Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Things to be careful about as the season changes】

Well, we are now in November and it's the time of year when that cold of winter creeps in. And although the weather in this month of seasonal change is relatively pleasant, it's also a time when people tend to feel a bit under the weather. The main reason is due to the difference in temperature messing with your nervous system. The temperature difference between day and night is pretty big during this time and your body has to work hard adjusting your body temperature and perspiration rate at a dizzying pace which throwns your nervous system off balance.
As a result, symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, stiff shoulders, rough skin, and lethargy start to show up. Some people say it's at this time of the year when shoulders tend to stiffen the most.
To get through this time of year in good health, we should take better care of our bodies than usual by eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, taking a bath to promote blood circulation, and listening to music to relax. That doesn't sound so terrible, does it?! Also be careful of the dry air and the sudden drops in temperature over the season, and try not to catch a cold as it is cold season. I wish the best of health to you all through the winter!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Information about Covid Vaccinations　

Now, I have some information for you from Fukuoka City about Covid-19 vaccinations.

Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.

In Fukuoka City, vaccination tickets for the Omicron variant for those who will receive their third or fourth doses of the vaccine have started being sent out. Currently, tickets for the fourth dose are being sent out.

When the inoculation coupon arrives, please visit the reservation site or call the vaccine call center to make a reservation. Please wait until that coupon does arrive.

If you haven't received that coupon, please phone the call center to have it issued again. 

People who have recently relocated to Fukuoka City from overseas and who hope to get vaccinated need to fill out an application to receive the inoculation tickets.

For questions regarding vaccinations, to make a reservation or to apply for the inoculation ticket, you can call 092-260-8405. Again, that number is 092-260-8405. Calls will be taken between 8:30 am and 5:30pm every day. 7 languages are available at that number, including English.

Covid and Influenza Prevention　

Also, as winter approaches, the spread of influenza or the flu always becomes more prevalent.

And with Covid spreading at the same time, it is possible to get sick with both.

So, in order to prevent that, keep doing what you've been doing to prevent the spread of Covid. Meaning that you should keep washing your hands, wearing a mask and maintaining distance from others. By doing all of this, you can also help to prevent the spread of the flu. Getting an influenza vaccination is also recommended to help prevent the sickness from becoming too heavy if you do get sick. In fact, both the Covid vaccine and influenza vaccine can be given at the same time, if that is something you are worried about!

【Mandarin Oranges】
I don't know if you've noticed them in the supermarket and at the vegetable shops yet, but mikan, or mandarin oranges have started appearing in pretty large numbers. Actually mikan season varies by the type of mandarin, but in the winter, when shipments are at their largest nationwide, it's generally considered to be the main season.
The term mikan in Japan actually refers mostly to Unshu mikan and these account for about 70% of the the citrus harvested in Japan.
In Fukuoka Prefecture, Miyama City, Omuta City, Yame City , and Chikugo City are the main production areas for Unshu mikan.
Another variety, the golden yellow "Fukuoka Mikan" is delicious just to look at. Once its delicate morsels are peeled and popped into your mouth, you'll find the juicy pulp overflows with juice, while the sweet, moderately sour, and refreshing flavor fills the mouth.
This seasonal delicacy can be enjoyed only from late September to late March every year. So, take a look at your local green grocer or supermarket and sample this season's fruit.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Environmental Festival 2022

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City about Environmental Festival 2022. At the end of this week, on Saturday the 29^th and Sunday the 30^th, the Kankyo Festival, or Environmental Festival 2022 will be held at the Fureai Hiroba on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall.

The festival will be on from 10am to 4 pm over those two days and is being put on by the Environmental Festival Fukuoka Executive Committee, made up of the City of Fukuoka and other organizations, with the aim of encouraging people to learn about environmental issues and change the way they do things in a fun manner. Admission is free and there's lots to do. There will be an "ECO Experiment Stage" featuring environmental issues, storytelling by picture book authors, and a stamp rally using a black light to experience "botanical light," which generates electricity with the power of plants.

There will also be a book exchange, a next-generation car exhibition and test-ride event, and a "buy what you want, buy as much as you want" event, the “hakari-uri marche”. At this market, you buy what you want like nuts, coffee beans or other things by weight, and take them home in containers you've already brought from home. It's a great way to reduce
waste, be kind to the environment, and is easy on your wallet!

So, this Saturday and Sunday, enjoy getting in touch with a more eco-friendly life at the "Environmental Festival Fukuoka!"

This year, the festival will be held as an in-person event and an online event.

During the online event, the Fukuoka City SDGs Student Supporters, made up of student members who have a desire to "learn about the environment" and "think about what we can do", will share a whole ton of information on the environment! So make sure you check that out as well!

【Autumn Flowers “Kiku” The Chrysanthemum】

This morning's topic is the Chrysanthemum, an autumn flower here in Japan. It's actually one of the symbolic flowers of Japan, and is even used as a symbol of the imperial family. It is also the birth flower for the month of November, traditionally considered a symbol of wisdom and nobility.

Interestingly, Fukuoka Prefecture is the third largest producer of chrysanthemums in Japan.

From October to November, when chrysanthemums are in full bloom, "kikka-ten"

or chrysanthemum exhibitions are held in gardens and botanical gardens throughout Fukuoka. Dazaifu Tenmangu holds an exhibition from November 1 to November 25, and Munakata Taisha has theirs from November 1 to November 22. This Kikka-ten is one of the largest exhibitions of chrysanthemums in western Japan, so why not come and see these magnificent blossoms?

I went to the Dazaifu one a few years back and was surprised at the variety and the size of some of the chrysanthemums on display. It was a pretty impressive exhibition and it was also right in time for the fall foliage around the area. Not to mention that the weather was great, not too hot or too cold. Both Dazaifu and Munakata make great days out, so I would definitely recommend checking out one or both of these Kikka-ten.

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Creators 2022

Now, I have some information for you from Fukuoka City about an event happening next weekend called The Creators 2022.

The Creators 2022, is an event for experiencing creativity and entertainment and will be held on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23. It will be held at Fureai Plaza on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall, Fukuoka City Science Museum, Fukuoka City Art Museum, and other locations.

There will also be online streaming available for those who can't make it to any of the venues. It's a way to enjoy the event even if you can't be there in person.

At the main venue, the Fureai Plaza on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall, there will be a music stage with dynamic lighting and screens, talk sessions with creators, and interactive booths by creativity-related companies.

In addition, there will be a digital art exhibition at the Fukuoka City Science Museum where you can play with sounds and images, as well as screening of a number of video works at the Fukuoka City Museum of Art, and many other events over the two day event.

You won't want to miss this fun and interactive event!

You can get more information if you look at the website //the-creator.jp/

【Moving Day】

Did you know that the 13^th of October is Moving Day? I had no idea. It seems that it was  created to commemorate the arrival of Emperor Meiji from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868.

At that time, the Emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo with thousands of people in tow. He distributed gifts and money to the people along the way in a a pretty spectacular manner. By doing this, he moved the capital of Japan from Kyoto to Tokyo.

 To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this move, Japan's first "eki-den" (relay race) was held. This was a long-distance relay race that started at Kyoto’s Sanjō Bridge and stretched the roughly 500 kilometers to Tokyo, concluding after three days at the banks of Ueno’s Shinobazu Pond. The sport has proliferated since, and Japan now boasts some 100 competitions, but it was originally born as a result of Emperor Meiji's big move. I can't say I've had such impressive moves to any of my homes, can you? I've moved quite a few times around the city though and can give you a bit of advice if you are planning a move. First, plan in advance. Sometimes it's hard with apartment contracts ending and the time you have to get out of the old place and into a new place, but if you can reserve a moving company well in advance, it'll save you from some headaches. Call up a few places and negotiate for a good price, I've had friends that were able to get much lower prices than their original quotes. If you need to box things up yourself, you can get pretty sturdy boxes at the supermarket, just ask the staff where they put their discarded boxes. They're free to take.  I've also cycled between old and new places, carrying things a bit at a time, but that was during my last move. I was able to move in at any time to the new place, so I could work out the closing of the old place at my own pace. I didn't carry everything by bicycle of course, but getting the smaller things out really made a difference at the end when we just needed to get a few big items.

Moving can be stressful, so if you are making a move, I hope it is stress free and quick!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese Speech Contest

Now, I have information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

Have you heard of the International Japanese Speech Contest that they hold every year?

Well, this year, the International Speech Contest will take place on Saturday, October 29^th from 1pm in the Science Hall  at the Fukuoka City Science Museum.  Speeches are given by students from Japanese classes and from Japanese language schools in the Fukuoka Metropolitan area. The topic of the speech is up to the participant and ranges from their experiences living in Fukuoka City to their dreams for the future, of course, delivered in Japanese. If you have a chance, come and support these students and listen to the fruits of their language study labor!  If you are planning to attend the contest, you do need to make a reservation. Reservations can be made through the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website.

For more information you can also call the Fukuoka City International Foundation and speak to the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at 092-262-1744.

Foreign Language Newletter FCIF Autumn Edition Release

"FCIF", a foreign-language information paper on daily life, Japanese culture, events and more, is published every three months in English, Chinese, and Korean for the foreign residents living and working in Fukuoka.
The theme of the autumn issue of FCIF, which was published this month, is "Let's Enjoy the Arts in Fukuoka.”
In addition to introducing spots and events where you can enjoy the arts in Fukuoka, the paper also has interviews with foreign residents living in Fukuoka and other useful information for your daily life. So, definitely pick it up and take a look at it!
You can get the newsletter at your ward office, the Information Plaza at City Hall, and Fukuoka International House.
You can also visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation website at www.fcif.or.jp to see this newsletter.

【Do you do sports?】

Well, today I guess I'll start off with a question for you. Do you do any kind of sports on a regular basis? I try to do a few exercises a week with Fitness Blender, one website I love with lots of exercise videos. I used to go jogging and play tennis, over the last couple of years, I've found myself spending a lot more time indoors. And that's not unusual, with more people working at home now, it's easy to spend the whole day without once stepping outside. Sitting all day on a chair can be tough on the body, there are definitely back and shoulder aches and pains that come with it, so why not put aside a set time every day for a little bit of stretching?

If you are out of the house for work or running errands, doing little things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or commuting to work on foot are things you can easily do to get your body moving and blood pumping a bit.

If you decide to do some walking or jogging in the evening, be careful of cars, motorbikes and bicycles.

In the low lights, it is, of course, harder to see what is going on around you, and it is also harder for others to see you which increases the risk of accidents happening. In this season, the sun sets earlier, so it's important to be even more careful as we head deeper into the season and begin to lose daylight even earlier. Of course, there is a pretty easy solution to help you out. Wear brightly colored clothing and use reflective materials or LED lights when you do go out. I like to go walking in the evening, especially when I haven't had time to do an exercise routine during the day. I've got an armband that lights up, I bought it at Sunny supermarket and it really helps cars and bikes to see me.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Myo-jyo-waraku 2022

Now, I've got some information from Fukuoka City about an event happening soon. It's called Myo-jyo-waraku 2022, and will be held from Wednesday, October 12 to Saturday, October 15. Myo-jyo-waraku was launched in 2011 as a festival for people involved in technology and creativity and is a festival where people from all walks of life, regardless of age or status, come together to create new things.

This years theme is GENTEN, or Origin.

And to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the declaration of "Startup City Fukuoka," in which Fukuoka City launched its support for startups during the 2012 Myo-jyo-waraku , a talk session will be held during the event, to look back at Startup City Fukuoka's origin from various perspectives.

