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Opening Remarks Mayor Hirotaro Yamasaki Fukuoka, Japan Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen, as a representative of the citizens of Fukuoka City, I would like to offer a few words of welcome on the occasion of the 24th Symposium on Naval Hydro- dynamies. I would like to thank you most sincerely for holding your symposium here in Fukuoka, the second time it has taken place in Japan, subsequent to the Tokyo symposium held in 1980. The citizens of Fukuoka, one and all, bid you a heartfelt welcome. In ancient times Fukuoka was called "Nanotsu," and from that time on through 2000 years it has served as a point of exchange between the Asian mainland and Japan, witnessing the arrival and departure of tremendous numbers of vessels. And today the city's Hakata Port has developed into one of the leading ports in West Japan. Against this backdrop, I'm very pleased to know that this symposium will see a collaborative exchange of information between the participants in the field of naval hydrodynamics as seen from various view-points, thereby developing academic advancement and unification. In addition, I hope that as a result of this symposium there will be contributions toward the development of shipbuilding and other related industries, as well as increased safety in the passage of ships. Fukuoka City not only is the political and economic hub of the island of Kyushu, but also is home to many ancient landmarks including historic shrines and temples, as well as many traditional festivals, including the 800-year-old Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival now taking place. In addition to being blessed with abundant delicious fresh food, the city is also home to a number of popular modern facilities such as Canal City Hakata, Hakata Riverain and Seaside Momoehi. So as you pursue your examination of naval hydrodynamics, I hope you will also take time to enjoy some of Fukuoka's many attractions. In closing, I would like to wish every success to the 24th Symposium on Naval Hydrodynamics, and to everyone present here today, good health and happiness.
