creation of a national newsletter to be The conference began early on its feet. Overall, the talk put out as a collaborative effort Friday morning with brief welcoming highlighted how much progress has among several newsletter editors from remarksbyMr.ShinjiHirai, been made, both in overcoming racial chapters around the country. Executive Director of Japan Local prejudice and discrimination against Committees were then formed to Government Center in New York, and Japanese and others, and in building a study how to increase the profile and Mr. Yasuhiko Kamada, JET Program network of people who serve as a status of JETAA, to determine the Director at the Consulate General of bridge between Japan and the rest of best strategy to pursue should the Japan in Los Angeles. After this, the world, contributing to this effort. chapters wish to try to attain NPO Brian Noguchi, a former chapter One interesting event in the status individually or as a national officer for Southern California and a afternoon was a team and awareness entity, and to create a detailed job former Country Representative, gave building exercise, where the description for the US Country a brief overview of JETAA’s past and participants created a giant collage Representatives. Finally, Shannan present, to give some context and map of their chapters within the US, Spisak of New York and Shannon background to the conference using words and images to express Quinn of Seattle were elected as the participants before they got down to each chapter’s character. Country Reps for 2006-2007. work on current issues. The Consul General of Japan The evening was then given After each chapter reported on in Los Angeles, Mr. Kazuo Kodama, over to a dinner in the Hispanic their status and activities, Nancy and his wife hosted a delightful community on Olvera Street, hosted Kikuchi, a founding member of the reception for the participants on by CLAIR, followed by a nijikai in Southern California chapter and Friday evening at their residence, Chinatown. For those who were able long-time booster of Little Tokyo, followed by a nijikai in the to spend some time on Sunday, the spoke first about that community’s Koreatown community. conference was timed to coincide history and the future that its Saturday was given over to with the annual Tofu Festival and the supporters hope to create for it. She presentations by the Japan National Nisei Week Parade in the recounted the difficulties faced by Tourist Organization, CLAIR, and neighborhood surrounding the hotel, Japanese-Americans through decades MOFA, and then to discussion and providing a good dose of Japanese of discrimination and economic voting on proposals for activities and culture, music, and food.

JETAA ACTIVITIES

his year, the JET Alumni This contributed to the frank opinion topics were covered and the day ended Association (JETAA) Canada exchange and smooth running of the with a reception hosted by JLGC. T National Conference took conference later on. place in Vancouver, Canada from June On June 24, the opening 23 to June 25. Blessed with mild session started with speeches from weather during the conference, every Mr. Fujita, followed by Mr. Hirai. participant could share ideas to The first session was conducted by Mr. pursue their goals and make efforts to Chevalier and Ms. Nagao of the develop their chapters, as well as Vancouver consulate, speaking about being able to enjoy the city itself. their involvement in recruiting and JETAA Canada has seven chapters, hiring, and about the JET Program itself. Keynote Speech by Mr. Thien and Ms. Leung at the conference based in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, The next session was devoted to CLAIR’s Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, and funding for chapters. The morning On June 25, the first session Edmonton. This national conference finished with a keynote address by concerned chapter activities for new is held annually, hosted by a different Mr. Kevin Thien, the coach, and Jane and returning JETs. The next session chapter each year. Leung, one of the founders, of the discussed the role of the Country A total of 20 representatives JETAA BC dragon boat team. They Representative. It was agreed that an from every chapter got together at the spoke about the BC chapter’s effort should be made to look for any conference. In addition, experiences participating in dragon job descriptions or other records representatives from Japan Local boat races in Vancouver and how this concerning the position. Then Mr. Government Center (JLGC), has contributed to strengthening ties Donovan gave an update on the including Mr. Shinji Hirai, the among chapter members and friends Contact Management System (CMS) Executive Director, and Mr. Naofumi of JET, etc. After lunch, the project that he is working on with the Hida, the former Director, took part. representatives from each chapter CMS team. The last session was a The Consulate General of Japan at introduced themselves and reported discussion of issues relating to the Vancouver sent Mr. Toshiyuki Taga, on successful events from their Country Rep and the national the Consul General, and other chapters. guidelines/bylaws governing these. delegates. The conference was Then, four topics were Finally, the venue for next year’s organized and moderated by members discussed during the brainstorming conference was discussed. Edmonton of the Vancouver chapter, acting as and national action plan session. The and Calgary were mentioned as the conference host. first was the Visit Japan Campaign, possibilities, and after the conference it Before the opening of the sponsored by JNTO. Many ideas were was reported that SAJETAA in Calgary conference, Consul General Taga held suggested, such as having pamphlets, will host the national conference next a cocktail reception on June 23, where maps and information available to year. Mr. Hida then closed the people could get to know each other. distribute to JET parents at pre- conference with his farewell speech to departure sessions. The the conference participants. This was second topic was e- his final goodbye before returning to communications, what Japan to take up his new duties. With a new Wiki site was set this, the conference was finally up and is running at: brought to a close. http://jetaabc.ca/ The conference was successful, JETAACanadaForum/ with all the chapter representatives JETAACanadaForum/. exchanging opinions throughout all The third topic the sessions, and outside of the concerned talking to sessions as well, which made their prospective JETs. The relationships much stronger. The final topic was Vancouver chapter did a very good job discussion of a national of organizing and managing the Participants at the residence of the Consul General of Japan in Vancouver newsletter. A lot of conference.

