In 2005, this Institute embarked on a project called “Project on Overseas Dissemination of Information on Local Governance System of Japan and its Operation” in collaboration with the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR). The goal of this project is to compile materials on systems of local governance and their implications in Japan and translate these materials into foreign languages.

　Currently, a research committee of specialists on local governance is working on compiling the following materials: A glossary of translations of words relating to local governance, English translation of statistical materials regarding local governance, collection of documents and materials on local governance, up-to-date information on trends in local governance, information on system of local governance and their implementation by sector. From fiscal year 2008、a new document on the historical development of Japanese local governance is being prepared.

　To see current publications, click here.

　The Research Committee on Local Governance (Research Committee concerned with the “Project on Overseas Dissemination of Information on Local Governance System of Japan and its Operation” has a chairperson and an acting chairperson. Acting in cooperation with the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), has for each of its activities a “lead investigator” and “deputy investigator”, who play a central role in the research and implementation of projects. Researchers and others concerned with local governance are also appointed to the Research Committee on Local Governance.

　Apart from the “Research Committee on Local Governance”, a “Management Committee” meets once a year, when as well as reporting on the state of implementation of existing projects, it also examines such matters as how to take projects forward in the future.

　　In collaboration with the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), COSLOG carries out, for the benefit of overseas countries, the compilation of documents in foreign languages on the basis of research surveys concerned with such matters as the actual situation of local governance in Japan and its operation. (Implementation of the “Project on Overseas Dissemination of Information on Local Governance System of Japan and Actual State of its Operation”).

　Research surveys take place to identify high-quality “reference works and documentation on overseas local governance” and “important (fundamental) reference works and documentation on local governance in Japan” in Japanese and other languages. The identified reference works and documentation are indexed and placed in the COSLOG library on the basis of cooperation with CLAIR (overseas offices) and form part of the library stock.

For detailed information on the COSLOG Library, click here.