Reimagining Public Spaces in Times of Division: A Symposium on Local and Global Connections

In just eight days, the EFA Japan Symposium 2026 will take place, inviting participants to explore the role of local governments, civil society, labor unions, and international NGOs in supporting public welfare amidst rising societal division and exclusionary rhetoric. This event goes beyond mere international cooperation discourse; it addresses pressing current issues faced in Japan, such as disaster response, multi-cultural coexistence, and assistance for disadvantaged communities.

Addressing Challenges in Local Governments

The challenges faced by local governments are becoming increasingly complex. In a landscape where issues often intersect, social workers, NPOs, and residents confront dilemmas that cannot be resolved solely through administrative measures. There has been a noticeable rise in discourse promoting a ‘Japan First’ mentality, threatening the hard-won progress made in multicultural coexistence and collaboration within local communities.

This symposium raises critical questions about what individuals and organizations in regional public sectors can uphold and reconstruct in these challenging times. By digging deeper into the practices at the municipal level alongside the experiences of international cooperating NGOs, we can better understand how to foster a resilient public sphere.

Global Connections from Local Contexts

EFA Japan, established in 2004, has its roots in the international cooperation initiatives led by local labor unions. Primarily focused on educational aid for children in Asia, including countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, EFA Japan has expanded its mission to provide support to disaster-stricken areas in Japan and individuals from diverse backgrounds facing hardships. This highlights that the conversations surrounding international cooperation must extend beyond borders, as the challenges of disaster, multi-cultural coexistence, poverty, education, and youth support manifest at both local and global levels.

Reflecting on the Journey of EFA Japan

The symposium will feature a keynote speech by Michio Ito, former chairperson of EFA Japan, who will reflect on the organization’s evolution and the cooperative frameworks between local residents, municipal workers, union members, and international NGOs. By reviewing the history of EFA Japan’s initiatives, attendees will gain insights into future directions for international cooperation at the community level.

Cross-Talk: Bridging Public Spaces

Another highlight will be a cross-talk session featuring Motomu Kinoshita, chairperson of EFA Japan, and Noriyuki Goto, a staff member from the Nishitokyo city office. They will discuss the limitations of existing systems in local governments and the potential for partnerships with civil society and NPOs. The session will be moderated by Arisa Ota, a former journalist and current board member of EFA Japan.

Themes of Inquiry

The symposium can be examined through various lenses, including:

- Current sentiments in multicultural coexistence amidst rising ‘Japan First’ narratives.
- Responses to systemic gaps in local government, particularly in disaster response and support for foreign residents and economically disadvantaged individuals.
- The intersection between local issues and international cooperation.
- Exploring how municipal officials can collaborate beyond administrative boundaries with civil society and NPOs.
- Identifying what to preserve and reconstruct in public welfare during this divisive era.
- How international cooperation NGOs with labor roots can connect with local communities and government personnel.

Event Details

- Name: EFA Japan Symposium 2026: “International Cooperation for the Future - Reflections on 20 Years of EFA Japan and Questions for the Next Decade”
- Subtitle: “In a Divided Era, How to Connect Regions and the World - The Public Sphere Where Local Government, Citizens, and NGOs Intersect”
- Date: June 20, 2026 (Saturday) from 14:00 to 16:00
- Venue: Eitaikyu Hall, 6th Floor, Jichiroren Building, 1 Rokubancho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
- Participation Fee: Free (Pre-registration required)
- Registration URL: Register Here

Participants are encouraged to register, as both in-person and on-demand viewing require prior signup. This event promises to be a catalyst for vital discussions on bridging local and global community issues.

Profiles of Speakers

1. Michio Ito - Former Chairperson of EFA Japan and Chief Advisor of the Asian Community Center 21. He has a long history of working towards social justice and poverty alleviation in Asia.
2. Motomu Kinoshita - Current Chairperson of EFA Japan with extensive experience in local government. His work revolves around fostering multicultural coexistence and community collaboration.
3. Noriyuki Goto - A dedicated staff member addressing community needs in Nishitokyo, focusing on support for disadvantaged populations.
4. Arisa Ota - Former newspaper journalist and board member of EFA Japan, experienced in public communications and advocacy.

EFA Japan is an accredited NPO founded in 2004, dedicated to international cooperation efforts focusing on education for children in Asia along with disaster relief, library promotion, and support for children with disabilities.