Highlights from Fukuoka

1. Design: Drawing from Fukuoka’s successes in controlling urban sprawl, what are the three lessons that other cities can learn from Fukuoka in effective urban design?

i. Creating an urban policy that takes into consideration the city’s special characteristics, and clarification of the direction of urban development
About 50 years ago, Fukuoka became the first city in Japan to formulate a master plan. At that time, major cities in Japan were heading for industrialization, but Fukuoka aspired to become a commercial city. This is because Fukuoka is the only ordinance-designated city that lacks first-class rivers and has scarce water resources. Therefore, Fukuoka has chosen to strictly control urbanization and focused on becoming a commercial city that is centered on tertiary industries, including culture and education.

ii. Strengthening of Functions of the City Center and Formulation of Regional Transportation Hubs
At the city center of Fukuoka, also the economic center of Kyushu, urban functions have been strengthened through public-private partnerships. Furthermore, major regional transportation hubs – the international airport, the seaport, and the central train station – are all located within 10 minutes (within a 2.5-km radius) from Tenjin, the city center. The hubs are conveniently linked by an efficient public transportation network.

iii. Formation of hubs with diverse urban functions that serve regional needs and an interconnected transportation network
Fukuoka faces the sea in the north, is bordered by mountains in the south, and equipped with a bustling city center in the middle – utilizing this geography, we strived to achieve a “Fukuoka-style Compact City:”. It describes a city that has a diverse collection of urban functions that enhances the special characteristics of local hubs in the city center and beyond. In addition, it provides transport flexibility with an interconnecting network between hubs, but at the same time preserving the enriched natural environment of the neighboring ocean and mountains.

2. Developments in the City: Monocle Magazine named Fukuoka as one of the top ten most liveable cities in the world in 2014. In your opinion, what is the definition of a liveable city, and what sets Fukuoka apart from other Japanese cities, for example the City of Toyama, in terms of liveability?

i. A City wherein “People,” “Environment,” and “Urban Vitality” are in Harmony
We believe that a liveable city is not defined as a mega city, like Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, or Singapore, but as a city wherein “people,” “the environment,” and “urban vitality” are in harmony. In Fukuoka City, there is a very strong sense of regional support and unity among its people, which has been developed through ancient history, age-old festivals, and traditional cultures. As for the environment, Fukuoka City is the very first major city in Japan to formulate a master plan, through which chaotic urban development was prevented. Our forefathers have constructed a world-class compact city that is abundant in nature and equipped with transportation systems and urban functions. In these ways, compared to other cities in the world, Fukuoka City occupies one of the most advantageous positions in terms of its “people” and “environment.” The city is currently working on improving its “urban vitality.”

ii. Proximity to Asia, the Growth Engine of the World
From a global perspective, Asia has become the growth engine of the world, and Fukuoka, one of the more sea-accessible cities in Japan to the rest of Asia, has a major role to play. In terms of commodity distribution, 99% of goods by weight come from sea shipment. As for the flow of people by sea and air, the era of sea transport (cruises) has made a comeback. With Asia being a global economic player and the sea being the stage, Fukuoka will have a locational advantage.

iii. Taking on a Supporting Role for the National Government
Japan’s major cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, are currently concentrated near the Pacific Ocean coastline, where there is a high probability that the Nankai Trough earthquake is predicted to occur. In order for our country to continue to function in times of emergency, we need a base along the Sea of Japan coastline that can avoid evacuation and damages in times of disaster. Fukuoka City is said to have low amounts of predicted damage, and the city is already equipped with sufficient urban functions, a transportation network within and out of the country, and other hub functions. Therefore, Fukuoka City has a major role to play in the event of such emergencies.

iv. Developing The Ability to Tackle New Challenges
The city that has the strengths to tackle various issues in current society, such as decreasing national population and progression of aging population, is Fukuoka. This is because the city is displaying growth in all areas – population, city tax revenue, human talents, resources, and so on.

