Kyushu

Kyushu is the third largest island of Japan and a geographic region in the southwest of the country. It comprises seven prefectures—Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima.

The island features rugged mountains, volcanic landscapes, and fertile plains. The Aso caldera and Sakurajima are notable volcanic features. The climate ranges from warm subtropical in the south to temperate in the north, and the region is affected by typhoons in late summer.

Historically Kyushu served as a gateway to the Asian continent. Nagasaki became a major port during the Edo period, and the island was a staging ground for Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasions of Korea in the late 16th century. In the modern era, Kyushu developed strong manufacturing and technology sectors.

Economically, Kyushu combines agriculture—rice, citrus, tea—with advanced industries such as automotive, electronics, and shipbuilding. Major cities include Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima. Beppu and Yufuin are well-known hot spring towns; local cuisine includes Hakata ramen and champon.

The region is home to roughly 13 million people. It features a national rail corridor, including the Kyushu Shinkansen, and hosts several universities, notably Kyushu University in Fukuoka.