Category Archives: History/Culture

Unforgettable: Kyushu by Local Train

Posted on February 5, 2014 by findingfukuoka

In the spring of 2012, I took a trip around the island of Kyushu by train. The route was a massive loop hugging the coasts of the island, and the journey lasted almost two weeks. My primary means of transport … Continue reading →

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B-kyu Cuisine: Delicious Undercurrent in the Japanese Culinary World

Posted on January 10, 2014 by findingfukuoka

If you have been in Japan for some time or enjoy following Japanese cultural trends, chances are you have already heard the phrase B-kyu cuisine or B-kyu gourmet. It is often used in reference to cheap and tasty foods, but what exactly … Continue reading →

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Top Ten Japanese Character Mascots 2013

Posted on November 23, 2013 by findingfukuoka

The time has come to announce Finding Fukuoka’s top ten yuru-kyara (character mascots for PR purposes) for 2013. The intense proliferation of these characters in every aspect of Japanese life has presented a plethora of amazing candidates for this list, and it … Continue reading →

Posted in History/Culture, Kyushu, Outside Kyushu | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Four Seasons in Japan

Posted on September 1, 2013 by findingfukuoka

If you spend enough time in Japan, you will most likely be told at some point that “Japan has four seasons” as one of the country’s most unique qualities. Although this seems a bit absurd considering that most countries have … Continue reading →

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Japanese Addresses and Meanings of Place Names

Posted on May 23, 2013 by findingfukuoka

The Japanese address system is much different from systems found in Western countries. Most small streets are unnamed, and in most cities the addresses are based on named areas which are divided and subdivided into numbered sections.  For example, the … Continue reading →

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Top Ten Japanese Character Mascots 2012

Posted on November 27, 2012 by findingfukuoka

I published my first top-ten Japanese yuru-kyara list almost one year ago, and thanks to enthusiastic responses from readers I have decided to make an updated list with a view of 2012 as a whole. You will recognize some of … Continue reading →

Posted in History/Culture, Kyushu, Outside Kyushu | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Fukuoka City Museum

Posted on July 17, 2012 by findingfukuoka

Although it is often overshadowed by cultural facilities such as the Kyushu National Museum in Dazaifu and the Fukuoka Art Museum in Ohori Park, the Fukuoka City Museum provides a unique and detailed look at the long history of Fukuoka, … Continue reading →

Posted in History/Culture, Sightseeing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Hakata Ippudo: The Power of Fukuoka’s Ramen

Posted on March 14, 2012 by findingfukuoka

Most people living in Japan know that Hakata ramen (ramen from Fukuoka) is the most famous variety in the country. Oily, thick tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, fresh noodles, mounds of meat and ingredients on top–it’s not your typical Cup O’ Noodles. … Continue reading →

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Oyafukodori: The Street of Wayward Children

Posted on January 30, 2012 by findingfukuoka

Oyafukodori (親不孝通り) has changed dramatically over time, and it is a place almost every local has an opinion on. Most people you ask will tell you something along the lines of “Oyafuko is dangerous–don’t go there.” But the dangers of … Continue reading →

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Top Ten Japanese Character Mascots

Posted on January 13, 2012 by findingfukuoka

Click here for the most recent 2013 character mascot rankings!! In Japan, yuru-kyara (character mascots for PR purposes) are designed for just about anything you can think of–cities, prefectures, companies, brands, projects, events, sports teams, products and more. This list is a … Continue reading →

Posted in History/Culture, Kyushu, Outside Kyushu | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments