A Greeting from Hiroshi Sasaki, the New Executive Director of JLGC Hiroshi Sasaki / Executive Director

Home , Kokura Castle, Matsue, Matsue Castle, Shinji Hirai, Tottori (city)

ISSUE NO. 61• SPRING 2007 [JLGC UPDATE] A Greeting from the New Executive Director of JLGC ...... 1 [JLGC UPDATE] Governor Shinji Hirai / [JETAA ACTIVITIES] Yokoso Japan Night...... 2 [JLGC UPDATE] Visits to North Olmsted and Denver...... 3 [GUEST COLUMN] A Japanese Exchange Trip ...... 4 [JLGC RESEARCHER’S EYE] Japan’s Changing Demographics...... 6 [CORRESPONDENCE FROM FORMER JLGC STAFF] The New Hamamatsu City ...... 7 [DESIGNATED CITY] Kitakyushu “A Snapshot of an Evolving City” ...... 8

J APAN L OCAL G OVERNMENT C ENTER ( CLAIR, NEW Y ORK) A Greeting from Hiroshi Sasaki, the New Executive Director of JLGC Hiroshi Sasaki / Executive Director

JLGC UPDATE

in drafting laws on local government working in America will be starkly decentralization and municipal different from my student experience, I mergers. Decentralization has been one am confident that my family and I will of the more important reform issues in thoroughly enjoy what America and Japanese domestic politics. Despite New York City have to offer. I enjoy resistance from members of the Diet playing tennis and skiing. There are and the national government; local numerous and challenging ski areas in government reform progressed the United States and Canada and I gradually and steadily. I was pleased to look forward to visiting a few. be a part of this great reform Finally, on behalf of the JLGC movement which has improved the staff as well as myself personally, I post war Japanese government system. would like to thank all of our friends While serving as Deputy and acquaintances who have made and Director Of International Affairs at the continue to make our mission Ministry of Home Affairs from 1996 to rewarding and successful. 1998, I managed the JET Program. During my tenure, the JET Program Sincerely yours, celebrated its tenth anniversary, with the Crown Prince and Princess of Japan ello, I am Hiroshi Sasaki and attending. I am looking forward to I have recently been meeting the JETs who have returned Happointed the new Executive from Japan and I am interested in their Hiroshi Sasaki Director of the Japan Local current activities. Government Center in New York City. In addition to my work at the I have the distinct pleasure and honor Ministry of Internal Affairs and of succeeding former Executive Communications, I have also worked The Sakura, Director Shinji Hirai, who by the time for three prefectures: Okinawa, Niigata or cherry blossom, you read this message will be the newly and Gifu. Most recently, I served as is Japan’s cherished elected Governor of Tottori Prefecture. the Deputy Secretary General of the national flower. It has been 18 years since the Exchange and Information Special Hanami parties establishment of the Japan Local Department at CLAIR headquarters in and excursions Government Center in New York and Tokyo. are held during blossom during these years the organization has This is my second visit to the time each year. established a rich tradition of United States. I attended graduate promoting international exchange and school at Cornell University from 1989 mutual understanding between Japan to 1991. My college days in Ithaca the United States and Canada. were memorable for me and my wife. I have worked for the Ministry My young son who was but a mere of Internal Affairs and Communication child does not recall his short lived for the past 22 years where I specialized American life. Although living and

JLGC UPDATE

ideas about how to project the image of governments. This has resulted in a Japan and Japanese local government, stronger interest in Japanese government Governor Hirai introduced himself to activities by these associations, with the many of the leading representatives of possibility of developing joint projects. American state and local government. Internally, Governor Hirai His belief that there was no focused the staff on the type of research it substitute for going out and meeting undertakes so that the office, and thereby people to learn ‘first-hand’ about the way governments back in Japan, can build up in which American government operates an expertise in many subject areas that are has raised the profile of the Japan Local important for governments not just in Government Center in the United States Japan but also in the United States. This Governor Hirai, in his new office in Tottori Prefecture and Canada. The staff at the Center approach has led to a new type of research ecently elected Governor Shinji routinely goes out now to develop closer being undertaken that is more relevant to Hirai of Tottori Prefecture spent relationships with its American the specific issues facing the staff’s own R approximately seven months as government counterparts. Another local government back in Japan. executive director of the Japan Local profile enhancing innovation Governor All in all, Governor Hirai has left Government Center (JLGC) in New Hirai instituted, as executive director of an indelible mark on CLAIR’s New York York. In that short time, he managed to JLGC, was to get the staff to increase its office in the short amount of time we shape the future direction of the office. active participation with the associations were privileged to have had him as the Arriving in June 2006 bristling with new that represent state and local executive director. JETAA Toronto Members Appointed as Special Representatives for the “Visit Japan Campaign” at “Yokoso Japan Night” Junichi Sawada / JLGC Deputy Director

JETAA ACTIVITIES

n the evening of February 15, representatives for the “Visit Japan advisor, Mr. Ken Noma, presented a 2007, the Japan National Tourist Campaign” (VJC). The executive director seminar on "How to Make a Student Trip OOrganization (JNTO) held their for the Japan National Tourist to Japan a Reality Today". Following him, "Yokoso Japan Night" at the Sheraton Organization, Toronto, Mr. Fumihiro A.Y. Jackson Secondary School music Centre Toronto Hotel. The event drew Sampei, presented a plaque to the JETAA teacher Mr. Rick Wingfield gave a talk on members of the JET Program Alumni Toronto Chapter Chair, Ms. Amy his experience as a teacher coordinator. Association (JETAA), Consulate General Schindler, as well as gifts to two committee The efforts of the JET Program of Japan, Japanese representatives, members. The "Visit Japan Campaign" and JETAA members have made a educational staff, tourism organizations, began in 2003 with a goal of obtaining 10 substantial contribution to the ongoing airline representatives, and the media. million annual international visitors to relationship between Canada and Japan. This year marks the 120th year Japan by 2010. It is one of many tourism since the establishment of a regular travel promotional projects that are being route between Vancouver, Canada, and implemented in Canada and Japan. In Yokohama, Japan. The year 2007 is being addition, two JETAA Toronto members, called the “Canada-Japan Tourism Mr. Glen Morales and Ms. Lianne Exchange Year” as both countries continue Hodgson, gave presentations highlighting to work together to enhance tourism and their teaching experience, as well as interaction between them. memorable aspects of their living and

“Yokoso Japan Night” included a traveling in Japan. Executive Director of JNTO Toronto, Mr. Sampei, ceremony that appointed three members of Furthermore, former high school Committee member Ms. Nishiyama, Committee member Ms. Nicholson, and JETAA Toronto Chapter the JETAA Toronto chapter as special history teacher and current educational Chair, Ms. Shindler holding the plaque at the ceremony

