BRIDGES2001

Vol. 16

“With its history of pollution and subsequent restoration ofthe natural environment, Kitakyushu was the perfect locationfor the 4th Ministerial Conference on Environment andDevelopment in Asia and the Pacific 2000 and the 9th

Environment Congress for Asia and the Pacific, held thispast August and September. Top decision-makers and stake-holders from around the Asia-Pacific region and other partsof the globe convened in Kitakyushu to speak about environ-mental difficulties in the region and develop innovativeideas to address these problems.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

•Special InterviewSumo wrestler Kyokushuuzan throws his weight aroundon page 4! Read our interview with this sumo star, anative of Mongolia, who has reached the top ranks ofJapan’s biggest traditional sport.

Eco-Kitakyushu

Ministerial Conference

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Contents:Lead Story-Page 2

MCED & ECO ASIA in KitakyushuKitakyushu Profile-Page 4Sumo Star Kyokushuuzan

Page 4Kitakyushu Expo-Festival 2001

Olympic SoftballPage 5

Science and Research ParkPage 6

Film CommissionInternational Food Fair

Plus regular features:Letter from KitakyushuSister City NewsA Glimpse of Japan Moji Port

KITAKYUSHU BRIDGES

2 K I T A K Y U S H U B R I D G E S

Top Leaders Gather

Mrom 31 August to 5 September 2000, the City ofKitakyushu played host to representatives from 43countries and regions and 33 international organi-

zations throughout Asia and the Pacific. Ministers, high-ranking governmental officials, and representatives fromNGOs, the media, business sectors, and others from aroundthe world joined forces here in Kitakyushu to map out anenvironmental strategy for the 21st century during theMinisterial Conference on Environment and Development inAsia and the Pacific, 2000 (MCED 2000) and the 9th

Environment Congress for Asia and the Pacific (ECOASIA).

Environmental ChallengesWith its unique experiences and history of internationalcooperation activities, Kitakyushu, as the site of these tworenowned conferences, saw the adoption of a five yearregional action program and the endorsement of an initiativebased on the city’s experiences (see column on left). Inaddition to the above, a ministerial declaration and regionalmessage for the 10-year review of the implementation of theoutcome of the United Nations Conference on Environmentand Development were also endorsed during MCED 2000,along with the chairman’s summary during ECO ASIA.

Discussions pinpointed the challenges countries in theregion are facing in their quest for sustainable development,in addition to specific problems that are becoming evident inislands in the South Pacific. Over the 6 day period, the min-isters and other officials presented carefully prepared state-ments identifying situations particular to their own countriesand/or regions.

Citizens Take the LeadDuring MCED 2000 and ECO ASIA, associated seminarsand exhibitions were held with the active participation ofpersons from both Japan and overseas. Over 70,000 visitorsgathered here in Kitakyushu to take part in these exhibitionsand symposiums, making this conference the largest the city

Mhe Asia-Pacific region is facing a number of chal-lenges in the quest for both economic developmentand environmental conservation. The Initiative

outlines policies and actions based on Kitakyushu’s experi-ences which center around strengthening local initiatives,enhancing partnerships between government, businesses,and residents, strengthening environmental managementcapabilities at the local level, improving environmental tech-nology bases, promoting public/private sector investment inthe environment, promoting environmental information andeducation, and strengthening international environmentalcooperation based on these local initiatives.

PROPOSED MEASURESTo accomplish the above, the following measureshave been proposed:

•Establishment of the ”Kitakyushu Initiative Network for aClean Environment” as a permanent forum to strengthenintercity cooperation in implementing the Initiative.

•Support from the national government to achieve coun-trywide sustainable development, provide legislativeinfrastructure, and mobilize bilateral donor assistance.

•Strengthened linkages with the academic community toassist in the formulation of local sustainable developmentpolicies and fostering human resources with enhancedscientific backgrounds for local environmental administra-tion.

•Strengthened collaboration with existing internationalinitiatives.

•Provision of information on environmentally sound tech-nologies so that experiences may be replicated from onecountry and city to another.

•Mobilization of financial resources from domestic andexternal sources.

With the endorsement of the Kitakyushu Initiative at MCED2000, the city aims to promote its experiences to countriesoverseas and thus contribute to the protection of our mostprecious commodity – the environment.