Besides, unlike core cities such as Toyama, which receive only a portion of authorized powers from the national government, Fukuoka City is an ordinance-designated city. This means it has the same amount of authority as prefectural governments, while maintaining its citizen-friendly status as a municipality. Fukuoka City can thus overcome various challenges in a speedy manner. As the regional center, it is expected to lead the regional economy.

3. Disposition: Can you share the challenges you faced, or advantages you had, when you first entered office as one of the youngest Mayors in Japan?

I first became mayor in 2010, when I was 36 years old. At first, I received a lot of criticisms and doubts from the business community on my ability to serve, being an inexperienced politician. But I was determined to prove them wrong and plunged into my jobs as mayor.

However, being an inexperienced politician could also mean I can identify with the citizens, and I can say for myself that I have been implementing projects for my citizens at a speedy and steady manner. Some of these projects include special efforts on tourism and MICE vibrancy, through which the number of in-bound tourists, the number of port calls of cruise ships, and the number of international conferences have reached record-breaking highs. This in turn resulted in the highest amount of city tax revenue in history and other accomplishments.

Also, with my experience as a TV show presenter, I have played a major role in the area of information dissemination. In order to win the approval and empathy of our citizens, we put a lot of effort in public relations. As a result, public trust towards the government has raised 20%, and beginning with the World Cities Summit, I have had the privilege to be invited to various international conferences and events. I see that our international presence is growing stronger and stronger.

At the time of the mayoral election, I did not have any recommendations from specific political parties or support from business organizations. I think this seeming disadvantage is actually my strength, as I was able to successfully push forward measures and policies that I believe truly benefit the citizens and the city.

Direction: With the easing of regulations under the National Strategic Special Zone project, Fukuoka has created a more favourable environment to increase momentum for start-ups. How has this changed the perception towards innovation in the city?

i. Creation of New Space, New Employment, and New Businesses
One major reason that buildings at the city center are not being rebuilt is due to building height restrictions set in place by the Civil Aeronautics Act. Under the current law, rebuilding will lead to a decrease in floor area. Fortunately, as a National Strategic Special Zone, deregulation on height restriction is allowed, and a project called Tenjin Big Bang has been implemented to induce the rebuilding of 30 privately owned buildings in ten years in the city center. After the end of the project, it is predicted that, in addition to a building investment effect of 290 billion yen, floor area of buildings will increase by 1.7 times, employment by 2.4 times, and an annual economic ripple effect of 850 billion yen, which is over 10% of GRP of Fukuoka City, will be generated. The City plans to renew city functions by not relying solely on taxes, but also by stimulating the vitality of the private sector through deregulation.

ii. Stimulation of Start Ups and Collaborations with Existing Businesses
The City has established the Startup Café, a place for consultations and interaction among aspiring entrepreneurs. The café is equipped with the first employment consultation center in Japan, offering legal consultations from lawyers and other professionals, brush-up services on business plans, and provision of essential information on risk-taking and security for starting a new business – all free of charge. Furthermore, as a National Strategic Special Zone, we have created a policy package for startups. In order to support entrepreneurs overseas, the startup visa is created with looser restrictions on entrance to Japan. Corporate tax cuts for startups, which eliminate 20 percent of taxable income for companies in their first five years of establishment, have also been set in place, targeting startups with creative approaches to problem-solving.

Through this series of projects, there is a growing sense of importance for taking risks and facing challenges in order to eliminate the sense of stagnation in Japan. Fukuoka City’s existence as a Startup City is growing overwhelmingly strong. In response to the excellent environment for startups, many talented entrepreneurs from Japan and overseas are gathering.

In the city, startups from all over Japan and overseas are brimming with their attractive ideas and technologies; at the same time, existing businesses in the cities are equipped with know-how, capital, and marketing outlets. Currently, efforts are being made to strengthen collaborations and establish win-win relationships between the two.