JLGC UPDATE

uilding an effective network of students, professors strong partnerships with local and local government Bgovernments and organizations officials. He spoke in the United States and Canada is an about his city and how important function of the Japan Local it deals with global Government Center (JLGC). Since issues. 1989, JLGC has initiated contact with Our reciprocal hundreds of local governments and is visit to North Olmsted dedicated to enhancing and was made to express strengthening these relationships. As our appreciation to such, in early February, Ms. Erena Mayor O’Grady for his Niwa, Director of JLGC, and I visited participation at the two cities, North Olmsted, Ohio, and event in Japan and to Denver, Colorado, to continue our move forward in affiliation with these cities. proposing a future The city of North Olmsted is relationship between The Honorable Thomas O'Grady presenting a Proclamation to Director Niwa recognizing CLAIR's work in fostering international understanding and cooperation among local located in northern Ohio near the the city of North governments. Cleveland International Airport. Last Olmsted and JLGC. July, the Honorable Thomas O’Grady, We received a warm and hospitable Fellowship Program previously and who mayor of North Olmsted, was invited to welcome from Mayor O’Grady, gave a presentation to their colleagues Japan’s Ritsumeikan University as a community leaders and city officials. about their visits to Japan. They showed guest speaker. Co-hosted by our Also, we enjoyed the opportunity to photographs of their experiences in headquarters, the Council of Local exchange views and ideas about local Japan and exhibited their souvenirs. Authorities for International Relations administration and local economic They also decorated the conference (CLAIR), the theme of the event was development. We learned that local room in a Japanese motif, displaying a “Think Globally, Act Locally” and economic development has proven to be yukata (Japanese summer kimono) and Mayor O’Grady gave an interesting and difficult for local governments in Japan Japanese traditional crafts. We enjoyed informative lecture to an audience of and the United States. the display, realizing that the staff had Upon arriving in a good time. It was a great opportunity Denver, we visited the as well for other NCSL staff, who may headquarters of the be interested in visiting Japan to National Conference understand our program. This visit has of State Legislatures also helped to strengthen the (NCSL). NCSL and relationship with NCSL. JLGC enjoy a long lasting and friendly working relationship. * NCSL has participated in our CLAIR Fellowship Program by sending staff to Japan, and JLGC participates in many of NCSL’s activities. Also during our visit, we met staff who had Ms. Judy Zelio, Program Director of NCSL, and a past participant of the CLAIR Fellowship Program, describing her visit to Japan. joined the CLAIR Japanese traditional crafts on display in the conference room

JLGC NewsLetter No. 61 • © 2007 Japan Local Government Center PAGE 3 A Japanese Exchange Trip: Experiencing Cultural Differences and Similarities Wendy Lee Parker / Assistant Executive Director for Risk Services, New Hampshire Local Government Center

