As Japan’s population declines, competition among wedding halls for customers in the relatively young metro Fukuoka area is intensifying. Many Tokyo-based companies have moved into the Fukuoka market, but there are reports of issues with couples needing to pay more than was initially quoted or receiving services they did not anticipate. According to the Townpage telephone book, there are 328 wedding halls in Fukuoka Prefecture, which is the second most in Japan after Aichi. One company that opened a wedding hall in Fukuoka in June said “the Kyushu Shinkansen was the deciding factor. We also want to provide plans to couples on a tight budget.” Meanwhile, the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan receives 1,500 claims about wedding halls every year, 10% of which originate in northern Kyushu. One man in his thirties reported receiving a bill for bringing his own outfits, a service the wedding hall initially told him was free. According to sources, some wedding halls get couples to sign contracts that offer cheaper meals, flowers and other items, then entice them to upgrade to more expensive options. A Fukuoka-based wedding planner recommends “carefully confirming what is provided before signing a contract”. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, July 28
