Japanese

	"A city of water filled with seasonal flowers and greenery, and painted in beautiful light" In 2002 a discussion group on flowers, trees, light and water was formed in Osaka, chaired by the mayor of Osaka, and since then a variety of initiatives to rejuvenate the city have been launched. This discussion group consisting of the governor of greater Osaka, and representatives of the Kansai business sector, split into four committees in 2003, and has since been exploring practical ways to enhance the city. For its part, Kansai Electric Power is a member of the committee charged with "planning the creation of a city of light", playing a central role in the committee's activities. The committee has been channeling its energies into a variety of projects including studying the urban lighting master plans of cities overseas; forming a concept for making Osaka a city of light, and running events such as "Osaka Renaissance of Light" (December), which got underway fully in 2003. For details on the Osaka: City of Light plans comprising three grand designs: "City Axis of Light", "Light Calendar" and "Sceneries of Light", see the following Website. HIKARI-OSAKA.com City of light plan www.hikari-osaka.com

	General Manager, Kansai Electric Power Co., Ltd. Community Relations Department Chairman, City of Light Program Study Committee General Manager of the Nakanoshima development project team. As well as construction plans for the Kepco Building, is involved in numerous inner-city redevelopment projects including "Osaka: Creating a City of Light".		From now on, any discussion of urban illuminations must include the element of competition between cities as we work to improve our own. We traveled to Europe as a committee and talked to a number of cities where government and people are working together to light up their cities. The most impressive of these was the French city of Lyon. Lyon has had a lighting program underway for ten years now, and has grown to become the world's most illuminated city, attracting tourists in large numbers. The devotional lanterns seen at festivals throughout Japan also signify a display of a light to show hospitality to travelers. By approaching the illumination of Osaka in the same spirit, I think we can create an inspiring city where visitors and those who live here are warmed by each other. The illuminations on the Kepco Building due for completion at the end of 2004 are based on the concepts of "light that can transmit information over a wide area" and "light that moves and inspires all who see it". Once the nickname "liv-lit" becomes familiar to all, I am confident it will aid the regeneration of Osaka through light.