In Japan, most local governments hold a regular assembly session from late November to early December. Regular sessions must be held four times a year and local governments can choose which months the sessions are held. For example, Sakai City in Osaka decided regular sessions should be held in February, May, August and November. In addition, if necessary, a mayor can convene special sessions.
Generally, regular sessions last approximately 20-30 days, excluding days spent discussing administrative duties. The schedule is as follows:
- Mayor’s proposal (1 day)
- Assembly members’ inquiry and research (1 week)
- Discussion at plenary sessions (2-4 days)
- Discussion at committee meetings (1-2 days)
- Decision (1 day)
Other than the mayor, the deputy mayor and senior municipality officials may respond to questions posed by assembly members. Usually, a summary of the members’ questions are sent to the mayor in advance and the mayor and his/her staff check data and discuss how to respond before any formal response. Responding to assembly members’ questions is a very challenging time for the mayor and the mayoral office because all responses are officially recorded and become official municipal policies.
Bills and plans are proposed at every session, but the initial budget should be proposed in February or March to coincide with the start of the Japanese financial year in April. During this time, a special budget committee is added to the proceedings to allow for a few days to discuss this matter.