JLGC UPDATE

very year, in the Summer, the with a session given by the former governor energy, telecommunications and education Governors of the fifty states in the of Wisconsin and United States Secretary of issues. The governors acknowledged that in EUnited States (together with Guam, Health and Human Services, Tommy each of these areas solutions to the complex Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Northern Thompson. Piggy-backing on Governor problems they present will take a lot of hard Mariana and U.S. Virgin Islands) meet Huckabee’s initiative, Tommy Thompson work and consensus-building. Then, at the informally for a three- or four-day period to called for the governors to begin a complete closing plenary session, Sir Ken Robinson discuss a topic that has been the focus of the reform of the way Americans think about encouraged the governors to think differently National Governors’ Association (NGA) for health care. He said we should focus on about how to prepare students for the the previous year. This year, because of the ‘health’ not ‘health care’. If the governors workplace of the 21st Century. Using his devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, took prospective action to encourage wellness recent book, Out of Our Minds: Learning to Governor Mark Sanford graciously accepted then they could save a considerable amount be Creative, he showed how organisations can the challenge, at short notice, to host the of their Medicaid costs. He pointed out that become creative, and thereby competitive, by governors in historic Charleston, South only 5 per cent of their health care costs go thinking about intelligence anew. Carolina, from 4th August to 7th August toward illness prevention. In a light-hearted Governor Napolitano (D-AZ), the 2006. moment, he mentioned how the Japanese, incoming chairman of NGA, announced her Mexicans, Italians and Germans, despite their initiative for the upcoming year. She called it ethnic diets, suffered fewer heart attacks than Innovation America. As she said, “to be the British or Americans. “So”, he said, “eat competitive as a nation, we must prepare our and drink whatever you like - speaking young people to meet the real demands of the English is apparently what kills you!” job market. The goal of my initiative is to Seriously though, since long-term care is educate our students to be innovators, and going to be a major cost burden of the future, for them to carry that spirit of innovation he suggested a way to make the American through their university experience and into federal system work well. How about, he the workforce”. argued, the federal government taking on the Of course, we had an opportunity to costs of the over-65 population, whilst savour the rich history and heritage of the Mr. Hirai and Governor Huckabee leaving to the states (with all the flexibility South, especially that of the Charleston area. For his year as chairman of the and creativity they can muster) the health A visit to an old plantation, a privileged look association, the theme that Governor care concerns of the 64-and-under at some of the ante-bellum houses that grace Huckabee (R-AR) chose to ask the governors population. This was the thrust of Tommy the peninsula shoreline of the city and a visit to focus on was ‘Healthy America’. At the Thompson’s appeal to the governors. to the new Liberty Park were occasions for us meeting, Governor Huckabee, having set the Health was not the only subject to enjoy casual evenings with the governors, example by his own behaviour, presented for under discussion. The governors tackled their top staff and other participants. the governors a plan for them to take the lead in their states - at home, at work and in the schools. As he called it, Wellness Where We Live, the work done by NGA over the year offered the governors five strategies for ‘Creating Healthy States’: (1) Educating the public about existing community resources so that it can take advantage of services and opportunities for health programmes; (2) Work with community organisations to communicate to the public health information encouraging healthy lifestyles; (3) Promote civic and personal responsibility for better health; (4) Improve access to healthy options for those living in disadvantaged communities; and (5) Lead by example by sharing publicly how the governor and his family gets and stays healthy. The governors opened their meeting Mr. Hirai, Governor Sanford and myself

