Asia is home to a diversity of ethnic groups, languages, and cultures, which coexist with each other and depend on each other. These diverse cultures have served not only as guardians of their long history and traditions, but also as sources of innovation.
However, with the advance of globalization, we face the risk that Asia may lose its unique cultures due to the encroaching cultural homogenization. It is therefore vital to preserve, nurture and promote the harmonious coexistence of Asian cultures.
Fukuoka has since antiquity played a significant role as Japan’s gateway for exchanges with the rest of the Asian region. With its unique history in mind, the Fukuoka Prize was established in 1990 through the collaboration of the City Government, academia and private businesses in order to contribute to peace, and to further understand the extraordinary cultures of the Asian region. Since then, many laureates with distinguished achievements throughout most of the Asian region have been awarded the Prize.

Cultural exchange that takes the future into consideration is not only to preserve and inherit unique cultures which have long history and traditions. It also looks to something born from the midst of change. It is necessary to respect, learn from and build upon what we discover. Fukuoka City with its citizens aspire to achieve this while striving to become the center for cultural exchange in Asia.

We, the organizers, together with the citizens of Fukuoka, honor the individuals who have made contributions to the fields of Asian studies, Asian art and Asian culture. We are determined to spread the value of Asia’s unique and varied cultures to the world from our city’s point of view.

1989

The Asian-Pacific Exposition－Fukuoka '89 is held.

1990 (The 1st)

The Asian Month is started to continue the spirit of expanding the circle of friendship and exchanges promoted in the Asian-Pacific Exposition －Fukuoka '89. The Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize (later known as the Fukuoka Prize) is established as one of Asian Month programs.

1999 (The 10th)

As one of the official events of the Fukuoka Prize, school visits by laureates are started.

2003 (The 14th)

Her Imperial Highness Princess Akishino attends the award ceremony as a visitor.

2004 (The 15th)

Their Imperial Highness Prince and Princess Akishino attend the ceremony. They attend the ceremony every year ever since.

2006

Mr. Muhammad Yunus, Grand Prize laureate of Fukuoka Prize 2001, is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

2009 (The 20th)

The Fukuoka Prize marks its 20th anniversary.

2012 (The 23th)

Mr. Mo Yan, Grand Prize laureate of the Fukuoka Prize 2006, is awarded the Nobel Literature Prize.

2014 (The 25th)

The Fukuoka Prize marks its 25th anniversary.

2014 (The 25th)

The Fukuoka Prize receives Foreign Minister Commendation for its achevements over the quater century.

2019 (The 30th)

The Fukuoka Prize marks its 30th anniversary.

Late January - Early February

Selection meetings for the Academic Prize and the Arts and Culture Prize are held.

Early March

The Fukuoka Prize Jury meeting is held.
→The prize winners are selected. (informal decision)

Late May - Early June

The Fukuoka Prize Committee meeting is held.
→The prize winners are officially aknowledged. (official decision)

Mid September

The award ceremony and other related official events such as public lectures and school visits are held.