Key Facts
• July 12, 2025: Kamikawa Sohei criticized Fukuoka’s policies in a campaign speech.
• Fukuoka designated as a “Global Startup and Employment Zone” in 2014 and “Financial and Asset Management Zone” in 2024.
• Mayor Soichiro Takashima called Kamikawa to clarify policies are not foreigner-focused.
• Takashima emphasized domestic startups also benefit from the special zones.
• Kamikawa acknowledged the importance of policies encouraging investment in Japanese companies.
• Takashima did not request corrections but shared factual clarifications.
• Fukuoka’s reforms include easing visa requirements for foreign entrepreneurs.
Summary
Fukuoka Mayor Soichiro Takashima directly refuted claims made by Kamikawa Sohei, leader of the Sanseito Party, regarding the city’s special economic zones. Kamikawa criticized the policies as overly reliant on foreign contributions during a July 2025 campaign speech. Takashima clarified that the initiatives, including the “Global Startup and Employment Zone” and “Financial and Asset Management Zone,” aim to support both domestic and international businesses. He highlighted reforms such as relaxed visa requirements for foreign entrepreneurs and investment promotion for Japanese startups. Takashima stated that Kamikawa acknowledged the value of policies encouraging investment in Japanese companies. The mayor emphasized that the measures are not preferential to foreigners but are designed to foster overall economic growth.