MCED 2000 saw the endorsement of the “KitakyushuInitiative for a Clean Environment”, a blueprint ofactions and policies designed to shed light on prior-

ity goals and activities promoting environmental conserva-tion in major cities in the Asia-Pacific region. TheInitiative’s mission is to achieve measurable progressthrough local initiatives targeting urban planning strategies,air and water pollution improvements, waste management,and capacity building. The Initiative also identifies support-ive measures, such as technology transfers, exchange ofexperiences and promotion of regional cooperation.

Kick-off to Success

Ministerial Meeting

3K I T A K Y U S H U B R I D G E S

has hosted. Recommendations identifying the deep concernsshared by all sectors of society were presented to MCED2000 by NGOs, businesses, the media, and young people.Panel displays showcasing pictures created by schoolchild-ren and environmental photos, among others, drew scores ofpeople looking for answers to the problems facing the worldtoday.

Over 40,000 people visited Clean Tech 2000, a combinationof three exhibitions (Eco Technology Exhibition 2000,Kyushu Eco-Motor Show, and Consumer Festival), whichintroduced the latest environmental technology, products,and information, in addition to offering visitors a chance totake test drives in low pollutant vehicles.

Almost 200 volunteers from the city took the lead in provid-ing assistance to visitors from overseas as delegation supportstaff, Japanese culture staff, and general support staff.

Results from these conferences are expected to have a majorimpact on the state of the environment in the region andbeyond.

Visit these websites for more information:http://unescap.org/www.eic.or.jp/eanet/ecoasia/index.html

Views of an Environmental Cityof the FutureClothing made from PET bottles? Reusable automobile andhome appliance parts? These are a few of the unique pro-jects being undertaken at Kitakyushu Eco-Town, an areahousing environmental industries and technology designedto create a resource recycling society with the goal of “zeroemissions”.

During MCED 2000 and ECO ASIA, half-day tours to Eco-Town on 2, 5, and 6 September provided the participantswith a glimpse of the future of environmental industries andresearch being conducted on the development of cutting-edge technology.

Participants from over 24 countries took part in tours tofacilities in the Comprehensive Environmental IndustrialComplex and the Practical Research Area. The KitakyushuEco-Town Project has expanded to include four factoriesand thirteen facilities, with more on the way.

Points to Ponder:•The Asia-Pacific region contains 57% of theworld’s tropical forest area, one-third of theworld’s mangroves, two-thirds of the world’scoral reefs, and expansive oceans, deserts,mountain ranges, rivers and estuaries.

•The population of the Asia-Pacific region dou-bled from 1.7 billion in 1960 to 3.7 billion in2000.

•In 1995, nine of the world’s 14 largest urbancenters were located in the region. By 2025, 27of the world’s 33 largest cities will be situatedhere, increasing the urban population to 2.5 bil-lion.

•58% of the world’s population lives on 23% ofthe world’s total land area in the Asia-Pacificregion.

Kitakyushu citizen volunteers escort visitors to Kokura castle garden.

Accompanying guests program, at a local Shrine

Bi-lateral Meeting : Japanese Minister and Executive Director of UNEP.

4

KITAKYUSHU BRIDGES

K I T A K Y U S H U B R I D G E S

Sumo star inKitakyushu

Kyokushuuzan, the imposing,182cm tall, 137kg heavysumo wrestler is becoming afamiliar figure to the citizensof Kitakyushu. Being ofMongolian origin, he hasworked together with KoichiSueyoshi, Mayor of Kitakyu-shu, to promote travel to ourChinese sister city Dalian,participating in a specialcruise to the Chinese main-land in May of 2000.

This year he will be present atthe Japan 2001 Exhibition in

Kitakyushu to open the Mongolian Pavilion. The Bridgesteam was lucky enough to catch him whilst meeting theMayor at the Oshima sumobeya (training stable) the day be-fore the annual Fukuoka Sumo tournament began. Wetucked into some traditional sumo chanko nabe and askedhim about his work with Kitakyushu and life as a sumowrestler.

Last year you participated in Kitakyushu’s promotionaltravel to China and Mongolia. How was it? We went from Kitakyushu to Dalian by boat, then flew toMongolia via Peking. It was the first time I had ever traveledby boat, and I really enjoyed it!

