On Jan. 29, JR Kyushu and Japan Post (JP) announced details on the building they are erecting together next to JR Hakata Station. It will be one of the biggest office buildings in Kyushu (12 stories high, plus three basement floors), and JR and JP both hope it will become a new business hub in Hakataekimae. The building will not only house offices but also shops and restaurants: on Apr. 27, shops will open on floors B1 to 2 (floors which will connect directly to Hakata Station), and on B1F a new restaurant alley (in the style of JR Hakata City’s Ramen Street) will house 11 popular, mid-range Fukuoka eateries, including motsunabe restaurants and izakaya. Ore-no French – a popular restaurant in Tokyo- will open its first Kyushu branch on the second floor, where Hard Rock Cafe will open on Apr. 27. The third floor and above will be occupied by businesses (30 in total), including big hitters like Line Fukuoka, Globis University Graduate School of Management (business school) and Kyudenko; there will also be offices available to rent. Hakata Post Office and Japan Post Bank will open on the first floor on Apr. 25, a few days earlier than the other companies in the building. JR Kyushu and Japan Post hope that the new building will help redevelop Hakata, drawing new businesses and talent to the area. Source: JR Kyushu press release, 1/29
