15 Whitehall office
Japan Local Attraction Seminar
Join us for the next Japan Local Attraction Seminar – Activity and Wellness Holidays
We are thrilled to introduce the second seminar in our new series, the Japan Local Attraction Seminar, hosted by Sarah Parsons, MD of East West Interface, a leading expert in cross-cultural communication & strategy, Research Associate at the Japan Research Centre (SOAS), and CIPR Associate.
This seminar will explore the theme of ‘Activity and Wellness Holidays’ and will feature current JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme) participants from Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture, and Nagato City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, who will showcase hidden gems of their local regions.
During the Q&A session, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to those living in these areas.
Don’t miss this special chance to explore the lesser-known beauty of Japan! We look forward to your participation.
Event Details:
– Date and Time: January 23, 2025, 10:00 AM
– Location: Online (link to be provided upon RSVP):
REGISTER HERE (link to Zoom registration page)
JLGC Online Seminar
The 39th seminar organised by the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) was held on 16 December 2024. Titled *”The JET Programme as a Bridge Between Japan and the UK – Kagawa Prefecture, Takamatsu City Assignment,”* it featured Ryan Keeble, a JET Programme alumnus and representative of the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) International Committee for England and Wales.
Ryan shared his experiences as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Takamatsu City, where he worked for three years. Reflecting on how this shaped his career, he highlighted the skills and cultural insights he gained, which proved invaluable after his return to the UK in 2013. Since then, Ryan has built a successful media career as a producer and cameraman with Fujisankei Communications International, the overseas bureau of Fuji TV. He has also held leadership roles within JETAA, including Chair of the London Chapter, Chair of JETAA UK, and UK Representative on the JETAA International Committee.
The seminar explored how the JET Programme fosters international understanding and supports professional growth. Ryan described its transformative impact on his life and career, emphasising its role in strengthening UK-Japan relations.
Conducted primarily in English, with Japanese interpretation available, the event received praise for its engaging content and relevance. It was part of CLAIR’s ongoing initiative to share insights into European “situations,” “needs,” and “perspectives,” promoting international collaboration and understanding.
The video of the seminar is available here for reply for a limited time.
PR Activity
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) hosted *SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025*, one of Asia’s largest startup conferences, from 8 to 10 May 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight and other venues. Registration for tickets, startup exhibits, and the pitch contest closed on 18 December 2024.
On 11 November 2024, Tokyo Vice Governor Matsumoto Akiko and New York City Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on urban infrastructure, including sustainable technologies, transport, and water management. TMG officials visited New York from 13 to 14 November to exchange knowledge and tour facilities.
Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), a hub for startups and innovators, celebrated its first anniversary with a week of events from 25 November to 1 December 2024. Participants included startups, investors, academics, and government representatives.
The *Tokyo Night-time Project* aimed to revitalise the Nishi-Shinjuku area with illuminated displays and cultural activities from 28 November 2024 to 13 January 2025. Highlights included a New Year’s Eve countdown with live performances and projection mapping at Tomin Hiroba (Citizens Plaza).
More details can be seen in TMG’s WHATS UP! Newsletter which is posted on our website here.
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For Shiga Prefecture, we were excited to announce the launch of Tech Tour SHIGA, a specialised consulting service designed to support overseas companies seeking to explore industrial sites and technology-driven organizations within Shiga Prefecture. This initiative aligns with the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 and offers foreign businesses a unique opportunity to foster international collaboration and explore new ventures in Japan.
Tech Tour SHIGA provides tailored site recommendations based on a wide range of business needs, from learning about cutting-edge technologies to identifying potential research partners or sourcing suppliers from Shiga’s thriving industries. Whether you’re seeking to connect with innovative companies or deepen your industry knowledge, this service offers a gateway to building strong networks and future business growth.
While Tech Tour SHIGA does not cover tourism, accommodation, or transport arrangements, it provides invaluable free consultation for those serious about business collaborations.
For more information and a full list of visitable companies, please visit the website:
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Our ‘Local Eyes Japan’ continues to introduce regional foods of Japan and recipes and promote regional tourism. Recent posts have given recipes from the 47 prefectures; download the recipe card here.
Posts are all from staff and colleagues in the regions of Japan, off-the-beaten-track tips and information that travellers won’t find at the more well-known destinations. Our PR activities are available on our social media channels on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and our website blog.
Staff Training to Newcastle
In November, JLGC London was pleased to visit the Northeast of England for two days of productive meetings and site visits, focusing on the deep-rooted trade and investment ties between Japan and the region. The visit highlighted the longstanding relationship between Japan and the Northeast, which has been enriched by collaborative efforts in education, innovation, and economic development.
We were honoured to meet with Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, Dale Owens, Chief Executive of Gateshead Council, and Cllr Leigh Kirton, Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications, Gateshead Council. Their insights underscored the critical role local leadership plays in fostering international connections. Meetings with representatives from Newcastle University, Northumbria University, and NCG further emphasised the region’s commitment to educational excellence and its attractiveness to Japanese students and researchers.
The site visits included Newcastle Helix, home to the National Innovation Centre for Data and the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing, where we explored opportunities for collaboration in cutting-edge technologies and solutions to global challenges such as ageing populations. A visit to Komatsu’s manufacturing site highlighted the region’s thriving industrial links with Japan, demonstrating how Japanese investment has contributed to local job creation and economic growth.
The Northeast of England has a unique and enduring partnership with Japan, exemplified by the presence of Japanese businesses, academic collaborations, and cultural exchanges. Komatsu’s longstanding investment in Gateshead and Hitachi Rail’s investment in Co. Durham are just two examples of how these ties have developed over decades.
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications showcases Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) on JET
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications oversees the Japanese administrative system and manages local governments, elections, telecommunication, post, and governmental statistics. JLGC and CLAIR HQ in Tokyo report to the ministry as an agency under its jurisdiction. It is also one of the three ministries involved in managing the JET Programme and oversees many aspects of the project.
Explore the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ latest compilation showcasing extraordinary achievements by Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) on the JET Programme. This is an invaluable resource for insights into innovative approaches that can significantly enhance the impact of ALTs in educational settings. If you’re in the role of ALT or seeking inspiration to maximise your contribution, this collection of case studies is must-read.
Explore best practices in ALT utilisation by accessing the English version here:
https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000905422.pdf
Or the Japanese version here:
