Local autonomy in Japan: Examples of advanced policies

1. [Administrative and financial reform]
Promotion of transfer of authority to municipal governments (Gunma Prefecture)
2. [Administrative and financial reform]
Promotion of transfer of authority to municipal governments (Hiroshima Prefecture)
3. [Health and welfare/Declining birthrate and population aging]
Promotion of home medical care programs (Oita Prefecture)
4. [Environment]
Widespread introduction of solar power generation systems at reasonable cost
(Kanagawa Prefecture)
5. [Environment]
Toward a metropolis where people can feel a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of
the trees (Osaka Prefecture)
6. [Environment]
Promotion of rare metals recycling (Fukuoka Prefecture)
7. [Environment]
Effective use of biomass (Kumamoto Prefecture)
8. [Disaster preparedness and crisis management]
River levels information delivery system by use of mobile messaging services(Aomori Prefecture)
9. [Disaster preparedness and crisis management]
Protection of people and regions from flood (Shiga Prefecture)Area

Administrative and financial
reformTitle

Promotion of transfer of authority to municipal governments

Prefecture

Gunma Prefecture

Measure/Project Gunma New Plan for Transfer of Authority
name[Prefecture’s basic policy on transfer of authority]
Municipal governments, administrative bodies most closely related to local
residents, need to take the initiative in providing administrative services todeliver close-knit services, and create local communities with great
individuality that reflect the intent of residents. To promote local administrationin such a manner, Gunma Prefecture transfers as much authority as possible
to municipalities, serves as their supporter in principle, and enhances
partnership with them under the concept of “dialogue and cooperation” toward
improvement of services for local residents.
[Outline of “Gunma New Plan for Transfer of Authority”]
Revised the “Gunma New Plan for Transfer of Authority” in May 2011 (to athree-year plan from 2011 to 2013).

Details

The Plan was designed to actively promote transfer of authority with the aim ofachieving local administration led by municipalities, enhancing cooperation
between the Prefecture and municipalities and delivering higher-quality
administration services in the age of decentralization. Based on this perspective,
the Plan defines basic concepts and procedures for transfer of authority.
<Three goals to be achieved through promoting transfer of authority andmethods of achievement>(1) Resident-oriented administrative services [high-priority areas fortransfer] 10 administrative works
Placed higher priority for transferring authority on administrative works
that contributed to improving resident convenience.
(2) Further promotion of decentralization reform [comprehensive transfer](4 lists)
Transferred authority depending on the size of municipalities in acomprehensive manner in line with the efforts for decentralization reform.

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(3) Support of self-motivated activities by municipalities to boost theregions [custom-made transfer] (211 administrative works stipulated by
127 laws and regulations)
Promoted transfer based on voluntary and proactive choices bymunicipalities.
Department of General Affairs, General Affairs Division
Contact

soumuka@pref.gunma.lg.jp
Phone
number027-226-2028

http://www.pref.gunma.jp/07/a0710407.html
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Area

Administrative and financial
reformTitle

Promotion of transfer of authority to municipal governments

Prefecture

Hiroshima Prefecture

Measure/Project Establishment of a framework for ensuring self-decision by municipalities
name1. Current situation and issues
According to the “Decentralization Reform Promotion Plan” (2005-2009)
developed in 2004, Hiroshima Prefecture had worked to establish underlying
administrative bodies that are engaged in regional development in acomprehensive manner. With this concept, the Prefecture had transferredauthority to municipalities regardless of their size, and successfully handed
over 1,829 administrative works out of 2,446 to be transferred (74.8%) as ofApril 2011.
After completion of the plan period, the Prefecture evaluated the result, andfound some issues including insufficient mastery of the works of municipalities
and the need for transfer depending on the circumstances of municipalities,
while citizens appreciated the improved convenience.
To address these issues, the Prefecture has provided municipalities withsupport for the administrative works transferred, and promoted further transfer
Details

of authority based on voluntary choices by municipalities (1,856 works
transferred as of April 2013).
2. The ideal state it is desired to achieve
By promoting transfer of authority from the Prefecture to municipalities,municipalities and administrative bodies closely related to citizens create aunique local community with a sense of autonomy at their own discretion andunder their own responsibility so that citizens can realize the effects of transfer
of authority.
3. Course of action(1) Provides municipalities with support for the administrative works transferred
to improve their mastery of the works, and enhance the effects of transfer.
(2) Transfers authority based on voluntary choices by municipalities toaddress the needs of citizens and regional issues which vary depending on
the characteristics of regions.

