Nick Szasz, a native of Toronto, has published the free bilingual magazine Fukuoka Now since 1998. He says he launched the publication out of love for the biggest city in Kyushu and his sense of mission to provide information for non-Japanese living in the area.

"I feel what I do here is not just for business, but people actually benefit from this information for foreigners," Szasz says, adding that Japanese — including local shop owners and municipal officials — also appreciate his publication.

"Sometimes people say they are happy that I am doing this and they thank me, saying 'ganbatte' (good luck). I feel I have a role in Fukuoka and in Kyushu. That gives me satisfaction, incentive and motivation to continue doing this."