Greetings from the New Executive Director of JLGC

Home , Shinji Hirai, Tottori Prefecture

ISSUE NO. 58• SUMMER 2006 [JLGC UPDATE] Greetings from the new Executive Director of JLGC...... 1 [SPECIAL FEATURE] Municipal Mergers in Japan ...... 2 [PREFECTURE TODAY] The Tokyo You Have Never Seen...... 4 [JETAA ACTIVITIES] My JET Experience, Now and Then ...... 5 [JLGC UPDATES] Building Prosperity Together: The 69th Annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference ... 6 [JLGC UPDATES] Mayors Meet in Las Vegas for a Spectacular Conference ...... 7 [CORRESPONDENT FROM FORMER JLGC MEMBER] Accomplishments of our Local Government Officials Training Program.... 8

J APAN L OCAL G OVERNMENT C ENTER ( CLAIR, NEW Y ORK) Greetings from the new Executive Director of JLGC Shinji Hirai / Executive Director

CLAIR UPDATE

Now, we are welcoming the I formerly served as vice- 20th year of the JET Programme that governor of Tottori Prefecture, until began in 1987, and we have just March, 2005, striving to carry out celebrated the 50th anniversary of the drastic reforms. To be honest, I am first U.S.-Japan Sister City agreement. really looking forward to having the Over the last 19 years, approximately chance to witness what is going on in 44,000 JET participants, 20,000 of the U.S. and Canada at all levels of which were from the U.S. and 6,500 government as well as, contributing to from Canada, have lived and worked in the building of a “glorious bridge of Japan. The enormous success of the mutual understanding and close JET Programme is certainly due to the friendship” across the Pacific Ocean ceaseless contributions of its among the U.S, Canada and Japan. participants and alumni, and the In closing, I should be most generous support of all the parties grateful for your continuing support of concerned. Meanwhile, the number of JLGC toward the accomplishment of U.S.-Japan and Canada-Japan Sister our mission. I look forward to working City, Sister State and Sister Province with you. relationships has risen to as many as With my best regards, t is a great honor for me to salute 504. the devoted readers of the “JLGC These days, Japanese local Shinji Hirai INewsletter”. I took over as governments are charting an uncertain executive director of the Japan Local future, full of financial difficulties, not Government Center (JLGC) here in to mention a major structural reform New York on June 21. Taking this of government and society. I believe opportunity, I should like to extend my that there are no national borders that appreciation to you for your deep separate countries when it comes to Masthead: commitment to JLGC and your establishing effective and efficient The Asagao, invaluable co-operation in management of state, prefecture, or Morning Glory, is one of the most strengthening Japan’s grass-roots ties provincial and local governments popular summer flowers in Japan. with the United States and Canada. At contributing to the maximum It opens in the morning and closes the same time, I want to thank Mr. happiness of their citizens. Even in late afternoon. In the language of Naofumi Hida, my predecessor, for his though each of our countries has a flowers, it signifies short-lived love. unlimited efforts during his tenure different government system, each these past four years. I hope to be able pursues essentially the same goals: to build upon his accomplishments. providing welfare, education, Indeed, thanks to the unstinting efforts community development, economic of all of you, and of my predecessors growth, public safety, health and so on. and our staff, JLGC has gained an Indeed, we can share our wisdom and outstanding reputation throughout the our experience for a prosperous future United States and Canada. across borders.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Changes in the number of cities, towns and villages (Fig. 1) suburban sprawl by having jurisdiction over larger areas. Finally, with the severe financial constraints facing the national, prefecture and local governments, there is a need to streamline government operations to be as cost-effective as possible. In April 2005, therefore, Japan’s national government passed a law to here has been a history in Japan human resources if they are going to be encourage municipalities to merge (see, of the consolidation of effective in delivering the services their Figure 2 for a description of the number Tgovernmental units. Since the residents need. In addition to that of municipal mergers since 1999). This Meiji Restoration that occurred in 1868 clarity, all governments are facing a was known as The Law for Exceptional there have been two such moments of declining birth-rate and aging Measures in Municipal Mergers.Itwas municipal consolidation (see, Figure 1). population trend in Japan. This trend designed to sunset after a period of five The first, known as The Great Merger of will require local governments to have years. That, together with the available Meiji, took place in 1889. At that time, the ability to maximise the efficiency financial subsidies, of course, was to a more modern local government was with which they will provide services to give municipalities an incentive to established and so, individually, the elderly in the future. It is important, merge. municipalities need to be able to cope also, to have municipalities respond to Under the law, the Ministry of with many new responsibilities. The second, known as The Great Merger of The Progress of Municipal Mergers in Japan (Fig. 2) Showa, took place from 1953-6. Again, these mergers were in response to a further increase in the responsibilities of local governments. Now, we are entering a third consolidation, which is tentatively known as The Great Merger of Heisei. The reasons for the current wave of merger activity are more complicated than in the previous two. Nevertheless, the overriding impetus today for merging municipalities is the promotion of ‘decentralisation’. In recent years, the national government has wished to place more and more authority for government administration at the local level. So, local governments need a much greater level of certainty to operate, in terms of legal authority, in terms of financial means and in terms of

