A MONMOUTH man was invited to give a talk to the Japanese Federation for Peace in Gifu City, Japan.

Gifu City is in the centre of Japan and the organisation is a United Nations consultative branch. Mat Davies spoke about the history of Monmouth including its rural history and the people who have occupied the town over the centuries.

Mr Davies said: "The people who came to the event were really interested in Britain, and learning more about Monmouth and Monmouthshire.

"Gifu and the surrounding towns have a lot in common. They contain a unique history and a strong community, but they are not known to many outsiders.

"I hope that my talk made some of the members want to visit".

The Japanese organisation is interested in exploring the political and cultural problems which exist in society today.

Japan is currently governed by the Liberal Democratic Party under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Over the next couple of years there will be a referendum to change the constitution making Japan able to once again have an offensive military presence in south East Asia.

Mr Davies said: "Members of the group were generally worried about Japan becoming a military force again.

"However, there was a general agreement that Japan should be able to write its own constitution."

At the present time the country is formed by a constitution designed by the United States' government during its occupation after World War Two.

"This topic, as well as many others, was very interesting", Mr Davies said.

"As well as the town of Monmouth, the organisations seemed very interested in what I called the clash of cultures in the UK, our obsession with political correctness, and militant feminism."

Mr Davies aims to increase awareness of Monmouth and the UK in presentations in the future.