Publications

Change of Staff from April 2024 

As the fiscal year draws to a close, we bid farewell to several of our colleagues at JLGC, who are returning to their home local authorities in Japan. After two years in the UK, three Assistant Directors will return: Ms. Narumi Hosoi from Tokushima Prefectural Government, Ms. Natsumi Sasaki from Fukushima Prefectural Government, and Ms. Natsumi Fujimoto from Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Additionally, our Deputy Director General, Mr. Makoto Ichii, will return to Aichi Prefectural Government after nearly three years in London. 

While these farewells mark the end of one chapter, they also bring the exciting arrival of new colleagues. This April, JLGC welcomes seven new staff members who will be in London for two years secondment. 

JETAA Scotland Seeking New Treasurer 

JETAA Scotland is currently looking for a new Treasurer to join its committee and contribute to the continued success of the alumni community. This voluntary role would suit someone with financial expertise, ideally in accountancy or financial management, and will be key in overseeing the chapter’s finances and ensuring smooth operations. 

As an organisation dedicated to strengthening UK-Japan relations, JETAA Scotland offers opportunities for former JET participants and Japan enthusiasts to stay engaged through networking, cultural events, and collaborations with key stakeholders. The Treasurer will play an important role in supporting these activities and ensuring the financial sustainability of events such as the Kōyō Matsuri in Dumfries and Galloway, which celebrates Japan’s autumn traditions and fosters cultural exchange between Scotland and Japan. 

This is an excellent opportunity for JET alumni to reconnect with fellow alumni and Japanese organisations in the UK while playing an active role in promoting UK-Japan relations. Those interested in this position or looking for more information are encouraged to get in touch at mailbox@jlgc.org.uk. 

Insights Northeast-JLGC Seminar – Newcastle University, 3 March 

The North East has recently published its first ever Local Growth Plan as part of its devolution settlement. A recent briefing produced by Insights Northeast highlighted several best practices for local planning, one of which is the importance of learning from successful examples in other regions. 

This seminar, jointly hosted by Insights Northeast, JLGC, and the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies (CURDS) at Newcastle University, provided an opportunity to explore Japan’s experience in creating local development strategies. The session particularly focused on how electrification can drive regional growth. Professor Naoki Fujiwara, Vice Dean of Otemon Gakuin University, Osaka, shared his insights into regional economic development strategies, emphasising partnerships between academia and industry. 

Speakers included: 

• Jenny Hartley MBE (Newcastle City Council) 

• Prof Colin Herron CBE (Northeast Battery Alliance) 

• Fumi Kitagawa (City-REDI, University of Birmingham) 

• Kevin Muldoon-Smith (Northumbria University) 

A Successful Two-Day AGM for JETAA-UK 

JLGC was pleased to host the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) of JETAA-UK, which was a resounding success. We were honoured to welcome attendees from across the UK and beyond, including representatives from the Embassy of Japan in the UK and CLAIR Tokyo. 

Congratulations to the re-elected National Chair Jaz Lau, and we look forward to supporting her in her second year of leadership. We also welcomed Jonathan Longden as the new National Treasurer and Ryan Keeble as the continued England and Wales International Representative. Special thanks were given to the London chapter, including Chairman Shakeel Mawani and Treasurer Hannah Thomas, whose hard work and organisation ensured the AGM ran smoothly. 

CLAIR Tokyo’s Senior Counsellor Mr Kitano provided valuable insights into the changes within the JET Programme and the exciting opportunities for future collaborations. We also appreciated Ian Cheung from Clearspring for providing some generous gifts for participants. 

We look forward to another year of innovation and collaboration within JETAA-UK. For those interested in getting involved, please visit JETAA-UK. 

Japan Local Attraction Seminar – Anime & Manga Tourism Recording Now Available 

A recording of our third seminar on Anime & Manga Tourism is now available on our website. This seminar featured participants from Kitakyushu City, Aichi Prefecture, and Wakayama City, showcasing the unique charm of Japan’s local attractions. It provided a platform for UK travel agents, tour operators, and Japan enthusiasts to explore the rich culture and destinations of Japan. 

This seminar is part of a series of online events aimed at promoting regional tourism and fostering collaboration between the UK and Japan. Additional seminars will be announced soon. For more details, including the seminar recording, visit our website. 

Teesside Training Highlights Regional Innovation and Collaboration 

JLGC extends its thanks to all who participated in the recent Teesside Japanese staff training sessions, which focused on regional developments in innovation and collaboration. Notable presenters shared insights on key regional developments, such as Japan-linked firm AV Dawson’s evolution into logistics services as part of the Nissan supply chain, Teesside University’s role in digital transformation, and the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art’s educational and community engagement initiatives. 

The programme highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in fostering innovation and sustainable growth, providing a great opportunity for participants to learn from Teesside’s success stories. 

PR Activity 

JLGC’s PR activities continue to highlight regional innovation, business collaboration, and cultural exchange. Through events that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, we aim to support sustainable growth and knowledge exchange. We also feature regional foods and tourism initiatives from Japan through our ‘Local Eyes Japan’ series, which introduces lesser-known destinations and culinary delights from the 47 prefectures. 

Stay connected with our social media channels—Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram—and our website blog for the latest updates. 

Our business development efforts include supporting Japan’s local government promoting opportunities in technology and industrial sectors, fostering international collaboration and growth. For more updates, follow us on social media and visit our website.