In the Specialized Training in Waste Products and Recycling course we switched the introduction of Eco-Town enterprises to a video shown in the preparatory stage‚ and organized a new lecture that incorporated real life experiences from on-site startups. We also improved the content of the course to directly link it with practical work‚ for example by including a field trip to observe the proper collection and treatment of small home appliances and lithium-ion batteries‚ and by securing time to share the issues faced by the industry and what is asked of local governments. In addition‚ for the first time‚ we adopted an AI voice generator (VOICEBOX) for some of the video lectures.

For the Basic Training for International Environmental Cooperation course‚ the keynote lecture from the Ministry of the Environment‚ which up until now was shown in a preparatory video‚ was given face-to-face on the first day of the group training. We also incorporated new initiatives‚ such as inviting local government officials who have graduated from the training and are involved in international cooperation work to give lectures and introduce practical case studies. A variety of programs were offered in the group training‚ including lectures‚ field trips to facilities and companies‚ group debates‚ and discussions with overseas students and people with practical experience in international environmental cooperation. Both training courses received evaluations of over 80% in the questionnaire given to the participants (4.5 out of 5)‚ and the interactions‚ mutual education‚ and network building via social gatherings of an evening that are a typical part of face-to-face training were very well received.

Building on the good outcomes of FY2025‚ we will further enhance the training content and develop programs that will contribute to improving the practical skills of local government employees.