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Fukuoka Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu. Fukuoka Prefecture has a population of 5,109,323 (1 June 2019) and has a geographic area of 4,986 km2 (1,925 sq mi). Fukuoka Prefecture borders Saga Prefecture to the southwest, Kumamoto Prefecture to the south, and Oita Prefecture to the southeast.
Fukuoka is the capital and largest city of Fukuoka Prefecture, and the largest city on Kyushu, with other major cities including Kitakyushu, Kurume, and Omuta. Fukuoka Prefecture is located at the northernmost point of Kyushu on the Kanmon Straits, connecting the Tsushima Strait and the Seto Inland Sea across from Yamaguchi Prefecture on the island of Honshu, and extends south towards the Ariake Sea.
The Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly is the prefectural parliament of Fukuoka Prefecture. The Assembly serves as a platform for realising the common aspirations of the residents in Fukuoka Prefecture, aiming for prosperity and a comfortable living environment.
Comprising members elected by the citizens, the assembly acts as a decision-making body, engaging in discussions and making crucial decisions on various local issues that concern the functioning of the prefectural government.
Working in tandem with the executive bodies, including the prefectural governor and government committees such as the Educational Committee and the Public Safety Committee, the assembly's decisions are executed to implement effective governance.
Each entity - the prefectural assembly, the governor, and the government committees - stands independently with equal standing, and they collaborate to ensure that the perspectives and opinions of the citizens are incorporated into the prefecture's administration, thereby striving to improve the quality of life for the residents of Fukuoka.
Fukuoka Prefecture is a key economic hub in Japan, boasting a significant industrial presence that contributes to nearly 40% of Kyushu's overall economy. With a GDP exceeding 154 billion US dollars, the prefecture's economic output is comparable to that of a medium-sized country. The region is renowned for its thriving industries, including automobiles, semiconductors, and steel. It has served as the birthplace of prominent companies such as Bridgestone, a prominent tire manufacturer, and Best Denki, a well-known consumer electronics chain.
Numerous renowned companies have their headquarters in Fukuoka, showcasing the region's diverse and dynamic business landscape. Among these notable entities are TOTO LTD., a company established in 1917, Yasukawa Electric Corporation, founded in 1915, and ZENRIN CO., LTD., founded in 1949. The prefecture is also home to LEVEL-5 Inc., a prominent company founded in 1998, and Star Flyer Inc., established in 2002. Other influential entities based in Fukuoka include MoonStar Company, founded in 1873, and the Shinoken Group. Co., Ltd., which originated in 1990.
The city has daily flights to Busan, Seoul, Shanghai, Dalian, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore. The flight schedule enables travelers to make a same-day return business trip to Busan, Seoul, and Shanghai. Fukuoka Airport, which serves 19 international and 28 domestic routes, the Port of Hakata with container routes, expressway interchange, and freight railway stations are conveniently located in the city. It has gained a reputation as logistics bases with East Asia recently.
Connected to 19 cities overseas, an increasing number of passengers and cargoes fly from Fukuoka Airport every year as a hub of Asia. It has become Japan's third-largest international airport in terms of trade value, following Narita and Kansai. Fukuoka Airport offers excellent access to major cities in Asia; Shanghai is 90 minutes away, and Seoul is 70 minutes away.