Exchange with Overseas Fukuoka Kenjinkais
History of Overseas Emigration from Fukuoka Prefecture
Emigration from Fukuoka Prefecture to overseas began in 1885 (Meiji 18) with emigration to Hawaii. At that time, rural life was hard and many people went to the cities to seek work, but it was difficult to take on all the labor force in the cities, and the Japanese government decided to send emigrants abroad.
In the 1900s, emigration destinations spread from Hawaii to the mainland of the United States, Canada, Mexico, etc., and then to South America such as Peru and Brazil, and after the war, emigration began to the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, etc. The total number of migrants from Fukuoka Prefecture before and after the war is the fourth highest in Japan, reaching about 57,000.
The migrants continued to take pride as Japanese while struggling in completely different environments of language, weather and climate etc., and had a high reputation for their diligence, sincerity and enthusiasm for education. In Brazil, they were praised as "Japonês garantido (trusted Japanese)" which contributed greatly to the development of other immigrant countries
At the same time, they had a deep attachment to their home of Fukuoka, and continued to take pride in being a Fukuoka Prefectural citizen, preserving the traditions and culture of their old home, and deepening ties with Fukuoka Prefecture.
What is the Overseas Fukuoka Kenjinkai?
An organization organized by migrants and their descendants, who have their former roots in Fukuoka Prefecture, in order to deepen friendships and exchanges and help each other to live in another country. The Kenjinkai, which has a long history, was organized by people who emigrated overseas under the emigration policy of the Japanese government more than 100 years ago. In recent years, the number of Japanese companies expanding overseas has increased, and expatriates from Fukuoka Prefecture have former Kenjinkai and are active.
Currently, there are 39 prefectural associations in 24 countries and regions around the world, and when Fukuoka Prefecture actively engages in exchanges with foreign countries in the international community, it is a valuable asset as a bridge that connects Fukuoka Prefecture and each country and region.
Download Overseas Fukuoka Kenjinkai pamphlet
Fukuoka Kenjinkai of Emigrants
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Place Area Kenjinkai Name Year Established 1 North America Hawaii Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1957 2 Kona Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1967 3 Hawaii Shima Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1967 4 Kauai Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1985 5 Vancouver Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1981 6 Toronto Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1980 7 Lethbridge Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1981 8 Seattle-Tacoma Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1907 9 Nanka Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1908 10 San Francisco Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1950 -
Place Area Kenjinkai Name Year Established 11 Latin America Peru Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1959 12 Mexico Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1952 13 Argentina Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1965 14 Brazil Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1930 15 Manaus Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1959 16 Belém Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1969 17 Tomé-Açu Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1975 18 Colombia Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1978 19 Paraguay Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1958 20 Bolivia Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1973
Fukuoka Kenjinkai of Corporate Expatriates
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Place Area Kenjinkai Name Year Established 21 Asia Seoul Hakatakai 1980 22 Dalian Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1998 23 Beijing Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1992 24 Shanghai Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1996 25 Taiwan Fukuoka Kenjinkai “Baiyukai” 2002 26 Hong Kong Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1977 27 Hanoi Fukuoka Kenjinkai “Battenkai” 2012 28 Ho Chi Minh Fukuoka Kenjinkai 2007 29 Yangon Fukuoka Kenjinkai 2016 30 Thailand Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1992 -
Place Area Kenjinkai Name Year Established 31 Asia Malaysia Fukuoka Kenjinkai 2013 32 Singapore Fukuoka Kenjinkai 2007 33 Indonesia Fukuoka Kenjinkai “Tobiumekai” 1999 34 Manila Fukuoka Kenjinkai 2002 35 Delhi Fukuoka Kenjinkai 2010 36 Europe United Kingdom Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1980 37 Netherlands Fukuoka Kenjinkai 2006 38 France Fukuoka Kenjinkai 1999 39 Oceania Sydney Fukuoka Kenjinkai 2015
Kaigai Fukuoka Kenjinkai Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/fukuoka.kenjinkai