The 1999 ACYPL delegation spent their first days in Tokyo learning about Japan’s coalition government and meeting with top politicians and policymakers. They spoke with Trade Minister Takashi Fukaya about Japan’s economic prospects and discussed Japan’s IT policy with Kenji Kosaka, a Diet member who also serves as the Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.

The group then traveled to scenic Nagano Prefecture, home of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, where they participated in a short home-stay program. While in Nagano, they met with top local leaders, including the prefectural governor, to discuss the changing relationship between the central government and local governments. They also spoke with local officials about their preparations for the Olympics and had the opportunity to observe Diet members as they prepared for general elections, accompanying one politician to planning meetings with his local support group. After several days in Nagano, they concluded the trip with a brief visit to Kyoto.