"Web 3.0 x Fukuoka" - What are the initiatives of one of Japan's leading regions in proactively using Web 3.0?

Fukuoka, one of the leading regions in Japan that actively utilizes Web 3.0, with some of the first initiatives being undertaken by local governments

In recent years, the number of local governments undertaking Web 3.0-related initiatives has been on the rise. Among them, Fukuoka Prefecture is one of the prefectures that has been moving forward the earliest. Fukuoka Prefecture has been seriously working on the use of blockchain even before the term Web 3.0 became widespread, and initiatives are active throughout the prefecture.

Fukuoka Prefecture is the largest city in the Kyushu region and is known for having one of the leading economic powers in Western Japan.

It also has the largest population in the Kyushu region, and Fukuoka City in particular has the highest population growth rate in the country (see "Population, demographic trends, and number of households based on the Basic Resident Register (as of January 1, 2023)" by the Resident System Division, Local Government Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications), making it a highly attractive city.

Fukuoka Prefecture has flourished as an important international port since ancient times. In particular, Hakata Port has played an important role in promoting exchanges with China since the 1st century. On the other hand, it can be said that it has been greatly affected by the trends of the times, sometimes being caught up in wars and driven to ruin.

Currently, Fukuoka Prefecture functions as a key location on land, sea, and air, with the development of airports and transportation facilities. It can be said that it has a face as a "gateway" for business and tourism.

Fukuoka Prefecture not only has a very bright outlook for the Web 3.0 field, but there are actually movements to actively utilize it.

In 2021, the prefecture's budget proposal for fiscal year 2021 listed the three fields of "blockchain," "space," and "bio" as new pillars of growth industries.

Fukuoka City, a government-designated city, is also the first local government to join Astar Japan Lab, an organization related to Astar Network, a public blockchain developed in Japan. The city is looking to strengthen collaboration with companies and local governments to promote Web 3.0.

However, it is no exaggeration to say that it was Iizuka City in Fukuoka Prefecture that impressed upon the prefecture that it is a local government that is native to Web 3.0.