Life in Fukuoka "English"

【interview】

Piano and English Teacher　ーBenjamin Stringerー

From Texas, USA

Piano class taught in English　ーEUPHONYー

@ 4-10-2-2 Odo, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City　〒819-0001

HP　https://www.euphony.jp/　　X／instagram 　@euphony_ep

【The Day of the Ox in the Midsummer】

In Japan, there is day on which the season changes called "Doyo no Ushi no Hi" , or The Day of the Ox in the Midsummer. On this day, there is a tradition of eating eel. The reason is that during this time, as we transition from the end of the rainy season to the full swing of summer, people feel like they want to shake off the fatigue the rainy season and heat bring and boost their appetite. Eel is supposed to have these benefits, so it's great for helping our bodies get a nutrition and energy boost.
People typically eat eel as "Kabayaki," which is grilled eel with a sauce made from soy sauce and sugar, or "Shirayaki," which is simply grilled over charcoal without any sauce. In addition to eel, foods starting with the letter "u". or rather the Japanese character for "u", are considered lucky to eat on the Day of the Ox. These include "udon" (thick wheat noodles), "umeboshi" (pickled plums), and "uri" which are gourds like cucumber and watermelon.
This year, the Day of the Ox falls on July 24th and August 5th. As we head into the height of summer, let's stay healthy by eating nutritious and delicious foods!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide Site Information

Today, I'd like to give you a little information about the Fukuoka City International Tourist Guide, the global site for sightseeing in Fukuoka. This website shares information about the attractions of Fukuoka, including tourist facilities, events, area sightseeing, and gourmet food, effectively using videos and photos in four languages (English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese) to really show what is so great about this city. You can search by categories such as gourmet, history and culture, nature and outdoor activities, or by specific areas, making it easy to find recommended information about the area you want to visit.
The site is packed with useful information not only for tourists but also for residents of Fukuoka to enjoy and get to know the city better.
Search for "Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide" online to discover something new about the city!

Fukuoka City Child-Rearing Exchange Salons

To continue, I've got some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about a child-rearing exhange salon.
For those of you with children, wouldn't you like to visit a place where you can have fun with your children? At the Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward, a monthly parenting exchange salon has begun. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, they hold an infant interaction class there where parents and children can have a great time together.
In July, the event will take place on the 23rd from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The theme for July is "Parent-Child Exercise." A childcare worker will come and lead the parents and children in fun activities like dancing and other physical exercises.
For more information on how to apply and other details, please visit the Fukuoka City International
Foundation's website or Facebook page.

【Beaches】

Summer is just around the corner here in Japan, so here are some recommended beaches in Fukuoka City to visit if you're looking for somewhere to swim.

First, we have Seaside Momochi Beach Park in Sawara Ward: This beach is well-maintained for safety and comfort, offering not only swimming but also marine sports. Besides beach houses, there are restaurants and shops along the beach and the Jigyohama area sometimes hosts events such as music festivals.

There is also Shikanoshima Beach in Higashi Ward: Shikanoshima is connected to the mainland, making it great for a drive as the area is quite beautiful. The water is very clear, and the white sandy beach is stunning. The northern tip of Shikanoshima, Shirose, is the only diving spot in Fukuoka City, offering breathtaking underwater views.

Of course there's also Nokonoshima Beach in Nishi Ward: This island is rich in nature, featuring a campsite, accommodation facilities, restaurants, and shops. There are also playground equipment, an athletic field, and a zoo, providing plenty of activities besides swimming. The island's seasonal flowers are beautiful, especially the summer sunflower fields.

And finally, Ohara Beach in Nishi Ward: Known for its long stretch of beach, Ohara is one of Fukuoka's finest. With no obstacles, you can enjoy a relaxing swim. The beach houses are well-equipped, and you can enjoy marine leisure activities such as BBQ and banana boats.

So, even within Fukuoka City, you can enjoy nature and a resort-like atmosphere without having to travel too far! Have a great summer!

