Fukuoka-Kitakyushu
Fukuoka is the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture and is situated on the northern shore of the island of Kyushu, the southern most of the four main islands of Japan. It lies across the Tsushima Strain from South Korea, a short ferry ride from the city of Pusan, Korea. Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu, followed in size by Kitakyushu. These two cities form a metro-plex and are the largest metropolitan area west of Osaka City in Central Japan. Greater Fukuoka area, including Kitakyushu City has 2.5 million people according to the 2005 census. The two cities are part of what is known as the North Kyushu industrial zone. In addition to the industry, this area is home to many well known medical facilities including modern cancer centers.
The city can be reached by bullet train in about 6 hours from Tokyo and the island of Kyushu can now be accessed by car via tunnel or bridge. It is colder than one would imagine because it is exposed to the China Sea and winds from the China/Siberia bring cold air during the winter.
Festivals such as the Dontaku Festivel, begin with a pre-festival party on the night on May 2 with about 400 groups totaling some 28,000 people who participate in the parades held on the third and forth. Citizens and groups from festivals all over Kyushu take part in the parade. The entire city turns out for this festival, Dontaku, which comes from the Dutch word Zondag, which means holiday. Temples and shrines abound.
Fukuoka/Kitakyushu is the home of many universities, both private and public. Seinan University school system which includes jr. high, high school and university and Seinan Jo (girl’s school for jr. senior high and university) University were started by Southern Baptists and have a great witness across this area.
Kitakyushu-Fukuoka (KFC) Summer News
In July we participated with local house-church believers in what is called a “Spiritual Conference.” It was new to all of us. In a large room with tables, people who claim to have the “spiritual”... [more]
Off to a great start!!!
June 1, 2008 Dear KFC Praying Partners: We are off to a great summer. We returned to Japan (from STAS) on May 22nd, and one week later, on May 30th, our first volunteer team arrived. In the photo... [more]
Three for KFC
John and Nancy returned from Stateside Assignment on May 22nd, and are looking forward to having three youthful volunteers arrive on May 30th. The volunteers are Jessica (from Mississippi), Jodi (from... [more]
Seeking God’s Will
The Norton’s who serve in Fukuoka but are currently are on Stateside write: As you continue to pray for A.Y., please be aware that while we are on stateside assignment, she faces the challenge of... [more]
