Issue No. 52

Winter 2005

SPECIAL FEATURE

Aichi Prefecture and World Exposition 2005
by Hideho Takami
Aichi Prefectural Government San Francisco Office
Beginning this March 25th, Aichi
Prefecture will host Exposition 2005, thefirst World Exposition of the 21st Century.
Expected to attract over 15 million visitorsfrom across the world, the Exposition will
showcase state-of-the-art environmental technologies and feature futuristic exhibits thatencourage harmony, inspiration and a passion
for creativity. Aichi-ken will be buzzing withexcitement and anticipation. Leading up to
the Expositions’ debut, prefecture officials
will unveil the brand new Chubu International
Airport to receive the millions of expected
tourists and travelers.
The purpose of Exposition 2005 is toshare with the world the fine art of living andresolving the global difficulties that theworld will be subject to in the 21st century.

Morizo & Kiccoro: Mascots for
the World Exposition 2005

With the assistance of many participating
nations and international organizations, andunder the theme “Nature’s Wisdom,” theExposition will stimulate thoughts and ideas
for new cultures and civilizations.
Shoichiro Toyoda, the chief executive
officer of Toyota Motors will serve as honorary chairperson and will be joined by
Crown Prince Naruhito to kick off the event
which will be held at three locations, Toyota
and Seto cities and Nagakute town. It will bea phenomenal awareness raising and diverse
experience, from the perfectly preserved
10,000-year-old Siberian mammoth, to theworld’s largest seamless screen featuring thehistory of planet earth. Exhibits will juxtapose past nostalgia with ultra modern andfuturistic experience. There will be somethingthat appeals to everyone, green
technologies, futuristic modes oftransport and a music program
directed by guitarist, Eric Clapton.

Map of the “World Exposition 2005” site

Copyright 2005 Published by Japan Local Government Center

The main venue will feature
an elliptical promenade, called the
Global Loop, where six Global
Commons and a Japan Zone willcontain festive country pavilions.
Each day during the entire six
month period, participating countries will be showcased in a pro-gram called “National Days.” Visitors canexperience the latest amazing technology at
the nine corporate pavilions where they canlearn about future life on earth. The Bio-lungexhibit, a 150 meter long, 12 meter high wall
filled with flowers and plants represents the
future of urban space and the Satoyama
Nature Trail and the Forest Experience Zone
will give participants the opportunity to rethink nature. Hayao Miyazaki’s re-creationof “Satsuki and Mei’s House will awe guests.
EXPO Plaza, an open stage with the newest
type of large screen will transmit the excitement of the entire Exposition to the world.
continued on page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SPECIAL FEATURE

Aichi Prefecture andWorld Exposition 2005

1

Nagoya City – Gateway for
World Exposition 2005

2

JLGC UPDATEJLGC and NCSL Conferences

3

Experiencing Southern Hospitality
in the Lone Star State

4

CLAIR UPDATE

People that I Met in the US(CLAIR Kokusai Jyuku)
JETTA ACTIVITIESA Hometown Overseas

68Masthead: The sakura, or cherry blossom, is Japan’scherished national flower. Special hanami parties andexcursions are held during blossom time each year.

The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, Tokyo

SPECIAL FEATURE

Aichi Prefecture and World Exposition 2005
continued from page 1
In keeping with the spirit and purpose of
the Exposition, all structures are reusable andenvironmentally friendly. Power will be sup-plied by wind, solar and other forms of clean,natural energy. Transportation will be provided by Maglev train, fuel cell hybrid and driverless buses. World citizens will truly play aleading role at EXPO 2005, freely exchanging

