Prefecture/City:	Fukuoka Prefecture
Capital/Prefecture:	Fukuoka City
Governor/Mayor:	Hiroshi Ogawa
Area:	4,977 square km (1,922 square miles)
Population:	5.09 million as of October 2013
Flower:	Ume Japanese apricot blossom
Tree:	Azalea
Bird:	Bush warbler

Business & Industry:

Fukuoka Prefecture, the center of business in Kyushu, has been strengthening the auto, semiconductor, bio- and nanotechnology, and robotics industries, developing clusters of related companies. The prefecture, calling itself the “Gateway to East Asia,” is also inviting foreign investment, especially in those areas, with prefectural government support.

Tourism & Culture:

Hakata Dontaku, a two-day parade in May, and Hakata Gion Yamakasa (float) are the prefecture’s major traditional festivals. The latter, running two weeks in early July, is listed as one of Japan’s Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. The festival’s climax, a race of lavishly decorated tall floats, shouldn’t be missed.

Famous for:

Yatai, street food and liquor stalls or carts, especially in the Hakata area and its suburbs. Popular among locals and an irresistible way to end your day.