MLIT Seminar Series: The Role of MLIT in a Changing Society
Japan is today faced with the new challenges that come with rapid social change, in particular, Japan’saging society, environmental problems and globalization issues. In this context, MLIT (the Ministry of Land,Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) has introduced and actively implemented a range of policies thatwill address social needs and contribute to public well-being.
We believe that sharing our policy objectives with the international community will also broaden ouropportunities to contribute to global well-being. With these aims in mind, MLIT is delighted to have thisopportunity to introduce ourselves to graduate students at the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP)
of The University of Tokyo through a course of lectures on three key topics.

Seminar #1 " Housing and Real Estate Investment Market Policy in Japan"

Date/Time: 2014.2.4 16:30–18:00
Part I: Housing Policy (16:30-17:15)
Japan has a history of rapid development of urban housing stock in order to accommodate the massive
growth in urban populations that has occurred since World War II. In this lecture we will consider howJapan provided housing for its growing population through public entities such as the Government
Housing Loan Corporation, Public Rental Housing, and the Japan Housing Corporation. The lecture also
describes how these policies have been vastly transformed to address current challenges, including anaging society, reduction in CO2 emissions, and preparedness in the event of major disasters.

Part II: Real Estate Investment Market Policy (17:15-18:00)
This lecture will present current conditions in the real estate market in Japan and government policies tostimulate that market. Since J-REIT (the Japan Real Estate Investment Trust) was established in 2001,
securitization of real estate property has been accelerated. Although the Lehman Shock depressed themarket significantly, the Abe administration, since taking office in December 2012, has taken steps tore-invigorate the market.
Students will learn about the latest government policy with regard to the real estate market as well as theeconomic impacts that may derive from market growth.

Seminar #2 "Strengthening the International Competitiveness of Metropolitan Areas"

Date/Time: 2014.2.5 14:30–16:00
Backed by rising populations and expanding domestic demand that have led to the high economic growth
we have enjoyed since World War II, Japanese cities have been able to develop their infrastructure andimprove public housing. Japanese cities today, however, face a turning point, due to intense globalization,
the aging and decline of their populations, and other challenges.
In this lecture, we will discuss how we can deal with this situation, especially in terms of strengthening theinternational competitiveness of major cities.

Seminar #3 "Overseas Infrastructure Development by the Japanese Government"

Date/Time: 2014.2.6 16:30–18:00This lecture gives an introduction to policies for the development of Japanese know-how in infrastructure
projects overseas that may contribute to the economic development of developing countries, andaddresses difficulties, such as in contract and risk management. The lecture also gives an overview ofdifferences in policy, comparing Japan with other countries.
The lecture is supplemented with case studies and interactive discussions.