The 8th Worldwide Convention of the Kaigai Fukuoka Kenjinkai (Overseas Fukuoka Prefecture Citizens Associations) was held on October 9, 2013 to October 12, 2013 to promote exchange between its members and local residents.  According to the Prefectural Office, approximately 55,000 Fukuokans have migrated overseas since before the war – the 4th largest ouflow in all of Japan.   There are currently 21 Kenjinkai in 9 countries, including the U.S., Brazil and Peru.  The 1st Worldwide Convention was held in Los Angeles in 1992, and conventions are held every three years in different parts of the world.  Last year’s convention was the first held in Fukuoka since 2001.