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Fukuoka Is Hosting The Biggest Digital Nomad Conference in Japan

Fukuoka Is Hosting The Biggest Digital Nomad Conference in Japan

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Fukuoka, known for its majestic ancient temples and thriving tech scene, is once again hosting its annual conference, Colive Fukuoka 2024—a month-long, unique event for digital nomads in Asia.

Throughout October, remote workers and entrepreneurs can immerse themselves in an exclusive lineup of business, tech, and cultural events. However, the highlight of the month runs from Oct. 22 to 31, with a special 10-day program featuring globally renowned keynote speakers.

Main conference venue (Source: Colive Fukuoka)

“200 digital nomads from about 40 countries are attending this year’s conference in Fukuoka”, shared one of the organizers.

Organizers Team (Source: Colive Fukuoka)

This year is the 2nd edition of this conference and so far the only digital nomad conference of this kind in the country.

On October 23, the Mayor of Fukuoka City gave a speech welcoming all the participants and highlighting the importance of the conference for the city.

“Fukuoka City has long developed as the ‘Gateway to Japan’ and a ‘Global City’ due to its international airport and international seaport”, stated the Mayor in his speech. ”The purpose of holding the World Nomad Conference in Colive Fukuoka this time is to let the world know that Fukuoka City is a digital nomad-friendly city. For this purpose, we invited government officials involved in the digital nomad visa in their country and digital nomad industry leaders from all over the world.”

”We hope you will enjoy Fukuoka City’s gourmet food and traditional culture during the conference. The cost of living is less than half that of Tokyo,” he continued.

Video from the Colive Fukuoka opening day

Why Are So Many Digital Nomads Relocating to Fukuoka?

While Fukuoka may not yet be top of the mind for many travelers, this city is quickly becoming a rising star in Japan’s digital nomad scene since it strikes a unique balance between city life and tradition, making it a standout choice for remote workers seeking the best of both worlds.

Renowned for its efficient infrastructure, Fukuoka offers the convenience and amenities of a large, modern city with the relaxed charm of a coastal town. This blend creates the right environment for productivity without the stress produced by mega urban centers like Tokyo or Osaka.

FukuokaCity
Fukuoka City

An often overlooked aspect by most digital nomads—until they have to deal with it—is the distribution of amenities within a city. In this case, Fukuoka’s compact layout means shorter commutes and easy access to services created for this demographic.

This is a crucial advantage for remote workers juggling work and exploration. But that’s not all—Fukuoka is also famous for its culinary scene, home to some of Japan’s best ramen and street food, perfect for a quick energy boost to power through the day.

The city’s rising appeal is also fueled by its progressive approach to technology and innovation. As one of Japan’s designated “startup cities,” Fukuoka has fostered a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs and remote workers alike.

Coworking spaces like The Company and Fabbit offer top-notch facilities, networking opportunities, and that often elusive sense of community that some digital nomads so desperately need.

In recent years, the local government has played an active role in fostering business and start-up development by offering subsidies, mentorship programs, and special visas to attract foreign talent and investors.

Lastly, Fukuoka stands out for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Japanese digital nomad hubs like Tokyo, where rents and expenses are typically sky-high.

Structure and Keynote Speakers of the Colive Fukuoka 2024

As we mentioned earlier, the Colive Fukuoka 2024 conference spans the entire month, but tomorrow (Tuesday) we’ll enter the final stretch. This exciting week will focus on what digital nomads like the most: learning, networking, and having fun.

Its key elements include:

  • Conferences on remote work and digital nomadism (e.g., visas, community building).
  • Workshops and panels on entrepreneurship, tech startups, and collaboration across countries and cultures.
  • Cultural activities such as Japanese experiences, networking events, and the Synapse Festival, which features music and art.
  • Collaboration sessions (e.g., CUasia and Softlanding) and startup pitch events.

Here are some of the events you can’t miss starting Tuesday. Keep in mind that organizers also allow digital nomads living around the world to join some events via online platforms.

Special Guests

The conference will feature top CEOs, founders, co-founders, community managers, college professors, YouTubers, artists, entrepreneurs, and content creators, but one of the most anticipated speakers is internationally renowned tidying consultant Marie Kondo, named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2015.