Please tell us about the Mongolian Pavilion you will be pro-moting at the Japan 2001 Exhibition. It will be a great chance for the people of Kitakyushu to findout about Mongolia. They will be able to learn about Mongo-lian culture, including music, cookery, “gers” (tents in whichthe nomads live) and the Mongolian way of life.

When did you first become interested in Sumo?I saw Sumo for the first time on video, when my oyakata(manager of a Sumo house) came to Mongolia scouting fornew recruits.

I heard that you used to do Mongolian wrestling. Tell usabout that. Mongolian wrestling is totally different from Sumo. There isno tachiai (initial charge at the beginning of a bout) or dohyo(clay ring in which a sumo match takes place). The clothing isdifferent. Japanese Sumo wrestlers only wear mawashi (seephoto on left), but in Mongolia we wear trousers and shoes.

When did you first come to Japan?On the 21st of February 1992. Altogether there were six of uswho came to Japan from Mongolia. Out of those six, just threestayed here.

It must have been difficult for you, coming to Japan withoutknowing the language and customs…Of course it is hard when you can’t speak the language anddon’t know the culture. But you just have to do your best.

What is the best thing about being a Sumo wrestler?I have made my parents happy. Also, if I hadn’t become aSumo wrestler I wouldn’t be famous in Mongolia.

Kitakyushu Expo-Festival 2001

Mext year Kitakyushu will host the Japan EXPO2001, at a site near to the Space World themepark. Its full title is the “Kitakyushu Expo-

Festival 2001,” because it aims to combine all the bestaspects of an expo, a convention, and a festival. The focuswill be people, communities and technology, and the bal-ance between these three elements will be explored in fivetheme pavilions.

In the Industry and Technology and the Industrial Tourismsections, visitors will be able to observe local industries atwork, and investigate modern technology through the latestin interactive experiences. In the Environment section, cit-izens can learn how to live in harmony with their surround-ings. This is particularly relevant to Kitakyushu as the cityis known for successfully overcoming its environmentalproblems. The Asia Exchange village willallow visitors to find out more about coun-tries on the Asian continent, and finally inthe Health & Welfare Pavilion peoplecan find out about keeping healthy.Visitors will also be able to experienceworld festivals and parades along theGrand Festival Avenue. The exhibition willopen on 4th July and continue untilNovember.

Olympic softball in Kitakyushu

Mitakyushu sports enthusiasts were buzzing withexcitement as the New Zealand women’s softballteam visited Japan in preparation for the Sydney

Olympics. After being beaten by the Japanese team first inKanagawa prefecture and again in Osaka, they finallymade their way down to Kitakyushu City.

Fans gathered to watch the match, and plenty of cheeringcould be heard. The teams themselves seemed relaxed, yetdedicated to their game.

New Zealand’s pitcher, Gina Weber, explained to Bridgesthat because softball is played in many countries, it is agreat chance for the team to travel and meet new people.She commented that the Japanese team was very good, andthat it was the first time the New Zealand team had quali-fied for the Olympics. Their preparation for the Olympicsincluded training and fitness programs, and was certainly ahectic schedule, as theplayers still work andlook after their familiesas well as practicing soft-ball. The New Zealandteam went on to finish 6th

in the Olympics, withwins over Canada andCuba. Japan finished witha silver medal, beaten bythe American team.

Warming up : The New Zealand teamplay against a local team, with theirnational flag for support.Hibikki the Festival logo.

5K I T A K Y U S H U B R I D G E S

And what is the worst thing?Every day is hard! And losing, going down in the ranks istough.After I first came to Japan, it was hard for me to eat fish. I hadnever eaten fish in Mongolia because they are considered sa-cred. I cried when I was told I had to eat it! But now I lovefish, it’s my favourite. Yesterday I had sushi for dinner!

It is hard to make a comparison, but out of all the sports inthe world, which do you think is the strongest? In every sport, for example soccer or rugby, there are chal-lenges. I couldn’t say which is strongest.

The readers of this newsletter are not Japanese, so many ofthem do not know anything about Sumo. Please do a quickadvertisement for it.The best thing about Sumo is that you can do it practicallynaked! (Laughs). If you come to Japan for work or on holiday,please be sure to see some Sumo. It is a Japanese sport, but outof the top three wrestlers, two are foreigners so it’s becomingmore international.

