Publications

Compact and Connected Cities; Smart Growth in Kumamoto

‘Targeting emerging markets in East Asia and sustainable downtown redevelopment’

7 – 14 October 2014

The Japan Study Tour is an annual programme which aims to promote mutual understating between Japan and European local authorities. JLGC invites applicants from senior level staff of UK/Northern European local government to join this seven day tour to look at the current situation and issues related to Japan’s cities and regions.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FRIDAY 1 AUGUST

This year’s study tour is in collaboration with Kumamoto City in Kumamoto Prefecture – located in the centre of Kyushu, the southernmost island of Japan’s major islands – and provides a great opportunity to learn about the new strategies for economic growth and downtown redevelopment initiatives which have been ignited by the newly opened high speed Shinkansen bullet train line as well as the attainment of special municipal status in 2012.

Tentative schedule from Kumamoto City Government (8 and 9 Oct schedule in Tokyo will be decided by CLAIR Tokyo HQ)

9 Oct – Late arrival at Kumamoto Airport

10 Oct – Courtesy visit to the Mayor of Kumamoto’s Office, Kumamoto City Hall tour, tourof Kumamoto International Exchange Hall, lecture in line with the theme in the Kumamoto context, Inspection of the regeneration around JR Kumamoto station (high speed line), Evening networking reception in Kumamoto with City Hall staff

11 Oct – Lecture on regeneration in Kumamoto, Tour of Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Temple Gardens, Castle environs

12 Oct – Cultural classes at the International Hall, Opinion Exchange and Q&A with Kummamoto City staff, pre departure reception hosted by CLAIR

For more information please call 020 7839 8500, or to request the application pack send an email, marked “JST 2014 Kumamoto” to mailbox@jlgc.org.uk.

The tour aims to foster a deeper understanding of Japan, its system of local government, and encourage the exchange of ideas and information. It is an ideal opportunity for senior officers from local government and related organisations in the United Kingdom. The tour starts every year with a visit to the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) in Tokyo where participants will learn about the relationships between national and local government in Japan. Participants then transfer to the host city to learn about Japanese local government and participate in visits and meetings. Accommodation, travel and food expenses in Japan during the tour will be covered by CLAIR, but participants must bear the cost of flights between the UK and Japan.

Reports from previous tours can be seen by clicking the Japan Study Tour tab on the Activities and Events menu at the top of this page.

Example schedule

For more details and to register interest in future tours please email mailbox@jlgc.org.uk

Note on tour Expenses

CLAIR covers:
– Expenses incurred during the Seminar period in Japan including transportation within Japan, accommodation, meals, seminar materials, admissions, and overseas travel insurance

Participants cover:
– Round trip airfare to Japan
– Any expenses incurred prior to arrival in Japan and after departing from Japan
– Personal expenses incurred in Japan (e.g. shopping, phone calls, food/drinks from hotel mini-bars, expenses incurred in free time)