2024 年 6 月

June 2024
Dear Rose Friends,

The season when the beautiful roses bloom in Fukuyama has passed, and we are now less than ayear away from the World Rose Convention 2025 in Fukuyama. We are diligently continuing ourpreparations to ensure that we can offer all delegates an exceptional experience.
Now, the online registration page for the Convention will open on 16th July. On this page, you canapply for your preferred day tours, pre/post-tours, and accommodations. Furthermore, please notethat amendments can be made to your application even after it has been submitted, up until theregistration deadline.
We strongly recommend that those interested proceed with registering for participation, even if onlytentatively.
In this article, we will once again present the program and provide detailed instructions on how toregister the Convention.

Date: 18th May
We will provide a wonderful opportunity for a meet andgreet beneath Fukuyama Castle, a landmark of
Fukuyama City, in a cocktail party style. Delegates will
experience the commencement of the Convention while
enjoying Japanese-style hospitality, all while gazing
upon the illuminated castle.

Date: 19th May
At the Opening Ceremony, which will be attended by thedelegates and citizens of Fukuyama, the convention will
be officially declared open. Within the ceremony held at
Fukuyama's renowned concert hall, powerfulperformances will take place.

Date: 19th May
After the opening ceremony, we will provide lunch boxes in a beautiful park where roses bloom in apyramid-like shape. This park is not only the venue for the Rose Expo but also close to the "RosePark," which has been awarded the WFRS Award of Garden Excellence, making it perfect for aleisurely stroll.

Date: 20th, 21st, 23rd, 24th May
15 lectures are prepared at Fukuyama New Castle
Hotel, located near Fukuyama station.
You can learn the latest and interesting studies aboutrose, particularly about the roses of Japan and Asia,
from famous scholars and specialists from around theworld.
For more information please check our website.
https://en.wrc2025fukuyama/lectures

Date: 20th-24th May
During the Convention, you can visit the most attractiverose gardens among more than 400 in the city. You canalso explore unique Japanese landscapes and visit thevenue of Fukuyama International Townscape RoseTrials.
On 22nd May, a full-day tour is scheduled, where you
will visit Hiroshima City, located 100km away, andexplore attractions such as the Hiroshima Peace
Memorial Museum and the Botanical Garden.
Day tours must be applied for concurrently with convention registration, and you are asked to select4 out of the 5 tours available.
For more information please check our website.
https://en.wrc2025fukuyama/registration/

Date: 21st May
There will be a program where you can interact with locals
amidst festival stalls lining the downtown shopping streets,offering a unique Japanese experience.
You can even wear a casual summer kimono called Yukata,making it a memorable night.

Before and after the Convention, there are 3 tours each lasting 6 days. As departure and destination
locations vary for each, please verify the information carefully and choose your preferred course.
During the Pre-Tours, you will explore the western side of Japan, mainly enjoying the nature ofJapan and wild rose habitats.
In the Post-Tours, you will experience unique Japanese scenery, like Buddhist temple of Kyoto, andvisit renowned gardens selected for the WFRS Award of Garden Excellence.
Each tour has limited capacity, so we recommend registering early if you are interested.
Application for these tours will open on 16th July, same day with the start of convention registration.

The main hotel for the Convention is located just a 2-minute
walk from the Fukuyama station, which will likely be yourarrival point. This hotel will serve as the venue for Lectures
and the Farewell Dinner. The Convention offers you a range ofhotels, all conveniently located and spanning various priceranges.
Reservations for any of these hotels can be made directly
through the convention website. The details will be announced
at a later date.

Near the hotels and Fukuyama Station, you'll find a diverse array of restaurants, offering a wide
range of cuisines including sushi, yakiniku (Japanese BBQ), izakaya (Japanese-style pub), Italian,Chinese, and more. Each establishment prides itself on its unique flavors and serves delicious
dishes. Meal prices vary, with options ranging from budget-friendly meals around ¥1,000 to upscaledining experiences costing around ¥5,000. You can select according to your budget.
Upon your arrival next year, we will furnish you with a list of recommended restaurants,
encouraging you to explore and find your favorites. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies
due to religious or personal reasons, rest assured that we will endeavor to offer tailored guidance toaccommodate your needs.

If you have any concerns about language, English-speaking staff are available at the convention
venue. Hotels and restaurants also have those staff to help you.
In addition, some staff can communicate in other languages as well. We are trying to ensure thatyou have a trouble-free stay during your time in Fukuyama.

Fukuyama is a conveniently locatedcity, accessible by bus from thenearest airport in just one hour, andit also has a Shinkansen (bullettrain) station.
*For those participating in pre-tours,
please confirm the location of thedeparture airport.
For those participating in post-tours,
please confirm the location of theairport where the tour will conclude.

Registration for the Convention opens on 16th July, 2024. You have the option of a "Full Day Pass"(granting access to all convention programs) or a "One Day Pass" (for participation on a selectedday). Also available is the "Accompanying Person Pass" for those unable to attend lectures but
interested in joining delegate tours. Please be aware that one "Accompanying Person Pass" isavailable per delegate, allowing participation in the same tours.
Early Bird (First application) Full Day Pass
The fee: JPY 100,000.
Inclusions; Opening reception, Lunch Party, Lectures, Day Tours, lunches,
Fukuyama Street Dinning, shuttle bus, Rose Expo FUKUYAMA 2025
*Other types of registration fees are detailed on the registration online page.
*Payment for early bird registration must be settle by January 6th 17:00 (JST).
The registration is completed online by answering simple questions. You
can modify your information until payment is made, so please visit thewebsite firstRegistration online page:*Available on 1st July (scheduled)*Cancellation & Refund for Registration and social program(s)Before and on Mon., 6th January, 2025 (17:00, JST)
thAfter Mon., 6 January ,2025 (17:01, JST) andFull refund
50% of registration fee

Before and on Mon., 31st March, 2025 (17:00, JST)On and after Mon., 31st March, 2025 (17:01, JST)No Refund

We are updating the latest information about the Convention on the official website.
(https://ja.wrc2025Fukuyama.jp/newsletter/).
Please access the convention website and subscribe to the mailing list.
We are looking forward to seeing you in Fukuyama, the city where a million roses are flourishing.
Sincerely,

Yukiko Shimura
Yukiko Shimura
President, Japan Rose Society

Naoki Edahiro
Naoki Edahiro
Chair, World Rose Convention Fukuyama Organizing Committee