JR Kyushu Supports Regional Attractions with the ‘Kyushu Tourism Town Development AWARD’ Ceremony Held in Tokyo

JR Kyushu has held the ‘Kyushu Tourism Town Development AWARD’ to recognize individuals and organizations that convey the unique charms of their local areas, with the award ceremony taking place in Tokyo.

This award is an expansion of the ‘West Kyushu Tourism Town Development AWARD’ held in 2022 to coincide with the opening of the West Kyushu Shinkansen, and this year marks its second edition.

Under the themes of “revitalization,” “manufacturing,” “food,” and “lodging (hospitality),” individuals and organizations that preserve local traditions while creating new products, services, and landscapes were sought. Among 63 applicants, Foreque from Minamioguni, Kumamoto, was chosen as the grand prize winner.

Foreque utilizes locally produced Oguni cedar in its interior and lifestyle brand ‘FIL’ and ‘Cafe Bamboo Bear,’ enhancing the value of Oguni cedar and engaging in various activities, including education for local children and promoting zero waste for sustainability. The creation of unique spaces that allow people to experience the local area was highly valued.

▲Foreque’s Representative Shunsuke Anai (right) and Jury Member Architect Yuko Nagayama

Foreque’s representative Shunsuke Anai, who attended the award ceremony, said, “We believe this recognition is shared with many who have tilled the fields and nurtured the mountains over the 250-year history of Oguni cedar,” and mentioned the intention to use the award as an opportunity to inspire local children to take pride in their homeland.

In addition to the grand prize, other awards were presented, with the gold prize in the food category going to ceramic artist Hiroyuki Usami and culinary artist Tomoka Usami from Usuki, Oita; the gold prize in the manufacturing category to Tsutsui Tokimasa Pyrotechnics from Miyama, Fukuoka; the gold prize in the revitalization category to the housing project ‘Hinosato 48’ in Munakata, Fukuoka; a special prize to the lodging facility ‘Meguri Megurasu’ in Goto, Nagasaki; and Shuichiro Sakaguchi from RIVERBANK in Minamikyushu, Kagoshima, for addressing regional issues.

▲JR Kyushu President Yoji Furumiya

On February 21, 2025, a symposium will be held at JR Kyushu Hall, directly connected to Hakata Station, inviting award winners, tourism operators, students, and others involved in tourism and regional renewal. Yoji Furumiya, President of JR Kyushu, expressed hope, “By sharing our passions, we expect our efforts to expand. As a company rooted in the region, JR Kyushu wants to energize the people of Kyushu.”