【Fukuoka City Information 】

Warnings about Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its temperature properly due to heat and intense physical activity, leading to an imbalance of body fluids and electrolytes. Symptoms of heatstroke include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.

If you are feeling these symptoms, and unable to drink water on your own, or if cooling your body and replenishing fluids and electrolytes does not lead to recovery, please call emergency services at 119 and request an ambulance. Particularly from July onwards, as the temperatures start to rise after the end of the rainy season, there is a rapid increase in heatstroke-related emergency transport cases. During this period, be cautious as the humidity is high and your body may not be acclimated to the heat.

Heatstroke can happen not only outdoors but also indoors, so caution is necessary. Here are some tips for preventing heatstroke:

Stay hydrated by drinking fluids regularly. You should drink things like barley tea or water during normal daily activities, and  rehydration drinks or sports drinks when engaging in physical exercise. Replenish both fluids and electrolytes when you sweat.

Wear a hat and use a parasol to avoid direct sunlight.

Use air conditioning and fans effectively to keep the room temperature below 28 degrees Celsius.

Use cooling items such as cooling sheets or ice pillows.

Maintain a balanced diet, get sufficient sleep, and manage your overall health.

Stay safe and cool this summer. 

【Hiyashi Chuka -Cold Noodles】

You may have begun seeing signs up on restaurants this time of year saying, "Hiyashi Chūka has started!"? Have you ever wondered why "Hiyashi Chūka starts" and what it means?

Although it includes the kanji "Chūka" which means Chinese cuisine, Hiyashi Chūka means "a dish with Chinese noodles chilled in cold water" and it originated in Japan. It's said that the arrangement of noodles piled high with toppings like cucumber, ham, and tomato in a radial pattern was inspired by Mount Fuji. The dish is seasoned with a refreshing soy sauce-based or sesame based sauce, making it a perfect summer meal.

There are various theories as to the origin of the phrase 【冷やし中華(ひやしちゅうか)始めました！】or “Hiyashi Chukka has begun!” , but it is commonly believed to basically express the idea, "Since it's getting hotter, we have started serving the summer-only Hiyashi Chūka. Please come and enjoy it!"

In the hot and humid summer when your appetite tends to decrease, this cool noodle salad of sorts is a highly recommended seasonal menu that helps prevent summer fatigue!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Information about the National Health Insuranc

In Japan, to ensure that everyone can receive medical care at a low cost and with peace of mind when they are sick or injured, it is mandatory for all residents to join a public health insurance system. People who are allowed to stay in Japan for more than three months and are not covered by their company's health insurance must join the National Health Insurance. This requires procedures at the ward office of the district where you live.

Those enrolled in the Fukuoka City National Health Insurance must pay insurance premiums. These premiums are an important source of funding used for medical expenses. The insurance premiums for the period from April 2024 to March 2025 were determined in June based on the previous year's income and other factors.

For those enrolled in the National Health Insurance, payment notices were sent in mid-June in a blue envelope. Please check the amount of the insurance premium listed in the documents inside the envelope and pay the premium within the payment deadline. Failure to pay the insurance premium may result in an investigation of your assets and the seizure of your savings or salary, so please be aware.

If you have any questions, you can receive consultations over the phone in 18 different languages. The phone number is [092-753-6113] . That phone number is for a interpretation center, so after speaking to a representative you will be connected to your local ward office. Make sure you tell them which ward you live in and that you want help with the National Health Insurance. 

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

"Education and Career Consultation Fair 2024 for Children with Foreign Heritage" 

Now, I have information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation. Together with the NPO Tomoniikiru Machi Fukuoka Association and Fukuoka YWCA, the foundation will be co-hosting the " Education and Career Consultation Fair 2024 for Children with Foreign Heritage."

