The Location of Fukuoka Prefecture

Fukuoka Prefecture is located in northern Kyushu, facing the northwestern tip of the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan. It serves as a key transportation hub connecting Kyushu and Honshu. The prefecture is also an international gateway, with Fukuoka Airport and Kitakyushu Airport offering more than 20 routes, primarily to neighboring Asian cities. Additionally, Hakata Port is just a 3-hour high-speed ferry ride away from Busan, South Korea.
Fukuoka is renowned for its delicious food, with abundant seafood such as sea bream and pufferfish, as well as thriving agriculture, including rice, strawberries, and figs. Blessed with rich natural landscapes, the prefecture offers a variety of seasonal leisure activities. It is also famous for cultural events like the "Hakata Dontaku" festival.
Fukuoka is steeped in history and culture, exemplified by Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning. This blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and historical significance makes Fukuoka a dynamic and appealing destination.

Fukuoka City, the largest city in Kyushu.

Like other prefectures, Fukuoka is facing challenges related to a declining birthrate and an aging population, leading to anticipated labor shortages. Currently, the number of foreign workers in the prefecture exceeds 50,000, with the majority coming from Vietnam, China, and Nepal. Approximately 20% of these workers are employed in wholesale and retail, and another 20% in manufacturing, while others work in service industries and other sectors.
In terms of residency status, over 30% are engaged in activities outside their designated visa status, making this the largest group. Technical interns account for slightly over 20%, while those with visas based on personal or familial ties and those in specialized or technical fields each make up just under 20%. These foreign workers play an increasingly important role in addressing Fukuoka’s labor needs across a variety of industries.