Fukuoka is the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture and is situated on the northern shore of the island of Kyūshū in Japan. Voted number 14 in 2010's poll of the World's Most Livable Cities, Fukuoka is praised for its green spaces in a metropolitan setting. It is the most populous city in Kyūshū, followed by Kitakyūshū. It is the largest city and metropolitan area west of Keihanshin. It’s known for ancient temples, beaches and modern shopping malls, including Canal City. Maizuru Park contains ruins of 17th-century Fukuoka Castle.

Kumamoto is the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Greater Kumamoto (熊本都市圏) had a population of 1,460,000, as of the 2000 census. As of 2010, Kumamoto Metropolitan Employment Area has a GDP of US$39.8 billion. It is not considered part of the Fukuoka–Kitakyushu metropolitan area, despite their shared border. The city was designated on April 1, 2012 by government ordinance.

Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県 Nagasaki-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu. The prefectural capital is Nagasaki City. Nagasaki has become synonymous with the atomic bomb that levelled the city in August 1945, but this fascinating city offers wonderful temples, great food, top museums and a fascinating, if at times tragic, history.