Fukuoka-shi

Fukuoka City was officially founded as a castle town when the daimyo Kuroda Nagamasa constructed Fukuoka Castle in 1601. This marked the beginning of the city's development as a political, economic, and cultural hub in the region. The area, known as Fukuoka since then, has grown into one of the major cities in Japan, now the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture on Kyushu Island.

Fukuoka hosted matches of the Rugby World Cup in 1990, which marked an important moment for the city in terms of international sports events. The games brought together rugby fans from around the world, boosting the city's profile and helping to promote rugby in Japan. The success of the event helped to further position Fukuoka as a venue for major international sporting events.

The completion of the Pin Science building complex at Hakata Station on November 14, 1999, was a significant event for Fukuoka as it featured cutting-edge architecture and retail spaces. It revitalized the Hakata area, transforming the station into a vibrant commercial and social hub. This redevelopment symbolized a new era for Fukuoka as a center of innovation and connectivity in Kyushu.

Fukuoka Yahoo! Dome, now known as the Fukuoka PayPay Dome, opened on March 5, 2004, as Japan's first stadium with a retractable roof. This state-of-the-art facility became the home ballpark for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks baseball team. Its opening marked a new era in sports and entertainment for the city, enhancing its attraction as a premier venue for both sports and music events, and firmly establishing Fukuoka as a prominent city for major events.

October 16, 2005, saw the expansion of the prestigious Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, one of Fukuoka's key cultural landmarks. This expansion was part of an effort to enhance its standing as a leading institution for contemporary Asian art, promoting cultural understanding and exchange. The museum plays a vital role in Fukuoka's cultural scene, attracting visitors and scholars interested in Asian art and fostering cultural diplomacy.

The Kyushu National Museum opened on October 16, 2005, but its subsequent prominence grew by March 2014 when it was ranked as one of the top national museums in Japan. Situated in the Dazaifu area near Fukuoka, the museum showcases historical artifacts from across Japan and Asia. It reflects Fukuoka’s historical connections and its role in cultural exchange between Japan and other Asian nations.

In 2001, Fukuoka hosted the World Aquatics Championships, but it was in preparation for the 2015 event that the city underwent significant developments in sports infrastructure. This set the stage for recommending Fukuoka to host the 2021 Championships. The event improved Fukuoka's international reputation as a top-tier venue for world-class aquatic sports contests.

The Tenjin Business Center opened its doors in May 2016 as part of Fukuoka’s ambitious urban renewal and business expansion strategy. Located in a rapidly developing part of the city, this modern commercial space has become a nexus for startups, technology firms, and international businesses, driving economic growth and innovation in Fukuoka. This opening marked a transformative moment in the city's vision to become a business innovation hub in Asia.

In 2019, Fukuoka hosted the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting. This high-profile international event brought together key economic leaders from G20 countries to discuss global economic issues, including trade tensions and market turbulence. Hosting the summit highlighted Fukuoka's growing status as a significant city for global diplomacy and international affairs, showcasing its readiness to welcome important global events.

Fukuoka began its robust COVID-19 vaccination rollout in 2021, which was a crucial part of Japan's national effort to combat the pandemic. The city’s healthcare services were instrumental in distributing vaccines efficiently to a large urban population, helping control the spread of the virus and protect its citizens. This campaign highlighted Fukuoka's effective public health strategy during the global health crisis.