The Mayors Association of Designated Cities is comprised of the mayors of 20 cities, which have been designated by a government ordinance and have a population of about 700,000 people or more.

We work as basic municipalities, which have closer ties with citizens than the national and prefectural governments, and implement creative policies that leverage the integrated nature of large cities.

Revitalizing large cities will also revitalize the surrounding areas. We will lead the way for the local municipalities of Japan in SDGs and other areas.

We are working on issues that are common to large cities, and advocating the creation of a new large city system and decentralization reform.

Make policy proposals and position statements to the government
Hold meetings and liaise and coordinate with cities
Carry out investigative surveys, research, and publicity and awareness on issues that are common to large cities
Respond to disasters
Cooperate with international city networks

Interview with the Chairman

Q You hosted the Urban7 Mayors Summit as the chairman of the coalition of large cities in Japan, the host nation of this year’s G7 Summit. As the chairman, you played a major role in developing the U7 Mayors Declaration. Following the Summit, what are your goals going forward?: A
I believe that this year’s Mayors Summit reaffirmed that the roles and activities of designated cities have universal value, not only within Japan but throughout the global community.

Chairman Kizo Hisamoto
(Mayor of Kobe City)