［June 2022］
Our New Executive Director HIRAKI Manya

I am very honoured to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR Sydney). CLAIR Sydney has been committed to developing and strengthening the friendly relations between local governments in Japan and Australia/New Zealand for over 27 years. In this, CLAIR Sydney promotes sister city relationships and supports economic ties between Japan and Australia/New Zealand. Another important mission for us is to support all former and future Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme participants in Australia and New Zealand. CLAIR Sydney and I thank you for your ongoing support.

Much like the rest of the world, physical interactions and exchange between Japan and Australia/New Zealand had been restricted over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the three countries have been gradually relaxing their restrictions, I anticipate that the interactions between Japan and Australia/New Zealand will gain momentum and steadily make up for lost time. CLAIR Sydney will continue to support and facilitate the further development of partnerships between Australia/New Zealand and Japan, and I will make all efforts to accomplish this goal.

On a personal note, I joined the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) approximately 20 years ago and have experience in working in all three levels of government in Japan. I have studied and experienced the working and functionality of prefectural and municipal governments in Japan, and have worked in promoting population decentralisation and revitalisation of regional areas. Japan is an ageing society with a declining birthrate. I believe the overall reinvigoration of Japan will eventuate through the revitalisation of individual region areas across Japan.

My recent career is as follows:
5/2021-3/2022 Director of the Policy Division, Agency for Cultural Affairs
4/2018-4/2021 Director General of General Affairs, General Affairs Department, Kagoshima Prefectural Government
7/2016-3/2018 Senior Deputy Director of Regional Policy Department, MIC

This is my first time living overseas. During my time here, I would like to experience Australian and New Zealand cultures, the warm hospitality, delicious food, passionate spectator sports, lovely sceneries, magnificent nature etc., in the two countries. I came to Sydney with my wife and child. My child likes to go to zoos and aquariums and watch sports. During our time in Australia we would like to visit various zoos and aquariums, such as Sea Life Sydney Aquarium in Sydney and Australia Zoo in Queensland, and visit Melbourne to watch the Australian Open live.

I am delighted to work with you here and looking forward to seeing you soon.

HIRAKI Manya