Exploring the Role of Local Government and Civil Society in Bridging Divides

Efa Japan Symposium 2026: Connecting Local Communities and Global Challenges

Efa Japan, a certified non-profit organization based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is set to host a significant symposium titled "Future of International Cooperation - Reflecting on Efa Japan's 20 Years and Questions for the Next Decade" on June 20, 2026. With only one month to go before the event, registration for both in-person attendance and on-demand viewing is underway.

This symposium seeks to address critical questions surrounding societal division and exclusion, examining how local government officials, civil society, NPOs, and international aid organizations can collaborate to redefine the concept of the public good, connecting local communities to global issues.

The Complex Landscape of Local Governance

Today’s local government officials tackle a myriad of complex issues that do not exist in isolation but are interlinked with broader social concerns and global challenges. From disaster response and support for residents of foreign backgrounds to aiding those facing economic hardships, the range of challenges has become increasingly intricate.

Furthermore, as exclusionary rhetoric spreads, even grassroots movements that have long championed multicultural coexistence and collaboration are now reportedly facing stagnation or disruption. The question remains: how can local government workers unite with community residents, organizations, NPOs, and international cooperatives to effectively address this emerging reality? This symposium will delve deeply into these pressing inquiries, drawing insights from on-the-ground experiences.

Linking Locality and International Cooperation

Since its inception in 2004, Efa Japan has focused on educational support for children across Asia, conducting initiatives in countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. More recently, it has expanded its work to include support for disaster-stricken areas and individuals from diverse backgrounds within Japan.

The concept of international cooperation transcends geographical borders. Issues such as disasters, multicultural coexistence, poverty, and the welfare of children and youth are not only present in faraway lands but also resonate within our local communities, sharing structural similarities with global challenges. This symposium will reflect on the 20-year journey of Efa Japan, while scrutinizing the intersections of local societal efforts, international cooperation, and the roles of civil society and local government.

Keynote Speeches and Cross-Talk Discussions

Featuring a keynote address by Michio Ito, a veteran with over 40 years of experience in international cooperation, the symposium will reflect upon Efa Japan's contributions over the last two decades. Ito will also highlight the current state of citizen-led international cooperation and present challenges we will face in the next ten years.

Following the keynote, cross-talk sessions will feature Kiyoshi Kinoshita, former local government official and Efa Japan's chairman, alongside Noriyuki Goto, a current employee at Nishitokyo City, who previously served as the head of the labor union there. They will discuss the limitations of systems observed in local governance, the difficulties of external collaboration, and the potential for cooperation with civil society and NPOs. The moderator, Arisa Ota, a former journalist with Mainichi Shimbun and now a director at Efa Japan, will facilitate these discussions.

Event Details

- Event Name: Efa Japan Symposium 2026 - Future of International Cooperation
- Subtitle: How do we connect local and global amidst a divided society?
- Date and Time: June 20, 2026 (Saturday), from 14:00 to 16:00
- Venue: 6th Floor, Jichiro Kaikan, 1 Rokubancho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
- Participation Fee: Free (Registration required)
- Registration URL: Application Form

Note: Pre-registration is necessary for both in-person attendance and on-demand viewing. Those who register for on-demand access will receive information regarding the distribution of recorded content at a later date.

Speaker Profiles

Michio Ito

The former chairman of Efa Japan and chief advisor at the Asian Community Center 21, Ito has over 40 years of experience in poverty reduction and civil society enhancement throughout Asia. He has played a pivotal role in establishing the Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (JANIC) and has served as a special professor at Rikkyo University.

Kiyoshi Kinoshita

Chairman of Efa Japan, Kinoshita has decades of experience in local government, contributing significantly to multicultural coexistence initiatives and regional social activities through his roles at the Tokyo Municipal Government and the Tokyo Autonomous Research Center.

Noriyuki Goto

Currently a local government employee in Nishitokyo, Goto has dedicated his career to supporting people with disabilities and the elderly, advocating the importance of collaboration among local government workers for community betterment.

Arisa Ota

A director at Efa Japan, Ota has previously held several editorial roles at Mainichi Shimbun and currently works in the communications department of a non-profit organization focused on refugees.

About Efa Japan

Founded in 2004, Efa Japan is a community-based organization dedicated to international cooperation. The organization's main focus is on educational support for children in Asia, promoting libraries and reading, disability aid, as well as disaster and community assistance while fostering connections between civil society and public governance.