JLGC UPDATE

he National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) held its T2006 Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1975, the National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s fifty states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. NCSL is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies. This year the host city was Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff addresses NCSL audience. Nashville, Music City USA. More than 6,000 attendees were treated to an array Clinton presidency and Congressman rivals for the presidential nomination in of lectures and panel discussions on John Tanner from Tennessee. 1860 then appointed those rivals to his important and timely state issues. United States Secretary of cabinet and worked with them. Building upon the event theme Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff The audience was captivated by “Strong States, Strong Nation” this spoke about the effort being made to her story telling which included years conference focused on the thwart terrorism, just days after British revealing insight and humorous prominence and power of states in the authorities foiled a terrorist plot to anecdotes involving her work with federal system. destroy jet liners over the Atlantic President Lyndon Johnson and other The general plenary sessions Ocean, and weeks before the fifth leaders. Her work on Lincoln addressed the many important and anniversary of the September 11 attacks. highlighted his key leadership strengths controversial issues that confront the Chertoff listed security improvements such as: confidence, empathy and a states and the United States. that have been implemented over the willingness to share credit and failure. Globalization and macroeconomic last five years and gave support to the He learned from his mistakes and models and principles were aired by a traditional model that puts state and thoroughly understood himself. Above distinguished panel that included local governments first when all he never forgot his roots and had a Frederick W. Smith, chairman and chief responding to natural disasters. He great sense of timing. executive officer of the Federal Express went on to briefly discuss the REAL ID On a lighter note, after the close Corporation; Jim Sasser, former United (Identification), which would of each business day, attendees were States Senator from Tennessee and standardize state drivers’ licenses. This treated to special events, including a Ambassador to China during the is a major state concern because of the visit to the Country Music Hall of mandated timeline and cost to the Fame, a local country fair and the individual states. infamous Wild Horse saloon. Perhaps the best attended and Year after year, the NCSL certainly the most enjoyable session conference provides an opportunity to featured Doris Kearns Goodwin, a meet state government officials and to world renowned historian and author learn about their jobs and experiences in who has been reporting on politics and public service. These dedicated and base ball for the last two decades. Her committed leaders are proud of their recent book, Team of Rivals: The work to make their states strong, and Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln strong states are the bedrock of a strong JLGC Executive Director Shinji Hirai with State Senator and Mrs. Dan Kelly details how Lincoln prevailed over three nation.

PREFECTURE TODAY

he prefecture of Miyagi is located in northern Japan, less than 2 EMatsushima - A Place hours from Tokyo by the of Beauty and T Spirituality Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train). Miyagi has been prosperous since The green pines ancient times. Miyagi’s development stand in stark contrast to began in the 1600’s when feudal Lord the cliffs of the 260-plus Date Masamune, one of the most islands of Matsushima that famous and popular warriors of have been eroded by the sea Japanese history, first took possession over the ages. Considered of the surrounding territory. The one of the three most “heart of Miyagi” is the spirit of the beautiful landscapes in strong character and native Japan, Matsushima has intelligence of our predecessors and is been written about in waka emblematic of the warmth and wisdom and haiku poetry since Matsushima in Winter that continues to nourish the ancient times. prefecture. Today, Miyagi is one of the leading producers of rice. flourishing and enjoys its success in EEnjoy the Delights of First-rate Miyagi’s rich and fertile soil is ideal many different ways. Hot Springs for rice cultivation. Miyagi’s rice has a Visiting a hot spring to enjoy sweet flavor and is often used in other ESendai - An Attractive City of its waters is one of the great pleasures food products. Miyagi’s sake, made Trees of traveling in Miyagi. There are from quality rice is highly prized for With a population of many hot springs in Miyagi, including its smooth, mellow flavor. The rice approximately one million, Sendai, the those in Naruko, Akiu, Sakunami and gives the sake a sweetness that capital city of Miyagi, is the political and Togatta. According to a local legend, neutralizes the strong taste of alcohol. economic center of the Tohoku region. the waters of the Akiu Hot Springs The sake goes very well with sushi. Despite its small size, the city features cured a seriously ill emperor 1500 The people of Miyagi are an abundance of natural beauty that years ago. There are so many different proud of their heritage and their land changes with the seasons. Sendai’s types to choose from, you will never and they work tirelessly to enjoy the nickname “Mori No Miyako”, literally be disappointed. fruits of their labor. Miyagi-ken is a translated as the city of trees illustrates The healing properties of the beautiful and exciting place to visit this perfectly. Jozenjidori Avenue, hot springs differ according to the where you too can experience the lined with beautiful “keyaki” (zelkova) composition of the waters. Miyagi has “heart of Miyagi”. trees, is a popular spot for strollers in numerous hot springs which are downtown Sendai. In December, the effective for treating injuries and For more information trees are lit at night with hundreds of curing neuralgia. The baths are Miyagi Prefecture Government thousands of lights during the “Pageant diverse as some are built from huge http://www.pref.miyagi.jp/english of Starlight.” rocks while others are built outdoors. /index.htm Often, large hotels have a variety of baths so guests can leisurely make the rounds.

ETaste the Harmony of Nature There is a harmony that resonates among the ocean, mountains, rivers and plains in Miyagi. There is an abundance and variety of delicious food. You can enjoy astonishingly fresh seafood including tuna, oyster and scallops Pageant of Starlight from Sanriku. Furthermore, Miyagi is