Fukuoka's New Moves: Budōkan and Food Waste Cut

On October 15, Fukuoka Prefecture held a press conference to announce the upcoming opening of the Fukuoka Budōkan, a new Japanese martial arts stadium, and to introduce a regional initiative aimed at reducing food waste. The governor also addressed several policy topics during the Q&A session.

Fukuoka Budōkan to Open in January 2026

Fukuoka Prefecture confirmed that the new Fukuoka Budōkan will officially open on January 5, 2026. Located near both the Fukuoka subway and JR stations, the facility will feature dedicated halls for Kyūdō (Japanese archery), Jūdō, and Kendō, as well as a multi-purpose arena for sports such as basketball.

The stadium's design concept centers on promoting Japanese martial arts through the spirit of Budō and Fukuoka's traditional culture. The architecture incorporates motifs inspired by Hakata-ori, a traditional textile craft, and emphasizes elegance and dignity. Environmentally conscious features include solar power generation and high-efficiency air conditioning, aiming to meet “ZEB Ready” standards by reducing energy consumption by over 50%.

To commemorate the opening, a private ceremony will be held on December 20, 2025, featuring a talk show with Olympic athletes. A public event is also planned for January 24, 2026, where children from across the prefecture will have the opportunity to experience martial arts under the guidance of top-level athletes.

Food Loss Reduction Campaign

Fukuoka Prefecture also introduced a food waste reduction initiative. Since October 1, the prefecture has distributed 131 original “doggy bags” to participating restaurants. Establishments involved in the campaign display a sticker indicating their cooperation.

Governor Hattori encouraged residents to actively reduce food waste by using the provided containers. The campaign will run through December 31.

Q&A Highlights

During the press conference, the governor responded to several questions from reporters:

Nissan's Plant Integration

Nissan Motor Corporation plans to transfer and integrate its Oppama Plant into an existing facility in Fukuoka Prefecture. Labor-management negotiations are underway, and the prefecture is coordinating with relevant municipalities to support the transition. The governor noted that the prefecture would take measures to address increased housing demand and potential traffic congestion resulting from the integration.

Reflections on the Osaka Expo

Commenting on the recent Osaka Expo, the governor highlighted Fukuoka's appeal—especially its culinary offerings—referencing the popularity of the sake tasting booth. He also emphasized the importance of the “West Golden Route,” a tourism initiative led by Fukuoka City and supported by the prefecture, aimed at attracting international visitors to western Japan. He pledged to continue developing accessible tourism infrastructure in collaboration with local governments and businesses.

Fukuoka's Prefectural Parliamentary Badge Cost Review

The Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly recently revised the material used for parliamentary badges, switching from 18-karat gold to gold plating. This change reduced costs by approximately ¥28,000,000. The governor praised the assembly's efforts to improve fiscal efficiency and noted the positive impact on the prefecture's finances.