In 2007, JCIE began research on “International Relations at the Local Level in Japan: Exploring Kyushu’s International Strategy.” The study focused on the relationship between Kyushu and its Asian neighbors in light of the proposed amalgamation of Japan’s prefectures through the introduction of a new “regional system.” 

Historically, Kyushu has acted as a gateway to the rest of the world for all of Japan by importing goods and culture from neighboring Asian countries and, even today, Kyushu has a rich culture and traditions that have been strongly influenced by these countries. 

This study aimed to analyze Kyushu’s external relationships with East Asia in a variety of fields—including cultural, economic, educational, and people-to-people exchange—and articulate the future role of external exchange with neighboring countries for Kyushu. To do this, the study examined the international activities carried out  by each of Kyushu’s seven prefectures in a variety of fields. 

The full report is available online.