Prologue
RECORDS of Fukuoka Prefecture—once known as Itokoku—are present in the Wajinden, a third-century Chinese history of Japan.
The city of Dazaifu was its seat of government from the eighth to twelfth centuries. Later, despite significant hardship during the Sengoku period, Hakata, a ward in present-day Fukuoka City, became the new political center of the region. The area has flourished as a trade port since time immemorial and is additionally renowned for having once been a self-governing city.
Industrial zones such as Kokura, which prospered during the Meiji Restoration, exist in the prefecture as well.
Throughout history, people from all over Japan have settled in Fukuoka Prefecture. And it continues to draw many searching for a home:
“I want to live somewhere convenient but not too busy.”
“I want to raise my children in a peaceful, suburban community.”
“I want to relocate my company’s headquarters to a midsize city.”
Relatively prosperous families and individuals buy houses in and request job transfers to Fukuoka. Likewise, freelancers and remote workers, unconstrained by corporate geography, move there as well.
In short, it’s a reasonably convenient place to live with easy access to the airport. And while the population isn’t overwhelming, the average person can maintain a degree of anonymity if necessary.
Most ayakashi have lost their place in the modern mortal realm. Yet they also regard Fukuoka as a favorable location to live. Ayakashi from all over the world, not just Japan, often consider moving there. That said, their society is rife with hierarchies and alliances. Many of their kind decide where to live based on familial ties or word-of-mouth recommendations. And for those leaving their homeland who lack connection and direction…
For the past four hundred years, one shapeshifting fox has dedicated himself to helping ayakashi find a home in Fukuoka.
Yes. The past four hundred years.