Interaction with the continent(6)
Discovery of the King of Na Gold Seal
The King of Na gold seal was found by accident during agricultural work on Shikanoshima Island in Hakata Bay in 1784. It subsequently was handed down generationally by the Kuroda Clan, rulers of the Chikuzen Domain, and the Kuroda Family gave it to the city of Fukuoka in 1978.
Five letters are engraved on the seal — 漢委奴國王 — and it is thought to be a seal given by Chinese Emperor Guangwu to the King of Na state of Wa (Japan) and mentioned in the Chinese history book “Book of the Later Han.”
Because of this historical background, Fukuoka and Guangzhou concluded a sister-cities agreement in 1979, and now, every other year, they carry out mutual exchanges, business seminars, economic exchange meetings and other events.
Related Spots
Kin-in Park
In addition to the King of Na gold seal monument, this park has a poem inscribed on a monument to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the forming of a sister-cities relationship between Fukuoka City and Guangzhou City.
Location: 1865 Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
PH: 092-711-4410 (Fukuoka City Greenery City Construction Section)
Website: Fukuoka City Guide “YOKA NAVI”
https://yokanavi.com/en/spot/26826/
Transportation: Approx. 15 min from Hakata Wharf to Saitozaki by ferry
Approx. 17 min from JR Saitozaki Station by bus
2 min walk from “Kininzuka” bus stop
Parking: Available (free: 10 vehicles)
Fukuoka City Museum
The King of Na gold seal, a National Treasure, is on permanent display at the Fukuoka City Museum.
Location: 3-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
PH: 092-845-5011 (Fukuoka City Museum)
Website: Fukuoka City Museum
http://museum.city.fukuoka.jp/en/
Closed: Mondays (on the following weekday if a public holiday)
Year-end/New Year holidays (Dec 28 to Jan 4)
Transportation: 5 min walk from “Fukuoka Tower Minamiguchi”, “Hakubutsukan Kitaguchi”, or “Hakubutsukan Minamiguchi” bus stop
15 min walk from Subway “Nishijin Station”
Approx. 3 min from Fukuoka Urban Expressway Circle Route Momochi Exit
Parking: Available (free: 250 standard sized vehicles)