A live Fukuoka Now current affairs conversation
Join Fukuoka Now for the fifth Kyushu Roundtable, an in-person discussion forum bringing international residents together to explore the issues shaping Fukuoka and the wider Kyushu region.
The first four Roundtables brought together more than 170 participants representing over 25 nationalities for lively and thoughtful discussions. On July 3, we continue the series with another evening of Kyushu news, moderated discussion, audience participation, and conversation shaped by the people in the room..
This month’s featured discussion asks: Can Fukuoka Handle Its Own Success?
Fukuoka is one of the few cities in Japan still growing, attracting new residents, talent, investment, and businesses. But growth brings new pressures as well as new opportunities. Can the city continue to thrive without losing the qualities that made it successful in the first place?
If you live or work in Fukuoka, this is a chance to hear how others are experiencing these changes, and to share your own perspective.
Event Details
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 18:30–20:00 (Doors open 18:00)
Location: CIC Fukuoka, Tenjin
Language: English
Admission: Free (registration required)
Register now: Seating is limited to 45 participants.
How the Roundtable Works
Each Kyushu Roundtable follows a simple structure designed to move from context to discussion and audience participation. The Roundtable is not a lecture, but a shared conversation.
- Part 1 – Kyushu News Flash
A quick roundup of recent news shaping the region, with short reactions from the panel followed by audience perspectives - Part 2 – Voices from the Room
Audience participation and open discussion. - Part 3 – The Main Story
Guest commentators explore the evening’s central theme through moderated discussion, followed by audience questions and input - Part 4 – After the Roundtable
For those who want to continue the conversation, we’ll gather after the event at a casual food and drink spot in the same building.
Guest Commentators
Alison Birch
Chief Operating Officer, State Street (Fukuoka)
Alison Birch is a senior financial services executive with more than 30 years of international leadership experience spanning global banks, technology, operations, and organizational transformation. Having held Managing Director and C-suite roles in Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States, she brings deep expertise in business growth, talent development, and managing large-scale operations. Based in Fukuoka, Alison offers valuable insight into what global companies and internationally minded professionals look for when choosing where to invest, work, and build their future.
Taichi Goto
Founder & Managing Director, Region Works LLC, Vice Chair, Japan Area Management Network, Board Director, International Downtown Association
Taichi Goto is an urban planning and regional development specialist with extensive experience in public-private partnerships, place management, and city-building initiatives across Japan. He has helped shape development projects and governance frameworks in communities ranging from Fukuoka and Shibuya to the rural town of Kamiyama. Drawing on experience in Japan, the United States, academia, and international organizations, he brings a unique perspective on how cities grow, adapt, and create long-term value for residents.
Moderated by Nick Szasz
CEO/Publisher, Fukuoka Now
This Month’s Main Story
Can Fukuoka Handle Its Own Success?
Fukuoka continues to attract new residents, international talent, investment, tourists, and global businesses. As the city expands, new questions are emerging about housing, transportation, infrastructure, affordability, and quality of life.
Is Fukuoka prepared for the opportunities and challenges that come with success? Can the city continue to grow without losing the qualities that made people choose it in the first place? And what needs to happen to ensure Fukuoka remains an attractive place to live, work, and build a future?
Who Should Attend
The Roundtable works best when participants are comfortable contributing to a thoughtful English-language discussion.
- International residents 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 values informed and respectful conversation
Previous Roundtables
The first four Kyushu Roundtables brought more than 170 participants representing over 25 nationalities. The discussions have explored topics ranging from talent attraction and changing life in Fukuoka to tourism, growth, and regional development, with audience participation remaining at the heart of every event.
Watch the video archive from Kyushu Roundtable #4 (May 29, 2026)
Register
Seating is limited to 45 participants. Advance registration is required. Register here!