This list is unbiased in its numbering so sorry if you expect number 1 to be the most interesting when it probably wont be. (Don't say I didn't warn you)
10. Never say die
Fukuoka has been destroyed ten times during wars, first in the Yamato wars of 157 AD and most recently in the WWII air raids of 1949. Each time, the city recovered and became even more prosperous than before. Still let’s hope there isn’t a ‘next time’.
9. Fukuoka is Hakata is Fukuoka
Locals like to say ‘Fukuoka wa Hakata, Hakata wa Fukuoka’ (Fukuoka is Hakata; Hakata is Fukuoka) to mean something is one and the same. Try these words of wisdom when mediating arguments. Guaranteed to blow away your Japanese friends.
8. Kawaii sailors
It was the girl’s school Fukuoka Jogakuin that first began using the sailor-girl uniform, now de rigeur at schools throughout Japan. The uniform was introduced by the missionary Elizabeth Lee, in 1921. Its design has barely changed since (unless you count naughty schoolgirls who slash their dresses to mid-thigh length).
7. FUK
At times it's amusing, sometimes embarrassing, but it almost always gets noticed. The three-letter airport tag for Fukuoka is simply, FUK. Fasten your seat belts and have a pleasant ride…
6. First airmail
Japan’s first flight routes were serviced by water planes. As Fukuoka was conveniently located, Japan Airlines set up a flight to Osaka via Beppu departing from Momochi as early as 1925. The next year, the takeoff area was moved to Chuo Ward’s Minato-machi and a Fukuoka-Osaka-Tokyo flight was launched. The post office used the route for Fukuoka’s first-ever airmail.
5. Crime city
According to a national police white paper, more crimes were reported in Fukuoka Prefecture than anywhere else in Japan in 2002 (314 cases per 10,000 citizens). Interestingly, Nagasaki ranked safest with just 92. Sorry ladies it's still best to avoid walking alone at night, oh the humanity! : (
4. Busy buses
Nishitetsu has more buses than any other transportation company in Japan, a total of 2,500. They travel a combined total of 120 million km per year, which is equal to 2,832 trips around the earth’s circumference.
3. Still young at heart
Of Japan’s eight major cities (excluding metropolitan Tokyo and Osaka), Fukuoka has the second-most university students, with six people in every 100 being students. Kyoto has the highest student ratio. Further, people between 15 and 29 years old make up 25.9% of Fukuoka’s population.
2. Finding love
So, you’re pining for that certain someone to return your amorous feelings? In Fukuoka, all you have to do is stand on Fukuoka Tower’s Koi-no-Hoiban (‘love-finding platform’) on level three, and swoon in the direction your beloved lives. Your love will be requited! If that fails, take your intended sweetheart by the hand and make a wish at Aburayama’s observation deck or at the Megane-jizo (‘spectacles deity’) located between the IMS building and Aigan shop. All you have to do is convince your would-be darling to join you there. Be sure to brush your teeth before trying any of the above
1. Dumping your darling
New love grown stale or old love that won't fade away? It’s said that couples who cross all three bridges spanning the Shinjiga-ike pond at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine will eventually break up. So, if you want to part ways with that fast-fading someone, give it a go ;)
And that's my top ten list of interesting facts about Fukuoka, hope you enjoyed maybe even smiled. No? How stone cold : (
10. Never say die
Fukuoka has been destroyed ten times during wars, first in the Yamato wars of 157 AD and most recently in the WWII air raids of 1949. Each time, the city recovered and became even more prosperous than before. Still let’s hope there isn’t a ‘next time’.
9. Fukuoka is Hakata is Fukuoka
Locals like to say ‘Fukuoka wa Hakata, Hakata wa Fukuoka’ (Fukuoka is Hakata; Hakata is Fukuoka) to mean something is one and the same. Try these words of wisdom when mediating arguments. Guaranteed to blow away your Japanese friends.
8. Kawaii sailors
It was the girl’s school Fukuoka Jogakuin that first began using the sailor-girl uniform, now de rigeur at schools throughout Japan. The uniform was introduced by the missionary Elizabeth Lee, in 1921. Its design has barely changed since (unless you count naughty schoolgirls who slash their dresses to mid-thigh length).
7. FUK
At times it's amusing, sometimes embarrassing, but it almost always gets noticed. The three-letter airport tag for Fukuoka is simply, FUK. Fasten your seat belts and have a pleasant ride…
6. First airmail
Japan’s first flight routes were serviced by water planes. As Fukuoka was conveniently located, Japan Airlines set up a flight to Osaka via Beppu departing from Momochi as early as 1925. The next year, the takeoff area was moved to Chuo Ward’s Minato-machi and a Fukuoka-Osaka-Tokyo flight was launched. The post office used the route for Fukuoka’s first-ever airmail.
5. Crime city
According to a national police white paper, more crimes were reported in Fukuoka Prefecture than anywhere else in Japan in 2002 (314 cases per 10,000 citizens). Interestingly, Nagasaki ranked safest with just 92. Sorry ladies it's still best to avoid walking alone at night, oh the humanity! : (
4. Busy buses
Nishitetsu has more buses than any other transportation company in Japan, a total of 2,500. They travel a combined total of 120 million km per year, which is equal to 2,832 trips around the earth’s circumference.
3. Still young at heart
Of Japan’s eight major cities (excluding metropolitan Tokyo and Osaka), Fukuoka has the second-most university students, with six people in every 100 being students. Kyoto has the highest student ratio. Further, people between 15 and 29 years old make up 25.9% of Fukuoka’s population.
2. Finding love
So, you’re pining for that certain someone to return your amorous feelings? In Fukuoka, all you have to do is stand on Fukuoka Tower’s Koi-no-Hoiban (‘love-finding platform’) on level three, and swoon in the direction your beloved lives. Your love will be requited! If that fails, take your intended sweetheart by the hand and make a wish at Aburayama’s observation deck or at the Megane-jizo (‘spectacles deity’) located between the IMS building and Aigan shop. All you have to do is convince your would-be darling to join you there. Be sure to brush your teeth before trying any of the above
1. Dumping your darling
New love grown stale or old love that won't fade away? It’s said that couples who cross all three bridges spanning the Shinjiga-ike pond at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine will eventually break up. So, if you want to part ways with that fast-fading someone, give it a go ;)
And that's my top ten list of interesting facts about Fukuoka, hope you enjoyed maybe even smiled. No? How stone cold : (