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4. Progress of project(1) Progress of transfer
Administrative works to be transferred: 2,446 works (2005-2011) ->2,393 works* (2012)* Reduced through review such as elimination of works.
Total number of administrative works transferred:
80 works (2005)

402 works (2006)

1,075 works (2007)

1,621 works (2008)

1,766 works (2009)

1,808 works (2010)

1,829 works (2011)

1,854 works (2012)

1,856 works (2013)(2) Typical examples
Establishment of welfare offices by towns: Eight towns out of nine in theprefecture established welfare offices in April 2009.
Issue of physical disabilities certificates: 19 municipalities out of 21(except an ordinance-designated city and major cities) since April 2010
Acceptance of installation notices for septic tanks: All municipalities sinceApril 2010
Permission to divert farmland: All municipalities since April 2010
Authority over road management: Transferred to Miyoshi City in October2007 under the Road Act
Authority over management of harbors and fishery ports: Transferred theauthority over Akitsu Port to Higashi Hiroshima City in April 2009 (the firstcase in Japan).
Transferred the authority over a harbor and four fishery ports to Etajima
City in April 2011.
Acceptance of application for and issue of passport: All municipalities
since June 2007.
Regional Policy Bureau, Municipal Administration and Finance Division
Contactchishichou@pref.hiroshima.lg.jp
Phone
number

082-513-2603

http://www.pref.hiroshima.jp/life/18/35/156/
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Area
Title
Measure/Project
nameHealth and welfare/Declining
birthrate and population aging

Prefecture

Oita Prefecture

Promotion of home medical care programs
Project for securing and retaining nursing staff who support home medicalcare
To support recuperating persons who want to receive medical care in theirown town, this project aims to secure home medical care staff such as
nurses, and enhance their abilities through training and developing a support
scheme.
1. Project cost
15,369,000 yen (the initial budget for FY2013)
2. Implementing bodies
Oita Prefecture, Oita University of Nursing and Health Sciences
3. Scope of project(1) Program for training home-visit nurses (commissioned by the Prefecture
to Oita Nursing Association)
Trains home-visit nurses with high level of practical abilities by use of
e-learning courses.

Detailsa) Subsidizing fees for e-learning coursesb) Holding training workshops for home-visit nurses(2) Program for improving retention of nursing staff such as at home-visit
nursing stations (implemented by the Prefecture)
Dispatching advisors such as certified home-visit nurses, and establishinga support scheme for home-visit nursing stations to improve staff
retention.
a) Establishing a program promotion review panelb) Implementing a model program for dispatch of advisersc) Holding a report meeting(3) Program for enhancing abilities of home medical care staff (implemented
by Oita University of Nursing and Health Sciences)
Subsidizes programs designed to enhance the abilities of home medicalcare staff such as certified home-visit nurses, and nurses working at
medical facilities in the region.

back to topa) Offering working-level training such as for certified nursesb) Providing simulatorsc) Preparing and offering DVDs on home medical care
在宅医療が進んでいない①訪問看護師等の養成

Pictures③在宅医療従事者の資質向上②訪問看護ス
テーション等看
護職員への支援
体制の整備《方法》
アドバイザー派遣による研修や相談の体制整備＊アドバイザー：訪問看護認定看護師
全国333名中県内15名（全国8位・九州1位）