PAGE 2 JLGC NewsLetter No. 58 • © 2006 Japan Local Government Center Internal Affairs and Communications consultations with each other about the and Communications involves the was asked to develop a policy for desire to combine their municipalities. municipalities, the relevant prefecture, encouraging the merger of municipal Then, the merger is decided by a vote of the citizens affected and the staff of the governments. The relevant the prefecture assembly. Ministry. There is ample time for municipalities apply for a merger to the The procedure that has been set discussion both for and against the idea prefecture after they have engaged in out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of merging (see, Figure 3).

Measures for Promotion of the Municipal Mergers (Fig. 3)

PREFECTURE TODAY

s everyone knows, Tokyo is E“Harajuku & Omotesando” and the Tokyo Convention & the center of Japanese —— Tokyo’s Fashion District Visitors Bureau organized “Tokyo A government, commerce, and Harajuku and Omotesando are the Festa” in February, 2006, in the culture, as well as being the place to refined shopping areas just off and Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central go to for the latest and most advanced behind Shibuya. You should explore Terminal in New York City. It was a technological gadgets. Tokyo is a Omotesando Hills, the latest hip festive exhibition bridging the sophisticated and cosmopolitan urban complex which opened in February. Tokyos of yesterday and today. The city that is evolving continuously. You Omotesando Hills is home to more many New Yorkers visiting “Tokyo can enjoy traditional Japanese sumo than 90 chic stores and trendy Festa” enjoyed viewing old Tokyo’s wrestling and kabuki theater, as well restaurants, and is always crowded huge Japanese style bridge, a as the pop arts of anime and cutting- with fashionable people. The 80-year calligraphy performance, thunderous edge fashion. But there is another old Dojunkai Aoyama Apartments Taiko drums, and the traditional fun “wild” Tokyo: You can experience the stood at this site, and was the oldest and games from days of old, when healing effects of nature in the apartment building in Japan and a Tokyo was known as Edo. They also mountains of the Tama Region, the symbol of the Omotesando area. A enjoyed new Tokyo by watching beautiful scenery of the Izu Islands, part of this apartment building has anime hits presented on a big screen. and the breathtaking Ogasawara been restored, preserving a Tokyo will hold another public event Island. Discover all of Tokyo’s connection to the history of the area. again on October 27and 28 of 2006 attractions and experience its 7For more information please visit in New York City. wonderful hospitality. http://www.omotesandohills.com/eng /index.html E“Asakusa” —— Conveying Old Edo Flavor to the Present Day ETokyo Marathon 2007 Asakusa has developed as a Monzen- On February 18, cho, or temple town, for about 400 Tokyo will host years. Senso-ji Temple originated in “Tokyo Marathon 628 A.D. and is the oldest and most 2007”. Similar to the 7For more information: impressive temple in Tokyo. Nearby, New York City and http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/in Kappabashi Street has been famous London marathons, dex.htm for more than 90 years for its the Tokyo Marathon Tokyo Metropolitan Government wholesale stores selling wax will attract enthusiastic amateur http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/en imitation food, restaurant equipment local runners and world-class glish/index.html and kitchenware. A major lure of professional athletes from around The Tourism Division, Bureau of Asakusa for tourists is the rows of the world. Runners will start from Industrial and Labor Affairs, Tokyo houses along streets full of old-time the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Metropolitan Government downtown atmosphere. The annual building in Shinjuku and pass http://www.tcvb.or.jp/en/index_en.htm Sanja Matsuri in May is one of famous tourist attractions such as Tokyo Convention & Tokyo’s most gorgeous and vibrant the Imperial Palace, the Tokyo Visitors Bureau events. You can see more than 100 Tower, Ginza and Asakusa, before Mikoshi, beautiful portable shrines, finishing at Rinkai Waterfront City. floating on the streets of Asakusa. Applications for the Tokyo Big Marathon 2007 should be submitted by August 18, 2006. Please check the following Web site: http://www.tokyo42195.org/index_e.html

E“Tokyo Festa” —— Tokyo City Promotion in New York Tokyo Metropolitan Government

JETAA ACTIVITIES

ytimeontheJETProgram their respective Japanese hometown most famous alumni, Mr. Anthony (1999-2000) remains a on JET and post-JET, as a tourist Bianchi, the first North American M precious turning point in destinations. We can tell our friends elected city council member in Japan, my life, and my own personal ties to and family the wonders of Japan, who was in New York to a part of his the Program remain strong. The through the unique lens of living in hometown’s annual Brooklyn Botanic people of Seihi-cho, welcomed me to Japan as JET participants. Garden’s Sakura Matsuri. their town and gave me the privilege to assist with their English language This is a banner year for JET instruction in their junior high school both on an international and but moreover, to partake in their daily immediate local level. The Program life, and sample a flavor of their celebrates its 20th year anniversary and prefecture’s uniqueness through the the JET Alumni Association of New introduction of such food delicacies as York (JETAANY), was conferred the castella, and champon influenced by title “Special Representative for the the Portuguese and Chinese Visit Japan Campaign” by the Designation Ceremony, May 2006 respectively, and a course that stands Government of Japan, the first out as a true welding of cultures, organization to be awarded this. Under I think the Program was really shippoku (meaning “dinner table” in Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, the onto something when they said Chinese), a mixed dish made of Japanese government has set to double “exchange.” Our work on the ground, Japanese, Chinese and Western origin. the number of foreign tourists visiting in the classroom, in our villages, Japan each year, to ten million by towns, or cities touches many lives. 2010. The JET program welcomed us Upon our return to the United States, to Japan and now JETAANY is happy we have the opportunity to be a kind to help welcome Japan to our friends, of cultural “buzz” agent and promote family, co-workers, and the many other Japan, the JET Program, and the people that we communicate with distinctive charm of what we called through the JET alumni association. If home for at least one year. In keeping every JET alumni can convince one with JETAANY’s mission in person to visit Japan, that would promoting Japanese culture and Farwell party hosted by Seihi-cho high school teachers, translate to 44,000 new visitors! understanding, this new partnership June 2000 with the government through the Seihi-cho is not foreign to JETAANY’s designation Japan National Tourist Organization international and cultural experience; ceremony was held at the official enhances JETAANY’s role as it has long enjoyed ties to Dutch residence of Mr. Motoatsu Sakurai, grassroots cultural ambassadors. This culture. My family and friends were Ambassador of the Consulate General in turn will help the organization amused to learn that when I would of Japan in New York on May 2, further build upon its resources in walk to one corridor of the junior 2006. In true JET fashion, the event developing a deeper understanding of high school I worked at and look out brought together people from both Japan. of the window, I would see, as one Japan and the United States. Guests would expect in suburban Japan, a included alumni from the tri-state In constant search of this traditional home adorned with area, government officials, media and deeper understanding, we at JET intricate roof tile but at the opposite tourism industry professionals. continue to stay involved with Japan end of the school, I saw a grand wind Notably, there were two distinguished through our volunteer and mill tunnel and bright yellow tulips, guests from Japan. Mr. Ryuhei professional activities. Our new as if I had been transported to Maeda, whom on behalf of, Mr. collaboration with the Visit Japan Holland’s countryside. Through Kosuke Shibata, Deputy Vice Campaign is an exciting endeavor and tailored person-to-person marketing Minister of Tourism Policy, awarded we will strive to be an outstanding messages, JET alumni have the JETAANY a plaque in recognition of model for the other JETAA opportunity to endorse Japan and this special honor and one of JET’s international chapters to follow.

JLGC NewsLetter No. 58 • © 2006 Japan Local Government Center PAGE 5 Building Prosperity Together: The 69th Annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference Matthew Gillam / JLGC Senior Researcher

