FAQ

Q1: What is the Japan Local Government Centre? Are you part of the Japanese Embassy? A:  The Japan Local Government Centre is not part of the Japanese Embassy but works closely with it on many issues of common interest. JLGC is the London office of the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR).  CLAIR was established in 1988 by the (Japanese) Ministry of Home Affairs and the Japan Local Government Centre conducts research and arranges study visits on behalf of Japan's local authorities.  In particular, it organises an annual Japan Study Tour for British local government officers and councillors and produces an Annual Report, a quarterly newsletter ('Myriad Leaves') and a Guide to UK Local Government (in Japanese).

Q2: Why do you research local government in the UK ? A: British local government, in particular best practice and policy developments, is of interest to both CLAIR and its member local authorities.  JLGC staff research issues of interest to CLAIR and its member local authorities, often in response to specific initiatives that have been reported in Japan, such as Best Value or Beacon Councils. However, JLGC is also responsible for researching other EU countries in Northern Europe and this research is directed from our London office.  We also monitor developments in those countries on behalf of CLAIR.

Q3: What happens to the research that you produce? A: Research is often commissioned at the specific request of CLAIR or one of its member local authorities.  Once undertaken and produced, it is then disseminated by CLAIR. JLGC Research Staff produce a Monthly Report on issues of political and local government interest, which is filed with CLAIR, in addition to regular Parliamentary Briefings.

Q4: How does the UK local government system differ from the local government system in Japan? How is the local government structure organised in Japan? A: There are a number of similarities between the UK and Japanese systems of local government.  In some areas of the UK, there exists a two-tier system of Counties and Districts, whereas in Japan the whole country is covered by a two-tier system of Prefectures serving wider areas and Municipalities providing local services.  In other areas of the UK, unitary councils provide all local government services.  Both Japan and the UK are unitary states (no federal or state governments) but only Japan has a written constitution guaranteeing the existence and autonomy of local government.  Local government in the UK exists at the behest of Parliament, who tightly controls its powers and regulates its performance. All Japanese municipalities are headed by an elected executive mayor, whereas only 12 local councils in the UK have this system.

Q5: Do you explain the UK local government system to Japanese firms looking to invest in the UK? A: Not particularly, as JLGC works to CLAIR and its member local authorities as a non-profit organisation.  However, we frequently undertake specific liaison work on behalf of Japanese academics and the media, as well as routine enquiries from all manner of Japanese organisations.

Q6: Why do you have offices in other countries and how does Japan benefit from this? A: CLAIR has offices in New York, London, Paris (for Southern EU), Singapore, Beijing, Sydney and Seoul.  This enables CLAIR to ensure that Japanese local authorities receive up to date information concerning policy development and best practice from local government across the world.In addition, these offices arrange many visits to and from Japan in relation to information exchange around best practice and operational issues. In addition to the Japan Study Tour, Japanese local authorities (in conjunction with CLAIR and numerous Ministries) operate the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme for overseas graduates in order to place them in local government and schools. CLAIR offices play an important role in recruiting applicants to this programme.