在宅医療を支える看護職員の確保・定着

不安解消
在宅医療の推進、医療安全の確保
病気になっても住み慣れた地域で暮らせる

看護職員の定Welfare and Health Department, Medical Policy Section
Contact

a12620@pref.oita.lg.jp
Phone
number097-506-2654

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Area
Title

Environment

Prefecture

Kanagawa Prefecture

Widespread introduction of solar power generation systems at reasonable
cost

Measure/Project Kanagawa Solar Bank System
name1. Intent and purposes
Since 2011, Kanagawa Prefecture has promoted the “Kanagawa Smart
Energy Concept” that promotes “energy creation,” “energy-saving” and“energy storage” in a comprehensive manner toward establishing a distributed
energy system led by local communities. As part of the efforts for widespread
introduction of solar power systems, a key measure for “energy creation,” thePrefecture has been committed to operation of a “Kanagawa Solar Bank
System” since December 2011.
2. Main features of the system
This is the first approach among local governments in Japan that aims toensure citizens can introduce residential photovoltaic (PV) systems at
reasonable cost without any concerns through collaboration between the
Prefecture, solar panel manufacturers, distributors and construction
Details

contractors.
3. Overview of the system(1) Selection of installation plans
The Prefecture calls for installation plans for residential PV systems fromcompanies that want to participate in the Kanagawa Solar Bank System. The
Prefecture evaluates the plans submitted for sales price, quantity to beoffered, service area, sales and construction structure and after-sales support,
and selects the plans to be registered in the system.
(2) Establishment of “Kanagawa Solar Center”
The Prefecture established the “Kanagawa Solar Center,” an organizationin charge of replies to general inquiries about solar power systems, handlingof inquiries about installation plans selected by the Prefecture, andacceptance of requests for quotes for installation on neutral ground. The
Center offers these services under commission from the Prefecture.
(3) Process from acceptance of request for quotes to installation of solar PV

back to toppanels
The “Kanagawa Solar Center” accepts requests for quotes for installation,and sends them to registered companies. Companies and citizens whorequest quotes discuss individually, and conclude an agreement on
installation of solar power systems.
4. Results
The system presents several installation plans that may theoretically
recover installation costs in 10 years. It is expected to further contribute towidespread introduction of solar power systems.

Pictures

An overview of Kanagawa Solar Bank System

ContactPhone
numberIndustry and Labor Bureau, Industry and Energy Department, Regional
Energy Division045-210-4090

http://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/cnt/f360844/
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Area
Title

Environment

Prefecture

Osaka Prefecture

Toward a metropolis where people can feel a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of
the trees

Measure/Project Special zones for greenery campaign
nameAnalysis of issues and goals
Osaka needs to create an overwhelmingly attractive urban environment such as
lush greenery to attract people, companies and investment, and achieve further
growth.
But, as often said, “Osaka has little greenery”; the greenery coverage in Osakaranks the worst in ordinance-designated cities. Osaka also ranks at the bottom inthe evaluation of urban greenery conducted by the Mori Memorial Foundation.
Furthermore, in a questionnaire targeted at citizens in the prefecture, only 1% ofthem answered “I see lush greenery in the cities”, and citizens feel there is almost
no nature left in the cities.
In terms of environment, urban heat-island effects have worsened in Osaka. For
example, the average temperature in August 2010 reached 30.8℃, higher thanthat in Naha, Okinawa, and Osaka was called “the hottest city in Japan.”
Osaka is still far from an attractive city in terms of urban dignity andDetails

environment.
Against such a background, the Prefecture developed a clear concept of“developing greenery to bring a cool, gentle breeze to make Osaka a more
attractive city”. With this concept, the Prefecture has promoted efforts to create a“green environment that citizens can realize” in cooperation with companies andlocal communities in a variety of ways, and through deregulation of urban planningin such a way that citizens can feel benefits, not burdens. (The Prefecturedeveloped various measures shifting from conventional, public-led greeneryprojects based on the viewpoint of suppliers of greenery services, such as
regulation and subsidies including greening obligations for buildings and thesubsidy system covering the entire Prefecture, to user-oriented projects led bycompanies and citizens such as deregulation, encouragement of unique services
by companies, and community-wide activities).
Details of the project
The Governor designated some public spaces including major roads and rivers,