In this talk session, participants will look back over the past 10 years of Fukuoka City's startup scene, examine the growth of its ecosystem, and talk about the future.
Other events will be held including art and creative-themed events and workshops at a campsite on the 14^th and 15^th.

For more information on the event, please search "MYOJOWARAKU2022" or visit the official website, https://myojowaraku.net/

【Delicious Asian Pears】

It's the season for sweet and juicy nashi or asian pears. Sometimes they're also called apple pears. They are in season from July to November in Fukuoka prefecture and you should be able to find them in supermarkets and veggie shops pretty easily now.

Right now, the pears you'll find in season in the shops are called Akizuki, Niitaka or Shinkou.

The way to choose a pear is to look at the skin and make sure it looks firm. The pear should still be hard and feel heavy. The bigger the pear, the better, the big ones are delicious.

If you buy a bunch and are trying to keep them as fresh as possible for as long as possible, makes sure you don't let them dry out. Keep them in a well sealed plastic bag in the fridge. You can keep them for one to two weeks that way, I've had some pears last nearly a month. Although the pears are sweet, they are low in calories and are said to help prevent cavities from forming. I wonder if it's their texture, that kind of helps to clean your teeth a bit while you're chewing, like with apples. Anyway, they make a great and healthy dessert if you're trying to keep away from other sweets! We cut them up and keep them in storage containers for handy anytime snacks. I think this season might be my favorite fruit season.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Tuberculosis Prevention Week

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City about Tuberculosis Prevention Week from the 24^th to the 30^th of September.

Tuberculosis is a disease that causes inflammation of the lungs mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is an infectious disease that is transmitted person to person.

In 2022, 138 people in Fukuoka City were diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Symptoms of tuberculosis include coughing, phlegm, fever, bloody phlegm, chest pain, lethargy, night sweats and or weight loss. In the beginning, it does resemble the common cold.

If you've noticed that you've had a cough for over two weeks, have had a lot of phlegm, you've felt lethargic or you've suddenly lost weight, please see a medical professional for an exam as soon as possible. The earlier it is detected, the earlier it can be treated preventing it from becoming a serious illness.  It is important to prevent spreading illness to family, friends and those at the workplace who are important to us.

Even if you are infected, tuberculosis does not always develop, however if your body cannot fight the tubercle bacillus, over time, an infection may develop.

If you are diagnosed with tuberculosis, you can fight it off by taking the proper medication every day according to your doctor's orders.

And, to prevent the spread or start of infections, make sure you get plenty of sleep, eat a good, balanced diet and get enough exercise. Making an effort every day to live healthily is the most effective prevention.

In Fukuoka City, there is the Fukuoka City Medical Interpreting Call Center service available if you do need to find a hospital or need some advice. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone number for that service is 092-733-5429. Again, that number is 092-733-5429. Interpretation is available in 20 different languages.

【Typhoon Warnings】

Well, September is the month when we often get strong typhoons. So, when we hear or see news and weather reports that typhoons are approaching, we should also check that we are prepared for weather disasters.

It's important that we have at least 3 days worth of food and water in case there are power outages, water shortages or store closures. Portable toilets like toilet bags, flashlights, portable radios, mobile batteries and portable gas stoves are things that we should have ready as well.

You should also check your yard or balcony before the wind gets strong and either move items indoors or secure any items that might get blown over.

Make sure you check evacuation routes to designated evacuation sites such as schools and community centers in advance and discuss the evacuation measures you'll take and how to communicate in case of an emergency with your family members on a regular basis.

【Information From Fukuoka City】

Now, I've got some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

Legal Consultation

The Fukuoka City International Foundation, at the Fukuoka City International Center, offers free legal consultation twice a month for the international residents of Fukuoka City.

Legal consultations are available from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on the first Saturday of every month, and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the third Wednesday of the month. Each session runs for 45 minutes and is completely free. However, you do need to make a reservation to consult with the lawyer. Free English interpretation services are also available so if you will need an interpreter, please mention that when you make your reservation.

