3 ways Japanese cities are leading on the global stage

In an era where urban centres are increasingly becoming the focal points of global challenges and opportunities, cities in Japan have a unique role to play. With a rich history of innovation, resilience and a commitment to accessibility, Japanese cities are well-positioned to lead on the global stage.

This leadership is not just about technological advancements. It is also about creating sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban environments.

There are three key areas where Japanese cities can demonstrate leadership: resilience, accessibility and innovation.

Japan's geographical location makes it particularly susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons. This vulnerability has necessitated a culture of resilience, which can serve as a model for other cities worldwide.

The 2023 G7 Sustainable Urban Development Ministers’ Meeting in Takamatsu highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of natural hazards due to climate change. The communique from the meeting emphasized the need for cities to develop robust systems to withstand and recover from these events.

Japanese cities have long been at the forefront of disaster preparedness and response. For instance, Sendai, which was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, has declared to become a “Disaster-Resilient and Environmentally Friendly” city. Sendai focuses on urban development, implementation and human capacity building to help support disaster prevention activities in local communities as well as the sharing of best practices.

Meanwhile, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is a global blueprint aimed at reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience. The framework — which was adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, March 2015 — outlines four priority areas: understanding disaster risk, strengthening disaster risk governance, investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience and enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response. The strategy aims to "Build Back Better" in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

By sharing their expertise in disaster risk reduction and urban resilience, Japanese cities can help other urban centers around the world develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. This includes the implementation of early warning systems, resilient infrastructure and community-based disaster preparedness programs.

Accessibility is another area where Japanese cities can lead by example.

The concept of accessibility extends beyond physical infrastructure to include social and economic inclusion. Japan's ageing population has also driven the need for cities to become more accessible to all residents, including the elderly and people with disabilities.

Fukuoka, for instance, is pioneering efforts to become a dementia-friendly city so that residents may live with peace of mind in their communities, even if they suffer from cognitive decline. The Fukuoka Dementia-Friendly City Project brings together government, healthcare providers, private enterprises, universities and citizens to design a dementia-friendly city. The project includes strategies, programmes and infrastructure to ensure patients continue to live vibrantly in their community.

Japanese cities can share their experiences and best practices in accessibility with the global community. This includes the design and implementation of accessible infrastructure, policies to promote social inclusion and the use of technology to enhance accessibility. By doing so, they can contribute to the creation of more inclusive urban environments worldwide.

Innovation has always been a hallmark of Japanese society. From robotics to artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), Japan has consistently been at the cutting edge of technological advancements.

In his address at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in 2019, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe highlighted the concept of Society 5.0, a data-driven society that leverages AI, IoT and robotics to create a new reality for urban living.

This vision of Society 5.0 is already being realized in cities like Tokyo and Kobe. At the recent Urban Transformation Summit, Tokyo presented its initiatives on urban innovation, focusing on smart city technologies and sustainable urban development.

Kobe, on the other hand, has been focusing on urban biodiversity. The city has implemented projects to enhance green spaces, promote urban agriculture and protect local ecosystems. These efforts not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also improve the quality of life for residents.

Japanese cities can lead the way in urban innovation by sharing their experiences and collaborating with other cities to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions. This includes the use of technology to address urban challenges, the promotion of sustainable practices and the creation of smart cities that enhance the well-being of residents.

As the world grapples with the challenges of urbanization, climate change and social inclusion, Japanese cities have an opportunity to demonstrate leadership on the global stage.

By focusing on resilience, accessibility and innovation, these cities can provide valuable insights and solutions that can be adopted by cities worldwide. The experiences of Tokyo, Kobe and other Japanese cities serve as a testament to the potential for urban centres to drive positive change and create a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for all.