Local News

Fukuoka Prefecture released the results of its 2013 population movement survey, which revealed an increase of 5,344 persons year-on-year (as of Oct. 1) bringing the total population of the prefecture to 5,090,712. The population has increased every year since the surveys began in 1995, thus making this the highest figure on record. With more deaths than births, the population remains in a state of natural decline, but the number of transplants rose for the fifth straight year, yielding a population increase due to social factors. Increases were recorded in the 18 towns and cities in the metro Fukuoka area, with Fukuoka City’s uptick of 14,059 topping the charts. Meanwhile, the largest declines were recorded in Kitakyushu City (-3,666) and Omuta City (-1,344). Foreign countries account for the bulk of transplants to the region followed by Tokyo and Kumamoto prefectures. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 4/3