The huge size of Sumo wrestlers is surprising to many peo-ple. Is it hard to put on weight? And how much bigger didyou get since beginning Sumo?I put on 60kg in three years. I was 78kg and now I weigh138kg. In order to put on weight, you get up early and practiseSumo. Then you eat a lot of chanko nabe (stew with variousmeats and vegetables consumed by Sumo wrestlers) and thengo to sleep afterwards. That is the way to put on weight.

It is well known in Japan that Sumo wrestlers eat chankonabe, but do you only eat this dish?

A lot of Japanese people think that chanko nabe is one par-ticular dish, but in fact everything that Sumo wrestlers eat,whether it is meat, fish or whatever, is called chanko nabe.

I heard that you like snowboarding. Do you often get thechance to practise?About two or three years ago I did it in Hokkaido (northernJapan). It strengthens the legs and back, so it is good train-ing. But it’s difficult to do.

What else do you enjoy doing?I like golf but I’m not very good at it.

Who do you admire the most?The oyakata of Oshimabeya of course! (The manager of hisSumo stable). Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Finally, what are your futuregoals?I am going to do my best,hopefully suffer no injuriesand reach the sanyaku, to beone of the top three rankingSumo wrestlers.

Kyokushuuzan, thank youvery much.You’re welcome.

Sources:http://www.sumoweb.com/glossary/

Science and Research Park : an illustration

New Science and Research Park

Mhe University of Cranfield in Britain has hadlinks with Japan since the 1980’s, but the year2001 will mark its first connection with

Kitakyushu City. Cranfield will open a research center atthe new Kitakyushu Science and Research Park.

The aim of the park is to create an area devoted to researchand study, and to encourage new exchanges with researchand study centers abroad. The park will also be a base forinteraction between international corporations and scienceresearch teams, with the intention to develop new indus-tries to stimulate and improve the economy.

The park will be situated west of the city, and will be thefirst combination of national, private and local universitiesin one campus in Japan. The Kyushu Institute ofTechnology, a national university, will have its own post-graduate course and research center. There will be aresearch institute of Waseda University, one of Japan’smost prestigious private universities, and KitakyushuMunicipal University will also create its first science fac-ulty at the Park. Together these three campuses will bedelving into the fields of biomimetics, brain science andengineering, scientific technology, environmental engi-neering and international cooperation, and many more.

Information technology will be one of the main researchfields, and the German National Research Center for IT

will be contributing to the information studies section ofthe park. As environmental studies will be another mainfocus of research, the campuses will be constructed withthe natural environment in mind, and efforts will be takento include renewable energy sources and even a waterrecycling system.

KITAKYUSHU BRIDGES

Kitakyushu FilmCommission

Lights! Camera! Action!

Mitakyushu could soon be hitting the bigscreen, as the newly established FilmCommission will draw attention to the

city’s merits as a film location.

In fact, the city has been used as a film locationbefore, most notably for “Tsuribaka Nisshi no.10,”the tenth film in a comedy series about a mancrazy about fishing. Mojiko station also happenedto have the perfect historical feel required of direc-tor Tamasaburo Bando, a famous kabuki actor, forhis film “Yume no Onna,” a film set in Tokyo inthe early 1900’s.

It is hoped that with the help of this new FilmCommission, the city will be chosen as a filmlocation again in the future. Kitakyushu is certain-ly are able to provide a variety of landscapes, fromthe bustling city center and industrial areas, tonearby rugged mountain scenery and beautifulcoastlines. Film production in Kitakyushu willbenefit the local economy and would be an excel-lent form of positive publicity, attracting touriststo the region and making it well known acrossJapan.

Listening to the songs of thewind…

Mam from Sofia the capital of Bulgaria. My coun-try is located in the center of the BalkanPeninsula (Southeast Europe) and was founded

in 681. We have high mountains and Black Sea coast. Thenature is beautiful and the weather has four completelydifferent seasons.As a professional musician–conductor, I am one of thefirst participants in the JET program working in the field

of music. I find this really exciting, as the power of artgives many possibilities and ideas for internationalexchange.Music is a kind of international language through whichpeople from different nations can easily communicate.Sincere music always goes straight to the human soulbreaking any barriers. It brings people closer to eachother.The city of Kitakyushu has wonderful facilities for mak-ing music. Since I came here I had a couple of concerts inHibiki Hall–a new, modern concert hall with really niceacoustics. The music audience in Kitakyushu is verywarm. Every time I go on the stage I feel its attentionwhich helps me very much to concentrate and make true,sincere music.Of course I would like to mention the beautiful surround-ing of nature and sea which can inspire every artist. GreenPark and Iwaya beach are my favorite places to go.Watching the sea-line, the beautiful sunsets, listening tothe songs of the wind and the crashing waves brings free-dom to my soul and soon I feel full with joy and happi-ness, and ready to take again the path leading toward thedepth of the music……

