Action! Fes: Enjoy Learning About the “Now” of the City with Diverse Guests like Robert Baba and Yukosu

　In Kitakyushu City, various initiatives have been steadily implemented by both public and private sectors towards the direction outlined in the new vision formulated in March Reiwa 6. As a result, we have increasingly felt that "the tide has turned for Kitakyushu City," including achieving a net inflow of population for two consecutive years. To solidify the current momentum, "Action! Fes" was held on February 8, Reiwa 8, at JR Kokura Station JAM Hiroba.

　The event was visited by a total of 600 people, and the live stream on Kitakyushu City's official channel "Kitakyushu City Press (Sushi Press)" garnered a total of 1,850 views.

Live stream digest video (Kitakyushu City official channel "Kitakyushu City Press (Sushi Press)")

Event Highlights

　At this event, a variety of guests, including Mr. Baba from the popular comedy trio Robert and entrepreneur/influencer Yukosu, took the stage to engage in various talk sessions about what can be done for the future of the city. In addition, many famous local gourmet establishments from Kitakyushu City exhibited at the venue, adding to the excitement of the event.

Main Event: "Let's Learn About the 'Now' of Kitakyushu City"

　Mayor Takeuchi explained the "turning tide" of Kitakyushu City, including achieving a net inflow of population for two consecutive years and record-high investment in corporate attraction. We also heard from Mr. Baba about his "Kobumikan" (kaffir lime) tree planting initiative, which is being developed at the site of his alma mater, former Hayatomo Junior High School in Moji Ward.

　Mojiko Beer, which sells beer made from 100% kaffir lime leaves from Mr. Baba's farm, also had a booth at the venue, and Yukosu actually sampled the beer.

Students from Seinan Jo Gakuin University Covered the Event as "Student Reporters"

　At Action! Fes, three students from the Takahashi Seminar, Department of Tourism and Culture, Faculty of Humanities, Seinan Jo Gakuin University (which has a campus in Ibori, Kokurakita Ward), covered the event. They contributed a report on the event.

　The event report can be viewed on the Kitakyushu City website. Please refer to it for more details about the event.

Talk Session by Selected Participants of the "Z Generation Breakthrough Contest 2025"

　Selected participants of the "Z Generation Breakthrough Contest 2025" presented on the progress of their projects.

　In addition, many members of Generation Z enlivened the venue at Action! Fes, showcasing the active role of young people in Kitakyushu City.

Gourmet Industry Creation Academy Special Edition

　Issei Yagita (Representative of Marketing Studio SEE℃, Specially Appointed Professor at Kitakyushu City University), who serves as an advisor for the "Gourmet Industry Creation Academy" project, where food-related businesses learn together, discussed food and business in Kitakyushu City with Mr. Baba.

Approaching the "True Nature of Vibrancy"!

　A talk session by the masterminds behind tourism, events, and art.

　Hideki Mochidome (Representative of Glocal K), Kanata Ikebe (Kitakyushu Culture Hall), Yuta Kikuchi (PORTO), and soh souen discussed "What is vibrancy?"

What are the truly necessary skills for children, and what kind of education can only Kitakyushu provide?

　Yuka Matsushita (Representative Director of Kyoiku Palette Inc.), Koji Nakajima (Professor at Nishinippon Institute of Technology), Jun Masuda (the first private-sector principal of Kitakyushu Municipal High School), and Creative Director Shimokawa discussed this topic.

FAQ

When and where was Action! Fes held?

It was held on February 8, Reiwa 8, at JR Kokura Station JAM Hiroba.

Who were some of the notable guests at the event?

Robert Baba, Yukosu, and Mayor Takeuchi were among the diverse guests who spoke.

What was the main purpose of the event?

The main purpose was to enjoy learning about the 'now' of Kitakyushu City and inspire people to take their next step.

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