Local Demographics in Fukuoka (2026)

Fukuoka's attractiveness as a business and educational hub has driven both domestic and international migration, making it the second-fastest growing city in Japan after Osaka.
Startup Visa priority industries include Knowledge Creating Industries (fintech, semiconductor, software, robotics), Health & Medical (drug discovery, medical tech), Environment & Energy (greentech), and Logistics.
Fukuoka's central location in East Asia allows easy access to other countries in the region, making it attractive for startups with regional ambitions.

Summary: Fukuoka is Japan's youngest major city and has Japan's fastest growing population. Fukuoka City saw a population increase of 12,521, the second highest in Japan after Osaka.

Summary: As of 2015, the top nationalities among foreign residents in Fukuoka Prefecture were Chinese (15,268), Korean (13,841), Filipino (3,234), Vietnamese (3,039), and American (1,068).
Note: Chinese and Korean residents represent the largest communities, with historical roots in the region. The resident foreign population of Fukuoka prefecture is comprised mostly of people from Asian countries, notably Vietnam, China and Nepal who are international students or technical trainees.

Summary: Between December 2012 and December 2017, the proportion of foreign-born residents increased faster than any other major city in Japan, including Tokyo. Fukuoka ranks No. 1 in terms of the growth rate of foreign residents among all the ordinance-designated cities.
Recent Growth: Despite overall population decline, the foreign resident population has continued to grow, with the foreign resident population in Fukuoka Prefecture growing by 11.45% compared to the previous year, adding 10,079 new residents.

Startup City: Fukuoka is the largest startup city in Japan, and is the only economic zone for startups. Fukuoka is the first city in Japan to offer a Startup Visa for foreign entrepreneurs. Obtaining a visa is now simpler than ever.
Cost Advantages: Office rents in Fukuoka are 52% lower compared to Tokyo. The city also offers a 25% cost advantage in terms of wages and an 8% lower Consumer Price Index (CPI) compared to Tokyo. Additionally, residential rents are 51% lower.
Tech Focus Areas: Fukuoka secures the 3rd spot in Japan for Software & Data, and ranks 4th in Japan in the Hardware and IoT field.
Startup Ecosystem: Fukuoka's startup ecosystem grew +13.6% in 2025, ranks #267 globally, with 113 startups and total startup funding over $25.55M.
International Companies: Renowned American giants like Amazon and Accenture have chosen Fukuoka City as their preferred location for expansion and relocation. The prestigious Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), a US-based organization, has established a center in Tenjin, Fukuoka City.
International Connectivity: Fukuoka Airport offers regular flights to 22 international cities across nine countries and regions, with a staggering 832 flights per week. This convenient connectivity allows for day trips to major Asian cities like Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei.

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this local demographics research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Fukuoka

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.