Newsletter－vol.1－(Nov. 2023)

An Invitation to an Unforgettable World Rose Convention in Fukuyama!
Dear Rose Friends,
We are delighted to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to you for theupcoming World Federation of Rose Societies 20th World Rose Convention
2025. This extraordinary event will take place in Fukuyama, the City ofRoses, from May 18th to 24th, 2025.
Get ready to embark on a journey unlike any other as we bring you an
exceptional selection of pre and post tours designed for you to savor thebeauty of every corner of Japan, from its western reaches to its eastern borders. This is an experiencethat goes beyond the ordinary; it's a chance to immerse yourself deeply in the heart of Japan in a
way that will surpass your imagination.
Prepare to encounter the allure of Japan's indigenous roses and to explore the breathtaking
landscapes that await you. These exceptional sights will undoubtedly capture your undivided
attention from the very moment you arrive.
Our convention program is coming together with an exciting lineup of speakers who are eager toshare their expertise and insights with you. As we finalize the details, we are as excited as you areto soon unveil this impressive roster.
We can assure you that the rose gardens and attractions both in and around Fukuyama City, which
you will have the opportunity to explore during the convention, will be nothing short of enchanting.
To stay up-to-date with the latest developments, visit our website and join our mailing list at(https://en.wrc2025fukuyama.jp/newsletter/). Our timely newsletters will keep you well-informed.
Please note that registration is expected to open in May 2024.
Mark your calendars for the remarkable year of 2025 and prepare to join us in Fukuyama, where an
unforgettable experience awaits you. We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you to ourbeautiful city.
Warmest regards,Naoki Edahiro
Mayor of Fukuyama
Chairman, Organizing Committee for the 2025 World Rose Convention

Fukuyama – The City of a Million Roses

Fukuyama is passionate about its roses. After World War II, residents planted around 1,000 roses
about 70 years ago in the hope of creating a peaceful town. This marked the beginning of planting
and caring for roses as part of the city’s community building, and in 2016, Fukuyama became theCity of a Million Roses. Through this passion for roses, the activities of the people of Fukuyama arewhat make this city blossom.

Bara Koen (Recipient of the Award of Garden Excellence)

Fukuyama Castle (The city’s landmark)PROGRAM OF EVENTSSaturday, 17th May
Delegates Arrive
Whole City

09:00 - 18:00

58th Fukuyma Rose Festival in 2025 (Day 1)

09:00 - 18:00

Rose Expo FUKUYAMA 2025 (Day 1)

10:00 - 11:00

Grand Opening_58th Fukuyma Rose Festival in 2025 (Day 1)

11:00 - 12:00

Grand Opening_Rose Expo FUKUYAMA 2025 (Day 1)

Midorimachi Park

Participants of Pre-Tour Arrive

Midorimachi Park- 16:00

Midorimachi Park
Whole City

12:00 - 18:00

Registration OpenHotel

16:00 - 17:00

WFRS Promotions Committee

Hotel

17:00 - 18:00

Tea Break / Light Meal

Hotel

18:00 - 20:00

WFRS Honours Committee

Hotel

Sunday, 18th May (Day 1)
Delegates Arrive
Whole City

09:00 - 18:00

58th Fukuyma Rose Festival in 2025 (Day 2)

09:00 - 18:00

Rose Expo FUKUYAMA 2025 (Day 2)

08:30 - 18:00

Registration OpenHotel

08:30 - 11:30

WFRS Executive Meeting No.1

Hotel

13:00 - 15:00

WFRS Publications Committee

Hotel

15:00 - 15:30

Tea BreakHotel

15:30 - 17:30

WFRS Classification & Registration Committee

Hotel

18:30 - 21:00

Welcome Reception (includes Meal)

Midorimachi Park

Fukuyama Castle

Monday, 19th May (Day 2)
Midorimachi Park

09:00 - 18:00

Rose Expo FUKUYAMA 2025 (Day 3)

08:00 - 08:45

Depart by bus for Opening Ceremony (15 minutes Drive (by Bus))

