Fukuoka Prefecture

Lore & Background

Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen. Its history is reflected in its many temples and shrines: Kōra taisha, Sumiyoshi-jinja, and Hakozaki-gū are the chief Shinto shrines. Monk Eisai founded Shōfuku-ji, the oldest zen temple in Japan; monk Kukai established Tocho-ji; and Joten-ji was built by Enni, who also brought udon noodles to Japan. The oldest temple is Kanzeon-ji, founded by the Emperor in Dazaifu during the 7th century, which together with Kaidan-in was one of three places in Japan where Buddhist monks could ordain. During the Tokugawa shogunate, daimyo Arima Toyōji moved his family temple to Kurume City, now known as Bairin-ji, a main zen temple in the prefecture.

Reader's Guide

Its economy is driven by automobiles, semiconductors, and steel, and it is the birthplace of major companies like Bridgestone and TOTO Ltd. The prefecture is also a cultural hub, hosting festivals such as Hakata Gion Yamakasa and Hakata Dontaku Harbour Festival, and contains numerous museums, including the Kyushu National Museum and Fukuoka Asian Art Museum. Fukuoka Prefecture has the most designated yakuza groups among all prefectures, with five, and has led the nation in gun-related incidents in certain periods. The prefecture is home to Kyushu University, one of Japan's top five universities, and hosts sports teams including the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Avispa Fukuoka.

Did You Know?

• Fukuoka Prefecture has the most designated yakuza groups among all Japanese prefectures, at five.
• Monk Eisai founded Shōfuku-ji, the oldest zen temple in Japan, located in the prefecture.
• The prefecture accounts for nearly 40% of the economy of Kyūshū.
• Fukuoka Prefecture includes the two largest cities on Kyūshū: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu.