May 2011

The National Diet of Japan has passed a law calling for a policy deliberation forum to consist of several Cabinet members and local government leaders. The cabinet members participating in the forum are the Chief Cabinet Secretary, the Minister in charge of strengthening local autonomy reform, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Minister of Finance and other ministers that may be appointed by the Prime Minister. Local government leaders are the chairpersons representing the following six organizations; The Japan National Governors Association The Japan Association of City Mayors The National Association of Towns and Villages Mayors The National Association of Chairpersons of Prefectural Assemblies The National Association of… Read More »Japan creates a statutory round table for national, prefecture and local leaders to discuss reforming government responsibilities

Japanese local governments have dispatched many firefighters to the affected area since March 11th. These response teams are registered as “Emergency Fire Response Teams” (EFRT) at the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. They are composed of firefighting teams and rescue teams as well as command response teams, special disaster teams, air squadrons etc. So far, approximately 7,500 teams of 28,500 firefighters (aggregation including replacements) have been dispatched to the affected area from all over Japan. As of May 27th, 70 firefighters of 20 teams, including 1 air squadron, are assisting the affected area fire departments. The expense of Emergency Fire Response Teams will be… Read More »Local governments are assisting emengency response of disaster affected area