09:30 - 11:30

Opening Ceremony (WFRS events, Traditional Fukuyama's Playing Koto)

11:30 - 12:00

Depart by bus for Lunch Party (5 minutes Drive)

12:00 - 13:30

Lunch Party

Midorimachi Park13:30 - 18:00

Delegates visit Rose Expo FUKUYAMA 2025

Midorimachi Park

13:30 - 18:00

Buses From Midorimachi Park to Hotel (Fukuyama Station)

18:00 -Evening Free / Optional tourist activities

14:00 - 16:00

WFRS Heritage & Conservation Committee

Hotel

16:00 - 18:00

WFRS Awards Committee (with Coffee / Light Meal)

Hotel

18:00 - 19:00

Tea Break / Light Meal

Hotel

19:00 - 22:00

WFRS Convention Liaison Committee (with Coffee / Light Meal)

Hotel

Fukuyama Hall of Arts & Culture

Tuesday, 20th May (Day 3)
Roses in Asia
08:30 - 09:10

Lecture 1

Hotel

09:15 - 09:55

Lecture 2

Hotel

10:00 - 10:30

Tea BreakHotel

10:30 - 11:10

Lecture 3

Hotel

11:15 - 11:55

Lecture 4

Hotel

12:00 - 17:30

Tour A or B (Sera English Garden / Rose beds in Fukuyama)

18:00 -Evening Free / Optional tourist activities

17:30 - 18:00

Tea Break / Light Meal

Hotel

18:00 - 20:00

WFRS International Judges Committee (with Coffee / Light Meal)

Hotel

20:00 - 20:15

Tea Break / Light Meal

Hotel

20:15 - 22:15

WFRS International Rose Trials Committee / The Breeders Club (with Coffee / Light Meal)

HotelWednesday, 21st May (Day 4)
Roses for the Future (1) Conservation
08:30 - 09:10

Lecture 5

Hotel

09:15 - 09:55

Lecture 6

Hotel

10:00 - 10:30

Tea BreakHotel

10:30 - 11:10

Lecture 7

Hotel

11:15 - 11:55

Lecture 8

Hotel

12:00 - 17:30

Tour A or B

18:00 - 20:00

Fukuyama Street Dining

Shopping Street in the City Centre

Thursday, 22nd May (Day 5)
08:30 - 17:30

Day Tour for Hiroshima-City (Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park / Hiroshima Botanical Garden)

18:00 -Evening Free / Optional tourist activities

18:30 - 21:00

WFRS Friends of the Federation Dinner (by invitation only)

Whole HIroshima AreaFriday, 23rd May (Day 6)
Roses for the Future (2) Disease Resistance
08:30 - 09:10

Lecture 9

Hotel

09:15 - 09:55

Lecture 10

Hotel

10:00 - 10:30

Tea BreakHotel

10:30 - 11:10

Lecture 11Hotel

11:15 - 11:55

Lecture 12

Hotel

12:00 - 12:20

Presentation of the next Regional Convention

Hotel

12:20 - 13:30

Lunch

Hotel

13:30 - 17:30

Tour for Tomonoura

18:00 -Evening Free / Optional tourist activities

19:00 - 22:00

WFRS Council Meeting

HotelSaturday, 24th May (Day 7)
Roses dor the Future (3) Other new techniques
08:00 - 08:45

Lecture 13

Hotel08:45 - 09:30

Lecture 14

Hotel

09:30 - 10:00

Tea BreakHotel

10:00 - 10:45

Lecture 15

Hotel

10:45 - 12:15

BREEDERS PANEL (5 breeders/) The Chair: Kelvin Trimper

Hotel

12:15 - 12:30

Presentation of the Heritage Roses ConferenceHotel

12:30 - 13:00

Presentation of the 21st WFRS World Rose Convention

Hotel

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

Hotel

14:00 - 16:00

Visit a local school and meet with the children

14:00 - 16:00

WFRS Executive Meeting No.2

Hotel

18:00 - 22:00

WFRS Gala Convention Dinner and Awards Presentation

Hotel