Mission guide
Japan Fukuoka Mission
The Japan Fukuoka Mission serves in a historic Kyushu city known for its food, festivals, and connection to Asia.
- Japanese
Japan Fukuoka Mission shirts
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Choose size & color →I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission
2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the language of this mission
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
Japanese is the mission language. Missionaries serve in a city with a warm climate, busy shopping areas, historic sites, and a long connection to the Church in Japan.
At a glance
- Country
- Japan
- Main city
- Fukuoka, 1,632,713 people (March 2023)
- Language
- Japanese
- Time zone
- Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
- Climate
- Humid subtropical, with hot humid summers, mild winters, and a rainy season in June and July
- Church in Japan
- 131,776 members, 22 stakes, 230 congregations
A short history of the area
Modern Fukuoka was formed on April 1, 1889, through the merger of Hakata and Fukuoka. The city was involved in the Mongol invasions of 1274 and 1281, and a stone barrier was built along Hakata Bay after the first invasion. Today, Fukuoka is known for Tenjin, Hakata, its port, and its role as a gateway to Japan.
The Church here
- 1901The Church sent its first missionaries to Japan.
- 1924–1948Political tension closed the Japan Mission.
- 1948The Church returned to Japan after the mission reopened.
- 1955The Japanese Mission was divided to form the Northern Far East and Southern Far East missions.
- 1968The renamed Japan Mission was organized with Walter R. Bills as president.
- 1970The Japan West Mission was organized and was later renamed the Japan Fukuoka Mission.
- 1979The Fukuoka Japan Stake was organized on April 20.
- 2000The Fukuoka Japan Temple was dedicated on June 11 by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
- 2011Japanese members helped distribute relief supplies and repair damage after the East Japan earthquake and tsunami.
Temples nearby
Fukuoka Japan Temple
Dedicated June 11, 2000 · Near Fukuoka
The Book of Mormon here
Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.
Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Before you go
Phrases to learn
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa)Hello
- おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu)Good morning
- ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu)Thank you
- お願いします (Onegaishimasu)Please
Foods to try
- Mentaiko (spicy pollock roe)
- Hakata ramen (tonkotsu pork-broth ramen)
- Motsunabe (hot pot made with offal and vegetables)
- Yatai ramen (ramen served from an outdoor street stall)
Fun facts
- Fukuoka is sometimes called the gateway to the country because it is the closest of Japan’s main islands to the Asian mainland.
- Hakata Dontaku is held on May 3 and 4, has more than 800 years of history, and attracts more than 2 million people.
- The stone barrier built after the 1274 Mongol invasion was about 20 kilometers long and 2 to 3 meters high.
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