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Introduction of NGA

Name of Organization

National Governors' Association

Establishment

The former The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Act and The Prefectural Government Act were amended in 1946. The chief executive for each jurisdiction or prefecture was appointed by the government (government appointed governor), however this appointment was replaced by a popular election system. On April 5, 1947, the first election (nationwide local election) was held producing 46 publicly elected prefectural governors for the first time.

The new governors were now independent from the national government and given an active role to protect the interests of the local residents for the government. This created a need for the governors to communicate and cooperate with one another. The "Local Government Council" was formed as an organization for governors to discuss matters based on the region.

Thereafter, the "National Federation of Local Government Councils" was formed as a national organization on October 1, 1947. Then on October 11, 1950, the name was amended to the "National Governors' Association" in order to aptly describe the national organization of governors both in name and nature.

In accordance with the Local Autonomy Law amendment of 1963, the association became a national federation based on said law. In addition, the group became eligible to submit proposals to the Cabinet or the Diet in accordance with the amendments to said law in 1993.

Objective

This association shall encourage close communication and cooperation among prefectures and shall engage in activities to facilitate and develop local government administration.

Affairs and Activities

This association shall engage in the following activities and affairs.

I. Liaison and coordination related to the affairs of each prefecture

II. Draft and promote measures deemed necessary to promote local autonomy

III. Consult with ministers related to planning, drafting and implementing national policy that impacts local governments, and shall be carried out in accordance with the laws related to discussion(forums) between the national government and local government

IV. Submit proposals to the Cabinet or the Diet related to laws, cabinet orders or other affairs that impact local governments in accordance with the provisions in Article 263-3 paragraph 2

In addition, this association shall also engage in the following activities in order to achieve the objectives set by this association.

a) Study Group

This association shall also set up seminars or lectures on topics related to local government systems and autonomy presented by academic experts in order to examine the fundamental problems concerning local governments and autonomy.

b) Advanced Policy Bank, Local Autonomy Advanced Policy Center and Brain Center

The association has set up a Local Autonomy Advanced Policy Center. This center offers a web based Advanced Policy Bank , which enables prefectures to share advanced policy information and draft policy measures. In addition, it provides a Brain Center[m5] which performs research and advocacy on various topics with a function for outside experts to make policy recommendations.

Organization

This association is organized as follows:

a) Officer

There is a president and officers appointed to this association, for which all of its members engage in meetings, activities and general association affairs.

President - 1

Vice presidents - Less than 7

Executive Council members - 7

Auditors - 3

b) National Governors' Conference

The National Governors' Conference is held twice annually, and an emergency session may also be held when deemed necessary.

In the conference sessions, the prefectural governors discuss common issues or discuss deal with government measures which impact local areas and regions, and they also decide on policies, etc.

In addition, the government also hosts the National Prefectural Governors' Conference once a year. The Prime Minister and Cabinet members engage in discussion with the governors to exchange ideas and to encourage close ties between the government and the prefectures.

c) Standing Committee and Special Committee

The following standing committees and special committees are set up to examine and draft measures on national policy and issues that impact local areas and regions, etc

(Standing Committee)

I. Standing Committee for General Affairs

II. Standing Committee for Local Taxes and Finance

III. Standing Committee for Agriculture, Forestry, Commerce and Industry

IV. Standing Committee for Construction, Transportation and Tourism

V. Standing Committee for Social Security

VI. Standing Committee for Educational and Sports

Ⅶ.Standing Committee for Environment and Energy

(Special Committee)

I. Special Committee for General Strategies

II. Special Committee for Risk Management / Disaster Control

III. Special Committee for Decentralization Promotion

IV. Special Committee for Measures for Nuclear Power Generation

In addition, task force units or Progect Teams have also been set up as needed.

Office Address

6th Floor, Prefectural Assembly

6-3, 2-chome, Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093, Japan

Phone: 03-5212-9127

Six Local Government Organizations (Local Government Establishment and Policy Council)

In addition to this association, there are national federations led by council chairpersons and by chairpersons (heads of municipality) for the Six Local Government Organizations: the National Association of Chairpersons of Prefectural Assemblies, the Japan Association of City Mayors, the National Association of Chairpersons of City Councils, the National Association of Towns & Villages and the National Association Chairmen of Town and Village Assemblies. This group of organizations is referred to as the Six Local Government Organizations.

In addition, the Six Local Government Organizations make up the Local Government Establishment and Policy Council (August 23, 1963) in order to encourage good and sound development for the local administration and finance. They also collaborate to submit proposals for the government and the Diet, on common issues among the prefectures, cities, towns and villages.