Tag - local-government

 
 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
May 15, 2023
Uzbekistan-born lawmaker looks to turn love of Japan into social change
Orzugul, who was recently elected to a seat in the Setagaya Ward Assembly, is looking to use it to address concerns of marginalized groups — issues she is all too familiar with.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 3, 2023
Kinki Nippon Tourist admits overcharging municipalities by up to ¥1.6 billion
The travel agency has said it will return the funds, overcharged on commissioned work related to COVID-19 vaccination programs, after the amount is finalized.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
May 2, 2023
Chiba Prefecture woman arrested over Twitter threat to release sarin
Miyuki Yamamoto, who ran unsuccessfully for the Funabashi Municipal Assembly last month, was arrested on suspicion of obstructing business with fraudulent information.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
May 1, 2023
LGBTQ+ 'familyship' systems expand in Japan amid absence of national law
Such systems add recognition of same-sex partners’ children as family members, enabling access to public services typically offered to married couples and families.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 28, 2023
A small Japanese town sets new precedent for women in politics
Among the country’s city councils and assemblies, men held more than 80% of the total seats as of 2021. But in Ebetsu, more than 40% of the city council members are women.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 25, 2023
Ashiya's new mayor stands out in a local politics dominated by old men
Ryosuke Takashima has grabbed headlines since becoming the youngest city chief ever elected in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 24, 2023
Former bureaucrat wins Nagasaki mayoral race in unified polls
Elsewhere, in Hyogo Prefecture, Ryosuke Takashima, a 26-year-old independent candidate, won the Ashiya mayoral race, becoming the country's youngest mayor ever.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 20, 2023
Yokosuka becomes Japan's first city to use ChatGPT for administrative tasks
Roughly 4,000 municipal employees at Yokosuka’s city office began using the artificial intelligence-powered chatbot for a one-month trial in an effort to improve operations.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Apr 20, 2023
Despite hurdles, more political candidates hit campaign trail with young children
Politics in Japan has long been considered the domain of those who are capable of committing to the duty 24/7, marginalizing the voices of families with young children.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 16, 2023
Campaigning starts for second half of Japan's unified polls
The official campaign period has kicked off for the second half of Japan's unified local elections slated for April 23.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Apr 13, 2023
Virtual spaces coaxing Japan's social recluses back into society
Local governments and private companies are making efforts to establish unique 'club activities' based on common interests as the problem of social disconnection continues to spiral.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 10, 2023
Key gubernatorial victories boost Kishida's ruling bloc
The victories bode well for Kishida and his Liberal Democratic Party amid speculation that he could dissolve the Lower House for a snap election at an early date.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 3, 2023
Rising number of uncontested seats in Japan sparks calls for change
A quarter of candidates in 41 prefectural assembly elections ran unopposed — the second highest ever — prompting even the winners to call for reforms.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 26, 2023
Mayoral races in six major Japanese cities officially kick off
The mayoral elections, part of the first round of unified local polls next month, are set for April 9.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 24, 2023
Japanese government urges release of missing persons' names in event of disaster
The government has urged local authorities to publicly disclose the names of people who are missing during disasters without the family's consent to speed up rescue operations.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 23, 2023
Kyoto to introduce Japan's first empty homes tax
The new tax, set for introduction in 2026 at the earliest, aims to boost the property market amid an exodus of young people struggling to secure housing in the city.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 23, 2023
Official campaigning for nationwide local elections begins in Japan
The election results are likely to determine whether Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will decide to dissolve the Lower House for a snap general election.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital / Japan Pulse
Mar 23, 2023
Tokyo gets on board the virtual YouTuber hype train
The local government's move to recruit Gawr Gura, Mori Calliope and Miko Sakura to help promote tourism speaks to just how big the VTuber industry has become in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 22, 2023
Japan sets date for launch of new children's agency
Beginning operations on April 1, the Children and Families Agency will adopt an integrated approach to tackling issues such as the falling birthrate, child abuse and bullying.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 19, 2023
Political boys club stains the reputation of Japan's winter wonderland
Councilor Umeko Saito says she has been inappropriately touched by a councilman and has been intimidated by male colleagues during her time serving in the local assembly in Niseko, Hokkaido.

Longform

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