~Share your experience with Japanese local governments~
We are offering eligible participants the opportunity to visit Japan in order to promote a better understanding of Japanese local governments and culture. The Local Government Exchange and Cooperation Seminar aims to bring together people from Japan, Australia and New Zealand who are working at local governments and related organisations by exchanging information regarding current issues of local governments. In addition, the seminar provides the participants the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture by visiting several facilities and staying with Japanese families. Since its establishment in 1997, about 170 executives from Australia and New Zealand have participated in this programme.
Last year’s participants
Local Government Exchange and Cooperation Seminar 2014 includes:
- Seminars on Japanese Local Government in Tokyo and Sakaide City (this year’s host local government)
- Tour of national/local government facilities and cultural sites
- Home-stay with Japanese families
- Feedback/Discussion
Schedule:
The seminar will be held from Sunday 16 to Wednesday 26 November 2014.
Eligible Participants:
- Applicants must be local government executives or executives involved in the promotion of local area international exchange and cooperation.
- In addition, applicants from national organisations, research institutes, or other related organisations may be eligible to participant, providing their backgrounds are related to the theme of the Seminar.
- Up to 6 participants will be accepted from the following countries through CLAIR Sydney: Australia and New Zealand.
Expenses:
- Expenses incurred for the Seminar registration and materials will be borne by CLAIR.
- Any expenses prior to arrival in Japan and after departing from Japan shall be borne by participants.
- Expenses incurred during the Seminar period in Japan will be borne by CLAIR
The Seminar’s Theme:
-Making the best use of regional characteristics-
Manufacturing Industry and Agricultural products, Human resources development and Community development.
Sakaide City (Host local government)
Sakaide City is located approximately in the centre of Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku in Japan.
The city prospered from the salt industry many years ago. After World WarⅡ, the city has been developed as an industrial port city. In addition, the city plays an important role of transportation thanks to opening Seto-ohashi Bridge, which connects Honshu Island, the main island of Japan, and Shikoku Island. Furthermore there are great local agricultural products to eat and many beautiful sights to see.
Seto-Ohashi Bridge
Sanuki-Udon
From left: Kintoki-Imo, Kintoki-Ninjin,
Kintoki Mikan
Major Efforts and Problems
- Industrial development
They are trying to attract business by issuing grants.
A lot of wheat flour is brought from Australia to Sakaide.
Some factories in the city produce Sanuki-Udon which is made from Australian wheat flour. Sanuki-Udon is one of the most popular noodles in Japan.
They are also trying to promote their agricultural products such as Kintoki-Imo (sweet potato), Kintoki-Ninjin (carrot) and Kintoki-Mikan (mandarin orange)
- Problems as population is decreasing
The city has been developed based on heavy industry and agriculture. But they also have problems with the decreasing population as many other rural Japanese local governments. They especially have a big problem with education in island areas. They are trying to attract young people who live and work in the city to solve the problem.
- Efforts to become a more popular place
They are trying to increase domestic and overseas visitors by making the best use of their most popular food such as Sanuki-udon and sights such as Seto-ohashi Bridge, the Shikou Pilgrimage known for the 88 temple circuit and cultural heritage.
For more information about Sakaide City, please visit: http://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.sakaide.lg.jp%2F
Application:
- To apply, please fill in the Form and send it to mailbox@jlgc.org.au by Friday 1 August 2014.
- For more details of the seminar, please refer to the Outline.
- Please note that there is a limit to the number of participants (6), the outcome of your application will be made available to you by the end of August 2014.
- If you have any questions about the Seminar, don’t hesitate to contact us at mailbox@jlgc.org.au or 02 9241 5033.
The Executives of Sakaide city government are looking forward to meeting you, hearing your advice and discussing how they should develop the city with you.
