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Cities across Japan are competing to attract international professionals. But the bigger challenge is convincing them to stay. Join the next Kyushu Roundtable on March 27 for a live discussion on whether Kyushu can compete for domestic and global talent.
Kyushu Roundtable — A Forum for the Region’s Global Community
Join Fukuoka Now for the second Kyushu Roundtable, an in-person discussion that brings international residents together to explore issues shaping the region’s future.
The first Roundtable in February brought together residents from 18 different nationalities for a lively and thoughtful conversation. We’re continuing that discussion on March 27.
Event Details
Date: March 27, 2026
Time: 18:30–20:00 (doors open 18:00)
Location: CIC Fukuoka, Tenjin
Language: English
Admission: Free (registration required)
Capacity: Limited to 45 participants
Format: In-person only (no livestream)
Register now: Seating is limited to 45 participants.
Register here
Confirmation emails will be sent after registration.
Watch Highlights from the First Roundtable
This Month’s Main Story
Talent Wars: Can Kyushu Compete for Global Talent?
Across Japan, labor shortages and demographic change are forcing cities to compete for international professionals, entrepreneurs, and researchers. Kyushu is no exception. While the region is becoming more international, many global residents eventually move elsewhere.
Why does that happen? What would make Kyushu a place where international talent chooses to build a long-term career and life? This session explores those questions through professional perspectives and lived experience from people working directly in Kyushu’s international business environment.
Guest Commentators
Kirk Patterson
President, Konpira Yacht Services
Former Dean, Temple University Japan
Moderated by
Nick Szasz
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Fukuoka Now
Commentators will open the discussion with brief perspectives, but the Roundtable is built around active audience participation. Questions and perspectives from the room help shape the conversation throughout the evening.
How the Roundtable Works
Each Kyushu Roundtable follows a simple three-part structure designed to move from context to discussion and audience participation.
Kyushu News Flash
A quick review of recent news stories shaping the region.
The Main Story
Guest commentators explore the evening’s central topic through moderated discussion.
Voices from the Room
Audience members introduce questions or issues of their own, allowing the audience to help shape the final part of the conversation.
The Roundtable is not a lecture or formal panel, but a shared conversation about Kyushu.
Who Should Attend
The Roundtable works best when participants are comfortable contributing to a thoughtful English-language discussion.
- International professionals living or working in Kyushu
- Residents interested in the region’s economic and social future
- People who want to understand local issues beyond headlines
- Anyone who enjoys informed and respectful conversation
About the Kyushu Roundtable
The Kyushu Roundtable is a continuing series of in-person discussions hosted by Fukuoka Now.
The aim is simple: raise the level of conversation about Kyushu.
Each session brings together international residents to share perspectives on issues affecting life and work in the region. Insights and key takeaways from these discussions will be summarized and shared with the wider community, helping ensure that international viewpoints are part of the broader regional dialogue.
From the First Roundtable
On February 20 at CIC Fukuoka, 33 residents representing 18 nationalities gathered for the first Kyushu Roundtable. The format was intentionally simple. Short panel reactions were followed by open exchange. There were no slides and no speeches. News stories served only as starting points. The discussion quickly moved from headlines to deeper questions about tourism, housing, immigration, and the future of the region.
Participants disagreed at times, sometimes firmly, but respectfully. Perspectives varied widely, reflecting different professions, nationalities, and lengths of residency.
Watch the full discussion below.
In the Description field on YouTube use the clearly labelled timestamps to jump to topics of interest.
Register
Seating is limited to 45 participants.
Advance registration is required.