Sincerely yours,

Stefan Nedyalkov

6

After a recent concert with Bulgarian violinist Mila Georgieva

International Food Fair From anchovies to zucchini…

Mhe year 2000 saw the 10th

anniversary of the foodfair organized by the

Western Japan International TradeFair Commission. This food fairfirst began in 1980, simply as amethod of introducing importedforeign foods into Western Japan,and has been held every other yearsince. This year it attracted partici-pants from 26 countries, oneregion and two international orga-nizations, including for the first time Italy and Spain. Up to 2300Japanese companies attended, hoping to create new import links. Thefair has become well known globally as the biggest trade fair of its kindin Western Japan, and nowadays its main purpose is to create more

business opportunities betweenWestern Japan and the rest of theworld. Representatives from thevarious countries and companiessold their products both in bulk toJapanese distribution companiesand individually to local residents,who also had the chance to visitand sample some of the exoticcuisine themselves.

Opening ceremony of theInternational Food Fair in Kitakyushu

Demonstration of Korean kim cheecookery

K I T A K Y U S H U B R I D G E S

7

Pittsburgh-Kitakyushu Business Partnership

“Where is the Sister City Corner?” you may be asking. Inthis edition we decided to dedicate this page to the Americancity of Pittsburgh. There have been links between Pittsburghand Kitakyushu since the 1980’s, as both cities have similarbackgrounds in the iron and steel industry, and suffered sim-ilar problems, namely environmental pollution and popula-tion decline. However, Pittsburgh was “America’s mostliveable city” in 1985, so delegations from Kitakyushu havetraveled to Pittsburgh to learn the secrets of its success. Thelatest connection between Kitakyushu and Pittsburgh comesin the shape of a business exchange that was first establishedin 1999.

Business ExchangeA business exchange differs from that of a sister city rela-tionship because it concentrates on business and industryinstead of sports or culture. Once established, it allows com-panies and research institutions to communicate directly

with each other. This in turn provides greater businessopportunities and the chance for direct trade between thecities. The business exchange is a great opportunity forheads of business to get together and exchange ideas.

The initial stages of the exchange were supported by JETRO(Japan External Trade Organization) as a Local-to-LocalIndustrial Exchange Program. JETRO first researched com-panies in Pittsburgh and Kitakyushu to discover those mostsuitable for the exchange, and it was decided that informa-tion technology was the most appropriate industry in whichto form the exchange.

Then in July 2000, a delegation from Kitakyushu made itsfirst visit to Pittsburgh. Representatives from companies inKitakyushu were accompanied by members of the CityEconomics Department. They toured Pittsburgh companiesand observed presentations, and participated in meetings todiscuss points of contact and potential business linksbetween the two cities. In February of 2001 it was Pittsburgh’s turn to visitKitakyushu, and it is hoped that the companies can developand improve on the achievements made so far. From nowon there should be a mission once a year to continue theexchange.

Kitakyushu delegation admiring the view of Pittsburgh

Exchanging commemorative coins to celebrate the startof the new business partnership.

International Week

Mhe annual international week was a roaring suc-cess last October, attracting around 26,000 visi-tors to events ranging from traditional costume

workshops to music symposiums. Japanese dancing classesand tea ceremony classes were especially popular withKitakyushu residents, including the local foreign communi-ty. One afternoon was devoted to an assortment of Africanworkshops, including art lessons, jewelry making classes,and perhaps the biggest attraction of all, an African musicclass followed by a concert performed by the teachersthemselves. The bazaar held at Kitakyushu InternationalUniversity campus also brought in the crowds: visitorssampled food from countries such as Pakistan and Egypt.

Ten foreign students made speeches in Japanese, compet-ing for first prize in this contest. South Korea and Chinawere well represented, but there were also students fromFrance, Kenya, and Thailand. The level of Japanese washigh, and most students managed to control their nervesand speak fluently from memory. They spoke about their

experiences and impressions of Japan, and all were inter-esting to hear. The audience clearly enjoyed listening to thestudents, especially those speeches that included a dash ofhumor. Ms. Phatcharakran Intanark, a student fromThailand, had exceptionally good presentation skills.