ideas to create an attractive global society.
For additional and updated information, please
visit www.expo2005.or.jp or contact Chris
Fulmer at the Aichi Prefecture San Francisco
office at (415) 392-1333, extension 252.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Nagoya City – Gateway for World Exposition 2005
by Hideo Kuwabara
Director, Nagoya International Business Information Center
The capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya
City is the political, financial and cultural
center of the Pacific coast area between
Tokyo and Osaka. Nagoya City is the fourthlargest city in Japan whose main industries
consist of transportation, machinery, chemical, steel, textile and ceramic ware.
The city of Nagoya will actively support
the World Expo 2005 through its participation in a number of activities. Earth Tower
Nagoya City will display the world’s largest
kaleidoscope standing 47 meters (154 ft.)tall. Inside the structure, visitors will betreated to a spectacular barrage of colorful
patterns depicting solar spectrums. A collage
of glowing Japanese paper lanterns creates aharmonious display that represents nature,light, wind, and water.
Sasa-Shima Satellite Site will serve as
the gateway for World Expo 2005. Locatedin the city, south of Nagoya Station, the site
will serve as a home base for experiencing
the cultural diversity of all who pass through.
Visitors will experience a festive atmospherewith lively music, entertainment, amusements and a wide assortment of diverse culinary delights. Also, Nagoya City’s five sister

JLGC Newsletter

cities will hold the “Nagoya Sister-Cities
Festival 2005” introducing uniqueperformances and exhibitions.
Finally, with the assistance ofthe citizens of Nagoya, “N-Expo City
Symphony” will be launched advertising
Nagoya City’s attractions to the rest ofJapan. Events influenced by sub-themes
such as “environment” and “inspiration”
and set to music will be broadcast as acultural symphony to present and future
members of society. Event informationand the exchange of information overthe Internet will be available in virtual
real time.
“New Millennium, Nagoya Castle
Expo” will be held from March 19th throughJune 19th, 2005 in the famous Nagoya
Castle. The symbol of the castle, a pair ofgolden shachi (dolphin like sea creatures),will be brought down from its perch on theroof of the castle for visitors to touch.
Make your plans to visit Japan andthe World Exposition and be prepared toenjoy a marvelous experience. The city of
Nagoya is also looking for volunteers who
2

The Nagoya City Pavilion: “Earth Tower”

can provide rooms (home stays) for world
travelers who visit during the Expo 2005
event. Homestays are a wonderful way for
travelers to make friends and learn about
the culture, traditions and people on a more
personal and intimate level. For additional
information on volunteering a home stay,please visit, www.expohomestay.jp orcontact Hideo Kuwabara or Lisako Horimotoat the Nagoya International BusinessInformation Center Los Angeles officeat (213) 620-7980.

Issue 52

Winter 2005

JLGC UPDATEJapan Local Government Center and NCSL Conferencesby Stephen Fasano
JLGC Senior Researcher
Since the summer of 1992, the Japan
Local Government Center (JLGC) has
exhibited its programs and services at theannual convention of the National Conferenceof State Legislatures (NCSL). Founded in
1975, NCSL promotes legislative service as
one of democracy’s worthiest pursuits. A
bipartisan organization, NCSL membershipis comprised of the legislators and staffs of
the nation’s states, commonwealths
and territories. NCSL provides
research, technical assistanceand opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the mostpressing state issues. Just as
important is its role as an effective
and respected advocate for theinterests of state governments
before Congress and federal
agencies.

Japan during vacations or business trips.
Others were just curious about JLGC andJapanese local government. As a result, newrelationships have been forged and old friendships maintained because of JLGC’s presenceat NCSL conferences.
The Japanese local government officials
who have attended these yearly conferences
have benefited greatly by interacting with

Over the past twelve years,
JLGC has attended the NCSL
conferences held each year in aNews Article JLGC and NCSL
different city in the United States.
state government officials. They have
JLGC staff have manned their exhibit booth,absorbed relevant information about the workadvocated international exchange, attended
ings of state government and public policyseminars and engaged in workshops andmaking in the United States.
mobile tours. Through its exhibit, JLGC isable to present information about local govThis year the NCSL conference wasernments in Japan, and its programs and serheld in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah. Morevices, including the popular Japan Exchange
than 4,000 delegates attended and were
and Teaching Program (JET). JLGC also
treated to a wide variety of educationalsponsors international study programs andlectures on important state issues. The theme
supports sister city and sister-state relationof this years event was entitled “The New
ships.
Legislative Reality,” focusing on the changes
Thousands of people have stopped by the the state legislative institution is undergoing,
JLGC booth. Many have talked about existing including forces such as term limits, citizen
initiatives, federal encroachment on states’
relationships between their home states andrights and responsibilities, as well as otherJapan, or about their personal experiences in

