Yasuhiko Tanabe
Director of CLAIR Sydney
(July 2012-July 2015)
From Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
My term of office as the Director of the Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR, Sydney) will sadly come to an end soon and I will go back to Japan on 24 July for my new assignment. (actually yet to be assigned!)
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you for the kind support and warm friendship extended to me and CLAIR Sydney during my three year tenure. Mr Katsunori Kamibo is coming on 17 July and will replace me as the Director. I ask you for your ongoing support for him and his team.
It was my pleasure to have the chance to meet and work with people dedicated to developing their local community and fostering friendships with Japan.
With my background of local government for many years, it was interesting to find differences in the structure and operation of local government between Japan, Australia and New Zealand, but what I have learned most is the common challenges local government face, such as financial sustainability, regional cooperation and revitalising rural areas.
It is my great honour if you have learned something new through my presentations about Japanese local government and reconstructing communities after the Tsunami.
Working with the JETAA family and the sister city family has provided me with a volunteering spirit. After I settle back home, I would like to be voluntarily involved with the 30th anniversary project of the JET programme next year and sister city activities of where I will live.
I take with me a lot of unforgettable memories of living in Sydney and travelling around Australia and New Zealand with my wife. We have always been surrounded with beautiful nature, fantastic food and wine and above all warm and friendly people.
I hope the relationship between Japan and Australia/New Zealand will continue to stay strong well into the future.
I hope we can catch up soon in Japan.
All the best,
Yasuhiko Tanabe
For past columns by Mr. Tanabe, please visit:
https://www.jlgc.org.au/about-japan/from-the-director/
For past presentations by Mr. Tanabe, please visit:
https://www.jlgc.org.au/about-japan/1110-2/