福岡
Fukuoka
福岡 · ふくおか
Prefecture
Kyushu
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Fortunate Hill"
True Etymology
The name combines 'fuku' (福, fortune/blessing) and 'oka' (岡, hill). It was chosen by Kuroda Nagamasa in 1601 when he built Fukuoka Castle. Nagamasa named the castle town after his ancestral home of Fukuoka in Bizen Province (modern Okayama), transplanting the auspicious name to his new domain.
Alternative Theory
Before Kuroda's renaming, the area was known as 'Hakata' (博多), a name still used for the eastern part of Fukuoka City. 'Hakata' likely derives from 'haka' (墓, burial mound) or an ancient clan name. The dual identity of Fukuoka/Hakata persists to the present day.
Key Facts
| Capital | Fukuoka City |
|---|---|
| Region | Kyushu |
| Reading | ふくおか |
| Pre-Meiji Domains | Fukuoka Domain, Akizuki Domain, Yanagawa Domain |
| Domain Lords | Kuroda clan (黒田氏), Tachibana clan (立花氏) |
| Established | 1871-present |