back to topand private land along them (within 100 m from both sides of the public space), as“special zones for a greenery campaign,” and gave higher priority to creation of agreen environment. (The special zones will strive to achieve the Prefecture’s
greenery goal three years ahead of the schedule).
The special zones were selected from radial roads and beltways forming anurban axis of Osaka, and major rivers based on a comprehensive judgment
including low greenery coverage, high-priority areas for measures against urban
heat-island effects, and designation as wide-area emergency traffic routes(focused on the disaster prevention function of trees).
The special zones are committed to:(1) Preparing a greenery plan that handles public space such as roads and private
land as a unit to promote greenery campaigns in an integrated manner. The
special zones have promoted greenery campaigns by utilizing semi-public spaces
where roads and private land are adjacent to each other.
Establishing the “greenery initiative in special zones for a greenery campaign,” athree-year high-priority project that supports planting in communities under thegreenery plan. Companies offer trees to be planted, and communities provide
support in management of street trees.
(2) Relaxing the standards for floor-area ratio and building-to-land ratio forbuildings that have a certain level of “visibility” of greenery to facilitate greening incities. The relaxation is applied to house owners who voluntarily select to meet thevisibility criteria (the first approach in Japan).
(3) Granting preferential treatment unique to companies (preferential loans forhouses with rich greenery, discount of greening materials and landscaping works,
provision of trees to be planted in semi-public space free of charge, etc).
(4) Implementing measures against urban heat-island effects in cooperation withcompanies, for example, thermal barrier coating and rainwater storage tanks forsprinkling water.
(5) Promoting new greening programs with funding from the private sector (ademonstration project of turf parking lots conducted at the expense of the private
sector, development of greenery facilities by raising funds through selling thenaming-rights, etc.)
Achievements of the project
Areas designated as special zones for greenery campaign: Approx. 200 km
along 12 roads (as of May 2011)
Selected in consultation with 17 relevant municipalities.
Since 2011, August is designated as “Greenery and Breeze Month” to foster theback to topmomentum of communities in greenery campaigns, and enhance the effects ofdesignation as special zones. The Prefecture has started new projects such as
events in which 700,000 citizens participated, the ownership system for street trees(“My trees system”), and “Medical checkup of towns,” a study on urban
temperature in collaboration with a university.
Tree-planting and maintenance projects based on greenery plans led by local
communities: 41 areas (2011), 42 areas (2012)
Review of zoning and development of district plans under the City Planning Act
required for relaxing the standards for floor-area ratio and building-to-land ratio:
Conducted in six cities.
* The criteria of greenery visibility are not compulsory. House owners who want
to apply the relaxed standards select to meet them voluntarily.
* The relaxation of building-to-land ratio is applied to high-density residential
areas. This is expected to encourage rebuilding of existing inadequate housingwith a building-to-land ratio higher than the legal limit. The Prefecture also sets
standards for fire resistance to enhance disaster prevention capabilities of houses
through greenery and exterior wall material.
Corporate sponsors: 155 companies (and organizations)* The Prefecture has introduced a registration system for corporate sponsors of
the greenery campaign since March 2012, and held events such as the “Greenery
and Breeze Festival.”
New greening programs with funding from the private sector: Constructed“Welcome Garden Shin Osaka (Osaka Hana Byoubu),” a public green space infront of JR Shin Osaka Station, by raising funds through selling naming rights to
private companies without the use of public funds. The companies that participatedin the construction project were selected through a voting open to station users, nota screening panel that is usually held in public works. Welcome Garden Shin
Osaka has been open to the public since July 31, 2012.

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Toward a metropolis where people can feel a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of
the trees
Department of Environment, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, General Affairs
Contact

