Introduction from Mayor Junji Maehata

Welcome to the Arao City website.

Arao, the city where I was born and raised, has many places of interest; I would like to introduce some of them to you. There are three impressive theme parks: Greenland, the largest amusement park in Kyushu, Ultraman Land. Arao is also home to a horse race track, and is famous for delicious local food products including the Niitaka, the largest pear variety in the world. There is also a tradition of Shodai pottery that has 400 years history in the area and was recently appointed as a national traditional craft work. Last but not least we can see the Ariake Sea which produces delicious, 'nori'- edible seaweed.

Arao was once a prosperous coal-mining city. But after 108 years of production Mitsui Miike`s mine was closed in 1997. Since then, the people of Arao City have worked hard to transform Arao from a simple coal-mining city to an area rich in culture, industry, tourism and commerce. For this transition to occur, many projects have been developed for the benefit of locals and tourists: a new leisure complex with accommodation facilities, a large shopping mall, and a housing estate which is attracting many new people to the area. While most cities with closed coalmines appear to be struggling, Arao's prospects appear ever-brighter thanks to the continued commitment to improving our city. Over the last few years there has been a resulting rise in population.

I was appointed as Mayor of Arao city on 18th January 2003. My post has many responsibilities, but my priority is to continue with the revitalization of Arao.

I hope you will visit us soon and see with your own eyes what Arao City has to offer.

Sincerely,

Junji Maehata
Mayor