#Japan #Oizumi Town #CX Mayer's Board #Toshiaki Murayama

Discovering Oizumi Town: A Unique Blend of Business and Multiculturalism

Nestled in the southeastern part of Gunma Prefecture, Oizumi Town is widely recognized as a "business town" with a solid economic foundation, predominantly featuring major corporations like Subaru and Panasonic. However, this vibrant community also stands out as one of Japan's leading "multicultural towns," with approximately 20% of its population consisting of foreign nationals. This dual identity presents both opportunities and challenges, and at the helm of this unique town is Mayor Toshiaki Murayama, who has been steering the local government for an impressive 12 years.

Economic Stability as a Foundation

Reflecting on his early days in office, Mayor Murayama states, "The foremost task was to stabilize the economy." At that time, concerns about factories relocating overseas were rampant, and urgent solutions were needed to create jobs and ensure steady tax income. His belief was unwavering: by attracting businesses on a solid basis, Oizumi's economic foundation would, in turn, support all resident services.

As time has passed, the pressing concerns from residents have shifted but remain significant. One prominent issue they voice is the rising cost of living. In response, Murayama initiated measures such as the complete waiver of school lunch fees in all elementary and middle schools to alleviate the burdens on families. This dual perspective—balancing macroeconomic stability while addressing micro-level community needs—continues to guide his administration.

Unique Collaborative Efforts with Businesses

Looking ahead five to ten years, the most significant challenge facing Oizumi Town is combating population decline. Mayor Murayama emphasizes the necessity of supporting business expansion to enrich the town's finances, thereby providing improved services to residents. However, land available for new large factories is dwindling. His forward-looking strategy involves inviting venture companies and entrepreneurs to establish themselves in Oizumi.

In addition to attracting new businesses, Oizumi’s unique approach is shifting towards enhancing collaboration with existing companies. Unlike typical inter-company networks facilitated by financial institutions or other municipalities, Oizumi organizes specialized business exchange meetings restricted to CEOs and executives. Mayor Murayama himself actively participates, fostering open discussions that generate tangible business opportunities. This innovative strategy lays the groundwork for a sustainable future for the town, free from over-reliance on large corporations.

Investing in a Inclusive Future

Perhaps Oizumi's most distinctive feature is its commitment to multicultural coexistence. The town continuously faces and addresses challenges such as Japanese language education and waste disposal regulations for its diverse residents. At the same time, Oizumi is making crucial investments in the future, with high-level English education being a prime example.

"Multiculturalism and internationalization must be reflected not just through words but in practical actions," asserts Mayor Murayama. The municipality has independently employed Japanese English teachers (JTEs) to immerse children in an English-friendly environment from a young age and offers subsidies for English proficiency test fees—encouraging youngsters to pursue their ambitions. His vision is clear: he hopes to raise children in Oizumi who can confidently contribute to the global society, even if they choose to leave their hometown.

Undoubtedly, this path to coexistence is not without obstacles. Differences in awareness between foreign nationals and residents, as well as criticism claiming preferential treatment towards foreigners, can be found. Nevertheless, Murayama stands firm in his belief that providing equal administrative services to all taxpaying residents, regardless of nationality, is paramount. Collaborative initiatives, like neighborhood clean-up programs regardless of nationality, exemplify his commitment to unity. Mayor Murayama believes that consistent dialogue and collaboration are key to building genuine trust within the community.

Dialogue Illuminating the Future

Every initiative in Oizumi, such as enhancing public safety with increased surveillance cameras and launching demand-responsive transportation services for the elderly, is rooted in resident feedback and daily dialogue.

"I prioritize getting out in the community and directly speaking with residents. I often ask, 'Is there anything troubling you?'. Every small voice can lead to significant insights for policies," states Mayor Murayama. He expects all staff members to respond to residents' requests, clarifying either the feasibility of their suggestions or providing a reason why they might not be possible.

Next year, Oizumi anticipates the operation of a new government building, marking a new chapter along with enhanced digital services for residents. Mayor Murayama views the upcoming year as critical, underscoring the importance of ensuring a seamless transition to these new services without inconveniencing residents. Through meticulous dialogue, he aims to address each issue and continue building relationships of trust, illuminating the path ahead for a diverse community.

In summary, Oizumi Town, under the leadership of Mayor Toshiaki Murayama, presents a powerful model of how local governance can successfully connect and enhance the lives of its diverse residents. Its commitment to economic stability and multicultural coexistence not only addresses pressing local issues but also strives toward an inclusive, vibrant future.