It entails the need for co-ordination meetings, which generated some 15 000 modification requests for the current land-use plan (which came into force in October 2011, replacing the land-use plans for the 75 cities and counties of the region). The experience of Japan shows how the central government can set a comprehensive spatial perspective at national level, which benefits from inputs at regional and metropolitan levels and is reflected in strategic documents (Box 2.6). While urban planning is the responsibility of local governments in Japan, the national government plays a leading role by delivering key perspectives for future urban challenges.