At this fair, education consultations will be provided for children from preschool to high school who have roots in foreign countries. Additionally, consultations on residency status with the Immigration Bureau and administrative scriveners will be available. The consultations are free of charge and available in Japanese, English, Vietnamese and Chinese. The event will take place on Saturday, July 13, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Fukuoka City International Hall in Tenyamachi, Hakata Ward.

For inquiries, please contact the Fukuoka City International Foundation. You can reach them via phone or the inquiry form on their website. The phone number is [092-262-1744].

【ride-sharing】

Have you heard about the ride-sharing service that has started here in Fukuoka? It is a service where private drivers, under the management of a taxi company, use their own cars to transport passengers for a fee.
White license plate vehicles that contract with a taxi company are now allowed to operate commercially. Just like using a regular taxi, you can arrange a ride-share through a smartphone dispatch app, where you can choose between a regular taxi or a private car taxi.
The service area includes Fukuoka City and the surrounding municipalities within the Fukuoka transportation zone. The service is primarily available from evening to night. Since the private cars do not have meters, the fare is calculated in advance when you set the pick-up and drop-off locations, and you pay that fare as long as there are no significant route changes.
This service was introduced in Kanto and other areas in April, and it has finally started here in Fukuoka. It is expected to alleviate the chronic shortage of taxis, something that I've even heard people I know talking about. With the introduction of this service, we hope Fukuoka will become an even more livable city.
That was some information for you this week on the new ride-sharing scheme, so keep it in mind the next time you are out!

【Hakata Gion Yamakasa】

Now that it's nearly July, from next week, the big event in Fukuoka in July is the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. Held from July 1 to 15, this is a traditional Hakata festival. Have you ever seen it? I've been nearly every year to see it and never get tired of it!
From the beginning of July, gorgeous and powerful "Kazariyama" which are towering, highly decorated kazariyama floats, some 10 meters high, are displayed in various places in Fukuoka City. This year, for the first time, a Kazariyama inspired by the Japanese anime "Gundam" has been created and will appear in the Kamikawabata Shopping Arcade.
On July 15, the last day of the festival, the finale, an event called "Oiyama" is held. It is the main highlight of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. The approximately 5-km timed race starts at 4:59 a.m. from Kushida Shrine in Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata Ward, to the signal of a drum. Men carry the Yamakasa, which is about 3 meters high and weighs about 1 ton, on their shoulders and run out into the town, cheering and shouting. The course from Kushida Shrine, the starting point, to Susaki Town, the goal, attracts locals and tourists from outside of the prefecture, even before dawn. The Gundam Yamakasa will also participate in the race, by the way!
The "Hakata Gion Yamakasa" festival is such a significant early summer tradition that it is said, "Summer comes after Yamakasa." It is a festival created by the united efforts of the people of Hakata. Be sure to get up early and enjoy this vibrant celebration!

【Hakataori】

Do you know about Hakataori, the traditional craft of Fukuoka and Hakata? Hakataori is a type of silk fabric primarily produced in the Hakata area of Fukuoka City. It is one of Japan's traditional crafts, taking several months to half a year to complete, through multiple processes and the hands of skilled artisans.
When people think of Hakataori, they think of Hakata obi. These obis are popular as kimono belts due to their sturdy fabric that is resistant to damage even when pulled tightly. They are also favored by sumo wrestlers because the obi doesn't loosen easily and can be firmly fastened, characterized by the distinctive "squeak" of the silk when tightened.
There are several patterns in Hakataori, but the representative "Kenjogara" pattern has been incorporated as a symbol in various parts of Fukuoka, such as at JR Hakata Station and Fukuoka Airport. Currently, an exhibition of Hakataori items for everyday use is being held at the Hakata Traditional Craft Center in Momochihama, Sawara Ward. The exhibition and sale include about 200 items, such as stationery like ballpoint pens and pen cases, small items like wallets, pouches, and business card holders, which are recommended for use in business for your self or as gifts for friends and family. The exhibition runs until this Sunday, the 23rd.
The Hakata Traditional Craft Center is a free facility that exhibits and introduces excellent works of traditional crafts associated with Fukuoka and Hakata. On the first, second, and third Sundays of each month, they also offer traditional craft experience classes.
It's a great opportunity to casually experience Hakata's culture, so please visit when you have the chance. For more details, please check the Hakata Traditional Craft Center's website.

