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 holds a number of attractive events including lectures and photo exhibitions at Kokusai Hiroba on the 3rd Floor of the ACROS Fukuoka Building, as well as running the Fukuoka Multilingual Assistance and Information Center, which can provide support to international residence in 22 languages. The Kokusai Hiroba acts as a center for exchange between Fukuoka residents and international residents.

FIEF also dispatches foreigners to give lectures on international understanding to elementary, 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 16,000 foreign students studying in Fukuoka Prefecture, making it the region with the 3rd most foreign students after Tokyo and Osaka, and the number is expected to increase. Industry, academia and government have teamed up to establish the Fukuoka International Student Support Center (FiSSC), providing students with comprehensive support before, during and after their studies.

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.