 If you choose to use this service, please know that confidentiality is guaranteed.

For more information, please call 0120-66-1799. Again, that number is 0120-66-1799. Calls will be taken between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

F.C.I.F Official LINE Accounts

You can also contact the Fukuoka City International Foundation through their official Line account. Just connect to their phone line via a Line Call and you can make inquiries about lifestyle consultation, free professional consultation and other services. And as before, telephone interpretation is available in 22 different languages.

In addition, you can receive information about Fukuoka City International Foundation events and other information for international residents, so be sure to add the Foundation to your friend's list! Chat is not supported on the account, however, so if you do want to contact the foundation via text, please use the inquiry form on the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website.

For more information about all of this and more, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage.

【Kui-shin-bou no hi- The Foodie's Day】

Did you know that the 14^th of September is Kuishinbo no hi? It's a bit of word play on the date 9/14 in Japanese but what exactly is a Kuishinbo? Well, it's a glutton but that does bring to mind a sloppy and voracious eater. You could say it is a gourmand, but that sounds a bit fancy. These days we'd probably say a foodie, someone who really likes to eat. There's actually a magazine that caters to these Kuishinbo and introduces the pleasures of various foods. This magazine is called Dancyu (Dan Chew)and is put out by the company, President Incorporated.

From 2021, the magazine made its aim to make meals tastier and more enjoyable as well as to remember to thank food producers, chefs and the others who are involved in the food we have in our lives.

In Fukuoka City, we have so many delicious foods and ingredients all around us. Not only Japanese restaurants but the number of foreign food restaurants have also increased. What food reminds you of when you were a kid? Why not try making it again here? It can be a little difficult to find all the ingredients you need sometimes but if you look around and do a little research, you can probably get your hands on nearly everything you need. Personally, kimchi chige with a ton of tofu reminds me of my childhood and getting what I need to make it here is really easy!

【Infomation From Fukuoka City】

Information about Covid vaccinations

Now, I have some information for you from Fukuoka City about Covid-19 vaccinations.

Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.

In Fukuoka City, inoculation tickets for the third and fourth doses of the vaccine are being sent out. Residents who have received the previous two or three inoculations will receive the vaccination coupon for the next dose in the mail, roughly 5 months after their last dose if you are eligible.

Vaccination coupons for the fourth dose will be sent to people over the age of 60 who have had three previous doses, and to people between the ages of 18 to 59 who have underlying illnesses or who are healthcare workers, or workers in facilities for the elderly and the disabled.

When the inoculation coupon arrives, please visit the reservation site or call the vaccine call center to make a reservation. Please wait until that coupon does arrive.

If you haven't received that coupon, please phone the call center.

You can also phone that call center to register if you have an underlying illness.

Vaccinations for children between the ages of 5 and 11 are also being done.

People who have recently relocated to Fukuoka City from overseas and who hope to get vaccinated need to fill out an application to receive the inoculation tickets.

For questions regarding vaccinations or to make a reservation, you can call 092-260-8405. Again, that number is 092-260-8405. Calls will be taken between 8:30 am and 5:30pm every day. 7 languages are available at that number, including English.

The Fukuoka Prize

Now, I have some information to share with you about the Fukuoka Prize. Fukuoka City honors those who have contributed to academic research, art and culture in Asia by awarding the Fukuoka Prize. This year, the laureates of the 32nd Fukuoka Prize are Taiko drummer Eitestu Hayashi, who will get the Grand Prize. The Academic Prize goes to Art Historian Timon Screech and the Arts and Culture Prize will go to Artist Shahzia Sikander.  The three laureates will gather in Fukuoka in September to each hold a public lecture. The Grand Prize Public Lecture is a particularly noteworthy event, as visitors will be able to enjoy a free taiko drum performance by Eitetsu Hayashi. The other public lectures with Mr. Screech and Ms. Sikander are also valuable opportunities to experience Edo art and contemporary art. These events are free to attend and you can even watch them online after the event so definitely apply if you are interested.

