Projects and Activities
The Japan Local Government Centre (JLGC) actively runs a wide range of programmes and events each year to strengthen knowledge exchange and professional development between Japanese local governments and counterparts across nine European countries.
JLGC Seminar and online seminars
Our annual in person and regular online seminar series creates meaningful opportunities for knowledge exchange, discussion and networking between local and regional government representatives from Japan and Europe. These sessions focus on public management, policy innovation and collaborative problem-solving.
Japan Study Tour
The annual Japan Study Tour invites senior local government officials and professionals from Europe to Japan for a week of immersive learning. Participants gain first-hand insights into Japanese governance systems, explore leading practices in service delivery and build professional links that support future collaboration.
Multicultural Policy
In partnership with CLAIR, JLGC facilitates international exchanges on multicultural policy. Through our Multicultural Communities Policy Exchange Programme, policymakers from Japan visit UK local and regional authorities to observe and learn how inclusive support services are developed and delivered.
Economic Exchange
JLGC supports the international economic activities of local governments by providing policy guidance, project-level logistical assistance and a range of training opportunities. Japanese local authorities are also increasingly active at major events across the UK and Europe, including the annual World Travel Market in London and the Smart City Expo in Barcelona.
Surveys and Research
We conduct policy research and analysis to support the internationalisation goals of local governments in Japan. JLGC also assists delegations and study visits, helping local leaders explore new ideas and evidence-based practices in regional development and governance.
International Exchange
JLGC champions cross-border collaboration through sister city relationships and joint projects. We help facilitate exchanges in civic engagement, education, culture and economic cooperation between Japanese municipalities and European communities.
