Behold, the Notame Exit. This isn’t just a way off the motorway. It is a portal to a vibrant city brimming with history.
Let’s dive into the story of Fukuoka. This city is the capital of the southern island of Kyushu. Fukuoka is believed to be Japan’s oldest city. Its success was aided by its proximity to Korea and China. Some historians think the Imperial Family first set foot here. However, as with many origin stories, its history is debated.
In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire tried to invade Japan. Kublai Khan led this attempt. It was the first time Japan faced external pressure. Khan wanted to rule Japan. Mongolia invaded the north of Kyushu in 1274 after proposals of Khan’s rule were turned down repeatedly. Severe weather and poor planning hurt the first invasion. Two more invasions were stopped in the next seven years. This ensured Japan remained independent.
The modern city formed in 1889. Fukuoka and Hakata merged. Hakata was the port and merchant area. It has strong cultural associations. It remains the main cultural district. Fukuoka was home to samurai. Now, it is the city’s shopping hub.
When the two cities merged, they had to pick a name. Hakata was the first choice. But samurai interrupted the meeting. They made authorities reverse the decision. Fukuoka became the name even though it wasn’t intended. Hakata remains a key part of Fukuoka’s history. The name is still used for the area and the railway station.
The 20th century saw Fukuoka grow. It became one of Japan’s most important cities. Fukuoka Medical College was founded in 1903. It became Kyushu Imperial University in 1911. It is still the island’s biggest university. The city’s streetcar service started in 1910. It ran for decades until the late 1970s.
Fukuoka’s history connects strongly to World War II. The city was bombed in 1945. But it avoided the heavy bombardment that many cities on Honshu endured.
After the war, Fukuoka Airport opened in 1951. It is now Japan’s fourth-busiest. The subway opened in 1981. This was just after the streetcar network closed. The city’s commercial potential was noted in 1988. The Nankai Hawks, a baseball team from Osaka, moved here. They became the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks now the SoftBank Hawks.
As you pass through Notame Exit, consider the layers of Fukuoka’s past. The echoes of samurai. The bustling port. The resilience after war. Fukuoka is a city that embraces both its history and its future. Now you are prepared to explore Fukuoka.