Introduction

Situated on the western end of the Japanese archipelago in Kyushu, Kitakyushu has developed as a “gateway to Asia” as a result of its geographical proximity to the region.
 

Since 1901, the city has developed as a manufacturing city, which resulted in major air and water pollution around 1960s. Many stakeholders, especially citizens, worked hard to improve the situation and nowadays blue sky and ocean can be seen in Kitakyushu. These experiences enabled Kitakyushu City to develop new industries including environmental technology. It has been developing into a smart, eco-city with resource circulation and renewable energy resources. Selected one of 29 cities in the SDGs Future City project, initiated by the Cabinet Office, Japan, this city has been leading efforts towards local sustainability.