IRC - Institute for Regional Cooperation in Japan

The Institute for Regional Collaboration in Japan (IRC) is an association created in 2021 in Tokyo by the Kitamaebune organization’s authorities in order to develop the network of the Japanese local Governments.
Kitamaebune organization was an association born during the Edo Period in Japan. it was the 1st network of Japanese prefectures with a commercial objective. In 2017, the  association has been recreated and currently regroups 48 members from 16 prefectures of Japan.

It aims to revitalize the regions of Japan in conjunction with the private sector. The IRC is developing the work and the objectives of the Kitamaebune organization.