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Learn more about our mission and how to become a member. You can also read new summaries related to Fukuoka and view snapshots taken at FIBA events.

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About FIBA

The Fukuoka International Business Association (FIBA) is an association in which people at the forefront of Fukuoka’s business, academics, and government circles are invited to come together and exchange ideas and opinions on issues related to doing business in Fukuoka.

( April, 2011 )

FIBA Business News Summaries

Summaries of recent business orientated news stories related to the Fukuoka / Kyushu region in English. Click on the RSS button to subscribe.




Support for Semiconductor Industry by 11 Regional Banks in Kyushu and Okinawa

Eleven major regional banks in Kyushu and Okinawa are collaborating to promote the semiconductor industry. Participants include the Fukuoka Bank, Juhachi‐Shinwa Bank, and Higo Bank under the Fukuoka Financial Group and Kyushu Financial Group umbrellas. This initiative, in response to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) expansion into Kumamoto, aims to assist new local companies in entering the industry and strengthen the semiconductor sector’s aggregation in the region through the “New Silicon Island Kyushu” plan, backed by financial support.

( January, 2024 )
Kyushu and Okinawa Businesses Anticipate Economic Recovery in 2024

According to a survey by Teikoku Databank’s Fukuoka branch on the 2024 economic outlook for businesses in Kyushu and Okinawa, 13.5% of companies expect an economic recovery, representing a 1.3 percentage point increase from the previous year. The sectors most optimistic about recovery are transportation and warehousing at 27.3%, followed by real estate at 25%, and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries at 20%. Despite concerns over labor shortages and high raw material costs, many companies are hopeful due to the expected increase in foreign visitors to Japan and the easing of semiconductor shortages.

( January, 2024 )
Ōmuta City Selects New Industrial Park Site

Ōmuta City has selected a coastal area in the western part of the city as the site for a new industrial park. Following TSMC’s expansion into Kumamoto, there has been an increase in related companies relocating to the area. Located approximately 40 kilometers away, Ōmuta City views this as an opportunity to capture significant economic benefits. The plan is to develop a large-scale industrial park of about 30 hectares by as early as 2028, aiming to attract businesses and create employment opportunities.

( January, 2024 )
Fukuoka City’s Population to Reach 1.7 Million by 2040

Fukuoka City’s future population projection anticipates the city’s population peaking at approximately 1,702,000 by 2040. The 2012 projection estimated the peak at about 1,606,000 by 2035. However, as of December 2023, the population already exceeded this figure, reaching 1,644,734. The continued influx of younger generations from various prefectures in Kyushu is expected to drive population growth for an additional five years.

( January, 2024 )
Fukuoka Mobility Show 2023

The “Fukuoka Mobility Show 2023” was held at Marine Messe Fukuoka from December 22 to 25, 2023. It was the first such event in four years, since 2019. Themed “Embarking Towards a ‘Green’ Future Together,” the show featured hydrogen fuel cell (FC) trucks and buses, reflecting the growing adoption of these vehicles in Fukuoka Prefecture. The show also introduced autonomous vehicles and other future transportation methods. Forty-four brands from the domestic and international two-wheel and four-wheel vehicle sectors participated.

( January, 2024 )
Meinohama Steps: A Lifestyle-Proposing Complex Facility to Open in April This Year

Sawarise Real Estate has announced the opening of the lifestyle-proposing complex facility “Meinohama Steps” on April 19, 2024. Located about a 4-minute walk from Meinohama Subway Station, this five-story complex is characterized by its layered cubic exterior. It will house a restaurant featuring its own craft beer brewery and interior shops specializing in Scandinavian furniture, aiming to become a new bustling hub.

( January, 2024 )
“Fukuoka Prefecture Business Location Seminar in Tokyo” Held

On January 19, 2024, a seminar will be held in Tokyo to promote understanding and interest in relocating to Fukuoka Prefecture among companies in the capital region. The seminar will introduce the prefecture’s excellent location and living environment, as well as preferential policies. Governor Hattori will give a greeting, and the seminar will cover the prefecture’s potential, including its robust transportation infrastructure, initiatives for industrial human resource development, industrial projects, and preferential policies. Additionally, companies that have located in the prefecture will give lectures on their reasons for location, background, and the area’s appeal.

( December, 2023 )
“Japan’s Urban Characteristics Evaluation” Ranks Fukuoka City First Nationally in Business Environment

The Mori Memorial Foundation Institute for Urban Strategies (Tokyo), affiliated with Mori Building, ranked Fukuoka City first in the country in business environment for 2023, continuing its top position from 2022. The city scored high in categories such as “Employment & Human Resources” and “Diversity of Talent”. Redevelopment has advanced the city’s planning, creating a cycle that attracts people and businesses. Furthermore, this year, the city also improved its ranking in environmental aspects, with expectations for Fukuoka City to further strengthen its position as a comfortable environmental city and a model in Asia.

( December, 2023 )
Record High of 65 Companies Located in Fukuoka City

In the fiscal year 2022, the number of companies that located in Fukuoka City reached a record high of 65, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking numbers. The breakdown includes 47 companies in creative-related industries, 6 call centers, 5 companies relocating their headquarters, 7 international finance-related companies targeted by “Team Fukuoka” (like Codo Advisory Co., Ltd., M-DAQ Japan Co., Ltd.), and 12 foreign or foreign-capitalized companies. This brings the total number of companies located in the city over the past 10 years to 571, with a total employment of 18,313 people. This achievement meets the long-term plan outlined in the comprehensive plan of “50 companies consecutively for 10 years”.

( December, 2023 )
“For Startups” to Join Fukuoka’s Entrepreneurial Support Base

Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN), a startup support base in Fukuoka City, announced that “For Startups” will join its operations from spring 2024. Previously focusing on companies with offices in FGN, the new system will extend support to all companies based in Fukuoka City. Activities such as venture capital (VC) and talent recruitment will be intensified, extending support even to companies not located in FGN. The goal is to nurture 10 companies with a market value of over 10 billion yen by 2029.

( December, 2023 )