Kitakyushu, blessed with both mountains and sea, boasts a natural environment that has nurtured a thriving culinary culture centered on fresh seafood. Among these, fugu (pufferfish) stands out as one of the city’s most iconic delicacies. The nearby Kanmon Strait, known for its strong currents and nutrient-rich waters, provides the ideal conditions for catching high-quality fugu. The fish caught in this region are prized across Japan for their firm texture and rich flavor.

Kokura-ori, originating from the Kokura area of Kitakyushu, is a traditional Japanese textile with a history spanning over 400 years. Known for its vertical stripe patterns and remarkable durability that improves with use, Kokura-ori has been loved for centuries. During the Edo period, it was widely used for samurai hakama (formal trousers) due to its strength and elegance, earning a reputation as a fabric that blends functionality with artistic beauty.