Soichiro Takashima
 
Fukuoka City
Mayor

Born November 1, 1974.
Joined KBC Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting in 1997. Served as a news and environmental program anchor, becoming a familiar face on Fukuoka's morning television.
Assumed office as Mayor of Fukuoka City in December 2010.
Re-elected in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 elections, each time receiving the highest vote count in history; currently serving a fourth term.

Implemented various policies aligned with the fundamental urban management strategy: “Creating a virtuous cycle of urban growth and improved quality of life.”
Tourist numbers and the number of companies locating in the city have increased, resulting in growth in municipal tax revenue and employment. Citizen evaluations of livability and trust in municipal administration have also improved, leading to the city being ranked in the top ten of the world's most livable cities.
Particularly focused on startup support, the city secured National Strategic Special Zones status in March 2014. It is energetically working to create an environment that generates new value through regulatory reform and other measures.
Furthermore, it has pioneered the elimination of the seal system nationwide and is actively promoting digitalization initiatives for the next generation, such as advancing the online processing of administrative procedures.
To realize its vision of becoming “Asia's Leading City with Harmonized People, Environment, and Urban Vitality,” Fukuoka City is accelerating the “virtuous cycle” outlined in its basic strategy while vigorously advancing the challenge “FUKUOKA NEXT” to propel the city to the next stage.