The judges had a tough job, and had to consider the stu-dent’s pronunciation, fluency and presentation, as well asthe content of their speech. After an hour of deliberation,they finally decided upon a winner: Miss Yu Yon Un fromKorea, a third year management student of KyushuInternational University, who spoke about Japanese

Festivals, and her-self. Second andthird prizes wereawarded to twoChinese students,Ms. Ou Bai andMr. Ho En.

The speechmakers andjudges pose togetherafter the competition.

K I T A K Y U S H U B R I D G E S

Published by: International Affairs DepartmentPlanning Bureau, City of Kitakyushu 1-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu 803-8501 JAPAN

PHONE: 81-93-582-2162 FAX: 81-93-583-7947

Edited by: Mei-ling WardE-mail : 11030100@mail2.city.kitakyushu.jpNo. 0006005BPublished 04/01/2001

FromTokyoby planeHaneda Airport -- Kitakyushu Airport: 1 hour 30 minutesby Shinkansen bullet trainTokyo Station -- Kokura Station: 4 hours 32 minutes

FromOsakaby planeKansai International Airport -- Fukuoka Airport: 1 hour (approx.)by Shinkansen bullet trainShin-Osaka Station -- Kokura Station: 2 hours

FromFukuokaby expressway busFukuoka Airport -- Kokura Station: 1 hour 19 minutesby Shinkansen bullet trainHakata Station -- Kokura Station: 17 minutes

Population:1 million; 11th largest city in Japan,2nd in Kyushu Region

Climate: Temperate; Mean temp: 15

International Facilities and EventsEnvironmental- Japan InternationalCooperation Agency Kyushu InternationalCenter; Kitakyushu International Techno-Cooperative AssociationAcademic- The International Centre forthe Study of East Asian Development;Kitakyushu Forum on Asian WomenCultural- International Music Festival;Center for Contemporary Art Kitakyushu;Kitakyushu International AssociationConvention/Trade- Kitakyushu Inter-national Conference Center; West JapanGeneral Exhibition Center; InternationalFood Fair in Kitakyushu

International RecognitionUN Global 500 Award for EnvironmentalClean-up; UNCED Local GovernmentGovernmental Honors for EnvironmentalEducation

IndustriesTraditional base- steel & metal, ceram-ics, machinery, chemicals, shippingNew industries- computer software,environmental technologies, robotics,assistive technologies

Local Life:*Park lands per capita 2nd among majorJapanese cities

*Summer season of exciting festivals*City of mountains and waterfronts

Current Main City Projects:Kitakyushu Expo-Festival 2001Kitakyushu Science and Research Park(open in 2001)New Hibiki Port (open in 2003)New Kitakyushu Airport (open in 2005)

Web Site : www.city.kitakyushu.jp/indexe

8

Moji Port goes bananas!

Misitors to Mojiko, Kitakyushu’sport, last autumn might have beensurprised to notice many of the

trees sprouting bunches of plastic bananas.Local restaurants were also serving specialbanana dishes. This was all in honor of theMoji Port Banana Festival. But whybananas? And why Moji Port?

The Banana Festival was held to celebrate the port’s exotic history,which dates back to 1889. At first it only exported goods abroad, but tenyears after it was established it began to import from Asia. Bananas werefirst brought in from Taiwan around 1905. People had no idea how to eatthem and did not know what to call them!

Back in those days, without modern facilities tokeep the bananas fresh, some were badly bruisedby the time they arrived. They had to be sold andconsumed as quickly as possible, and the uniqueauctioning style on the seafront developed fromthis. This tradition is continued even now at thefestival. Although the bananas sold nowadays arein perfect condition, the bidding is still conductedin a hectic style: it is fast, loud and exciting, toencourage speedy sales. Enthusiastic bananalovers were not put off by the rain, and successfulbidders went home carrying enormous bunches.

Access toKitakyushu

Access toKitakyushu

A tree with plastic bananas!

Auctioning bananas

Hello! My name is Mei-ling Ward and I am the new editor of “ Bridges.” If you have any comments, queries orsuggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail or letter.