The Japan Local Government Centre (JLGC) actively runs a wide range of programmes and events each year to strengthen knowledge exchange and professional development between Japanese local governments and counterparts across nine European countries.

  • Our impact

    For over 30 years, we’ve facilitated meaningful exchanges between UK, EU and Japanese local governments.
  • 180
    +
    Japanese local government officials trained in London
  • 200
    +
    UK local government staff participants in our tours to Japan
  • 11000
    +
    UK participants of the JET Programme

International partnerships

JLGC champions cross-border collaboration through sister city relationships and joint projects. We help facilitate exchanges in civic engagement, education, culture and economic cooperation between Japanese municipalities and European communities.

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A man in a green shirt points at a notebook while discussing work with a woman in a pink sweater. They are in a brightly lit office, focused and engaged.

Knowledge exchange

In partnership with CLAIR, JLGC facilitates international exchanges on multicultural policy. Through our Multicultural Communities Policy Exchange Programme, policymakers from Japan visit UK local and regional authorities to observe and learn how inclusive support services are developed and delivered.

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Study tours & JET alumni

The annual Japan Study Tour invites senior local government officials and professionals from Europe to Japan for a week of immersive learning. Participants gain first-hand insights into Japanese governance systems, explore leading practices in service delivery and build professional links that support future collaboration.

Japan Study Tour

Our annual tour for UK & EU local government and public sector professionals

JET Programme

The JET Programme is the flagship Japanese government initiative for UK/EU graduates across Japan to promote grassroots cultural exchange, English education and regional internationalisation.
Bustling Japanese street scene with vibrant signs, lanterns, and people walking. The narrow alley is lively, conveying a sense of urban energy.

Research & practice

We conduct policy research and analysis to support the internationalisation goals of local governments in Japan. JLGC also assists delegations and study visits, helping local leaders explore new ideas and evidence-based practices in regional development and governance.
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