Greetings from the President of the Foundation

The Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation (FIEF) was established in 1989, with the aim of strengthening Fukuoka Prefecture’s function as a hub for international exchange by utilizing the region’s unique historical background and by promoting resident-driven international exchange in cooperation with other locally based international exchange organizations.

The other objective of FIEF is to contribute to world peace and mutual prosperity by sharing cultures and increasing communication between Fukuoka, countries of Asia and the world. Since its establishment, a wide variety of regional public and corporate organizations, academia and international exchange organizations have cooperated to promote exchange in a number of fields, and strived to make Fukuoka Prefecture a focal point as the international society continues to globalize.

Fukuoka has proactively participated in exchange with overseas cities and regions with sister relationships with Hawaii State (USA), Jiangsu Province (China), Bangkok (Thailand), and more. As well as this, Fukuoka Prefecture engages in exchange activities with overseas Kenjinkai (Natives of Fukuoka Prefecture Abroad Association), as well as promoting mutual understanding with the European Union (EU).

FIEF has also established the FUKUOKA IS OPEN Center, a one-stop helpdesk where organizations which support international residents are all gathered in one place, so that advice can be provided to international residents on a range of topics, such as daily life issues like employment and housing, and visa-related matters, like status of residence.

FIEF also dispatches foreigners to give lectures on international understanding to elementary schools and junior and senior high schools, as well as supporting local Japanese language classes and grass roots exchange organized by civic international exchange organizations.

There are over 19,000 foreign students studying in Fukuoka Prefecture, making it the region with the 4th most foreign students after Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. FIEF also oversees the Fukuoka International Student Support Center (FiSSC), which has an overall goal of encouraging the growth of international talent in Fukuoka, primarily by providing job-hunting support and exchange opportunities to universities and vocational schools.

I sincerely hope to gain your continual support as Fukuoka contributes to the promotion of internationalization, and with the cooperation of various groups and organizations endeavors to meet the ever-changing face of the social landscape, international society and economy.