[https://hakata-dentou-kougeikan.jp/news/]

【Fukuoka City Information】

Taxes

If you live in Fukuoka City, and have earned more than 1 million yen the previous year, from January 1st to December 31st, you may need to pay taxes. You will receive a tax payment notification around the 15th of June. Please make sure you open that envelope, it has information on when you need to pay and how much will be due. You can pay at convenience stores, the bank or even the post office. If you are a regular company employee, these taxes may be taken out from your salary by your company.
If you do not pay your taxes, you may risk facing difficulty when it comes time to renew your residence status or risk being subject to seizure of property.
If there is anything you don't understand, or if you may have difficulty making payments, please consult with your local ward office. You can also consult by phone in 18 different languages. The phone number for this is (092-753-6113). Again, this phone number is 092-753-6113. This phone number will connect you to the ward office after you speak with an interpreter. Please tell the interpreter which ward you live in and that you are calling about taxes.

【Plum Juice】

Plum season has come. You may have noticed packs of them at the store already. Actually, the peak season for plums is from May to July, so they are at their best right now. Plums are great for you. They can help stimulate appetite and aid in recovering from fatigue, making them perfect for the hotter days coming up when you might feel a bit tired out from the heat of summer.
There are two types of plums: green plums and ripe plums. Green plums are characterized by their acidity and refreshing aroma. They aren't good for eating raw due to their hardness and strong acidity, but when you do something with them, that acidity transforms into delicious drinks and condiments. As plum wine, plum syrup or even crunchy pickled plums, they are delicious.
Ripe plums, on the other hand, are yellow and have a sweet, fruity aroma. Because they absorb flavors well, they are suitable for making pickled plums (umeboshi) and plum juice. If you make umeboshi with green plums, they will have a crunchy texture, whereas using ripe plums will result in a soft texture.
Today, I'll share with you a recipe for plum juice. The only ingredients you need are green plums and rock sugar in equal amounts. First, wash the green plums well and soak them in water for about two hours to remove any bitterness. Then, wipe off the water, remove the stems, put them the plums in a bag, and freeze them overnight. The next day, layer the plums and rock sugar in a sterilized jar and store it at room temperature. You'll see the juice coming out of the plums and it will be ready in about a week to drink. Mix the plum juice with soda water or water, and enjoy! Both green plums and rock sugar are readily available at supermarkets, so give it a try!

【Fukuoka City information】

Rainy season and heavy rains

In Japan, June to July is rainy season and is called "tsuyu" in Japanese. It is a period of frequent rainfall and is also a time to be cautious as it is also a season when heavy rain disasters can occur.
In recent years, Fukuoka Prefecture has experienced significant damage due to record-breaking heavy rainfalls during the rainy season. When it is raining heavily, please avoid going near places that can become dangerous during these rainstorms, such as rivers, coastlines, and mountainsides. It is also important to take action to protect yourself during this time. One thing you can do is to check hazard maps and disaster prevention information on the Fukuoka City website. It is advisable to familiarize yourself in advance with the risks and evacuation procedures specific to your residential area. For more details, search for "Fukuoka City Multilingual Portal" and refer to the "Disaster" page. Important information from Fukuoka City is also shared in multiple languages on the official Facebook page "Global Community Fukuoka" and the Fukuoka City International Foundation Facebook page "Fukuoka City International Center/ Attaka Fukuoka." Follow these pages to stay updated on important information.

【Father's Day】

It's a few weeks away, but the third Sunday of June is Father's Day. This year, that day is June 16th. 

