“World Federation of Rose Societies 20th World Rose Convention 2025 in FUKUYAMA” to be held in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, from May 17th (Sat.) to May 24th (Sat.), 2025, for eight days.
The World Rose Conference
The World Rose Conference is an international event held every three years by the World Federation of Rose Societies, based in London and comprising 40 member countries.
The conference brings together rose researchers, producers, enthusiasts, and more worldwide.
The event features research presentations on roses, garden tours, the determination of exceptional garden awards, and the judging and selection of roses for prestigious induction into the Hall of Fame.
Fukuyama City, renowned for its deep rose cultivation and research, has been chosen as the perfect venue to showcase the city’s contributions to the world of roses.
Fukuyama City was destroyed by air raids on 8 August 1945 (Showa 20), when approximately 80% of the city area was burnt to the ground.
On 17 March 1957, about 1,000 rose seedlings of 70 varieties were planted in Minami Park (present-day Rose Park) by residents of the nearby Higashimikado Neighbourhood Association to “enrich the devastated city and restore peace of mind to the people.”
Since then, more rose-growing has been promoted, and the city is filled with roses of goodwill in various parts of the city.
This is the very starting point of the movement to create a bright city through cooperative town planning.
In April 1985, the rose was established as the Fukuyama City flower.
The following year, in 1986, the pink Fukuyama rose ‘Rose Fukuyama,’ a cross between the ‘Takao’ and ‘Pristine’ roses, was named by the public to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the city’s establishment.
In recent years, monthly rose cultivation workshops have been organized free of charge by the Fukuyama Rose Society and other groups, and the number of participants has increased each time.
Fukuyama Rose Park, Midorimachi Park Rose Hill, Kasuga Ike Park, and other representative parks, along roads such as National Route 2 and the street in front of the station in the city center, schools, community centers, and other public facilities.
Including local flowerbeds managed by neighborhood associations, senior citizens’ associations, and other groups, as well as flowerbeds owned by businesses and individuals, there are 400-500 rose beds in the city, blooming from May to the end of November.
On the third Saturday and Sunday in May, the Fukuyama Rose Festival is held, attracting 800,000 people, and many events are held, including a rose cut flower competition.
Attendees can expect a wide range of roses-related activities and events during the convention. There will be exhibitions featuring stunning rose displays, showcasing the diversity and beauty of these exquisite flowers. Experts and researchers will share their insights and findings through engaging lectures and presentations, fostering a fruitful exchange of ideas among participants.
In addition to the educational and informational aspects, the convention will provide ample opportunities for networking and building connections within the global rose community. Participants will have the chance to meet like-minded individuals, share their experiences, and forge valuable partnerships that can contribute to advancing rose cultivation and research worldwide.
Fukuyama City’s selection as the host city for the 20th World Rose Conference is a testament to its dedication and expertise in the field of roses. If you have a passion for roses or a keen interest in their cultivation, mark your calendars for May 17th to May 24th, 2025, and go to Fukuyama City for the 20th World Rose Conference Fukuyama Convention.
