Nintendo has revealed plans to launch a new flagship store in Fukuoka, Japan, scheduled to open by late 2025.
This will become Nintendo's fourth retail location in Japan, following its Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto outlets. Notably, the Fukuoka store marks Nintendo's first venture outside Honshu - Japan's largest island. The new store will be situated in Fukuoka City on Kyushu, the country's southernmost main island.
Japanese gamers on social media platform X responded to the announcement with enthusiastic congratulations, with many expressing hope for nationwide Nintendo store expansions. Several commenters specifically suggested Sapporo - Hokkaido's largest city - as the ideal next location for Nintendo's retail expansion.
However, the announcement sparked disappointment among residents of Nagoya. Japan's fourth-largest city and a key manufacturing center, Nagoya has long battled perceptions of being less exciting than other major cities. This reputation earned attention in a 2016 municipal survey where residents surprisingly ranked their own city third behind Tokyo and Kyoto - a stark contrast to other cities' local pride.
Nagoya's central location between Tokyo and Osaka has created a phenomenon where major events and tours frequently bypass the city. A scene from the anime Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki humorously illustrates this "Nagoya skipping" trend.
The "Nagoya Skip": When your city gets skipped over [Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki]
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This widespread awareness of being overlooked likely explains the vocal disappointment from Nagoya residents regarding Nintendo's expansion plans. Interestingly, Nagoya is currently preparing to launch a new 17,000-seat arena this July, with local officials hoping it will help counter the city's tendency to be bypassed (source: Chukyo TV).
The new Nintendo Fukuoka store will occupy premium space within Hakata Station - Kyushu's largest transportation hub, offering direct bullet train access to Honshu and proximity to Fukuoka Airport. This strategic location will make Nintendo products more accessible to residents across southwestern Japan while capitalizing on growing tourist numbers, particularly from nearby South Korea (source: Fukuoka Prefectural Government).
Beyond selling Nintendo Switch systems, games, and merchandise, these flagship stores serve as event spaces for product launches and game demos. The Fukuoka location will likely play a key role in promoting Nintendo's upcoming Switch successor.
This expansion follows last week's opening of Nintendo's first West Coast store in San Francisco, where IGN conducted an exclusive interview with Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser.
