Prior to the start of the Hakata service, there was considerable clamor in Fukuoka over the "Black Ship" notion. This was the concern that Tokyo culture and large-scale companies might overrun the area once the Shinkansen started running, suffocating Kyushu's economy and culture by "Tokyo-fying" the region.
In reality, fashion-related companies such as San-ai, and firms such as bookseller Kinokuniya were moving into Fukuoka both before and after Shinkansen service began. Local businesses reportedly feared a new "Warring States period" was inevitable.
As a measure to "expel the incomers" associated with the "Black Ship" Shinkansen, the Fukuoka municipal government decided to promote the Hakata dialect to stop the local language from being forgotten amid an inundation of Tokyo culture.
Emphasis was put on 14 greetings, including "Yo, oide nasashita" (Welcome) and "Hakata wa do de gozashita na" (What did you think of Hakata?) plus another 16 everyday phrases, such as "gindarimai," which means humming with activity. Club hostesses and souvenir shop staff in the city's Nakasu entertainment district were among those who received lexical coaching.
The Hakata dialect still has a firm footing in Fukuoka, though it is unclear whether this is due to such official efforts. However, it is a happy fact that Fukuoka has been able to retain its own unique economic life and culture.
Source: March 9, 1975, Yomiuri Shimbun morning edition