On Nov. 13 (Sun.) Kitakyushu City will use Kokura Castle for the first time to host a welcome party for an international medical conference. This is part of the City’s ‘Unique Venue’ effort which aims to invite international conferences, trade fairs, and MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Event) business events to the city. Kokura Castle was originally built by Hosokawa Tadaoki in 1602 and was burned down by Kokura soldiers when they were attacked by Choshu in 1866 at the end of Edo period. The current keep was rebuilt in 1959. The castle is currently managed by the ‘Kitakyushu Machi Zukuri Support Group’ who have said that they hope to cooperate with the City to continue to utilize the castle after the event. Source: KBC TV
