The people of Fukuoka are open, unpretentious, and unlike the stereotypical image of themeticulous Japanese, happy to let loose. The moment you arrive in Fukuoka to attend the 2006IPSA World Congress in early July, the city will sweep you up in the excitement of its mostfamous festival, Hakata Gion Yamakasa. The city has welcomed the arrival ofsummer for the last 760 years with this 15-day long festival, which culminates on July 15thin the powerful portable shrine race. The race begins at daybreak, as hundreds of men rushwith beautifully decorated floats each weighing over a ton on their shoulders, with all ofFukuoka cheering them on by throwing water on the racers' hot bodies. This bustlingcelebration of summer epitomizes what has long been considered the Fukuoka spirit.