Greetings.  I am Soichiro Takashima, and I have just assumed the post as the 35th Mayor of Fukuoka City on December 7, 2010.  Although I am only 36 years of age, I am determined to see matters from the same perspective as the citizens, firmly undertake city administration, and breathe vitality back into Fukuoka City.  Therefore, I will disseminate as much information as possible as promised, and conduct city administration in a manner that is easily comprehensible for all citizens.

Since ancient times, Fukuoka City has established a close relationship with the Asian continent and has developed through its open-mindedness and its active incorporation of cultures from abroad.  Along with our excellent urban facilities including our convenient accessibility to the rest of Asia, I believe that these characteristics are the root of our pride in Fukuoka. 

The entire line of Kyushu Shinkansen will be opened in next March, connecting Hakata, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima along a vertical line.  This poses a great opportunity for Fukuoka City, but simultaneously, I believe that it may also put the city under immense pressure.  Kagoshima would be accessible in only a few hours from Shin-osaka, so Hakata Station in Fukuoka may lose its position as the terminal station in Kyushu.  In order to avoid this situation, I believe that Fukuoka must possess a challenging spirit.  As part of our new challenging spirit, allow me to aim high and declare that Fukuoka will play a leading role in Asia.

While I place importance on exchanges with the rest of Asia, I would like to work together with you in developing Fukuoka as one of the leading cities in Asia where people are able to enjoy our environmental-friendly urban facilities. Your support and guidance would be greatly appreciated.