In Japan, carnations are usually given to mom on Mother's day, but for Father's day, the flower is a yellow rose, or so they say.   Yellow roses symbolize "devotion" and "refreshment." in the language of flowers. But, you could also give another flower. Since Father's Day falls in early summer, sunflowers, which give a lively impression, are often chosen. Many people also give practical gifts for the business scene, such as ties, or their father's favorite items like alcohol and snacks. My dad loves pies, so I send them to him.

Father's Day is a perfect opportunity to express the gratitude to dad that is hard to convey on a daily basis. Spend some quality time with your father or give him a present, and make it a wonderful day together.

【Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Foreign Student Taught Language Classes-Recruiting for Classes

This information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation is about the language classes being taught this year by international exchange students.  The classes offer the opportunity to learn languages from various countries, such as Chinese, Korean,  Vietnamese, Spanish and German. Through interactions with international student instructors, you will not only learn the language but also gain insights into their native cuisines and cultures. 

The venue for the classes is Fukuoka City International Center, which is just a 5-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station or Kushida Shrine station on the Fukuoka City Subway lines.

The courses run from July 2024 to February 2025, with a total of 26 or 27 lessons. The total tuition fee for each course is 33,000 yen.

For more detailed information regarding the languages offered, schedule, and other information, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation. You can search for "Foreign Language Classes Taught by International Students" on a search engine to access the page you need.

The application deadline is June 20th. They're looking forward to getting your applications!

You can consult using LINE call !

If you are connected to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's official Line Account, you can use Line Call to contact the center for advice on life here as well as to make reservations for the free professional consultation services that the Foundation provides.  Interpretation over the phone for 22 different languages is available. 

You can also sign up to get information on events or useful information for foreign residents of the city, so if you aren't already connected on Line, just go to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage and click on Add Friend to get connected. 

However, be aware that you cannot send messages through the chat function. If you want to send a message regarding getting advice, then please look up the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage on the internet and fill out the help request form on their website. 

【Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival】

For the wine lovers this morning, the "Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival" is currently being held
at the Fureai Hiroba on the West side of Fukuoka City Hall. This festival marks the 35th
anniversary of the sister city relationship between Fukuoka and Bordeaux and the festival itself
is celebrating 7 years.
At the festival, you can enjoy over 100 different types of Bordeaux wines, along with delicious
local cuisine from Fukuoka. Additionally, the venue features authentic opera performances and
other stage shows. It's a popular event, attracting many visitors each year and the atmosphere
is lively and fun. It is a must-do event for wine enthusiasts. The festival is open from 5 PM on
weekdays and from noon to 10 PM on weekends and will go on until June 2nd. Be sure to check
it out!

https://bordeaux-fukuoka.com/

【Fukuoka City Information】

Easy Japanese Radio

Have you heard
about this program? This radio program is for international residents who are still working on
their Japanese skills and is a chance to listen to easy Japanese spoken at an easy pace.
Information international residents will find useful in regards to living in Fukuoka will be shared.
The program is on every Friday from 9:54am. If you can't understand everything, or miss what
what was said, don't worry! You will be able to see the script for the program on Love FM's
website and also listen to the podcast as many times as you want. It's a great chance to practice
not only your listening skills but also pick up some new, useful vocabulary. So, tune in every
Friday!

HIV Testing Week

June 1st to the 7th is
HIV testing week.
Just last year, medical institutions in Fukuoka City reported 34 new HIV infections and 7 AIDS
patients.
To prevent the spread of HIV, the earlier it is discovered, the faster it can be treated.
Even if someone is infected with HIV, few symptoms appear, which is why testing is necessary
to know if someone is actually infected.
Free, anonymous HIV screenings will be held at the health and welfare centers of each ward.
Screenings are on a specified day, so please visit the homepage of your local health and welfare
center before you go.
If an HIV diagnosis is made in the early stages, with proper health management and treatment,
the onset of AIDS can be delayed. So if you think you may be at risk, please get checked as
soon as possible.