The distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes was surveyed in soybean fields in northern and central parts of Kyushu, Japan. Soil samples were collected from 48 fields, and nematodes were extracted by the Baermann funnel technique. Nematode species were identified using PCR-RFLP methods. Root-knot nematodes were detected in 15 of 48 fields (31.3%) and identified mostly as Meloidogyne arenaria and the rest as M.incognita. Root-lesion nematodes were detected in 3 of 48 fields (6.3%) and identified as Pratylenchus coffeae (Type A). Soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, was detected from 3 of 48 fields (6.3%); this is the first record of H. glycines in Oita Prefecture. Rotylenchulus reniformis was detected in 3 of 48 fields (6.3%).