In July, embark on a journey to Kyushu! Art exhibition opening&a feast of local specialties.

When people think of Kyushu, Japan, many first picture the urban charm of Fukuoka and the harbor nightscape of Kitakyushu. However, few realize that this land is not only an artistic and livable city, but also the core of Japan’s agricultural and industrial landscape—deeply rooted in agriculture and boasting a strong manufacturing sector. Every inch of its land holds the gifts of nature and the craftsmanship of industry.

Fukuoka: A “Gastronomic Capital” Embraced by Mountains and Sea, Abundant in Resources
Fukuoka, the gateway city to Kyushu, faces Hakata Bay and is backed by the Tsukushi Plain. Its warm, humid climate and fertile soil have created one of Japan’s top agricultural regions.

• Agricultural Powerhouse: The rice from the Tsukushi Plain is plump and is a core production area for high-quality rice in Japan. Vegetables and fruits are abundant year-round, with strawberries and citrus fruits boasting exceptional sweetness and exported throughout Japan.

• Seafood Paradise: Surrounded by Hakata Bay and the Ariake Sea, fresh tuna, pufferfish, and squid are brought ashore daily. “Hakata Seafood” is world-renowned and a benchmark for Japanese seafood cuisine.

• Urban Charm: Hakata Ward boasts towering skyscrapers, while Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine exudes ancient charm. Modern prosperity blends seamlessly with millennia-old elegance, and the streets and alleys are filled with a soothing, everyday atmosphere.

Kitakyushu: The Industrial Backbone, a “Strong City” with Mountain and Sea Views
Kitakyushu, the northernmost industrial city in Kyushu, is the cradle of modern Japanese industry. Together with Fukuoka, it forms the “Kitakyushu-Fukuoka Metropolitan Area,” one of Japan’s four major industrial belts.

• Manufacturing Core: A center for steel, chemicals, and shipbuilding since the Meiji era, the Yawata Steel Works (now JFE Steel) is world-renowned, producing 80% of Japan’s Shinkansen rails. Today, with the rise of environmental technology and robotics industries, its industrial strength leads western Japan.

• Strong Agriculture and Ports: Large-scale rice and vegetable cultivation in the surrounding area, abundant fishery resources in the Kanmon Strait; Moji Port and Wakamatsu Port are among the largest ports in western Japan, connecting many Asian countries, and exporting products globally.

• Unparalleled Night Views: The night view of Mount Sarakura has been named one of Japan’s “New Top Three Night Views.” The ancient charm of Kokura Castle blends seamlessly with the harbor lights, while the red-brick buildings of Moji Port’s nostalgic district reflect the shimmering waters of the strait—every snapshot is a masterpiece.

Kumamoto: Volcanic Soil, Hot Spring Paradise, the “Agricultural Heart” of Kyushu

Located in central Kyushu, Kumamoto is known as the granary and water capital of the region. The Aso volcanic group nourishes vast, fertile soil, abundant groundwater, and numerous hot springs, boasting both magnificent natural scenery and top-quality produce and robust manufacturing capabilities.

Natural and Cultural Icons: Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three most famous castles, is magnificent. The active Aso volcano offers breathtaking views, with rolling grasslands and bubbling hot springs. Combined with the beloved Kumamon, it becomes a must-visit destination in Kyushu.

Agriculture Among the Top Five in Japan: Kumamoto Prefecture ranks 5th in Japan’s agricultural output and is one of the country’s most important bases for fruits, vegetables, and meat.

Agricultural Strength Among the Top Five in Japan: Kumamoto Prefecture ranks 5th in Japan’s agricultural output and is one of the country’s most important production bases for fruits, vegetables, and meat. • Tomatoes, watermelons, and Dekopon (ugly oranges) are extremely sweet, and their production ranks among the top in Japan.

• Kumamoto Wagyu and Akabane beef are of top quality, and horse meat sashimi (horse sashimi) is a local specialty.

• A quietly robust manufacturing sector: Kumamoto is a major center for Japan’s semiconductor industry, with companies like Sony having sensor and chip factories there, supporting the global electronics supply chain; automotive parts and precision manufacturing are also highly developed.