Nintendo's New Fukuoka Store Sparks Mixed Reactions

Nintendo has announced its plan to launch a new official store in Fukuoka, Japan, by the end of 2025. Known as Nintendo Fukuoka, it will mark the company’s fourth official store in Japan, following the existing locations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Unlike the others, however, Nintendo Fukuoka will be the first store outside Honshu, Japan’s largest island, and will instead be located in Fukuoka City on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island.

The announcement has sparked various reactions on social media, with many users expressing excitement and congratulations. Several comments have speculated that Sapporo, the largest city on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, might be the next location for an official Nintendo store. Despite the positive feedback, not everyone shared enthusiasm. Many users expressed disappointment that Nagoya, the fourth-largest city in Japan and a significant economic center, was overlooked. Nagoya, often perceived as less exciting compared to other major cities, has faced challenges due to its position between Tokyo and Osaka, leading to frequent “skipping” in events and promotions. Interestingly, this sentiment was humorously highlighted in an anime clip referenced by locals.

The new store in Fukuoka will be situated within Hakata Station, a major transportation hub connected to Honshu by bullet trains and to Fukuoka Airport by flights. This strategic location is expected to attract both local residents from nearby prefectures and an increasing number of international visitors, particularly from South Korea, contributing to Fukuoka’s growing tourism sector.

Nintendo’s official stores serve multiple purposes, including selling consoles, games, merchandise, and hosting events for new game previews. With the anticipated release of the Switch 2, Nintendo Fukuoka is likely to play a key role in promoting the new console and expanding its market reach. Additionally, Nintendo recently opened its first West Coast store, Nintendo San Francisco, offering insights into the brand’s expanding retail strategy in global markets.