Culture

Traditional craftsmanship and spirit still alive

In Fukuoka, a gateway to other Asian countries, a large number of traditional handicraft skills have been developed through international exchange. Moreover, blessed with abundant natural resources, Fukuoka has been an ideal place for craftmaking using natural materials. Currently, efforts are being made to incorporate modern designs into these handicrafts while maintaining their excellent traditional artistic qualities and techniques. Meanwhile, people in Fukuoka are known for their enthusiasm for festivals, which is probably based on their open and energetic mindset. Visitors can enjoy the dynamic and flamboyant atmospheres of these festivals. These cultural assets of Fukuoka, which have been developed based on splendid traditions, are still well maintained, further energizing and leading Fukuoka into the future for even greater prosperity.

Festivals

Hakata Gion Yamakasa

A traditional event commenced over 750 years ago in Hakata. In this energetic festival, men run through the downtown streets carrying decorated floats, each weighing nearly a ton.

Hakata Dontaku

Dating back to the 12th century, this annual festival is held on May 3 and 4, featuring showy parades of singers, dancers and other performers in gorgeous costumes marching on main streets in the city. Among Japanese festivals held in early summer, Hakata Dontaku enjoys the largest audience, exceeding 2 million.

Buzen Kagura

Kagura is a performance of sacred music and dancing. People used to conduct the performance in a ritual to pray and show respect to their god of good harvests. In the Buzen area close to Mt. Hiko, a mountain worshipped by local people, unique Kagura performances have evolved through traditional religious practices in the area.

Kawawatari Jinkosai

In this festival, people go across the Hikosan River carrying floats decorated with colorful banners. The festival site is filled with a dynamic and lively atmosphere generated by float carriers who vigorously roll the floats and make loud noises, splashing around the river water.

Kokura Gion Daiko

In this vivacious festival, decorated floats march through downtown, accompanied by Japanese drummers. It is said that the festival was started by a local lord who built Kokura Castle approximately 400 years ago to pray for prosperity of his town.

Chikugo Yoshii Ohinasama Meguri

The Hinamatsuri festival is a traditional event in Japan, in which people display hina dolls in wishing for health and happiness of their daughters. In Yoshii Town, Ukiha City, many old merchant houses have been preserved; a wide variety of hina dolls, including old dolls passed down over generations and modern ones too, are exhibited at these merchant houses.

Kowaka-mai

This is a dance performance held in January at Oe Shrine in Setaka Town, Miyama City. Kowaka-mai dancing is considered to be the oldest Japanese bugaku (court music accompanied with dancing) and the origin of noh and kabuki. Today performed only at Oe Shrine, Kowaka-mai is a very precious cultural asset.

Traditional Handicrafts

Kurume-gasuri
(cloth with splashed patterns made in Kurume)

Kurume-gasuri is characterized by natural feelings of cotton cloth and vivid patterns using indigo dye. The production method of Kurume-gasuri was first developed by a 12 year-old girl called Den Inoue in the 18th century.

Hakata-ori
(woven cloth from Hakata)

Made of silk, the Hakata-ori fabric, which is thick and firm, is a popular material for kimono sashes. Hakata-ori has been developed based on weaving techniques imported from China by Hakata merchants in the medieval period.

Hakata Doll

Hakata dolls became well known to Europeans when they were exhibited at the world exposition in Paris in 1900. Hakata dolls were created based on unglazed pottery dolls created and marketed by potters in Hakata as souvenirs.

Agano-yaki ceramic ware

Created and used mainly in the tea ceremony, Agano-yaki is characterized by its unique blue-green colors in a wide range of variation and thin body. Recently, Agano-yaki makers also create tableware for daily use, in addition to traditional Japanese tea cups and vases.

Okawa furniture

Furniture manufacturing in Okawa commenced in the medieval period by ship builders in the Okawa area, who had excellent woodworking skills and techniques. Okawa has become one of Japan’s largest furniture production areas, with products exported to overseas markets as well.

Yame Chochin (paper lantern)

It was nearly 200 years ago that these paper lanterns with elaborate flower paintings were first created by craftsmen in Yame, which now boasts the largest lantern production. These lanterns, used to welcome ancestors’ spirits in summer, are marketed in Japan and in overseas countries.

Koishiwara-yaki (ceramic ware)

With casual yet soothing designs, Koishiwara ware is produced mainly for daily use such as cups and dishes. The production of Koishiwara ware is said to have been started by ceramic makers from Imari, Saga Prefecture nearly 400 years ago.

Food products

Karashi Mentaiko (seasoned cod roe)

One of the most popular specialties from Fukuoka, salted cod roe is seasoned with red pepper and kept until it matures to create the tasty mentaiko.

Hakata “Ramen” noodles

Originating in Kurume City, Hakata noodles are characterized by white soup from pork bone and thin noodles. Hakata noodle dishes are offered at many food stalls in Fukuoka City.

Yame-cha (green tea)

Yame is one of the most famous green tea production areas in Japan. In the 12th century, Eisai, a Zen priest, brought back green tea seedlings from China, and Shuzui, another Zen priest, disseminated methods to produce and enjoy green tea in current Kuroki Town, Yame City.

Blowfish from the Kanmon Strait

Blowfish harvested in the Kanmon Strait, which separates Kyushu from the mainland, is highly valued because of its sophisticated delicate taste. Blowfish from the Kanmon Strait is a popular special winter delicacy famous nationwide.