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Exchange with Overseas Fukuoka Prefecture Citizens Association (Kenjinkai)
Exchange with Overseas Fukuoka Prefecture Citizens Association (Kenjinkai)
Overseas migration from Fukuoka Prefecture began in 1885 to Hawaii, and then extended to North America, Central and South America etc. The migrants cooperated to make these countries a new home and formed the Overseas Fukuoka Prefecture Citizens Association (known as Kenjinkai). There are currently 20 branches established in 9 countries with membership consisting of migrants and descendants of migrants. The migrants found themselves in countries where not only the language was different, but climate and customs also made for a completely different environment. However, their diligence, sincerity and ambitious mind earned high praise. Especially in Brazil, they came to be known as Japones Garantido (Trustworthy Japanese), contributing greatly to the development of their new country. The migrants are currently active in a number of areas including politics, economy, education, culture and medicine, and have earned the respect and trust of their adopted countries.
For many it has been generations since their ancestors first migrated, and the leadership of the Kenjinkai has been passed down. The main activities of the Kenjinkai are carried out by the 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation, and an increasing number are not familiar with Japanese language, tradition and culture. In order to continue the Kenjinkai activities, the Prefecture offers them a variety of support projects in order to strengthen the relationship and promote mutual exchange with Fukuoka.
In recent years, the interactions with people from overseas have become more frequent, and the overseas expansion of Japanese enterprises has increased, there are even cases where the expatriates from Fukuoka prefecture were mobilized to form a local Kenjinkai. The increasing presence of the Overseas Fukuoka Kenjinkai in Asia and Europe recently indicates that the individuals from our prefecture are highly active all around the world.
With the development of the global society, Fukuoka Prefecture has been proactive in overseas exchange, and the Kenjinkai has been a valuable asset acting as a bridge between the Prefecture and their adopted countries.
Fukuoka Kenjinkai by the descendants of migrates
Click on a city to see more details.


Country | Name of Kenjinkai | Year of Foundation | Country | Name of Kenjinkai | Year of Foundation | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canada | ① | Vancouver Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1978 | Mexico | ⑪ | Mexico Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1952 |
② | Toronto Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1980 | Colombia | ⑫ | Colombia Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1978 | |
③ | Lethbridge Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1981 | Peru | ⑬ | Peru Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1959 | |
U.S.A | ④ | Seattle-Tacoma Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1907 | Brazil | ⑭ | Brasil Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1930 |
⑤ | Southern California Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1908 | ⑮ | Manaus Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1959 | ||
⑥ | San Francisco Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1950 | ⑯ | Belém Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1969 | ||
U.S.A (Hawaii) |
⑦ | Hawaii Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1957 | ⑰ | Tomé-Açu Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1975 | |
⑧ | Kona Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1967 | Bolivia | ⑱ | Zai-Bolivia Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1973 | |
⑨ | Hawaii Shima Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1967 | Paraguay | ⑲ | Paraguay Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1958 | |
⑩ | Kauai Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1985 | Argentina | ⑳ | Argentina Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1965 |
Fukuoka Kenjinkai by the corporate representatives
Name of Kenjinkai | Year of Foundation | Name of Kenjinkai | Year of Foundation |
---|---|---|---|
Seoul Hakata Kai | 1980 | India Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 2010 |
Zai Shanghai Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1980 | Association of People from Fukuoka Prefecture in Malaysia | 2013 |
Dalian Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1998 | Ho Chi Minh Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 2007 |
Hongkong Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1977 | Hanoi Fukuoka Kenjinkai (Battenkai) | 2012 |
Beijing Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1990's | Manila Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 2002 |
Taiwan Fukuoka Kenjinkai (Baiyukai) | 2002 | Sydney Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1969 |
Thailand Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1992 | UK Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 1980 |
Indonesia Fukuoka Kenjinkai (TOBIUME KAI) | 1999 | Holland Fukuoka Kenjinkai (FUKUOKA Ka Vereniging Netherland) |
2006 |
Singapore Fukuoka Kenjinkai | 2007 | France Fukuoka Kenjinkai (Association Amicale de Fukuoka en France) |
1999 |
If an existing Fukuoka Kenjinkai is not listed above, we greatly appreciate if you could post the information to the contacts below.
Planning and Exchange Section TEL 092-725-9204
FAX 092-725-9205
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