Kitakyushu is a city on the southern island of Kyushu, Japan. It is the second most populous city in Kyushu after Fukuoka. Kitakyushu is the capital of Fukuoka Prefecture and is situated on the Kanmon Straits, which separate Kyushu and Honshu, the main island of Japan. The city was founded on April 1, 1889.
As of September 2016, the city has an estimated population of 982,086 and a population density of 1,300 persons per km². The total area is 748.73 km².
Kitakyushu is a city of contrasts, with a mix of cutting-edge industry and technology, traditional handicrafts, and scenic natural surroundings. The city is home to Kokura Castle, one of Japan's twelve original castles, and has a 400-year-old history of salt production. The city is also known for its busy port,