Section, Policy Promotion Group

FujimotoH@mbox.pref.osaka.lg.jp
Phone
number

06-6210-9543

http://www.pref.osaka.jp/kannosomu/midorinokazesokusin/index.html
Link

http://www.pref.osaka.jp/kannosomu/welcomegarden/index.html

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Area

Environment

Title

Promotion of rare metals recycling

Prefecture

Fukuoka Prefecture

Measure/Project

Rare metals recycling project

name[Objectives]
This project aims to establish a cluster of the recycling industry,
accumulate the seeds of research on rare metals extraction, andcommercialize a recycling system with the purpose of utilizing the potential ofrare metals, promoting progress of the recycling industry in Fukuoka, andestablishing a recycling-oriented society.
[Project outline]
Toward commercialization of a rare metals recycling system, Fukuoka
Prefecture has carried out a project to promote development of technologies
for recycling rare metals from used products, and establishment of acollection system for small household appliances:
1 Hosting an industry-government-academia liaison meeting
Since July 2008, Fukuoka Prefecture hosts a meeting where interested
Details

parties from industry, government and academia exchange opinions andinformation to work towards commercialization of rare metals recycling.
2 Promoting joint research projects such as on rare metals extraction
technologies(1) Research on separation and extraction of tantalum and other rare metals
from waste electronic equipment (from 2009 to 2010, a project funded by the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, METI)(2) Joint research between industry, government and academia on rareearths recycling from waste fluorescent lamps (from 2010 to 2012)
3 Implementing model projects for collection of small household appliances
Considering that a stable and efficient collection system is needed to turnrare metals recycling into a successful business, Fukuoka Prefecture has
implemented model projects since 2008. In addition, since 2011, thePrefecture has expanded the collection area for small appliances to otherback to topmunicipalities throughout the Kyushu region to conduct a regional model
project. Through these projects, the Prefecture has studied the feasibility of
waste collection across a wide area, the costs for collection, and legal issues.
A model project for collection of used small household appliances (aproject funded by the Ministry of Environment, MOE, and METI) (from 2008
to 2010)Installation of boxes for collection: Omuta City (since January 2008)
Introduction of separate collection: Chikugo City (since September 2009),
Oki Town (since August 2009)
Collection at event sites: Fukuoka City (in collaboration with home
appliances retailers, etc.) (from 2009 to 2010)
A model project for wide-area collection of used small household
appliances (a project funded by MOE) (from 2011)
Collection area: 30 municipalities (including 17 in Fukuoka) in the Kyushu
region and others (as of March 2013)

Pictures

Opening event of the demonstration project on collection of used small
household appliances
Department of Environmental Affairs, Recycling Society Promotion Section
Contact

recycle@pref.fukuoka.lg.jp
Phone
number

092-643-3381

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Area

Environment

Title

Effective use of biomass

Prefecture

Kumamoto Prefecture

Measure/Project

Promotion of the use of biomass

name1. Objectives
Promoting the use of biomass is expected to bring about a variety of benefits
including creating a recycling-oriented society, preventing global warming,
creating new industries in harmony with the environment and thereby job
opportunities, and invigorating the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry
and villages. In light of this, Kumamoto Prefecture actively promotes the useof biomass by taking advantage of the thriving agriculture, forestry andfisheries industry and abundant biomass resources in the prefecture.
2. Outline
According to the “Kumamoto Biomass Utilization Promotion Program”
developed in 2011, Kumamoto Prefecture supports efforts for information
dissemination and awareness-building about the use of biomass,
Details

technological development, and commercialization in partnership with
relevant sections in the Prefecture, municipalities, companies anduniversities:(1) Scheme to promote the project“Biomass Utilization Promotion Committee” is established in the Prefecture topromote measures for effective use of biomass in a comprehensive andsmooth manner.
(2) Scope of project1) ResearchWorkshops are held in which municipalities, companies and NPOs participate
to promote understanding and efforts of relevant parties.
2) Support for commercialization
An advisor is dispatched who provides technical expertise and instructions on
the use of biomass in response to requests from municipalities andcompanies.