JLGC Newsletter3

emerging complex topics. Policy enthusiasts
attended sessions on the new Patriot Act,
identification security systems, electronic
waste, universal health care, electronic
voting machines and ethics.
Highlighting the event were prominent
guest speakers, such as author Stephen Covey,
economist David Wyss and Business
Roundtable president John Castellani. They
spoke about effective business
management strategies, the quality of leadership and the outlookof the US economy. Other
notable speakers included former
Congressman Asa Hutchinson,
now serving as undersecretary at
the Department of Homeland
Security, former Congressman
Bob Barr and Eugene Hickock of
the US Department of Education.
The closing session featured a
discussion on the 2004 national
elections by Weekly Standard
Editor William Kristol and
CNN political analyst Donna Brazile.
In addition to the business of the day, the
NCSL conference showcased a lighter side,
particularly with regard to America’s youth.
Students from across America got an opportunity to meet with their home state legislators
at special lunch sessions. Also, students were
having special community service projects
judged by state legislators, legislative staff andvolunteers. “We the People: Project Citizen”
is an annual competition where portfolios
highlighting student projects that address apressing community issue are produced.
continued on page 4

Issue 52

Winter 2005

JLGC UPDATEJapan Local Government Center and NCSL Conferences
continued from page 3
On the celebrity front, Melissa Gilbert,
president of the Screen Actors Guild, perhaps
best known for her role as Laura Ingalls fromtelevision’s “Little House on the Prairie,”
spoke about how states can attract movie andtelevision production within their borders.
Olympic Gold Medallist, Picabo Street, a
spokesperson for the National Children’s
Alliance, hosted a tour of the Children’sJustice Center in Salt Lake City. The center
is a model advocacy center that provides
services for victims of child abuse.
After the close of business each day,there were special events for the delegates andexhibitors including a reception at the State
Capitol, followed by a private concert by therenowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

It was also a fun time for the families
and friends of the attendees. The final social
event was held at the Olympic Oval where
medals were won and records set in the2002 Olympic Games.
Year after year, in city after city,
JLGC staff learns a little more about local
government in the United States whileabsorbing American culture and practicing
English language skills. The NCSL conference provides the opportunity for them toengage and communicate with their professional peers allowing for a sharing andexchange of information that hopefully
can benefit everyone.
In addition to the personal satisfaction
experienced by many JLGC staff, theAnnual Meetings of State Legislatures

provides desirable exposure that has andwill continue to enhance JLGC’s activities
as a bridge that serves to connect Japanese
local governments with their counterpartsin the United States and elsewhere in theworld.
We would like to express our appreciation and hearty thanks for the warmth,
friendliness and helpfulness extended over
the years by NCSL staff and the people of
all the host cities where the Annual
Meetings have been held. Thousands ofvolunteers from all over the states work
diligently for more than a year to assist
NCSL with the planning, organizing andcoordinating of these events. We lookforward to continuing our strong relationshipwith NCSL and anticipate another successful
year exhibiting at the 2005 Annual Meeting.

