The first Japanese-German Conference on Urban Climatology, held in 1994 in Karlsruhe, marked the beginning of a long-standing and extensive collaboration between German and Japanese scientists that went far beyond regular meetings. From the outset, a particular focus of this collaboration and of the conferences was the incorporation of climatological insights into urban planning. After the 8th conference was hosted by Kansai University in Osaka in 2017, the 9th conference is now being held again in Germany (Berlin) following a longer break.
Many of the participants of the first meeting in 1994 have since retired. It is hoped that a new generation of urban climatologists and urban planners will continue this tradition of scientific exchange between Japan and Germany. Due to climate change, the topic of urban climate and urban planning is more important than ever.

For a more detailed outline and impressions of the history of the JGM, take a look here:
JGM History (PDF)