FUKUOKA - This year marks the 100th year of the Showa era. Tenjin, Fukuoka City's central commercial and entertainment district, has transformed remarkably since World War II, evolving into a major shopping hub that continues to attract both locals and foreign visitors.
In front of city hall, rows of new buildings are rising as part of a massive redevelopment initiative. The area continues to be transformed through the ongoing urban renewal project known as the Tenjin Big Bang, which is dramatically reshaping the skyline.
Looking back, Tenjin once had a very different appearance. In the late 1950s, the district had few tall structures. Streetcars ran through the city, including over the main Tenjin intersection, and rail lines crisscrossed above ground. It wasn’t until the early 1960s that landmark buildings began to appear.
As postwar recovery took hold, commercial and service industries started to cluster in the district.
In later years, Tenjin also became a center of civic demonstrations. One notable incident involved public protests over a U.S. military aircraft crash, during which students and citizens clashed with police.
In the 1970s, major changes came with the opening of the underground shopping mall and department stores like Tenjin Core. Residents welcomed the new amenities, praising the calm and modern atmosphere. This marked the beginning of what became known as the Tenjin Distribution War—a period of intense competition among retailers.
As streetcars disappeared and the subway opened, foot traffic grew further. The district became a hub for youth culture and a launching point for new fashion trends.
By the 1980s, during the height of the economic bubble, large-scale commercial facilities such as IMS and Solaria Plaza opened in succession. These new entrants spurred another round of commercial rivalry. Traditional shopping streets struggled to compete and were pushed to reconsider their roles. Some visitors noted a generational divide, with younger shoppers drawn to newer complexes.
Entering the Heisei era, Tenjin began attracting large numbers of weekend visitors from neighboring prefectures. Many of them were young women arriving by express trains, and were nicknamed the "Kamome Tribe" and "Tsubame Tribe" after the train names. With the arrival of high-end retailers like Mitsukoshi, even more visitors poured in from nearby cities.
Now in the Reiwa era, Tenjin is undergoing another wave of renewal. Many older landmarks—including Tenjin Core and IMS—have been torn down, replaced by sleek new office and commercial towers. The transformation continues with the construction of buildings like the One Building, signaling the district’s next chapter.
While some feel energized by the district’s new look, others express a quiet sense of nostalgia.
With each era, Tenjin has adapted to the times. Each transformation has added new appeal, continuing to draw people to the heart of the city.
Source: RKB毎日放送NEWS
