#Japan #Tokyo #Municipal Finance #Japanese Management Association #NOMA

Overview of the New Course for Local Council Members

On July 3, 2026, the Japanese Management Association (NOMA) will launch a new educational program titled "Understanding and Strengthening Municipal Financial Power and Oversight Functions for Local Council Members". This course is designed specifically for local council members facing the financial difficulties posed by demographic decline and rising social security costs. With a focus on enhancing understanding of policy issues and improving questioning skills, the course aims to empower attendees to better fulfill their oversight roles in the council.

Background of the Course

In recent years, local governments have encountered increasing financial pressures due to decreasing populations and escalating social security expenses. In light of these challenges, there is a growing demand for local councils to accurately comprehend financial management and effectively exercise their oversight functions. Unfortunately, systematic training opportunities for local council members have been relatively scarce, leading to a heightened need for practical knowledge and insights applicable to their roles. The Japanese Management Association has recognized this gap and created the new course to address it.

Features of the Course

The course emphasizes not only an understanding of municipal finance systems but also practical perspectives necessary for active engagement in council activities. Key features include:

• - Comprehensive Understanding of Municipal Finance: An essential grasp of the structures and processes behind budget formulation within local government.
• - Analytical Skills Development: Learning to interpret financial data, including indices such as financial power ratios and regular revenue ratios, to identify challenges effectively.
• - Enhanced Questioning and Oversight Skills: Building capabilities in formulating questions and developing a critical oversight perspective during council sessions.
• - Strengthened Analytical Abilities: Structuring policy issues systematically for more productive discussions.

The content is designed to connect directly with practical council activities by considering decision-making processes and criteria used by local government.

Instructor Profile

The course will be led by Makoto Watanabe, former Vice Mayor of Tome City in Miyagi Prefecture. With extensive experience in policy planning at national ministries and in fiscal management and organizational oversight as Vice Mayor, Watanabe brings unique insights into the intricacies of financial operations and decision-making in local government. His lectures will provide attendees with actionable knowledge directly tied to their roles in council activities, blending theoretical understanding with real-world applications.

Course Program Highlights

Key topics covered in the course will include:

• - The basic structure and challenges of municipal finance
• - The budget formulation process and decision-making frameworks
• - How to read local allocation taxes and financial indicators
• - Perspectives for comparing and assessing financial data
• - Key points for oversight and strategies for effective questioning in council meetings

Course Details

• - Course Title: Understanding and Strengthening Municipal Financial Power and Oversight Functions for Local Council Members – A series on Enhancing Council Questioning Skills and Structuring Policy Issues
• - Date and Time: July 3, 2026 (Friday), 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• - Format: In-person and online options (via Zoom)
• - Venue: Japanese Management Association (Shibuya, Tokyo)
• - Participation Fee: 36,300 JPY for members, 39,600 JPY for non-members (tax included)
• - Target Audience: Local council members (municipal and prefectural)

Registration and Further Information

Registration for the course is currently open on the Japanese Management Association's website. Participants can check the course details and apply directly online.

About Japanese Management Association (NOMA)

Since its establishment in 1949, NOMA has focused on modernizing and optimizing management practices in Japan. With a commitment to nurturing individuals capable of addressing administrative challenges, NOMA organizes various training programs, including those targeting administrative management and organizational development. Through its initiatives, NOMA aims to contribute to building a sustainable society harmonizing management, humanity, and science.

For inquiries, please contact:

• - Email: [email protected]
• - Phone: 03-6632-7139

For more information about NOMA, visit NOMA's official website.