Updated details of the Japan Study Tour (JST) to Miyagi, devastated by the 2011 tsunami and earthquake can now be seen below (subject to amendment). JST is the annual tour for senior UK/EU local government and related public sector staff, to look at the role of Japan’s local authorities. The tour is from November 17-23, starting with an introduction to Japan’s local government at JLGC’s head office, CLAIR in Tokyo before transfer to Sendai, capital of Miyagi Prefecture. For application details and further information on the tour please contact JLGC on 020 7839 8500, or mailbox@jlgc.org.uk to register interest by July 26 2013.
Miyagi Prefecture Schedule (Provisional)
11/19
• Arrival in Sendai from Tokyo
• Meet with the Director General of Economy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division/Miyagi Prefecture presentation
• Overview of Miyagi Prefecture, schedule of stay
• Miyagi Prefecture recovery initiative
• Meeting Governor/Deputy Governor
• Welcome party (drinks reception or “izakaya” Japanese-style pub)
11/20
• Coastal viewing from expressways, viewing of local next generation agricultural facilities
• Visit to GRA in Yamamoto Town (GRA: Farming, Horticultural Research Institute)
• Transfer to Matsushima, one of Japan’s most celebrated scenic areas, to look at tourism as a strategy for recovery
• Viewing of Matsushima
• Pleasure boat (cruise in Matsushima Bay)
• Tour of Ishinomaki coast (presentation by city council staff)
• Coastal area readjustment project (viewing Ishinomaki coast)
• New public housing for displaced citizens in “Ogonhamakita district” contracted by the prefecture, design completion stage
• Business visit: ‘Moby Dick’ Corp. bespoke water sports clothing company recovering from the disaster and now considering expanding business in Europe.
11/21
• Miyagi Renewal Park: A new integrated facility for private sector and research institutes working on the recovery of the manufacturing industry in Miyagi
• Opinion exchange (facilitator: Director of International Division)
• Exchange of views about relevant policies of reconstruction for the prefecture
• Exchange of ideas on possibilities for business development (theme under consideration)
11/22
• Leave Sendai station for Tokyo
