#Japan #Fukuoka #Okinawa #Kyushu #Daitokentaku

Insightful Rankings in Kyushu and Okinawa for 2026

Daito Kentaku Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has recently conducted one of the largest surveys on residential satisfaction, resulting in the 2026 "Comfort in Living Areas Ranking" and the "Desirable Living Areas Ranking" for the Kyushu and Okinawa regions.
This announcement follows the postponement of the press conference that was originally scheduled for August 5, due to the Kumamoto Earthquake that happened in 2022. The rankings, which were made public on August 19, 2023, reflect surveys conducted from February 10 to March 22, 2026, meaning they do not account for earthquake impacts.

Comfort in Living Areas Ranking

For the second consecutive year, the top two spots in the "Comfort in Living Areas Ranking 2026 - Kyushu and Okinawa" are occupied by:
1. Chatan, Okinawa
2. Fukuoka City, Central Ward
3. Kamimashiki, Kumamoto

1. Chatan, Okinawa

Chatan, located in the central part of Okinawa Island, is a popular tourist destination renowned for its numerous large commercial facilities and hotels. Attracting many young visitors, the American Village in the Chatan beachfront area has received high scores for friendliness and vibrancy, securing the top spot for two years running. This indicates a stable trend toward greater satisfaction among residents and visitors alike.

2. Fukuoka City, Chuo Ward

Fukuoka City, particularly its Central Ward, improved from last year's 9th position to this year's 5th. The western part of Fukuoka City is well-connected to the airport and offers easy access to Tenjin and Hakata Station via the subway. The presence of multiple shopping streets, such as the "Sazae-san Shopping Street," signifies the area’s robust livability.

Desirable Living Areas Ranking

In the "Desirable Living Areas Ranking 2026 - Kyushu and Okinawa," Fukuoka City has retained its top position for seven consecutive years, followed by:
1. Fukuoka City
2. Tokyo 23 wards
3. Kumamoto City
4. Naha City, Okinawa
5. Kagoshima City

Continuous Leading Preferences

Fukuoka City remains the desired choice for many, reflecting ongoing development and community appeal. Notably, Kumamoto City saw an increase, moving up from 4th place the previous year. Interestingly, among the respondents, a significant 76.6% expressed satisfaction with their current living areas, showcasing that many have no immediate desire to relocate.

Key Insights from the Rankings

Factors of Livability

Each area's livability was evaluated based on several factors:

• - Convenience of living: Displaying high scores across various regions, with Okinawa City and Kitakyushu also ranking high in this regard.
• - Transport accessibility: Fukuoka City performed well, particularly in the Hakata district.
• - Government services and community safety: Issues such as administrative services and crime rates were also assessed.

The collected data used to compile these rankings comprised responses from over 82,000 residents aged 20 and older throughout Kyushu and Okinawa. The surveys were conducted over varying periods from 2022 to 2026, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on the living conditions.

Conclusion

The annual rankings not only highlight the most desirable areas to live but also reflect on community needs and aspirations. As trends evolve and resident preferences change, continuous assessment of these rankings will remain essential. For detailed information about the study, further data is available on the Daito Kentaku website.

For more insights and the complete rankings, please visit the official website.