Kitakyushu City Information

Kitakyushu City Information

Kitakyushu City was formed in 1963 by the merging of 5 cities, Moji, Wakamatsu, Kokura, Yahata and Tobata. Each section of the city has traditionally had its own characteristics； Wakamatsu being a shipping dockland, Moji a port city, Yahata and Tobata focusing on heavy industry, and Kokura involved mostly in commerce. These characteristics have been working together before and after the merger to make Kitakyushu City a gateway for trade, not only between Honshu and Kyushu, but also between Japan and the rest of Asia, giving the city an integral role in the industrialization of Japan.

The steel, shipping and machinery industries still drive the city’s economy, but the cultural and commercial centre of the city now thrives with the support of a population of almost one million people. The city also enjoys strong ties to Fukuoka City, just 40 minutes away by train, and is linked to Honshu’s major cities by the “Shinkansen” bullet trains. Below are some brief descriptions of the seven wards of the city.

Moji – A “renaissance” section of the city that has an abundance of Dutch architecture. This ward is located along the southern length of the Kanmon Strait, which joins Kyushu and Honshu islands. This is a great place to go for a picnic or relaxing afternoon.

Kokura Kita (North Kokura) – This is the central area of Kitakyushu, with numerous department stores, shopping arcades, hotels, conference centers, night spots, Kokura castle and the Kitakyushu City Hall. This is Kitakyushu’s major shopping and leisure district and can be accessed by the city’s monorail, JR rail, and city buses.

Kokura Minami (South Kokura) – A picturesque mountainous region of Kitakyushu City. With “Hiraodai”, Kitakyushu’s famous limestone formations, many beautiful rivers and greenery, this is the natural center of Kitakyushu. Bike riding, canoeing, hiking and barbequing are all possible here.

Tobata – JR Tobata station is the central point of this ward. It has a laid-back feel, but is conveniently placed for transport to all areas of the city, and also has a small selection of shops and restaurants.

Yahata Higashi and Nishi (East & West Yahata) – These two wards combined make up most of the western half of Kitakyushu City. Sporting the town of Kurosaki, a night spot and small shopping district that was previously a major centre of the city, Kitakyushu’s homegrown theme-park,　“Space World”, and the Yahata steel works. These two wards contain many facilities and interesting areas for visitors. The K.I.A. is located in Yahata East ward.

Wakamatsu – Wakamatsu faces the Japan Sea with its beaches and dockland areas. Offering a beautiful night view of Wakamatsu Bay, and Green Park, this area has both a rich character and some natural sites of interest as well.

For more detailed information and statistics on the city, please refer to the links section for the city’s website or visit http://www.city.kitakyushu.jp/pcp_portal/PortalServlet?DISPLAY_ID=DIRECT&NEXT_DISPLAY_ID=U000000&LANG_ID=2

 

Network of groups/associations focused on International Relations (KIINET)

The Network of Groups/Associations focused on International Relations, or KIINET, is a network of 47 groups and associations, aimed at internationalization, that have been operating in the Kitakyushu area since 1989. KIINET, whilst respecting the individuality of each association, provides indispensable information gathering and circulation services, and the know-how to strengthen each association’s individual activities.

These services include the creation of a regular newsletter, a handbook detailing the various associations under the KIINET umbrella, and an event calendar and summary of past and coming events organized by the associations in KIINET.

Sister City Relationships

As a means to build grass-roots international relations with other foreign nations, Kitakyushu has taken on the joy and responsibility of forming ties with four cities in other countries around the world. These relationships have been and are continuing to build over time, and regular exchange between the citizens and local governments of these cities and Kitakyushu gives many residents the opportunity to be part of a broader international community. Here is some brief information on Kitakyushu’s four Sister Cities. More detailed information can be found at Kitakyushu City’s website, http://www.city.kitakyushu.jp/pcp_portal/PortalServlet?DISPLAY_ID=DIRECT&NEXT_DISPLAY_ID=U000004&CONTENTS_ID=15504

Tacoma (Washington, U.S.A.)
In 1959, Tacoma established a sister-city relationship with what was then Kokura City.
Since that time, Tacoma and Kitakyushu have carried out a wide range of economic, cultural and educational exchanges. The closeness of Tacoma-Kitakyushu ties is reflected by the mutual visits of both cities' mayors and the conclusion of sister-university and sister-port agreements. In 1986, a street in Kokurakita Ward was dedicated as “Tacoma Avenue”. In addition, the cities have both initiated numerous sports exchange programs such as the "Japan-U.S. High School Friendship Baseball Series" which began in 1987.

Norfolk (Virginia, U.S.A)
The former city of Moji began sister-city relations with Norfolk in 1959. The two cities have since engaged in an extensive range of cultural and educational exchanges including the mutual visits of mayors, the establishment of a sister-university relationship, and youth home-stay programs. In 1986, “Norfolk Square” was opened in Moji Ward. Both cities have also sent delegations of educators to participate in the Japan-U.S. “Education Symposium”, regularly held since 1989. Previously, through the course of this relationship, a citizens' delegation led by the mayor also traveled to Norfolk in 1995 for the "Kitakyushu Festival", and the re-dedication of Kitakyushu Park.

Dalian (Liaoning, People's Republic of China)
Friendship cities since 1979, Dalian and Kitakyushu have organized mutual visits by their respective mayors, and have engaged in various economic exchanges and have also participated in the exchange of zoo animals. In 1991, the Kitakyushu Economic and Cultural Exchange Office was opened in Dalian to collect economic and trade information and to coordinate exchange activities. In 1996, Dalian opened its West Japan Branch of the Dalian-Japan Economic and Trade Office.

Incheon (Republic of Korea)
Incheon and Kitakyushu became sister cities in 1988 in recognition of their many similarities, foremost being their history as port cities. Incheon is also a large port city, in close proximity to Seoul and is home to a variety of heavy industries. The Incheon Trade Office was opened in Kitakyushu in 1998.


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