Q. Tell us about the Local Government Law Lecture.

　In this lecture, we will learn about the "Local Government Law" which regulates the autonomy of residents in local governments such as prefectures and municipalities. For example, as a means of reflecting the opinions of residents in regional politics, it appears that the elections is usually mentioned first and foremost, but in the Local Government Law, recalling the heads of municipalities (prefectural governors, municipal mayors) and legislators, regulations concerning the system to conduct civilian audit, and residents' case litigation to check the activities of local governments are stipulated. In this way, in the Local Government Law, mechanisms are established to allow residents to think closely about various issues in the area, and to directly reflect their opinions. In the lecture, we will cultivate the ability to think for ourselves not only in complying with existing regional rules, but also, as a member of a democratic society, to build better rules for a better community.

Feedback from the students who took the course ■ Since classes always begin with a review of the last lecture, it is easier to grasp and understand the main points. ■ Sometimes there are unannounced tests, but I think that they are very useful because I can confirm the degree of my understanding ■ Receiving the lectures, I realized that there are many things I have to know as a member of society. ■ Resume (the lecture summary material) is very easy to see and helps understanding. ■ It is easy to understand the relationship between law and living, as it is explained by referring to cases close to daily life. ■ It is pleasant that the professor talks about himself and his family in the lectures.

Q. How are "laws" and "safety" related to each other?

　“Minors are not allowed to enter gaming centers, etc., after midnight” or “Bicycles are not allowed to be parked excluding in the designated areas near the vicinity of big railway stations” --- what kind of legal basis are these rules based on? These things are, in fact, prohibited by the "ordinances" enacted by parliament members of prefectures and municipalities. “Ordinance" is nothing but the "regional rule" mentioned earlier. The Local Government Law is a law that regulates the ideal situation of regional parliament and ordinances. The Local Government Law allows us to think for ourselves about local safety issues related to ourselves and gives us hints and possibilities for solving problems by ourselves. In this lecture, it is important that each student is concerned with social movements and problems so that our safety is not threatened by indifference to society, and whether "regional rules = ordinances" are really functioning. Here, students will be able to cultivate the ability to think for themselves.

Message to the candidates 　Many students aiming to become civil servants such as police, fire fighters, etc., attend my lecture. Although law is an essential knowledge for those who are aiming to be civil servants, it is also one of the types of knowledge that people should possess in general, like those aiming to be active in general businesses. I hope that you will be interested in various social issues and actively refine the ability to contribute to the local community.

Comment of a seminar student 　In seminar activities, the professor gives enthusiastic guidance while talking about topics concerning the professors' fields of specialty, as well as other fields. Also, there are abundant topics to talk about; seminar students are always entertained by "Yamazaki tunes". There are also many interesting stories, so we are enjoying our seminar activities very much! *This article is as of March 2015.