Fukuoka International Business Association - FIBA
FIBA Newsletter #228 - May 2025New
Message from Chairperson
I want to use this space to give a quick reminder—and a warm invitation—to our upcoming FIBA event on Wednesday, June 25.
We’ll be meeting at CIC Fukuoka, a brand-new innovation hub right in the heart of Tenjin. It’s an exciting venue in a very convenient location, and more than anything, it’s a great opportunity to reconnect in person, meet new faces, and enjoy some time together in a relaxed setting.
The event will run from 18:30 to 20:30, with doors opening at 18:00. Light refreshments—including beer, soft drinks, and snacks—will be provided.
Invitations were sent out recently by email—please reply to that message or use the registration form to let us know you’re coming.
I’m really looking forward to seeing many of you there.
Nick Szasz
Chairperson, FIBA
Fukuoka Business News Summaries
1.Taiwan Trade and Investment Center Opens in Fukuoka
Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has launched the Taiwan Trade and Investment Center in Fukuoka City, the second such center globally after Prague.
This move comes in response to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) establishing operations in Kumamoto.
The center aims to support Taiwanese semiconductor-related companies entering the Kyushu region, strengthen the Japan–Taiwan semiconductor supply chain, and promote collaboration in cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and drones.
2.Juneyao Airlines Launches Fukuoka–Shanghai Route
Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines has commenced service on a new route connecting Fukuoka and Shanghai. The inaugural flight achieved strong performance, with a seat occupancy rate of over 88.3% on the outbound leg and 84.8% on the return.
Juneyao becomes the fifth airline to operate this route from Fukuoka, following China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Air China, and Spring Airlines. The airline operates four flights per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
3.Record M&A Activity in Fukuoka in 2024
According to RECOF Data Corporation, which tracks M&A activity, the number of mergers and acquisitions announced by Japanese companies in 2024 has reached 4,700 — the highest since tracking began in 1985.
Of these, 176 deals occurred within Fukuoka Prefecture, marking a new local record.
Amid growing momentum in business succession support, a joint venture was formed in April last year by Higo Bank, Nihon M&A Center Holdings Inc., and Taiwan’s E.SUN Venture Capital to establish Kyushu M&A Advisors Inc. in Fukuoka City.
The firm conducts “Owner Juku” workshops to explore succession planning and actionable strategies.
Leveraging the joint venture’s broad network, the company is able to provide access to wide-ranging market information and expects to facilitate more cross-border deals, including within Asia.
4.The Gate Hotel Fukuoka by HULIC Opens in Tenjin
Major real estate developer Hulic Co., Ltd. has opened The Gate Hotel Fukuoka by HULIC within its mixed-use development, Hulic Square Fukuoka Tenjin. The hotel occupies floors 10 through 18 and offers a total of 171 guest rooms, marking the sixth domestic location under The Gate Hotel brand. The 19th floor serves as the lobby and houses the restaurant Anchor Grill Fukuoka, where guests can enjoy dishes made with locally sourced Kyushu produce while taking in views of Hakata Bay. A fitness room for hotel guests is also available.
5.Ubiquitous AI Establishes First Domestic R&D Center in Fukuoka
Ubiquitous AI Corporation, an IT firm specializing in advanced embedded software and serving over 1,000 clients, primarily in manufacturing, has opened its first R&D center in Japan, located in Fukuoka City. In addition to embedded software R&D, the center will also focus on developing software for electronic control units (ECUs) used in automotive systems. The opening supports Fukuoka Prefecture’s Northern Kyushu Green Advanced Mobility Industry Hub Strategy, a public–private–academic initiative aimed at developing the region into a leading base for next-generation mobility manufacturing.
6.CIC Fukuoka Opens in Tenjin
On April 24, CIC Fukuoka officially opened on the 7th floor of the new large-scale mixed-use complex ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. (also known as One Building) in Tenjin. Developed by the U.S.-based Cambridge Innovation Center, this world-class innovation campus marks the 10th global location and the second in Japan, following CIC Tokyo in Toranomon. Within CIC Fukuoka, the prefecture’s first startup support base, Global Connect Fukuoka, has been established. The facility plans to attract venture capital firms and financial institutions to the networking areas within the building and will host monthly business matching events titled F★Pitch. These events will feature startup pitches aimed at facilitating fundraising and market expansion.
Event Calendar
Here are some upcoming cultural events taking place in Fukuoka - enjoy.
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Fukuoka Canada Day Party 2025
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Fukuoka Hydrangea Guide 2025
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Fukuoka Firefly Watching Guide 2025
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Tezuka Osamu’s BLACK JACK Exhibition
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Asia Collection: Hands Reweaving the Future
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Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival 2025
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Whisky Talk Fukuoka 2025
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Hakozaki Shrine Hydrangea Garden
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Coffee T-Shirt Store 2025
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Hakozaki Shrine Flea Market
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Ukiyoe Immersive Art Exhibition FUKUOKA
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Shiraito Falls Hydrangea Festival