JLGC UPDATES

he beautiful and historic city of include the needs of local governments to go back to pleading with their Montreal played host to the in meeting obligations (primary & provincial overseers for more funding T 69th Annual FCM Conference secondary education, social welfare, and support, feeling that relationship and Municipal Expo, running from June etc.) to their residents. With multi- has seldom yielded the desired results, 2ndtothe5th.Thisyear’sconference billion dollar federal surpluses over the since, ironically, provincial governments was significant because it was the first last few years, Ottawa has been depicted seem to have an easier time ignoring or time that the new Prime Minister, as recovering spectacularly from the rejecting the demands of their Steven Harper, was able to address the fiscal problems of the 1990s at the subordinate municipalities. Now that assembled municipal leaders and appeal expense of lower orders of government, appeals to Ottawa have started to pay for support for his policies, and it who suffered from downloading and off (literally), local leaders at the signaled the beginning of a new chapter constrained revenue sources. With conference were focused on capitalizing for FCM in its dealings with the federal Ontario in the lead, provincial premiers on their strength in numbers as FCM government. have been asking for more money from members in order to extract further aid the federal government to help them from the federal government. meet their obligations. But to Other popular topics this year complicate matters, because some of this included pollution and environmental money would probably come from policy, and how to implement “green” changes to the equalization program solutions at all levels of government, there is also widespread disagreement along with the related topic of funding among the provinces about how to for more public transit. The ongoing achieve any increase. divide between the large cities and Municipal governments, both smaller communities was a recurring big cities and smaller rural theme in comments from participants, communities, have taken up the fiscal with smaller communities feeling that The former Liberal governments, imbalance argument and are demanding their interests are overlooked or especially the last led by Paul Martin, more flexible and lucrative revenue sacrificed in the effort by their more came to agreement with FCM that the sources, like a permanent share of the influential big city colleagues to wrest federal government should recognize federal gasoline tax, in order to pay for concessions from the federal and - as far as constitutionally possible the physical and social infrastructure for government out of the limited resources and with the agreement of the provinces which they are responsible. They also available. - directly support municipal and see their best hope of increased funding regional government. Mr. Harper has as coming from the federal government, held to his Conservative Party’s position with its ongoing surpluses, rather than that the Canadian Constitution gives the provincial governments that would control of local government to the have to raise taxes to cover the extra provinces, with no direct federal role in spending. their affairs. He has shown indications, The Prime Minister promised to however, since his election, that he has maintain some Liberal initiatives, like somewhat modified his strict views and the temporary gas tax transfer to is willing to expend political capital to municipal governments, and he gain the support of the major cities and promised to consult with the cities on their large populations that have issues of national importance, like Montreal was a beautiful and traditionally not supported his party. immigration and public safety. It is not gracious host for this year’s conference, The main topic of this year’s clear in the long run, though, how he with generous helpings of the great gathering was the much-discussed will reconcile the Conservative goal of food, enchanting music and dazzling “fiscal imbalance” that has been greater autonomy for the provinces circus performances for which the city is dominating the Canadian news for within a more decentralized federal famous. Next year’s 70th annual months now. This term originally system with the demands of municipal conference will be held in Calgary, and applied to the disparity between revenue leaders and citizens that the federal thepressureisontomatch,ifnot available to the provinces and their government consult with and support surpass, the level of meaningful constitutional obligations (i.e. post- local governments more directly. discussion, productive working sessions, secondary education, health care, etc.), All evidence indicates that and pleasant after-hours festivities of but that has recently been expanded to municipal governments are not willing this year’s conference.

JLGC UPDATES

he United States Conference of Two more notable speakers were Mayors (USCM) held its 74th the Governor of New Mexico, Bill Tannual conference in the fabled Richardson, and the U.S. Secretary of city of Las Vegas, Nevada, from 2nd Transportation, Norman Mineta. June to 6th June. With over 300 mayors Governor Richardson spoke to the in attendance, and with Mayor Oscar mayors about energy policies and how Goodman as host, the conference the United States has to lessen its offered the mayors full days of hard reliance on foreign oil (the Governor work and some well-earned night-time Mr. Hirai, New Executive Director, had been U.S. Secretary of Energy in the and Mr. Hida, Director, of JLGC, with Michael Guido, Clinton Administration). He spoke also relaxation enjoying the sights and Mayor of Dearborn, MI, Incoming President of USCM sounds of Las Vegas. about immigration. This for him was a At the plenary and luncheon very real issue since his state was a sessions, we were treated to some fine border state with Mexico. He talked speeches by a variety of national and about poverty and finally about the international figures. The Mayor of threat to the world of Iran as a nuclear Beijing, China, who is also the president power (the Governor was also the U.S. of the China Association of Mayors, Ambassador to the United Nations in spoke about the slow but developing the Clinton Administration). quality of life in China’s capital city. He Beverly O'Neill, Mayor of Long Beach, CA, Outgoing was proud of the fact that in Beijing the President of USCM, Addressing the Conference Participants per capita income was equivalent to that As usual, the conference of Americans in 1974! He tempered his followed a format that mixed standing enthusiasm, however, with the committees, task forces and workshops, recognition that between Beijing and together with general sessions. The the rest of the country there was an range of subjects covered was wide. enormous gap in wealth creation. Then, Community policing, homelessness, at the annual luncheon celebrating the city beautification, health, poverty and city livability awards, U.S. Senator John work opportunities, energy and the McCain addressed the mayors on a few environment and exploited children key subjects. (Incidentally, the city A Plenary Session at the Conference were just some of the topics that the livability awards are an opportunity to mayors addressed in various formats. reward the leadership of those mayors Of course, the mayors had a The international quality of the meeting who have made an attempt to make chance to relax and enjoy the enormous was highlighted by a well-attended their cities that much more livable.) The variety of entertainment Las Vegas has meeting of the International main thrust of Senator McCain’s talk to offer. This included a unique Committee. At that meeting, Mr. was about two subjects that have opportunity to see the famous French- Naofumi Hida, JLGC’s director, gave a captured the public’s imagination; Canadian troupe Cirque du Soleil in a short speech complimenting the work of immigration and the war in Iraq. brand new production celebrating the USCM and the very warm relationship life and art of the Beatles.Theywere JLGC has with American and Canadian able to taste a sampling of the various mayors. He introduced the new acts that were being presented currently executive director, Mr. Shinji Hirai, and in Las Vegas and enjoyed an evening at two of our senior officials from CLAIR the heart of the ‘old’ Las Vegas, Fremont (Tokyo): Shinichi Ohno, Senior Street, with its tremendous light show. Managing Director, and Yoshitaka In all, the conference allowed JLGC to Hada, Manager of the International strengthen its strong ties to the United Information Division. The U.S. State States Conference of Mayors, make