GUEST COLUMN

Japanese cuisine. The next day it was Eco, for coexistence with a global sayonara Los Angeles! environment, and Ud for developing a Last fall, the National League of universal design. In the Panasonic world, it Cities selected Wendy Lee Parker, EMonday, November 6 is believed that the design of a house and Assistant Executive Director for Upon our evening arrival, we were the products it includes increase the quality Risk Services at New Hampshire escorted to a welcome reception and of life and minimize any environmental Local Government Center (LGC), dinner. The reception was for the United impact to the home’s surroundings. as one of nine individuals to States/Canada group plus other participate in the 2006 delegations traveling from Australia and EWednesday, November 8 Fellowship Exchange Program China. The reception’s presentations were On Wednesday, we flew about 750 with Japan that took place all spoken in each speaker’s native miles northwest to Matsue City, in the November 5-15. Sponsored by the language and then translated into Shimane Prefecture, where our group Council of Local Authorities for Japanese, English or Chinese, as spent the next few days meeting with local International Relations, the appropriate. The Chief Administrative government officials and experiencing a Fellowship Exchange Program is a Officer of Markham, Ontario, Canada, two-night stay with a host family. About Local Government International John Livey-the “senior” member of our 20 minutes into the flight, we were Exchange and Cooperation group-was assigned the responsibility for directed to look out of the windows to see Seminar that has afforded senior providing formal welcomes on behalf of a stunning view of Mt. Fuji, which executives from state, provincial our group at that reception and appeared as though you could reach out and local governments of the throughout the trip. The rest of us smiled and touch it. United States and Canada the and bowed quite a bit. Arriving in Shimane Prefecture, we opportunity to visit Japan and checked into a traditional ryokan or learn about Japanese public ETuesday, November 7 Japanese-style inn. They come in all sizes administration since 1993. Over Tuesday was spent touring Japan. and are found throughout Japan. A stay at 10 days, participants attend One of our first stops was the Diet, Japan’s a ryokan is highly recommended to all lectures, take part in workshops capital building. Construction of the Diet foreign visitors. It offers the opportunity and visit local government offices, began in 1920 and was not completed to experience Japanese-styled rooms with a where they are exposed to the until 1936. There are two, three-level tatami floor and low table. Before dinner, workings of Japanese government. chambers consisting of the House of we had an opportunity to enjoy a Japanese- The exchange visit also features a Representatives and a House of style bath, which is communal but, luckily, home stay with a local family, Councilors, plus a nine-story central gender separated. We were fortunate that which immerses each visitor in tower. The tower’s main entrance is only this particular bathing experience had the daily life and culture of made accessible for His Majesty, the water directly supplied from a hot spring. Japan. What follows is an Emperor, on the tower’s annual opening It was quite a unique experience! We then abbreviated firsthand account of day, as well as for state guests on official enjoyed a traditional Japanese dinner, the exchange program experience. visits and newly elected members on tasted some local sake and slept in convocation day of the first session traditional Japanese style using a futon following their election. All other times, spread out on the tatami floor. members enter the tower’s wings magine my excitement when I learned independently where there are attendance EThursday, November 9 that I was to be a 2006 National boards located. The central hall was On Thursday, our group visited I League of Cities Japan Fellow beautiful and reminded me of our nation’s the Shimane Institute for Industrial sponsored by the Japan Local Government capital. Its stained-glass ceiling and Technology where the Prefecture has done Center-an arm of Japan’s local windows had detailed murals representing a tremendous job of creating a business governments that works to share Japan and the four seasons. Everything incubator for small, high-tech companies information with state, county and city used to build the Diet, with the exception and a business park, providing land and officials in the United States and Canada. of its room keys and raw glass used to infrastructure for these companies. In My first thought was that I had a lot to design the windows, was made in Japan. addition to the meetings, we took a class in learn about a very different culture in six We then spent time at the Edo- classic wagashi candy making and also weeks! Off to the bookstore I went to Tokyo Museum and visited the Hama-rikyu toured Matsue City from a boat while purchase books about Japan’s culture, Gardens. These gardens were created in the traveling on the Horikowa River. The etiquette and a CD to learn some common Edo period and then almost fully destroyed boat dropped us near Matsue Castle. Japanese words and phrases. Before long, I in the Great Kanto earthquake and World While walking to it, we were able to visit was on my way to Tokyo for an experience War II. In 1946, they re-opened after the an original Samurai residence. Matsue of a lifetime. Planned activities included a Imperial Family presented them to the City Castle was breathtaking. The view from few days of learning about Japanese local of Tokyo. Modern skyscrapers surround the top was spectacular and included all of government practices in Tokyo and then a the traditional gardens that showcase a Matsue City, plus surrounding mountains visit to the Shimane Prefecture (State) and duck pond, a 300-year-old pine tree and and Lake Shinji-ko. City of Matsue. Nakajima-no-ochaya-a formal teahouse. We participated in a traditional tea ceremony EFriday, November 10 EFriday-Sunday, November 3-5 and were coached on the proper way to On Friday morning, we visited city My first scheduled stop took place drink the tea: turn the cup two-and-a-half officials from Matsue City where we on Friday, November 3, in Los Angeles times to the left before, and three times to exchanged gifts with the Mayor. The where I met the other CLAIR Fellows. We the right after, sipping. Our day of touring Japanese local government system has a gathered for a nine-course extravaganza ended with a trip to the Panasonic Center strong Mayor structure with no City dinner and a tour of Little Tokyo. This where their products were showcased. The Manager-type positions. The Mayor dinner gave us our first taste of traditional main exhibit was an Eco and Ud house- discussed recent challenges of merging

PAGE 4 JLGC NewsLetter No. 61 • © 2007 Japan Local Government Center several independent cities into Matsue took the time to prepare and deliver it in every day of the week. City and how they have tried to integrate my native language. Yuki and I set out for infrastructure services with the least another day of touring before she returned EFinal Reflections amount of disruption to residents of all old me to Matsue City. We saw a traditional As I reflect on my trip to Japan, cities and Matsue City. He said one of the Japanese model home, a local hot spring from a local government prospective, it main challenges was raising sewer rates in and visited Matsue Vogel Park where we was impressive to see how well government cities merged into Matsue City so they are viewed an extensive owl display and a large services are delivered. It appears that most comparable with the rates charged to collection of rare birds and flowers. We local municipal services-including roads, existing Matsue residents. arrived back at the hotel for our final transit, and public safety services-are We later toured the Rihaku sake goodbyes. Yuki presented me with a letter delivered efficiently and effectively. Japan’s factory. The company’s president that indicated her pleasure in being able to use of technology is also impressive along explained that sake purchases in Japan are host my visit. She indicated that there were with its dedication to creating new on the decline while about 20 percent of three happy things she will remember from technologies and sharing this information company sales are to the United States and my visit: I talked actively to her, my smile, with private sector business. This creation increasing annually. Our next stop was the and that I enjoyed myself. She hopes to of technology-based work opportunities is Adachi Museum of Art. Its stunning visit me in America and appreciated my especially critical for the Shimane traditional Japanese garden has been voted kindness and friendship. I felt the same Prefecture due to its rural location. Active the best of its kind in Japan four years way. Yuki and her family welcomed me into strategic plans are also important for running. The tour ended as we their home, shared their lives and helped keeping their young people within the participated in hands-on experiences of me understand the cultural differences and Prefecture. two of Japan’s traditional industries: similarities we have. This is an experience I Finally, I was struck by the weaving and indigo dying. will never forget. hospitality of the Japanese people in We then made our way back to the general and from my hosts at the Japanese hotel to be picked up by our host families. EMonday, November 13 Local Government Center, Shimane I was matched up with Yuki Mishiro and On Monday morning, our Prefecture and the City of Matsue. They her family (parents and grandmother). A exchange group met a final time with our were always friendly; even strangers in the Shimane Prefecture employee, Yuki is a hosts from Shimane Prefecture. We subway would stop and ask if you needed veterinarian who tests cows and pigs before discussed about 20 pre-submitted assistance when you looked lost or they are slaughtered for human questions in the three hours allocated for confused. One thing that takes getting used consumption. She has been working with our meeting. The Prefecture struggles with to is the Japanese do not have the same the Prefecture for six months and plans to an aging population and young people who “personal space” that we have in the United continue studies next year to expand her move away and do not return. It is States. They stand and sit closer to each skills and get a position in genetic studies. focusing on building upon its other and visitors than I felt comfortable Yuki’s family lives in a traditional Japanese technological roots (the founder of Sharp with from my cultural viewpoint. At first home in Izumo, about one hour from Electronics is from the area), agriculture, this can be interpreted as pushy, but you Matsue City; it has been in her family for fish production and cultural tourism. A soon learn that it is not the case. It is just a generations. Yuki, who spoke beginner challenge I found with these meetings was different cultural norm. English, used dictionaries and other their formality. Interaction was very Overall, the experience provided resources to communicate with me. She controlled and did not allow a lot of me with the opportunity to not only meet did an exceptional job and made me feel opportunity for the exchange of ideas. I new people but, to try new foods, very welcome. believe we all left Shimane Prefecture traditions and activities that were Upon arriving at Yuki’s home, I impressed with their hospitality and with a sometimes outside my comfort zone. I am was introduced to her entire family as we newly acquired appreciation for the very thankful for having had this sat down for a formal dinner of delicious challenges facing Japan’s local opportunity and look forward to sharing sukiyaki. governments-many of which are the same my experiences with others. challenges local governments face in New ESaturday, November 11 Hampshire and around the United States. The next morning we headed out for a day of sightseeing. I visited where ETuesday, November 14 Yuki worked, touched the Sea of Japan, Four of us hearty souls met in the lunched on tacoyaki (pastry with octopus, hotel lobby at 5 a.m. to take a taxi to the suction cups still attached), toured the Tokyo fish market. Our interpreter told us Hinomisaki lighthouse (160 steep steps in to be careful since the market is quite busy stocking feet) and visited the Izumo Taisha in the morning. This was an Shrine dedicated to the God of Happiness understatement! There were trucks, and Marriage. That evening, we dined out wagons, small vans, wheelbarrows and at a sushi fast-food restaurant. I tried just forklifts zooming around in the dark. The about everything but the raw horse. At the market is huge, and foreign pedestrians are end of the meal, the cashier added up the not given the right of way; in fact, several number of plates in front of each of us and times we had to jump out of the way to Wendy Lee Parker is Assistant calculated the bill accordingly. avoid being hit. From watching the rituals Executive Director for Risk of judging which tuna is going to be bid on Services at New Hampshire Local ESunday, November 12 and seeing which is hauled away to Government Center. She can be After breakfast on Sunday, I said viewing the wide variety of fresh fish reached by e-mailing goodbye to my host family. Yuki’s mother available for purchase in the market’s many [email protected] or by phone at prepared a thoughtful goodbye message for booths, it was more than your senses could 800.852.3358. me in English. It meant a lot to me that she take in and hard to believe this happens

JLGC RESEARCHER’S EYE

apan is changing. It is still the land households were headed by someone 65 region, 17 percent of the overall of hardy, aging farmers, legions of years or older. By 2005 this number had population is non-Japanese, but the Jmen and women packing into trains reached 17.7 percent. Rural areas closer situation is different in each ward. Some every day going to and from work, in to major cities are overtaken by new smaller cities also have relatively large stylishly rebellious youth hanging out development, while more remote areas populations, like Oizumi, Gunma downtown in their latest neon-lit struggle to maintain their economies, Prefecture, where 16 percent of the fashions, and kids on their way to school traditions and social fabric as their young population is non-Japanese. The entire with their uniforms and randoseru. But people move away for better, more country continues to wrestle with deep, the farmers are gradually dying off, and exciting prospects elsewhere. Older unresolved issues of cultural identity and their children have moved away to the downtowns in many areas are dying as practical accommodation that go to the cities for better jobs. There are fewer businesses move to new, more spacious heart of public policy. people in the age group that heads off to and car-friendly developments further Requests to CLAIR’s overseas work each morning - although you out. offices for research and support are couldn’t necessarily tell it from the These domestic changes mean driven by issues in Japan, and we at crowds. Young people are just as likely to fewer workers, less tax revenue coupled JLGC, New York are often asked for drive to the mall or go cruising, like their with more demand for health care and information on coping with various American counterparts. There are fewer long term care services, increased need aspects of demographic change. Topics children than ever, and school enrollment for costly infrastructure to service more we have worked on include: Universal is steadily declining. And, in one of the densely urban populations in and around design and accessibility for the elderly biggest changes, many more faces in the a few major cities, and pressure to give and handicapped; Partnerships, tax crowd belong to non-Japanese. more support to working families and increment financing and other innovative Many trends are converging, as the elderly and disabled. ways to provide infrastructure and they are around the developed world, to Japan has remained hesitant to services at lower cost to taxpayers; create a situation in which Japan must open itself to large numbers of new Revitalization strategies for areas in adapt to an aging and declining immigrants, as many other countries decline; Interpretation services for population that is increasingly urban (or have done to boost their populations. hospitals and other public services; And suburban) and increasingly dependent on Even though the number of foreigners roles played by non-citizens in the public social welfare programs for support. In living in Japan has been steadily sector. 2005 Japan’s population declined for the increasing for decades, as of 2005 the Faced with an aging, shrinking first time, down 0.02 percent from 2004 total number of legal foreign residents population, Japan is on the leading edge to a total of 127.76 million. Of these, 21 stood at 2.0115 million, or 1.57 percent of demographic changes occurring percent were 65 years of age or over. of the total population. (It is important, throughout the developed world. It is People in the 15 to 64 year old age group though, to remember that perhaps a always interesting and rewarding to be declined to 65.3 percent of the quarter of these are actually “zainichi” involved in efforts to cope with these population. This group peaked at 69.5 Koreans or Chinese, who may have been changes by helping to develop new percent in 1990 and has been dropping born and raised in Japan.) For strategies and policies for the Japanese. ever since. The marriage rate has comparison, Canada’s foreign-born We hope that, ultimately, Japan’s dropped markedly since the 1970s and population accounted for 18.4 percent of experience will prove useful to people the divorce rate has crept higher, with the total population in 2001 and around the world. far-reaching implications for household continues to rise steadily. In the US, the size and the overall social safety net. number is around 12 percent, legal and Japan’s fertility rate, at 1.25 percent, is illegal. Even in the EU, which is more well below replacement rate, and like Japan in consisting of countries not children 0 to 14 years of age account for traditionally built on immigration, the only 13.6 percent of the population. This overall percentage is 4.4 percent of total number declined fairly steadily over the population. Still, the concentration of 20th century as families had fewer recent immigrants in several major urban children and people started living longer. areas in Japan often strains services and In 1975, 3.3 percent of all goodwill. In the Tokyo metropolitan

