Hoshiyomi-do's Expansion into Kyushu: A New Chapter Begins
In August 2026, a new chapter begins for the famous fortune-telling establishment Hoshiyomi-do as it opens its first store in the Kyushu region, specifically in Kitakyushu's Kokura district. Under the management of Maria House, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, this new location marks the establishment's 21st outlet nationwide and the fourth store to launch in the year. Hoshiyomi-do aims to promote the culture of fortune-telling by creating a welcoming space where individuals with concerns can casually visit.
The Significance of the Kokura Store
The Kokura branch holds the distinction of being Hoshiyomi-do's inaugural store in Kyushu, a region that previously lacked a presence from the brand. With established locations in the Kanto, Kansai, Tokai, Hokuriku, and Hokkaido regions, the expansion into Kyushu represents a significant step forward, providing residents with the opportunity to consult with skilled fortune-tellers face-to-face.
The choice of Kokura as the pioneering location in Kyushu is strategic. The city is historically recognized as a hub for new cultural influences, serving as a gateway between Kyushu and Honshu. Known for its bustling commerce, bustling streets, and the first public arcade in Japan, Kokura embodies the spirit of embracing the new. The establishment of a fortune-telling venue in this progressive city is anticipated to cultivate a fresh narrative around the practice in the region.
Hoshiyomi-do's Philosophy on Fortune-Telling
At Hoshiyomi-do, fortune-telling is not about predicting a fixed future. Instead, it's viewed as a tool for gaining wisdom, helping individuals understand their past, accept their present, and make empowered choices for their future. The goal is to ensure that visitors leave feeling uplifted, energized, and with a renewed sense of hope, saying things like 'I’m glad I came' or 'I can try my best again.' Creating a positive and reassuring atmosphere is a core principle of the establishment.
Many visitors come with concerns regarding love, work, relationships, or their future. Therefore, rather than delivering heavy messages of fate, Hoshiyomi-do encourages clients to relax their minds, reassuring them that 'everything will be alright' upon leaving.
Creating a Unique Space: The Concept of a 'Lab for Destiny'
The design of Hoshiyomi-do departs from traditional establishments that exude old-world charm or luxurious salons. Instead, they strive to create an open, urban 'lab for destiny.' Drawing inspiration from Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics, mixed with elements of steampunk and industrial design, the interiors are crafted to be welcoming and bright without being overly mystical.
The layout of the Kitakyushu Kokura store reflects this vision precisely. With its striking purple exterior, a vivid pink ceiling, deep purple walls, and a starry black floor, stepping inside transports visitors to a surreal space that deviates from the everyday.
The Fortune-Telling Market and Nationwide Expansion Plans
According to a recent analysis by Yano Research Institute, the domestic fortune-telling service market is valued at an impressive 99.7 billion yen in 2023. Such a consistent demand prompts Hoshiyomi-do to rethink the distribution of fortune-telling services across Japan. While established centers for learning and debuting as a fortune-teller are largely concentrated in Tokyo and Osaka, Hoshiyomi-do seeks to alter this imbalance by opening locations where new talent can flourish, providing communities with a newly cherished cultural resource.
The Kitakyushu outlet is merely the beginning of Hoshiyomi-do's mission to spread this enriching practice throughout Kyushu, aiming to establish a nurturing environment where local enthusiasts can study fortune-telling and step into the profession.
Future Plans
Building on a successful trajectory of opening four stores in 2026 alone, Hoshiyomi-do maintains momentum for further expansion into regional areas. Their ambition is to deeply root the culture of fortune-telling, ensuring that each community has a place where they can learn the art and gain opportunities to grow into revered fortune-tellers.
Comments from the Representative: Takahito Nakajima
Takahito Nakajima, the representative of Hoshiyomi-do, emphasized, 'Fortune-telling should not deepen one’s worries. My aim is to provide a space where individuals can relax and leave with a lighter heart, thinking, 'Things will work out.' We have chosen Kokura because it has always been a city welcoming to new cultural developments. We foresee expanding the influence of foresight practices across Kyushu from this city, ensuring that no matter the location, individuals can learn fortune-telling and pursue their dreams as practitioners.'
Store Information
- - Name: Hoshiyomi-do Kitakyushu Kokura Store
- - Open Date: August 1, 2026
- - Location: 1-1-12 Yomachi, Kokura Kita Ward, Kitakyushu
- - Access: 3 minutes on foot from JR Kokura Station, Kokura Castle Exit (South Exit)
- - Phone: 080-4585-9663
- - Business Hours: 11:00 AM - (Irregular holidays)
- - Reservation Method: LINE and phone
- - Pricing (including tax): 20 min: 3,300 yen, 30 min: 4,950 yen, 40 min: 6,600 yen, 60 min: 9,900 yen, 10 min extension: 1,650 yen, Designated fee: 1,100 yen
As Hoshiyomi-do forges ahead with its expansion strategy, the journey towards cultivating a vibrant fortune-telling culture across Japan takes a promising leap forward.