Press conferences on August 22th

On August 22, Fukuoka Prefecture held a press conference to unveil a series of policy measures focused on One Health, nursing workforce development, environmental protection, and international sports cooperation.

One Health Conference to Launch in November

Fukuoka Prefecture will host a conference on the concept of *One Health* beginning November 3. One Health is a comprehensive approach that integrates environmental sustainability, animal health, and human health.

The conference will bring together 20 participants to explore the meaning of One Health, discuss how it can be applied in everyday life, and propose ideas to advance related policies. Recruitment begins in September, with selection based on written applications and interviews. The prefecture hopes to attract a diverse group of participants—including students—and encourages proposals rooted in daily experiences.

Supporting the Return of Retired Nurses

To address a projected shortage of approximately 7,000 nurses by 2040 due to population aging, Fukuoka Prefecture is enhancing its support for retired nurses seeking to return to the workforce.

While previous programs focused primarily on classroom-based learning, feedback indicated a lack of practical training. The new initiative adds hands-on components, including hospital tours, instruction on using infusion pumps and electronic medical records, and sessions on social insurance. Participants will also have opportunities to connect with others considering re-entry into the profession.

In addition, the prefecture is working with employment support staff at the Fukuoka Nursing Center to help match returning nurses with suitable hospitals or clinics.

Environmental Cleanup Events Target Microplastics

Fukuoka Prefecture continues its efforts to combat microplastic pollution through a series of cleanup events. These will take place at beaches, riverbeds, and urban areas, with participation encouraged from companies, volunteer organizations, and local residents.

On October 4, a special event will be held at Shingu Beach—recognized as a cleanup site by Japanese and Korean local governments bordering the Japan-Korea channel. Participants will compete to collect and categorize the types and quantities of garbage retrieved.

Oceania Athletes to Train in Fukuoka Ahead of World Championships

The prefecture also announced that athletes from Oceania will hold a pre-training camp in Fukuoka ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Training will take place at Fukuoka University and the Fukuoka Prefectural Sports Science Information Center, which offers both athletic facilities and accommodations.

Fukuoka has maintained ties with the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) since the Tokyo Olympics, and ONOC initiated discussions for this camp. During their stay, athletes will engage in joint training with Fukuoka University students and interact with local junior and high school students.

The Fukuoka governor expressed hopes that the camp will benefit both visiting and local athletes, and serve as the first step toward establishing an international training center in Fukuoka—aimed at attracting overseas athletes to train in the region.