PAGE 6 JLGC NewsLetter No. 61 • © 2007 Japan Local Government Center The New Hamamatsu City: Taking Advantage of Cultural and Ethnic Diversity Yoichi Takimoto / International Affairs Division, City of Hamamatsu (Former Assistant Director of JLGC)

CORRESPONDENCE FROM FORMER JLGC STAFF

y experience working at the home of world-famous companies. These proposals to the central government in Japan Local Government companies cover a wide range of various areas related to the “newcomer” MCenter in New York for two industries and provide a multitude of population including a support system years has proven to be an asset. When I working opportunities encouraging for Japanese language programs at lived in New York, I felt that the vitality immigrant “newcomers” to work in schools, a medical insurance system and and energy of the city came from its Hamamatsu. an overhaul of labor standards. cultural and ethnic diversity. Now, back Unfortunately, the government’s at home working and living in response to these efforts has been Hamamatsu city, I can truly appreciate extremely slow, and at present very little the importance of cultural and ethnic has changed. A few policies, however diversity. have recently been reexamined. Hamamatsu city is located The “newcomer” issue that between Tokyo and Osaka. Major Hamamatsu is facing will become a industries in Hamamatsu are car national issue in the near future. Foreign manufacturing, musical instruments, residents play important roles in our textiles and optical electronics. Hamamatsu Samba Festival community and in the economy of Hamamatsu has a population of Hamamatsu is pursuing many Hamamatsu. The diversity of about 820,000 including over 31,000 avenues to help foreigners adjust to living Hamamatsu residents creates a new and registered foreign residents. Hamamatsu in Japan including: providing unique culture. I believe that we can also has the largest population of information and counseling in foreign create a richer and better community Brazilians, over 19,000, in Japan. The languages, offering opportunities for through social cohesion number of registered foreign residents, Japanese language study, establishing based on the mutual especially from Latin America has classes to assist foreign children’s learning respect and increased rapidly. and promoting exchange events in areas understanding with high concentrations of foreigners. of different Hamamatsu city is not alone as other cultures and Japanese cities face similar problems. values. In 2001, Hamamatsu and other cities with a large “newcomer” population founded the Committee for Localities with a Concentrated Foreigner Population (CLCF). This committee which began with 13 members has now Japanese Language Class reached 22 members as of 1 Apr. 2007. Due to a labor shortage caused by The CLCF has recommended rapid economic expansion, the Japanese government amended the Immigration Changes in the Number of Registered Foreign Residents in Hamamatsu Control Act to allow Japanese Nationality 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 descendants to return home to work intending to alleviate the labor shortage Brazil 1,457 5,920 10,086 12,111 18,548 using temporary workers. However, these Philippines 470 794 912 1,780 2,460 foreigners have settled down, and their Korea (N. & S.) 2,040 2,001 1,720 1,585 1,701 families have come to join them as well. This gap between the government's China 284 568 1,028 1,322 2,474 expectations and reality has caused Peru 17 639 827 1,382 2,226 problems for foreign residents and local Others 480 939 1,459 2,215 3,363 communities. Japanese systems and laws, especially in the field of labor, health Total 4,748 10,861 16,032 20,395 30,772 insurance and education, do not address Total Pop. 533,516 561,074 577,174 593,899 817,548 the needs of foreign residents. Foreign Pop. % 0.89 1.94 2.78 3.43 3.76 Hamamatsu is renowned as the Current as of 1 April 2006