JLGC UPDATE

Experiencing Southern Hospitality in the Lone Star Stateby Tamaki Yoshida
Assistant Director of JLGC
Loyd Neal, the mayor of the Cityof Corpus Christi stands tall when it comesto governing this charming city by the bay.
Just how tall even exceeded my vivid
imagination! I stand five feet and ten
inches (178 cm) but still had to rise on
my toes and strain my neck just to makeeye contact. When I shook his large hand,
I felt a bit overwhelmed by his presence,
an aura of confidence and power as big as
Texas. Although Mayor Neal is a big man
at six feet five inches (196 cm) and strikes

JLGC Newslettera formidable presence, he greeted me with what I would cometo know as Texan hospitality. In
just a short time, I would learn
that although physically large, he
has an even bigger heart. A manof character, passion, kindness
and determination, he is sincere
about his ability to lead thecity into the new century. Yes,
everything about him was big
and I kept remembering that

4

Mayor Loyd Neal (left) and the author, Tamaki Yoshida (right),
in front of City Hall

Issue 52

Winter 2005

someone once told me that everything is
big in Texas!
Touching down at Corpus Christi
Airport, I first became aware of the stark
climactic and geographic differencesthat are typical of the United States.
I had beenworking in
New York
City where
it is crowded
and cold, so I
was pleasantly
surprised to
be greeted bybalmy weather
and a small
town atmosphere.

two reasons. First, Japanese mayors are
curious and intrigued by what goes on inother cities around the world and specifically how foreign mayors successfully handle
problems using new programs and progressive policies. My mission was to find amayor who possessed intellect, leadershipJapan. Yokosuka City is also my home
town. While living and working in the
United States, I represent Yokosuka City
as a kind of good will ambassador.

I had a wonderful experience during mybrief stay in Corpus Christi visiting the sites,
absorbingsouthern culture and TexMex cuisine.
My interview
with Mayor
Neal was bothpleasurable andinsightful and I
owe a special
thanks to his
Executive
Assistant Diana
ZertucheI came to
Garcia who
Corpus Christi
helped me withto interview
travel arrangeMayor Nealments and set
on his accomup appointplishments
ments to meetduring his
various city
The author with sister city committee. Starting from the left: Mr. Gene Reshanov; his wife, Ms.Venecia Kelly; thetenure as theofficials. The
author, Mr. Tamaki Yoshida; Mr. Stephen Fasano (Senior Researcher of JLGC); Mr. Edwin Hawn; Mrs. Rebecca
chief executive
interview withHawn; Ms. Yukiko Barber; Mr. Regis Barber
officer of the
Mayor Nealcity. The mayor
will be puband strength of will to pursue a vision, carry lished and I shall return to Corpus Christi
had written an article on behalf of theout a plan and implement innovative proJapan Conference of Mayors to be
as a local government intern, working in vargrams through effective and efficient govern- ious agencies. I know that I will be able topublished in the journal, “Municipal
ment administration. Awarded the prestiAdministration – Message from Foreign
learn a great deal about government admingious All-America City designation from the istration and hope to improve my English
Mayors.” The journal is widely read andNational Civic League, Corpus Christi under language ability. Living and working in a
subscribed to by more than 700 Japanese
Mayor Neal’s stewardship was just such amayors.
hospitable environment, I
city. Second, Corpus Christi’s sister city is
am confident that my internship will be
Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture,
I came to choose Mayor Neal for
rewarding and pleasurable.