Department was represented by the Mr. Hirai and Mr. Hida with US Secretary of Transportation, many new friends among the mayors director of Intergovernmental Affairs. Norman Mineta and renew old friendships.

CORRESPONDENT FROM FORMER JLGC MEMBER

ina-san konnichiwa! My interactions with their Japanese Dongdaemun is especially famous for name is Tamaki Yoshida; coworkers cannot be understated. its pojangmacha, sit-down street food M I’m a former member of the The LGOTP offers not only our vendors serving traditional Korean New York Japan Local Government trainees but also our municipal staff food and drinks. My travel Center (JLGC) where I worked until an invaluable lesson in companions, myself in particular, this past year. I am now back in Japan internationalization. stuffed ourselves full that night. and back in my office at the City of Having hosted trainees from The next morning, and on very Yokosuka International Relations Korea six times, my colleagues and I little sleep, we visited to the Seoul Division. decided to deepen our relationship Grand Park Zoo where Jung Sang Yun, At the JLGC, I was in charge of with the country itself by traveling to Yokosuka’s trainee from last year, is the Local Government Officials Seoul for three days and two nights in employed. In spite of having slept Training Program (LGOTP) and often April. In Seoul, we reunited with very little, Yun-san was very alert tried, unsuccessfully, to recruit former trainees and learned about our when he picked us up at the subway trainees from several cities in the U.S. neighboring country. station. He guided us around the park I recall the words of my coworker and showed us the flamingo, dolphin, Stephen V. Fasano, who explained the and sea lion shows which now difficulty for American city officials to incorporate ideas and skills learned leave their taxpayers for six months to during his training in Japan’s zoos and train overseas. Having returned to my aquariums last year. hometown and my work with the City If you visit Korea, please stop of Yokosuka, I am now again in charge by the Seoul Grand Park Zoo and of the LGOTP through which we enjoy the animal shows. Not only is currently host a trainee from the pojangmacha the park itself worth the trip, the People’s Republic of China. Having shows are also an excellent example of been unable to recruit U.S. trainees in We headed out to Haneda the LGOTP’s success in uniting the past, I never imagined that I International Airport after work; Japanese and Korean culture. would be involved in the program compared to Narita, the main from my post in Japan. I can’t help international airport serving the but wonder if the LGOTP and I are Tokyo area, Haneda is located very connected by some kind of invisible close to Yokosuka. We landed at the power. Seoul Gimpo International Airport and reached our hotel by 11:00 p.m. where two former trainees, accompanied by another Korean

friend were awaiting our arrival. They Dolphin show brought us to Dongdaemun, an absolutely exciting area in Seoul’s PS. A bit of news from Washington downtown which never goes to sleep! D.C., Strader Payton, Yokosuka’s Even in the middle of the night, there former Graduate Student Intern has are so many young people shopping, just landed a position working with Making a courtesy call on director of Seoul Grand Park Zoo eating and drinking that you easily the New York office of Tokyo T.V. Yokosuka has hosted trainees forget that it is not daytime. Congratulations Payton-san! through the program since 1996. To date, we have welcomed nine participants from Vietnam, Thailand, Published by JAPAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT CENTER Korea and China. These trainees visit 666 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10103-0072 our city to learn Japan’s local Tel: 212-246-5542 • Fax: 212-246-5617 • E-mail: [email protected] • http://www.jlgc.org government systems, but the lessons All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission. Printed in USA learned through their daily