DESIGNATED CITY

t can be said that the city of contains beautiful European style accoutrements such as delicious local Kitakyushu stands at the crossroads buildings with distinctive architectural cuisine, nostalgic exotic streetscapes and Iwhere past meets future. Located at features such as the Mojiko Station, a historical and cultural wonders. the northern point of Kyushu Island, national historic landmark that is still in Kitakyushu is midway between Tokyo operation. Another unique building is and Shanghai. Kitakyushu features a the Old Moji Mitsui Club which served long variegated coast line and a rich and accommodated travelers and visitors natural environment. Approximately including Doctor and Mrs. Albert four hundred years ago, the geographic Einstein. The deep port of Moji which area that was to become Kitakyushu City opened in 1889 handles incoming and prospered benefiting from good land use outgoing shipping traffic. and proximity to the sea. It became the Kokura Castle is known for the center of government and commercial magnificent cherry trees that surround it. Tanga Fish Market activity on Kyushu Island. In 1901, the The Matsumoto Seicho Memorial Surrounded on three sides by first government operated steel works Museum named for Seicho Matsumoto a water, Kitakyushu is blessed with an facility, Yawata Iron and Steel Works renowned author of crime novels is abundance of fresh seafood. Tourists can (now Nippon Steel Corporation, a located in the Kokura area. Also tourists enjoy blowfish and other seasonal private entity) was built in Japan can enjoy a wide variety of shops and varieties of marine life. The mountains providing impetus for industrial lodging available there. are covered with lush forests and wild development in the area. The Yahata Higashida area is the animals. A cable car ride at sunset to the home of Space World, the world’s first top of the mountain yields a spectacular space theme park offering numerous view of the lights below. attractions, museums and activities for It is easy and fun traveling in adults and children. Adjacent to the park Kitakyushu, an international city with are the Museum of National History and guides and brochures available in Human History, and the Environmental English. Kitakyushu can provide you Museum where Kitakyushu’s success in with many opportunities so come and see overcoming pollution can be viewed and for yourself what Kitakyushu has to offer. studied. The Kitakyushu Innovation Please visit the Kitakyushu Web Kokura Castle and Summer Festival Gallery and Studio which opened April site for tourist information: Today, Kitakyushu serves as a 2007, supports and showcases creative www.kcta.or.jp gateway to Asia and a strong and innovations using new technologies. important industrial base for Japan. In Kitakyushu continues to develop 2006, the Kitakyushu Airport was highly advanced technologies such as constructed and in a short time was robotics and service industries that operational with international flights to include efficient distribution of Shanghai, Guangzhou and Vladivostok. automobile parts and tourism. It is still Domestic routes include Okinawa actively involved in recycling and prefecture and fifteen daily flights to reducing the waste stream, an initiative Tokyo. that began in 1997 with a project called Modern Kitakyushu is comprised “Kitakyushu’s Eco-Town”. Generally of three distinct areas; the Mojiko area, thought of as an industrial city, the Castle Town Kokura area and the Kitakyushu prides itself as a service Yahata Higashida area. The Mojiko area oriented metropolis that has all the

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