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Pictures

Biomass Center in Yamaga City
Environmental Policy Promotion Division
Contact

kankyourikken@pref.kumamoto.lg.jp
Phone
number

096-333-2264

http://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/site/bio-index/
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Area
Title

Disaster preparedness and crisis
management

Prefecture

Aomori PrefectureRiver levels information delivery system by use of mobile messaging services

Measure/Project

Advance warning of flood and evacuation (commonly called “oshirase mail”)

nameAomori Prefecture had provided citizens with information on rainfall and riverlevels via the Internet and the mobile website. However, recently, more
people have suffered from disasters because of a delay in receiving disaster
information and evacuation advice. Accordingly, the Prefecture developed asystem that sends an e-mail to users automatically via mobile phones whenriver levels reach the alarm level, and started operation of the service in June
2006.
Details

Users who receive a message can get ready and be prepared for evacuationin sufficient time. This allows them to evacuate promptly in the event that anevacuation advisory is issued.
This service is helpful particularly for the elderly and children who take timefor evacuation, families with people with disabilities who need support in theevent of disasters, and operators of nursing care homes.
Number of rivers and observatories covered by the messaging service: 79
rivers, 112 observatories

Pictures

Conceptual drawing of the systemback to topDepartment of Land and Infrastructure, River and Landslide Control Section
Contactkasensabo@pref.aomori.lg.jp
Phone
number017-734-9662

http://www.pref.aomori.lg.jp/life/bosai/osirase-mail.html
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Area

Disaster preparedness and crisis
management

Title

Protection of people and regions from flood

Prefecture

Shiga Prefecture

Measure/Project Flood control measures in Shiga Prefecture
nameCurrent situation and issues
In addition to a growing number of floods nationwide, there is a concern about
the possibility that floods may cause more devastating damage in the near
future with climate change. Furthermore, a problem of a decline in regional
capabilities to prevent disasters due to lifestyle changes has surfaced. Against
such a background, there is an urgent need to enhance flood control
measures taken by different bodies in different fields.
Flood control in Shiga Prefecture
To protect people’s lives and minimize devastating damage from any floods,
the Prefecture promotes damage mitigation measures that combine
stormwater retention (“storage”) in basins in residential areas (floodplains),
measures on floodplains (“prevention”), and enhancement of regional
capabilities to prevent disasters (“preparation”), in addition to existingmeasures such as flood control facilities and basin development.
Details

The entire local community including the administration and citizens needs tomake a concerted effort to promote these measures in the form of cooperative
flood control. Such efforts require both public support based on a partnership
between the Prefecture and municipalities, and mutual/self-support by citizens
through their participation in tangible and intangible ways.
Prefecture’s policy on flood control(1) Presenting a “Flood Map” illustrating the results of flood simulation of theentire prefecture
Assesses the risk of flood damage based on safety at individual locations
where people live (safety in residential areas, meaning floodplains), not onthat at flood control facilities (rivers, etc).
Indicates safety in residential areas by “a degree of damage and aprobability of occurrence” of individual locations in floodplains. Specifically,
the assessment is based on a simulation not only of flood in large rivers, butalso of that in small-and-medium sized rivers.
Shares information on “safety in residential areas” with citizens to promote

back to topflood control measures that integrate public, mutual and self-support.
(2) Drawing up a “plan to develop flood-resistant regions”
Divides the prefecture into six regions, and individually establishes anorganization where administrative bodies, local citizens and relevant parties
discuss regional issues (“Committee on Development of Flood-Resistant
Region”).
For regions with a low level of safety in residential areas, the Committee
develops a regional development plan to prevent flood damage.
(3) Developing regions in consideration of flood risks
Promotes enactment of ordinances on land use and buildings for areas
where houses may be submerged or washed away by flood, resulting indamage to people, or for those where inundation above floor level occurs
frequently.
(4) Enhancing the abilities of citizens to prevent disasters in regions
Holding symposiums and forums,
Offering lectures in areas at high risk of floods,
Offering lectures at elementary schools located in areas at high risk offloods,Holding evacuation workshops such as by use of the River Disaster
Imagination Game (R-DIG), and,Collecting literature on past floods, organizing tacit knowledge obtained
from a field hearing from victims into a database, and posting such informationon the Prefecture website.

Pictures

A hazard map prepared in a lecture offered at an elementary school
Shiga Prefecture, Department of Public Works and Transportation, Land andContact

Infrastructure, Flood Management Officeryuiki@pref.shiga.lg.jp

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Phonenumber077-528-4290

http://www.pref.shiga.lg.jp/h/ryuiki/
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