Introduction

There are only a few days left in this year.
As always, I (Shinobu) find myself traveling through Pokémon and ONE PIECE worlds and at the same time, exploring Japan’s history and culture along the way.

I lived in Tokyo for many years, but Fukuoka is very different in a good way.
It’s compact, and within about 30 minutes by train or car, you can reach beautiful beaches or historical sites dating back roughly 13,000 to 2,300 years ago.

Tourism here is fun, of course but in my opinion, Fukuoka is an incredible place to live.
The infrastructure is stable, power outages are rare, and the airport and major stations are very close, making travel extremely convenient.
Even in areas that feel more rural, there are plenty of shops and services, so daily life is not very different from living in a big city.

This time, I received a request from a customer for ONE PIECE items, so I visited Canal City Hakata to purchase and inspect the products.
Let me briefly share that experience with you.

Bandai Namco Cross Store Gashapon

Anyone who has visited Japan before probably knows this, but Gashapon is still hugely popular.
For around $2–3 per play, you get a capsule containing character goods, miniatures, and other fun items.
It’s loved by everyone from kids to adults.

ONE PIECE Official Store

Pokémon Cards are incredibly popular, but the popularity of ONE PIECE is just as impressive.
It’s often said that in 2026 Pokémon card supply will increase while ONE PIECE card supply will decrease, but recently the excitement around ONE PIECE has been growing not only in Japan, but overseas as well.

As shown in the photos, I’ve been receiving many inquiries about the
ONE PIECE Card Game 3rd ANNIVERSARY SET.

This store mainly focuses on boxes and packs, and compared to Tokyo or Osaka, it’s much less crowded—making it easier and more comfortable to shop.

Pokémon Plastic Models

A quietly popular category is plastic models.
While Gundam is seeing a resurgence, Pokémon plastic models are also gaining popularity.

Unlike figures, there’s the joy of building them yourself which makes them fun in a different way.
Sometimes I even feel like keeping them unbuilt, just as part of a collection.

Wafer Stickers

In Japan, snacks + collectible stickers are a classic combination.
In reality, many people are buying them for the stickers rather than the snack itself.

ONE PIECE, Dragon Ball, and other major anime series release wafer snacks with collectible stickers, some of which are quite rare similar to Pokémon cards.
Many people enjoy collecting them.

Overseas demand is also slowly increasing. Rather than serious collectors, many buyers are simply curious and want to try them.
They’re affordable, making them great as event prizes or gifts for kids.

Crane Games

Modern crane games are filled with cute prizes.
But… they’re not easy to win.

Each play costs around $0.60, but the claw strength is weak.
It’s less about grabbing and more about slowly pulling the item into position.
Even if you win cheaply, it often ends up costing around $13 in total.

JUMP SHOP

Right now, the most talked-about place is JUMP SHOP.
They don’t sell trading cards, but they carry a wide range of goods like can badges and character items.

Jump titles have been popular for nearly 30 years, and that popularity has never really faded.

Final Thoughts

That was a quick walk-through of Canal City Hakata.
When people think of Fukuoka, many international visitors—especially from Asia—come here, partly due to its proximity to Korea and China.

However, travelers from the US and Europe often follow the Tokyo–Hakone–Kyoto–Osaka–Hiroshima route, so many have never visited Fukuoka.

That’s a shame, because Fukuoka offers nature, incredible food, and plenty of fun places for both kids and adults especially if you love Pokémon or ONE PIECE.

Occasionally, customers tell me they want to move to Japan, and Fukuoka is a city I often recommend.
Of course, work opportunities and education matter, but with a population of about 5.1 million, it’s a city that is genuinely friendly to international residents.

I’ll continue sharing regional insights on my blog, and I hope this gives you a reason to be interested in Fukuoka.

Thank you,
Shinobu