Case studies on Japanese local government compiled by JLGC

The following case studies were taken from various sources originally published in Japanese and compiled and translated into English by the Japan Local Government Centre.  They provide to interested parties an insight into the different processes and practices of local government in Japan.

Toshima Ward Cleaning Depot - "Waste-to-Energy" from Tokyo's rubbish  December 2010
Toshima Cleaning Depot in the district of Kami-Ikebukuro is a waste dipsosal plant that highlights Japan's very different priorities when it comes to dealing with household and commercial waste

Creating new industry through glass recycling  October 2009
Itabashi ward in Tokyo is currently engaged in a glass recycling programme which aims to open up new environmental markets using products made from discarded glass.

Technology in care for the aged in Japan - two case studies June 2009
1) Okuizumo town’s video phone and call centre system
2) Paro - the therapeutic robot harp seal

Japanese local government and the environment - two case studies June 2009
1) Kamikatsu town’s zero waste policy
2) New energy and self-sufficiency in Kuzumaki town

Japanese local authorities supporting industry and employment - three case studies June 2009
1) Fukuoka New Deal
2) Increasing employment by utilising and protecting marine resources in Nagasaki prefecture
3) Using tuna to revitalise Ōma town

The "new" Kumagaya city April 2009
Mayor Tomioka of the “new” Kumagaya city talks about Kumagaya’s two stage merger with Osato, Konan, and Menuma towns

Komatsu city’s area improvement strategies – a safer, happier city March 2009
Komatsu city is currently implementing area improvement strategies to become a place that residents are proud of and want to continue living in. The three main areas that city planners are concentrating their efforts on include providing fresh, safe food, creating a safe environment for raising children, and maintaining public transport.

Other case studies on Japanese local government

The following are case studies on Japanese local government compiled by outside organisations. Permission has been granted to make the reports available here.

'Michi-no-eki  - an opportunity for the rural economy?' - Gavin Parker  July/August 2010
Gavin Parker explains how the Japanese 'road stations' idea, offering locally produced food and providing a range of roadside services, could be useful in UK attempts to boost rural economies and communities. This article was originally published in the July/August 2010 edition of Town and Country Planning and is republished with kind permission of the author and the Town and Country Planning Association (www.tcpa.org.uk)

'Of cities and suburbs' - Will Galloway July/August 2009
Will Galloway reports on the findings of a study on sustainability on the urban fringe in Japan that points to a need for an objective re-evaluation of suburbs and what they have to offer.  This article was originally published in the July/August 2009 edition of Town and Country Planning and is republished with kind permission of the author and the Town and Country Planning Association (www.tcpa.org.uk).