Japan's subnational governments in China: emerging bilateral relations

Abstract

One of the many areas of growing engagement between Japan and China is at the subnational government (SNG) level. Yet this development has received scant attention from analysts and scholars who study Japan's local government and international relations. This article opens the window on the bilateral relationship at the SNG level, focusing on the actions of Japanese SNGs and their incipient role as international actors. The case of the Japan–China relationship at the SNG level is analysed in comparative context by considering the worldwide trend among SNGs to pursue international activities. The analysis focuses on three major types of linkages that Japanese SNGs have developed in China: (1) formalized sister relationships between SNGs; (2) trade promotion; (3) technical and economic cooperation. This development has important implications both for local–national relations in Japan and the way foreign relations are now managed