Chinese mayors and deputy listening to a presentation by ICLEI Japan on pollution control and waste management by cities in Japan.

Chinese mayors learn about pollution control in Japanese cities

ICLEI Japan Office made presentation about Japanese local governments’ experience of pollution control and waste management to six Chinese mayors and deputy mayors in July 2008. They expressed a great interest in ICLEI and Japanese local governments’ efforts.

ICLEI Japan Office explained about the long expertise in pollution control in Japan. The experience of long term ICLEI Members such as Kawasaki City and Ube City were presented as a case in point. For example, Ube City has since 1949 challenged air pollution in partnership with business, experts and citizens. Kawasaki City has demonstrated national leadership with the most complete air pollution regulations in Japan and an innovative waste management program.

The meeting was part of a 'Japan-China friendship' project by the China Association for International Friendly Contact, financially supported by a private Japanese foundation. Since 1990, the project has promoted exchanges between Chinese and Japanese local government  representatives as well as government ministries and businesses.

The theme in 2008 was “air pollution measures, emission regulations and recycling-oriented society in Japan.” Mayors and deputy mayors from six local governments visited Japan for a week.