In the 1960s, Japan achieved rapid economic progress, in which Kitakyushu developed into one of the four largest industrial zones in Japan. However, the air and water were polluted; Dokai Bay was highly contaminated by industrial and domestic waste water and was called the 'Sea of Death.'
Residents, enterprises, research institutes and governmental agencies were united in the task of overcoming the pollution.
In 1971, prior to establishment of the Environmental Agency by the national government, the city of Kitakyushu founded the Environmental Pollution Control Bureau (currently the Environmental Bureau). The City established 'The City of Kitakyushu Pollution Control Ordinance,' which was more stringent than the national laws - in addition to other regulations - and enforced a series of effective measures against major companies in the city, including the execution of agreements to prevent pollution. In addition, they drove forward a large-scale urban greening movement in accordance with the 'Green Kitakyushu Plan.'
These measures to prevent pollution and preserve the environment, together with residents' environmental protection efforts, yielded good results, considerably improving Kitakyushu's environment. It transformed from a "Gray City" to a "Green City".
-Kieron Cheng: Leader/ Executive Chairman of the Commission
Sarah Quek: Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer
Zelia Chan: IT Leader/ Secretary of Operations
Tan Qi An: Photographer/ Member
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