JLGC Newsletter

5

Issue 52

Winter 2005

CLAIR UPDATE

People that I Met in the US (CLAIR Kokusai Jyuku)
by Nobuko Nakashima
When I was selected to participate inpitable. She said she really enjoys her job
in the United States. A special thank you
the overseas international study program, I
because she likes to meet various people. We
goes to Amy Robertson of the International
left Japan wondering how I could maximize
Center in Washington D.C., who arranged my only spent one day together, but it was an
this training experience because I was unpreentire itinerary including my memorable visit experience that I will never forget.
pared and swamped with myown work. I was worried, but
I was surprised to learn
once it started, everythingthat there are organizations
went smoothly. The local
such as the International
government officials, my hostCenter that assist foreign visifamily, and my colleagues
tors through a network of
were very supportive. All
state contacts throughout thethrough the three month proUnited States. Because thegram, I visited many local
International Center exists, I
government offices and took
was able to visit Maine. I
part in an intensive English
think we can and should
language program. In addiadopt such a system in Japan.
tion, I had a chance to visit
more than 20 American cities,
When I visited Fayettesomething that I could neverCounty in the State ofhave done on a private trip.
Kentucky as part of my trainAs a result, I learned a greating, I attended a town meetdeal about the American culing. When the meeting
The author, Ms. Nobuko Nakashima (right), enjoys a Japanese dinner party at theture and the intrinsic characended, the chairman introhost family’s house in Washington D.C. with the host mother (center), her roommates and friends
teristics of various geographic
duced me to the council
areas in the United States.
members and she asked me to introduce
to the State of Maine. Under Amy’s recommyself. It was the first time I addressed amendation, I decided to go Maine for my
Toward the end of the three month propublic audience. It was also the first time for
Individual Study Program. The Internationalgram, I experienced the presidential election
me to appear on American TV, as the town
Visitors Program World Affairs Council ofand it was an eye-opener for me. From themeeting was broadcast. It was totally unexMaine had only one week to arrange theintensive campaigning to the televised
pected. The mayor introduced herself to meschedule for me. However, they managed todebates, Election Day hoopla, to theput together a comprehensive agenda that was and we shook hands. I was both surprisedannouncement of the results, I was there toand impressed by her affable disposition. Itmuch better than I had anticipated. Rebecca,
experience everything. I shared America’s
became the most memorable experience I had
the volunteer responsible for helping me,
excitement. I felt like I was an American. I
managed to arrange four appointments for me on this trip.
enjoyed attending receptions, visiting cameven though we only had one day. Rebecca
paign offices and even waving at cars with
I attended the JET Alumni Association
was my constant companion picking me up at
candidate bumper stickers.
reception at the Japanese embassy inthe hotel, accompanying me to my appointWashington D.C. where I thoroughly enjoyedments, having dinner with me, and making
I will treasure these wonderful memories sure I arrived safely back to the hotel. I wasinteracting with the JET alumni. I could takewith thanks to the kindness of all the people
impressed because she was voluntarily assist- a break from English lessons and talk about
who helped me during my three month stay
Japan. I met a JET who had worked in
ed me and she was tireless and always hos-

JLGC Newsletter

6

Issue 52

Winter 2005

Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, as an
Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) andYonago is my hometown. It was rare to meetsomeone in Washington D.C. who knew
Yonago because even in Japan, people hardly
visit Yonago. We talked about many familiarthings: good restaurants, and friends who
speak the Yonago dialect. It all reminded meof my life in Tottori. What a small world!
I met so many diverse people at theorganizations I visited. From government
officials and not-for-profit staff to hostfamilies and classmates at the English
language school, everyone welcomed mein their own unique manner. Being able tomeet all these people was the best part of
the training. When I was working in Japan,
I took great care in being polite and hospitable to maintain harmony. However, I
think real hospitality does not work thatway. There are no hard and fast rules
about hosting guests and it surely must be

difficult withforeign visitors.
But sometimes thesmall imperfections
and unique happenings along the way
make a visit unforgettable. I like itthis way and I
hope to be able toreturn such hospitality to a foreign
guest visiting
Tottori Prefecture
and Yonago City.

Experiencing a US presidential campaign rally in Kentucky with the hostmother (left) and a co-worker (right)

It has been three months since I returned
to Japan. I still enjoy speaking and listening
to English. I cannot believe it, since there
was a time when I disliked the language.
Now, whenever I use English, I remember thepeople that I met in the America. If I havethe occasion to host foreign guests, I will try

to make their stay as pleasurable as my stayin America. Everywhere I went in the US,
people always said to me, “If you have any
questions, you can ask via e-mail. Pleasekeep in touch.” I like the fact that Americans
like to keep in touch as Japanese people hardly say such things to visitors that they meet.
I want to keep these fond feelings with me foras long as I can.

