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Fukuoka Prefecture

Japan COUNTRY
5,135,214 (2020) CITY POPULATION
Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly GOVERNMENT TYPE

Contents

Introduction

Fukuoka Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu. Fukuoka Prefecture has a population of 5,109,323 (1 June 2019) and has a geographic area of 4,986 km2 (1,925 sq mi). Fukuoka Prefecture borders Saga Prefecture to the southwest, Kumamoto Prefecture to the south, and Oita Prefecture to the southeast.

Fukuoka is the capital and largest city of Fukuoka Prefecture, and the largest city on Kyushu, with other major cities including Kitakyushu, Kurume, and Omuta. Fukuoka Prefecture is located at the northernmost point of Kyushu on the Kanmon Straits, connecting the Tsushima Strait and the Seto Inland Sea across from Yamaguchi Prefecture on the island of Honshu, and extends south towards the Ariake Sea.

Data and facts

  • Fukuoka Perfecture has 51 cities, towns and villages.
  • Fukuoka Prefecture, with its capital in Fukuoka, has a population of 5,135,214 as of the final census result in 2020, covering an area of 4,987 km² with a population density of 1,030/km², and experiencing an annual population change of 0.13% from 2015 to 2020.
  • The area of Fukuoka Prefecture includes the old provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen.
  • Fukuoka Prefecture faces the sea on three sides. The prefecture borders Saga, Oita, and Kumamoto prefectures. Fukuoka is near Yamaguchi Prefecture across the Kanmon Straits.
  • Fukuoka includes the two largest cities on Kyushu, Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Small islands are near the north coast of the prefecture.
  • National Parks are established in about 18% of the total land area of the prefecture.
  • Kora taisha, Sumiyoshi-jinja, Hakosagi-gu and Usa-jinju are the chief Shinto shrines (ichinomiya) in the prefecture.
  • On November 19, 1274 (Bun'ei 11, 20th day of the 10th month), the Battle of Bun'ei occurred, followed by the Battle of Koan on August 15, 1281 (Koan 4, 30th day of the 7th month).
  • Fukuoka’s biggest festival, Hakata Gion Yamakasa, where seven one-tonne floats race around the streets drawing hundreds of spectators, is in early July.
  • The end of April is peak blooming time for the wisteria displays at Kawachi Wisteria Garden.
  • Fukuoka is also one of the warmer places in Japan, perfect for a snow-free winter break.

Administration

The Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly is the prefectural parliament of Fukuoka Prefecture. The Assembly serves as a platform for realising the common aspirations of the residents in Fukuoka Prefecture, aiming for prosperity and a comfortable living environment.

Comprising members elected by the citizens, the assembly acts as a decision-making body, engaging in discussions and making crucial decisions on various local issues that concern the functioning of the prefectural government.

Working in tandem with the executive bodies, including the prefectural governor and government committees such as the Educational Committee and the Public Safety Committee, the assembly's decisions are executed to implement effective governance.

Each entity - the prefectural assembly, the governor, and the government committees - stands independently with equal standing, and they collaborate to ensure that the perspectives and opinions of the citizens are incorporated into the prefecture's administration, thereby striving to improve the quality of life for the residents of Fukuoka.

Economy

Fukuoka Prefecture is a key economic hub in Japan, boasting a significant industrial presence that contributes to nearly 40% of Kyushu's overall economy. With a GDP exceeding 154 billion US dollars, the prefecture's economic output is comparable to that of a medium-sized country. The region is renowned for its thriving industries, including automobiles, semiconductors, and steel. It has served as the birthplace of prominent companies such as Bridgestone, a prominent tire manufacturer, and Best Denki, a well-known consumer electronics chain.

Numerous renowned companies have their headquarters in Fukuoka, showcasing the region's diverse and dynamic business landscape. Among these notable entities are TOTO LTD., a company established in 1917, Yasukawa Electric Corporation, founded in 1915, and ZENRIN CO., LTD., founded in 1949. The prefecture is also home to LEVEL-5 Inc., a prominent company founded in 1998, and Star Flyer Inc., established in 2002. Other influential entities based in Fukuoka include MoonStar Company, founded in 1873, and the Shinoken Group. Co., Ltd., which originated in 1990.

Business Environment

Fukuoka Prefecture has developed as an economic center for western Japan and provides an attractive environment as a business location for companies focusing on not only Japanese markets but also on those in East Asia. Its GDP exceeds 154 billion US dollars, comparable to that of a medium-sized country. Kyushu as a whole, including Fukuoka Prefecture, is the 25th largest economy compared to countries around the world.

In particular, for the automobile industry, Fukuoka Prefecture has grown into a significant manufacturing base, boasting a production capacity of over 1.5 million cars annually, mainly at the state-of-the-art plants of Toyota, Nissan, and Daihatsu. There is also an active clustering of related industries, including parts-manufacturing and R&D bases.

Infrastructure

The city has daily flights to Busan, Seoul, Shanghai, Dalian, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore. The flight schedule enables travelers to make a same-day return business trip to Busan, Seoul, and Shanghai. Fukuoka Airport, which serves 19 international and 28 domestic routes, the Port of Hakata with container routes, expressway interchange, and freight railway stations are conveniently located in the city. It has gained a reputation as logistics bases with East Asia recently.

Connected to 19 cities overseas, an increasing number of passengers and cargoes fly from Fukuoka Airport every year as a hub of Asia. It has become Japan's third-largest international airport in terms of trade value, following Narita and Kansai. Fukuoka Airport offers excellent access to major cities in Asia; Shanghai is 90 minutes away, and Seoul is 70 minutes away.

Technology

Fukuoka Prefecture has been at the forefront of technological advancement in Japan, establishing itself as a key player in the country's tech industry. Over the years, the prefecture has made significant strides in various technological domains, contributing to economic growth and enhancing the lives of its residents.

One of the notable areas of technological advancement in Fukuoka is the development of advanced electronics and semiconductor industries. The region is home to major companies like Yasukawa Electric Corporation, known for their expertise in manufacturing high-quality electrical equipment and semiconductors. Their innovative research and development have played a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of technology and driving progress in the electronics sector.

Moreover, Fukuoka has embraced digital transformation and smart city initiatives, harnessing the power of technology to improve urban living. Through the deployment of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, the prefecture has optimized energy management, transportation systems, and public services. These smart city endeavors have not only enhanced efficiency but also contributed to sustainability and environmental conservation.

Fukuoka's commitment to nurturing its startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem has also been instrumental in its technological advancement. The prefecture has fostered a thriving startup culture, providing support and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their innovative ideas into reality. Incubation programs and collaboration spaces have encouraged cross-industry partnerships, leading to the emergence of cutting-edge technologies in various fields.

In recent years, Fukuoka has also focused on research and development in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and clean energy solutions. The region's collaborative efforts between academic institutions, private companies, and government organizations have resulted in groundbreaking discoveries and breakthrough innovations that contribute to the overall advancement of technology in Japan.

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