Kyushu Electric Power Co. ("Kyushu Electric") has been a leading force in Kyushu for many years. Mitsubishi Corporation's (MC) ties with Kyushu Electric date back to the days when the company was first founded, and over the past half century, we have steadily cultivated strong bonds of mutual trust. Initially, MC forged business ties with Kyushu Electric by supplying fuel and procuring equipment for power plants, such as the first Genkai Nuclear Power Station, which marked its 50th anniversary last year. However, in response to the recent wave of deregulation in the power industry and other changes in the business environment, Kyushu Electric has been looking to develop new business models. In order to address these needs, the Kyushu Branch has been working closely with MC's head office in Tokyo to formulate new business models to support Kyushu Electric and add further dimensions to our shared business ties. These efforts have sparked collaboration leading to such endeavors as the IPP projects in Mexico and the Philippines; the Kyushu University PFI project; and joint operation of LNG vessels.
The New Kitakyushu Airport opened on March 16. The old airport was plagued by a variety of problems, including a lack of flights, a short runway that couldn't accommodate jumbo jets, and a location that was prone to getting fogged in. The new airport is located offshore, and free from the persistent fog, it will offer considerably more flights. Furthermore, by remaining open for around-the-clock cargo flights, the airport is expected to attract a lot of business from the area's many industrial enterprises, which include automakers and semiconductor manufacturers.
The airport's largest selling point is its early morning and late night service: Flights depart from Kitakyushu as early as 5:30 AM and as late as 23:30 PM while inbound flights from Tokyo's Haneda Airport depart as early as 6:05 AM and as late as 23:50 PM.
Yamakasa is a festival that dates back over 750 years. Each year from July 1 through July 15, festival mania takes hold in Hakata*, as seven historic districts in the city each bring out portable shrines called "Yamakasa". After the Yamakasa appear on July 10 for the first practice runs, Hakata seems to enter another dimension—suddenly the city is full of groups of men wearing happi coats and skimpy loin cloths; furthermore, these men are moving about town carrying enormous one-ton shrines! During Yamakasa, elementary schools and junior high schools in Hakata end classes early; adults take time off work; and women busily work to prepare meals for the festivities. The climax of the festival arrives at 4:59 on the morning of July 15 with the start of the Oiyama race. It is an amazing sight as the seven teams, racing against each other, tear through town carrying massive Yamakasa shrines. A live telecast begins at 4 AM and beams the action to viewers across Japan. You must see it to believe it—you will surely be blown away!
During Yamakasa, you are sure to see another important local custom: Hakata-Te-Ippon. This ritual involving rhythmic hand-clapping is commonly performed by groups at the conclusion of weddings and parties, and is also used when some contentious affair has been settled, signaling that no lingering objections remain (i.e., no changing your mind the next day!). Hakata-Te-Ippon plays an important role on a variety of occasions in local life.
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Fukuoka City, Kyushu's largest metropolitan area, was originally two separate towns: Fukuoka, home to the local samurai, and Hakata, where the merchants lived. While Fukuoka is now known internationally, Hakata still has a strong identity in the minds of Japanese people. Various products with roots in Hakata can still be found today and the principal train terminal in Fukuoka is called Hakata Station. Kyushu's second largest city, Kitakyushu, is similarly known for a former historic city, Kokura. |
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