Residents Councils

KOSO NIPPON's take on citizen assemblies

Active

Tokyo

What can we do to stop people from thinking of politics and government as someone else's business? There are two fundamental conditions: 1) citizens and residents need to take an interest in politics and government and keep tabs on political matters; and 2) to make this happen, politicians and government bodies need to honestly inform citizens of the actual state of affairs. A powerful means to satisfy these conditions is the Residents Council introduced by KOSO NIPPON. At these meetings, residents discuss public affairs that they had previously left in the hands of politicians and civil affairs servants. KOSO NIPPON has held many of these councils, and they have all produced meaningful results. We cannot keep leaving our community affairs in the hands of government—instead, we need to be a part of them. The Residents Council provides an opportunity for people to start getting involved. Based on what we have learned at these Residents Councils, KOSO NIPPON proposals and implements public policies that reflect the thoughts and ideas of local residents.