The Local Government Exchange & Cooperation Seminar

Applications are now open!

LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE & COOPERATION

SEMINAR 2026/2027 in Goka, Ibaraki

Applications are now open!

Join us for this 7-day seminar offering a unique opportunity to learn about the Japanese government system and visit a local government area in Japan to explore best practices and innovative initiatives!

We are offering eligible participants the opportunity to visit Japan

The Local Government Exchange and Cooperation Seminar aims to promote a deeper understanding of Japanese local governments and culture. The programme brings together participants from Australia, New Zealand and Japan working in local governments and related organisations to exchange knowledge on current local government challenges and practices.

Below are the details of the upcoming seminar themes and information about Goka Town in Ibaraki Prefecture, the host local government of the 2026/2027 Seminar.

Themes

Building an Attractive and Sustainable City for the Next Generation― Challenges of Small Local Governments and the Potential of Industry–Government–Academia Collaboration

Eligibilities

• Local government executives
• Executives of organisations engaging in international relations or cooperation between municipalities
• Applicants from national organisations, research institutes, or other organisations may be accepted providing their backgrounds are relevant to the themes of the Seminar

     Note: Up to 4 participants from Australia and New Zealand combined

Schedule

The Seminar will be held from Sunday, 14 February to Saturday, 20 February 2026. Participants will arrive in Tokyo before travelling to Goka. For further details, please refer to the Outline.

Cost

CLAIR will cover expenses incurred during the Seminar period in Japan, including transportation within Japan, accommodation, meals (excluding meals during free time), seminar materials, admission fees, and overseas travel insurance. Round-trip airfare to Japan and personal expenses are not covered (e.g., telephone and internet expenses, meals outside the programme schedule etc.).

To Apply

Please complete the Application Form and send it to mailbox@jlgc.org.au by Friday, 13 November 2026.

About Goka

Please visit here, for information about Goka Town.

Past seminars:

• 2025

  • Date: 26 October – 1 November 2025
  • Host Organisation: Kuroishi City Government
  • Theme: Community-Driven Waste Management in Local Government

• 2024

  • Date: 1 December – 7 December 2024
  • Host Organisation: Ube City Government
  • Theme: Tourism and Regional Revitalisation Efforts Utilising the UBE Biennale
•  

• 2023

  • Date: 3 December – 9 December 2023
  • Host Organisation: Kohoku Town Government
  • Theme: Sustainable Development in Small Local Government

• 2022

  • Date: 5 February – 14 February 2023
  • Host Organisation: Kitakyushu City Government
  • Theme: Environmental policies and tourism resource management

• 2021

  • Date: 3 February – 4 February 2022
  • Organiser: The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)
  • Theme: Net Zero Emissions Strategies
  • Due to travel restrictions, this year’s seminar was held virtually

• 2019

  • Date: 3 February – 12 February 2020
  • Host Organisation: Miyakonojo City Government
  • Theme: Encouraging local development through primary industries : Local industry promotion

• 2018

  • Date: 12 February – 21 February 2019
  • Host Organisation: Kohoku Town Government
  • Theme: Building appealing and livable towns in the face of Japan’s declining birthrate and aging population

• 2017

  • Date: 12 February – 21 February 2018
  • Host Organisation: Higashine City Government
  • Themes:
    1. Town planning and personal development through child care measures and education geared towards population growth
    2. Efforts by regional cities to encourage more international tourists to visit by making full use of local resources

• 2016

  • Date: 12 February – 22 February 2017
  • Host Organisation: Masuda City Government
  • Themes:
    1. International visitor attraction through the culture and history of a small provincial city
    2. Promoting region-wide tourism collaboration with adjacent cities

• 2015

  • Date: 1 November – 11 November 2015
  • Host organisation: Yamato Takada City Government
  • Themes:
    1. Meaning of Sister City Exchange
    2. Harmonise Town Planning and Heritage Conservation

• 2014

  • Date: 16 November – 26 November 2014
  • Host Organisation: Sakaide City Government
  • Theme:
    1. Making the best use of regional characteristics