Why Fukuoka is Japan’s most innovative city

Nestled between mountain ranges and the wide ocean, Fukuoka is gearing up to be Japan’s silicon valley. In 2011, the mayor of Fukukoa declared that it would become Japan’s start-up city. Let’s talk about what makes the country’s fastest growing city a hub suited for innovation and growth.

Fukkuoka’s high livability

The city’s international airport is just 15 minutes away from the city centre where you find plenty of Fukuoka apartments. The commutes are short and cycling and walking are pretty common. The majestic mountains and the soulful sea are never too far away from the uber space. There is a laid-back vibe to the action in the city. It is perfect for work-life balance for young entrepreneurs and hustlers. Apartment complexes like lyf Tenjin Fukuoka offer close proximity to most vital spots in the city. In short, Fukuoka is an ideal city for young people to start their businesses and lives.

Fukuoka is a designated ‘national Strategic Special Zone’

IN 2014, Japan’s central government granted the city the “National Strategic Special Zone” status. This means that start-ups get exemptions from corporate taxes, and foreign entrepreneurs get special visas. The relaxed planning rules mean that they can redevelop the city centre to promote a start-up culture. The city is working on wireless regulations to facilitate faster and more straightforward licensing for experiments and technology demonstrations. This is to facilitate IoT (Internet of Things) that embeds sensors, computing hardware and communication tools in everyday items.

The Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN) offers facilities to entrepreneurs

The officials in Fukuoka turned the old school in central Tenjin into the Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN). This functions as a hub for raising future unicorns. They’ve added a lot of facilities including inexpensive office space for rent, a startup café to get free business and legal advice, a prototyping lab and a Global startup centre. There is even a bar where entrepreneurs can network and hold events to meet customers and investors.

Fukuoka’s young population

The country’s ageing population is one of the biggest roadblocks that Japan faces. Fortunately, Fukuoka has the highest proportion of youth in Japan. As the fastest-growing city in the country at the moment, it draws a large number of young people. The rent in Fukuoka is about 60% less than that of Tokyo, a fact that incentivizes the younger generation to move to Fukuoka.

Fukuoka offers a gateway to the rest of Asia

Startups ultimately aim to grow big. Fukuoka is closer to Seoul and Shanghai than Tokyo. This close proximity to key Asian cities puts Fukuoka at a distinctive advantage. This means that the city attracts more talent from abroad, and there is space for growth.

Fukuoka’s compact landscape makes it easier for entrepreneurs to operate

Fukuoka is compact and everything lies in close proximity. This creates a safe space for the entrepreneurial community to grow as a tight-knit group, network better and create sustainable relationships and businesses. This small, and livable city makes it easier for startup owners and teams to meet each other, share ideas and pool resources.  

Fukuoka is building a ‘Smart city’

The government is taking the city’s potential seriously. They are in the process of building a ‘Smart city’ urban area. The new city facilities will use IoT and data analytics to prompt smarter transport, amenities and regulatory services. The government has begun working on this concept at a 124-acre area belonging to a former university. The new Smart city will be located just 4 kilometers from the city centre. Since they are building the Smart city from scratch, all the facilities and technologies will seamlessly work in unison.