For more information on the events, please search "Fukuoka Prize" or visit the event page on Fukuoka Prize official website.

https://fukuoka-prize.org/en/

【Disaster Prevention Day-Evacuating during a Disaster】

Today, I want to talk about Disaster Prevention Day, an annual awareness day on September 1^st.  More specifically, I want to give you some information on evacuating during a disaster.

The Japanese kanji for evacuation means "avoiding difficulty. And that is exactly what you are trying to do. In the event of an emergency, it is important to know in advance where you can secure your safety.

If heavy rain is forecasted, or if heavy rain actually occurs, or if other risks increase, you should evacuate to a place where you can be sure of safety.

If you are in or near a "dangerous area," you should be prepared to evacuate immediately even if Fukuoka City has not issued an evacuation notice. If there is a risk, such as with forecasted or actual heavy rain, be prepared and evacuate based on your own judgment.

Dangerous areas" are areas where there is a risk of landslides or flooding, such as near mountains or rivers, or in flood-prone areas.

You can check the "Hazardous Areas" on the "Fukuoka City Comprehensive Hazard Map" on the Fukuoka City website. It will show you useful information on evacuation sites, locations of city and ward offices, and hazardous areas in the event of a disaster and give you information on things you should know in case of an earthquake, tsunami, typhoon, or flood.

https://webmap.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/bousai/

You don't have to only go to evacuation centers set up by the city, by the way. If it is safe to do so, you can also evacuate to the homes of relatives and acquaintances, hotels, and other evacuation sites.

This kind of "distributed evacuation" is especially important now with covid-19 infections a concern.

Those who are in "safe areas" where there is no risk of landslides or flooding should stay in their homes and ensure their own safety.

A "safe place" though, does not mean that there have been no disasters in the past. If you feel even the slightest bit of danger in your surroundings, please move to another location.

In addition to emergency supplies you may have already prepared, like water, food, cell phone chargers, medicine, and medicine notebooks, you should also prepare an emergency bag in advance that includes masks, disinfectant solution, thermometers, plastic gloves, and other items as a measure against the spread of infection.

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Disaster Prevention Day and Stockpiling Encouragement Week
To continue, I have some information from Fukuoka City. IN addition to Disaster Prevention Day, in Fukuoka City, the week of the 1st to the 7th of September is Fukuoka City's Stockpiling Encouragement Week. Stockpiling refers to keeping a good supply of food and other necessities in your home. And through this one week event, the city hopes to raise its citizens' awareness of disaster prevention, including the need to stockpile in both our homes and workplaces.

So why do we need to stockpile? Well, if there is an earthquake or typhoon, even if you aren't in danger, without food or water, we can't survive. If the stores shut down, we can't buy the food and drinks we need. If our water system is stopped, there's no water to drink either. And, if the electric and gas are out, there's no way we can cook food. So, in order to really be safe, it's important to keep a rolling stock.

Alright, so what should be stockpiled?
You should have drinkable water and 3 days worth of food. One person needs roughly three liters of water per day, something to keep in mind. Emergency foods like freeze-dried rice, canned foods, biscuits, chocolate bars and hardtack are some things that are good to have on hand. Food that doesn't need to be cooked is essential.
If you have a radio and flashlight, make sure they have batteries. And if you take medicine, or need bandages or anything like that, make sure you have extra supplies in with your first aid kit. If there is an infant in your family, make sure you have diapers in your supplies as well.

In addition to the water you'll need for drinking, you'll also need water for flushing the toilet and other sanitary needs. Keep a water tank full of water on a daily basis or fill the bathtub so that you do have that extra water on hand.

Buy a little more than you usually do, of the foods you normally eat, and as you use them up, make sure you replace them so that you always have a little more than enough in your house. This is your rolling stock. This is recommended because then you don't have to worry about expiration dates like when you keep a bag full of emergency food in your closet.

We get typhoons every year, so take a look at what you have in your home and make sure you are prepared.