Itinerary of the CLAIR Short-Term International Study Program 2004
Aug. 20
Aug. 23–24
Aug. 25–
Sep. 17
Sep. 20–
Oct. 8Oct. 9–15
Oct. 16–22
Oct. 23–Nov. 5
Nov. 6–
Nov. 12
Nov. 15
Nov. 16JLGC Newsletter

Travel to New York
Opening session and orientation at Japan Local Government Center in New York
Travel to Alexandria, VA
All-day language training
All-day language training 3 days a week
Meetings and site visits in Washington D.C. area rest of the week
Meetings on state government (Group A: Austin, TX Group B: Atlanta, GA)
Meetings on municipal government (Group A: Seattle, WA Group B: Boulder, CO)
Individual Internship (2-week internship in municipal government(s))
Independent travel (I went Augusta, MA and Quebec, Canada)(meeting with municipal government(s) or organization about own theme)
Closing session at Japan Local Government Center in New York
Travel to Japan

7

Stay hotel
Stay host family
Stay hotel
Stay hotel
Stay host family
Stay hotel
Stay hotel

Issue 52

Winter 2005

JETAA ACTIVITIESA Hometown Overseas
by Rosemary de Frémery

You won’t find my Japanese hometown, Hamaoka, on any new maps ofthe country. It has merged with a neighboring town to become Omaezaki-shi. The
word -shi implies that this new municipality
is a city, but anyone who has been to theformer Hamaoka-cho can tell you it isdefinitely a -cho (town), not a -shi (city).
Almost no Japanese I’ve met outside of
Shizuoka Prefecture knows where it isand there’s a reason for that. It’s a
Podunk little town!
But that’s why I liked it. As cliché
as it might sound, I really did once live
among the rice paddies with the cicadas
humming persistently outside my screen
door on humid summer nights. If I wentout for a bicycle ride, I’d hear frogs
gurgling in the irrigated rice paddies. A
swollen moon would beam overhead.
If I biked just a few minutes further, I’dreach the beach and hear its calming rushof waves.
I grew to love Hamaoka over thethree years I spent there. Although manyof my Japanese friends asked if there
weren’t a lot of things I found strange or
confusing, the truth was that before long,
being there made sense. Just like in myWestern Massachusetts hometown, I could
stop by a roadside farm stand to pick up
fresh flowers or cherry tomatoes on myway home. Although it wasn’t always
convenient (buses out of Hamaoka stopped
running at 8pm, for example), it had its own
treasures: fresh fish from the ocean, brilliant green tea from the fields I biked past
JAPAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT CENTER
666 FIFTH AVE., NEW YORK, NY 10103-0072

every morning, and seasonal flowers of
every hue and shape you could think ofblooming all year round.
Of course, a town is just an empty
landscape without a community ofpeople to give it life. At the high school,
there were students showing a range of
personalities from shy to exuberant.
There was my private Japanese tutor were it not for her I would not havelearned nearly as much Japanese or
enjoyed life in Japan to the level that
I did. There was my tea ceremony
sensei who somehow roped me into
practicing chado by inviting me to ademonstration and then saying, “Nowyou try it!”
There were the people I knew aroundtown who I also miss. They didn’t open
up for over a year. That made sense too:
we New Englanders are famous for taking
years if not decades to grow friendships(just ask my transplanted Californian
father) but are known for our loyalty
once the friendships have been established.
It should have come as no surprise thatjust around the time I left in 2001 I
finally started to feel as if I belonged,
and everyone else got used to having mearound too. Leaving was anything
but easy.
I’m hoping to finally go back this year
to see my friends and find out if anything
has changed. I’m pretty sure I’ll recognize
it all; I’ll just have to follow the signs for
Omaezaki-shi, not Hamaoka-cho.
TEL: (212) 246-5542
FAX: (212) 246-5617

The author, Ms. Rosemary de Frémery, former ALT(Shizuoka Prefecture)

Featuredin thisissue:

Omaezaki
City(Hamaoka-cho)

TOTTORIPREF.

SHIZUOKA
PREF.

Tokyo
YokosukaCity

YonagoCity

AICHI KANAGAWA
PREF.
PREF.
Nagoya City

E-MAIL: jlgc@jlgc.org
WEBSITE: http://www.jlgc.org