Publications

Hello and Goodbye Spring 2026

As the fiscal year draws to a close, we bid farewell to some of our colleagues at JLGC, who are returning to their home local authorities in Japan. After two years in the UK, three Assistant Directors have now returned: Mr Yutaro Imagawa from Nagano Prefectural Government, Ms Haruka Midorikawa from Motomiya City, and Ms Miyuki Nomura from Gifu Prefectural Government.

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

Ritumeikan Lecture

On March 11 we welcomed a group of undergraduate students from Ritsumeikan University, College of Economics during their annual study visit to London.

The session, held at SOAS University of London, was led by JLGC’s Head of Research and Policy Andrew Stevens, with Director General Matsutani providing context in Japanese. His presentation explored the legal and institutional history of London government, tracing its evolution from the concept of “time immemorial”.

Students were particularly curious about how these historic institutions connect to London’s contemporary urban economy, sparking a lively discussion on the city’s structure, demographics and governance challenges. These activities highlight JLGC’s role in promoting knowledge exchange and professional development in local and regional governance at all career stages.

JST Feedback Meeting 

The Japan Study Tour (JST) 2026 Feedback Meeting, held at the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, brought together participants and wider local government colleagues to reflect on key learning from the recent visit to Sendai.

The session provided a structured opportunity to distil insights from the tour and consider their relevance to the UK context. Presentations and panel discussions focused on themes including resilient city governance in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, innovation-led regional development, and integrated approaches to urban planning and infrastructure.

A particular strength of the event was the candid exchange between participants, who offered practical reflections on how Japanese policy approaches, especially around long-term planning, cross-sector collaboration, and community engagement, could inform current challenges facing UK local authorities.

The discussion also underscored the value of international peer learning as a tool for policy development and leadership, particularly at a time of fiscal constraint and increasing demand pressures across local government.

The event concluded with a networking session, enabling further dialogue and connection across organisations.

For those interested in participating in future programmes, further information on upcoming Japan Study Tours is available via the JST webpage, including a full report of the tour here (link).

NE Japan Earthquake Memorial Event

On 4 March, His Excellency Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom, attended a 15th-anniversary memorial ceremony for the Great East Japan Earthquake at Fukushima Garden in Holland Park, London. Staff from Motomiya City, Ms. Haruka Midorkawa, seconded to the Japan Local Government Centre (JLGC) also attended at the start of the ceremony and spoke on behalf of her municipality. Motomiya City, in Fukushima Prefecture signed a Friendship Declaration on April 4, 2024 with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The event brought together dignitaries including Tom Bennett, Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, councillors Robert Freedman and Preeti Hadd, former Deputy Lieutenant Elizabeth Arnold, former MP Victoria Borwick, and Ayako Kato, Chair of the London Shakunage-kai, alongside other Fukushima-related representatives and UK officials.

Ambassador Suzuki expressed gratitude for the UK’s support following the disaster and highlighted Fukushima Garden as a symbol of Japan–UK friendship and resilience. He also paid tribute to the late Kiro Mitsuyama, who was instrumental in establishing the garden and supporting Fukushima’s recovery. As part of the ceremony, a cherry tree was planted to mark the first anniversary of Mr. Mitsuyama’s passing, commemorating his contributions and reinforcing the enduring ties between the two nations.

LinkedIn and Social Media Update

Stay connected with the Japan Local Government Centre London on LinkedIn for the latest updates on UK–Japan local government collaboration. Our page shares professional insights, event announcements and summaries of seminars, study tours and knowledge exchange programmes.

Follow us to learn about innovative practices in local governance, regional development and urban policy, and to stay informed about our collaborative work with local authorities, universities and partner organisations in both the UK and Japan. Stay engaged with sector-relevant news, policy updates and opportunities to connect across borders.

Join our LinkedIn community to keep up with JLGC London’s activities and explore new ways to learn from Japan’s local government experience.

Local Eyes Japan on Instagram provides a more informal perspective, focusing on Japanese food culture, regional life, and lesser-known destinations, highlighting local experiences and hidden gems across Japan.

Readers are encouraged to follow JLGC London on LinkedIn for professional updates, and Local Eyes Japan on Instagram for cultural insights and inspiration from Japan.

New Website Announcement

We’re pleased to announce that our new website will be launching next month.

Designed with UK local government professionals in mind, the site will bring together insights, case studies, and practical learning from Japan’s public sector – alongside updates on our programmes, events, and partnerships. With a more streamlined structure and improved navigation, it will be easier to access content on areas such as regional revitalisation, resilience, and public service innovation.

We look forward to sharing the new platform with you soon and continuing to support knowledge exchange between the UK and Japan.

Supporting Over 15,000 UK JET Alumni Through Mentorship

Supporting over 15,000 UK JET alumni through mentorship, JLGC is pleased to support JETAA UK in the delivery of its national mentorship programme, which connects alumni of the JET Programme across the UK to foster professional development and peer support. Since the programme’s inception in 1987, more than 15,000 participants from the UK have taken part, forming a substantial and active alumni community. The mentorship initiative is now underway, with regular engagement opportunities including informal online drop-in sessions hosted by JETAA UK leadership, providing a forum to exchange experiences and reflect on career development journeys.

Participants are also being encouraged to engage with the programme through a range of channels, including a forthcoming feedback survey to assess the effectiveness of the Lattice platform, as well as networking opportunities via LinkedIn and WhatsApp. All JET alumni are encouraged to register on the JETAA UK website (https://www.jetaa.org.uk) to receive updates on the next phase of the mentorship programme and future enrolment opportunities. JLGC will continue to work closely with JETAA UK to support the programme’s ongoing development and ensure it delivers meaningful outcomes for alumni across the UK.