OKB arranged a visit to Ogaki City Hall for Mr. Ly Yasak, an ASCI student currently enrolled in the Graduate School of International Development, on July 6, 2016. Because Mr. Yasak’s subject of research concerns “decentralization,” and the transfer of responsibilities for public functions from central government organizations to local government authorities, it was a valuable opportunity to learn more about the operation of local government in Japan.   In a meeting, chaired by Mr. Sora, who is the Acting General Manager of OKB and a Member of the City Assembly, representatives of the City Hall made presentations regarding the responsibilities and functions of each division of the local government based on an organizational chart. The speakers gave a breakdown of revenue and expenditures of the City. Mr. Yasak commented on the value of the Exchange Program: I could learn about the decentralization practice in Japan; especially I learned how the central government share responsibilities with the local governments in Japan. How autonomy has been given from the central to local governments. Moreover, how the central and local governments share the expenditures and revenues. This is really related to my work and doctoral thesis.

 
                   At Ogaki City Hall  

After visiting Ogaki City Hall, Mr. Yasak was taken to the 17^th floor of the OKB Headquarters building where he could enjoy the view of the cityscape and learn about the history of OKB. The program concluded with an exchange of opinions about Cambodia with various OKB employees.   Mr. Yasak also had a unique cultural experience when he visited Ogaki Castle and learned about the history of the city, and when he visited Masuya to make a Masu, which is a traditional wooden rice measuring cup and a lucky charm. For a break, he enjoyed seasonal sweets in Ogaki City, Mizumanju. 


      
               At the gate of Ogaki Castle                                  To plane a Masu                                    Mizumanju cooled in pure water