Fukuoka Prefecture Unveils Record ¥2.3 Trillion Initial Budget for FY2026

Fukuoka Prefecture has released its initial budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, totaling 2.3 trillion yen, the largest budget in its history. The plan is built around four key policy pillars:

1. Education and human resource development

2. Strengthening the economy through industrial growth

3. Enhancing the prefecture's appeal as a place to live

4. Improving disaster resilience and promoting residents' health

Key Initiatives in the FY2026 Budget

Support for Egg Freezing and Assisted Reproductive Technology

The prefecture will provide financial assistance to help cover part of the costs associated with egg freezing and fertility treatments using frozen eggs.

Expanded Childcare Support

Measures include:

• A 10,000‑yen monthly allowance per child

• Programs encouraging fathers to participate in childcare and housework

• Partial subsidies for hiring babysitters

Upgrading School Facilities

To improve the learning environment and safety, Fukuoka will renew equipment in prefectural schools, including air conditioners and refrigerators.

Opportunities for Youth to Develop Social Businesses

High school and university students will be offered opportunities to take on social business challenges and participate in career‑design communities.

Strengthening Small and Medium‑Sized Enterprises

The prefecture will support SMEs in adopting digital transformation (DX), improving productivity, and raising employee wages.

Companies entering emerging growth sectors and increasing salaries will receive additional subsidies.

Support for Nissan and Related Suppliers

Fukuoka will assist Nissan and its partner companies as they relocate production facilities from Kanagawa Prefecture. The prefecture will also help local firms seize new business opportunities created by the relocation.

Growing Startups, Especially in the Medical Sector

Support measures include:

• Consulting for companies aiming to enter the U.S. market

• Introducing venture capital firms in Boston

• Actively adopting startup services within prefectural associations to enhance credibility

Promoting Advanced Technology Industries

Fukuoka will accelerate growth in biotech, space, and medical technology sectors.

For the space industry, the prefecture will open F★SBAL, a business support office for companies entering space‑related fields.

In collaboration with Kyushu University, Fukuoka will also develop and test software enabling remote operation of surgical robots.

Boosting Tourism and Travel Spending

The prefecture will develop high‑value travel products tailored to visitors from France, the United States, the Middle East, and other regions.

Upgrading Kitakyushu Airport

By August 2027, the runway will be extended to 3,000 meters.

Fukuoka will also strengthen international freight networks and enhance cargo‑handling capacity.

Expanding Renewable Energy Use

The prefecture will proactively install perovskite solar cells in public facilities.

Advancing Blue‑Carbon Initiatives

Fukuoka will put new CO₂‑calculation technologies into practical use to promote blue‑carbon ecosystems.

Promoting One Health

Initiatives include developing a forest‑bathing program that incorporates digital devices to support physical and mental well‑being.