As part of our ongoing mission to support international collaboration and learning between local authorities in Japan and the UK, the Japan Local Government Centre (JLGC), London, recently coordinated a visit to Wyre Forest District Council by a delegation of seconded Japanese local government staff.
The visit took place on 1–2 May 2025 and was designed to give participants practical insight into electoral administration at the local level in the UK, particularly around polling station operations and voter engagement. Our delegation consisted of five officials from Japan’s local government and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, all currently seconded from local authorities across Japan: Mr Akira Matsutani (Director General), Ms Miyuki Nomura, Ms Ayaka Hashimoto, Mr Shuma Koike, and Ms Mika Suzuki (Assistant Directors).
The study visit was facilitated by Wyre Forest District Council’s elections team, whose openness and professionalism offered an invaluable learning opportunity.
Observing UK Elections First-Hand
Wyre Forest, a largely rural district in Worcestershire, has a diverse electorate spread across a wide geographical area. Following a boundary review in 2023, new electoral wards were introduced to reflect shifting population patterns. While not all wards are equal in size, the changes have helped ensure a fairer distribution of voters.
Delegates were introduced to the UK’s First Past the Post voting system and observed polling station procedures in action. They noted how electors cast their vote using a paper ballot, marking an “X” beside their preferred candidate’s name. The system’s simplicity, combined with robust verification procedures and an emphasis on voter accessibility, stood out as best practice examples.
Learning Through Practice: Accessibility and Postal Voting
Particular attention was given to how polling stations in Wyre Forest accommodate all voters, including provisions for wheelchair users and the use of standard paper ballots, in contrast with Japan’s synthetic paper format.
The delegation was especially interested in the UK’s postal voting system — an area not widely developed in Japan. They studied the end-to-end process, from voter application and verification to the design of postal vote packs and handling of returns. The option to hand in completed postal votes at council offices or polling stations was seen as a practical solution for last-minute submissions.
A Platform for Exchange
At JLGC, we see these types of visits as vital to fostering mutual understanding and sharing innovations in local governance. While Japan and the UK have distinct electoral systems, both countries face common challenges — from adapting to demographic change to building public trust in democratic processes.
We are grateful to Wyre Forest District Council for their warm welcome and expert guidance. The visit has left a strong impression on our delegation and will no doubt inform future electoral policy discussions in Japan.
