Fukuoka boasts a modern, comfortable city life surrounded by natural beauty, and has already proven to be an irresistible resting ground for people from overseas - now totaling almost 1% of the population.
Fukuoka was ranked the 7th most livable city in the world by Monocle, an international lifestyle magazine based in London. The magazine portrayed Fukuoka as an international city with a friendly atmosphere. In particular it gave Fukuoka high marks for shopping and food.
Newsweek magazine selected Fukuoka City, alongside other notable cities including London, Munich, Las Vegas and Moscow in its ranking of the most dynamic cities in each of the world's 10 "key economies", dubbing it one of the ''unlikely boomtowns''.
In an article titled "The City of Substance", Newsweek summarizes Fukuoka perfectly in saying "There are many would-be 'Gateways to Asia.' This one's for real."
Sources:A Statistical Look at Prefectures and Regions Japan, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and other sources
Fukuoka City Subway
Excellent local transport infrastructure allows you to spend more time doing the things you want to be doing.
Japanese language class
There are many local organizations aimed at making daily life in Fukuoka more enjoyable for people from overseas.
Fukuoka International School
The Baccalaureate awarded Fukuoka International School provides consistent education from kindergarten to high school.
The benefits of living in Fukukoka don't stop with business, you'll find the local environment appealing whatever your interests. From the vast shopping centers, cinemas and museums in the cities to the beaches and mountains surrounding them.
Fukuoka is known locally for its great food, not only Japanese dishes but ethnic dishes from all over Asia.
Yearly 'Yamakasa' festival in Fukuoka
Downtown Fukuoka at night
Street food stalls, locally known as 'Yatai'
The National Museum in Dazaifu
Fukuoka is one of the safest areas of the world. Not only in terms of its ultra-low crime rate, but you will also feel safe in the knowledge that Fukuoka has a large concentration of medical professionals - many practicing in English as well as Japanese.
Source:Japan Statistics 2012, Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
*1 per capita *2 per 100km2 unit area *3 © Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau