Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Christmas Advent】

The winter celebration Christmas Advent has started again in Fukuoka this year. With the theme "A Christmas to Stimulate the Senses," Fukuoka transforms into a festive town that’s a joy to walk around and explore until Christmas Day. Visitors can stroll through dazzling illuminations, savor delicious food, admire art installations and enjoy the “Fukuoka Classical Music Festival” being held at the same time as the Christmas Advent Festival. The event this year combines light, music, and art for a Christmas experience like no other.

The main venues include Fukuoka Airport, JR Hakata Station Square, the plaza in front of the Kihinkan Hall, Tenjin Chuo Koen Park, the Fureai Hiroba on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall, and Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City. From Hakata through Nakasu and all the way to Tenjin, these areas form a band of light with illuminations and Christmas markets.

Each venue features creative illuminations and wooden “hutte” stalls offering classic Christmas treats like hot wine, hot chocolate, and spiral sausages, as well as Christmas goods sourced from Europe, allowing you to experience an authentic European Christmas right in Fukuoka. Since it’s held in the heart of the city, it’s easy to stop in and enjoy the festivities when you're out in town doing a bit of shopping!

A musical stage is held every hour at the event, and some venues even offer workshops, making this an event that can be enjoyed by all ages. If you’re aiming to get the exclusive event mugs,  which are very popular and sell out each year, make sure you go early to get one!

Enjoy the holiday season in Fukuoka!

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Naraya  November 26 Community Center-Infant Interaction Class

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 parenting exchange salon takes place every month. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, they hold an infant interaction class, called Yarana Hiroba, where parents and children can have a great time together.

In November, it will be held on the 26th from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

This month's theme is "Aikuru Demae Children's Center," where staff from the Chuo Children’s Center "Aikuru" will come to Naraya Community Center. Parents and children can enjoy various activities and storytelling together. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to connect with each other.

For details on how to apply, please visit The Fukuoka City International Foundation’s website or Facebook page.

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

To continue, is there anything you don't understand about residency status and term of stay regulations? If there is, the Fukuoka City International Foundation provides free consultation on these matters to the international residents of Fukuoka City.

Consultations are held every second Sunday of the month. They are offered from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, but you must register by 3:30 PM. A gyousei-shoshi, or administrative lawyer will answer your questions and offer consultation.

There are English and Chinese interpreters present, and so, consultation in English, Chinese and Japanese does not require a reservation. For other languages, please consult with the foundation at least two weeks in advance. 

Your confidentiality is guaranteed, so please feel at ease to use this service. 

For more information, please call the toll free number (0120-66-1799). Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 5:30pm on weekdays. 

【Shichigosan Festival】

As we enter November, you can feel the season shifting from autumn to winter. It's during this time, if you visit a shrine, that you’ll often see families dressed in traditional attire. This is for Shichigosan, a Japanese celebration of children’s growth. Shichigosan takes place annually on November 15 and celebrates children who are three, five, or seven years old. Dressed in vibrant traditional clothes, families visit shrines to express gratitude for their children’s healthy growth and to pray for their continued well-being.

Shichigosan has its roots in a time when infant mortality was high in Japan, and reaching the age of seven was considered a significant milestone. It is believed that this festival originated from the desire to pray for further health and well-being for children who reached these ages. Over time, the custom evolved into today’s style, where children wear beautiful traditional outfits and visit shrines with their families.

During Shichigosan, children are also given Chitose Ame (thousand-year candy), a long, red and white stick candy symbolizing health and longevity.

The sight of children walking carefully in their zouri sandals, wearing bright and colorful clothes, with their hair done up is absolutely adorable. If you see families in traditional attire around town, give them a word of congratulations!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Student Recruitment for Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School

Last month I mentioned some information about Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School in our broadcast, if you remember. Currently, the school is recruiting students for the next school year, so I want to share some more detailed information today.

Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School is a public night school created by Fukuoka City for individuals who couldn’t complete compulsory education due to various circumstances, including truancy. Enrollment is open regardless of nationality.

The school offers all the subjects taught in daytime junior high schools, and for those concerned about their Japanese skills, Japanese language teachers provide instruction from basic levels. Graduates receive an official junior high school diploma.

Classes are held from 5:50 PM to 9:15 PM on weekdays on the 4th floor of the Fukuoka City Education Center in Momochi, Sawara Ward. It’s conveniently located, just a 10-minute walk from the subway and bus terminal.

 Tuition and textbooks are free, and financial assistance, such as travel expenses, may be available for students in need.

Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School is now accepting applications for students who wish to enroll in April next year. Eligible applicants must have been born before April 1, 2010, be registered residents of Fukuoka City, and either did not graduate from junior high school or were unable to fully attend classes due to various reasons.

For more information, please refer to the application guide available on the school’s website by searching for "Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School Student Recruitment." Brochures are also available at city and ward offices, with translations in multiple languages including English.

If you’re interested in applying, please contact the school by January 31 of next year via phone or email. The phone number is 092-400-0751. You can call on weekdays between 2:00 PM and 9:15 PM. The email address is provided on the school’s website so feel free to send questions or inquiries via email in your preferred language, as they offer support in multiple languages, including English.

HP https://sites.google.com/fuku-c.ed.jp/fukuokakibou/admissions/info

【November Holidays】

As we enter November, let’s talk about some holidays dedicated to expressing gratitude. Japan is known for having many special commemorative days, and two of them in November stand out: Good Couple Day and Labor Thanksgiving Day. 

Good Couple Day on November 22 was created from a Japanese wordplay on the numbers (11= “ii,” meaning good, and 22= “fufu,” meaning couple). This day is dedicated to cherishing time together as a couple. It’s a wonderful opportunity to express appreciation and share thoughts that may be hard to say in everyday life. Many people celebrate it not only with their partners but also with their parents, married children, or friends who are couples. The day has become so popular that some couples even choose it as their wedding anniversary. There are also events, such as the “Nice Couple Award,” which is presented to famous couples who stood out that year. 

Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23 is the last national holiday of the year. As the name suggests, it’s a day to express gratitude to workers. Originally, it was a harvest festival where people thanked the gods for the year’s crops and prayed for a good harvest in the coming year. Today, Labor Thanksgiving Day encourages the appreciation of work and the efforts of others. While there are no specific customs for the day, people often take time to rest, unwind, and share gratitude with family, friends, coworkers, and others who work hard around them. 

Both of these days are also a reminder to show appreciation not only to others but to yourself. Take a moment to recognize your efforts and give yourself some well-deserved praise for all the hard work you do! 

【Oyster Huts】

Next up, I have information on a popular winter tradition in Fukuoka. These are the oyster huts in Itoshima which have opened for the season! Each year around this time, local fishermen set up huts and vinyl houses where visitors can enjoy oysters, often called "the milk of the sea." They are rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and packed with high-quality protein and nutrients that boost immunity, combat fatigue, prevent lifestyle diseases, and are beneficial for skin and hair. 

Itoshima’s oysters are known for being fresh, safe, affordable, large, and delicious, making them a favorite not only among locals but also among visitors from outside the prefecture. They are even available for purchase online, so you can enjoy fresh Itoshima oysters at home.

How do you like your oysters prepared? Raw, grilled, or steamed with just a squeeze of lemon or soy sauce is always a classic choice. They’re also delicious sautéed in butter and garlic or served as an ajillo.

In the past, when I've visited the oyster huts, I often brought a few seasonings with me. Some huts let you bring them. I think my favorite way to eat them was with garlic and butter, but we also found that adding some parmesan cheese on them was pretty good too!

In Japan, fried oysters (kaki-fry) are also very popular, and many restaurants offer this dish during the season. Be sure to try it if you haven’t—it's delicious! Be careful though, they're really hot when they come out and stay hot for a while, so when you bite into them, you might burn your tongue! Oysters add great flavor to soups and hot pots, making them perfect for warming up on chilly days. 

I can't say I often use oysters in my own cooking, I tend to eat them at restaurants during the oyster season as I trust the cooks there to cook them just right and bring out the best of their flavors. 

But, if you have any delicious oyster recipes, please share them with us! I'm always interested in trying new dishes!

【Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka】

Even if you don't play, I'm sure most of you have heard about Pokémon GO? If you don't know what it is, well, it's a smartphone game app where you can catch Pokémon that appear on your screen and then battle them against others. Loved both in Japan and internationally, it has been downloaded over 1 billion times and is so popular that events are held all over the world.
The first Pokémon GO event in Kyushu, "Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka," will be held in Fukuoka City on Saturday, November 16th, and Sunday, November 17th.
The main venue will be Maizuru Park, where you’ll be able to find popular Pokémon characters throughout the city. Besides encountering rare Pokémon within the park, you can also participate in an exciting event where you can catch Pokémon while exploring 10 official courses set around sightseeing spots in the city. It's a fun opportunity to discover both Pokémon and the attractions of Fukuoka City.
Tickets are required to participate in this event. For more details, search for Pokémon GO Fukuoka.

【Fukuoka City and Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

The Japanese Chatting Event in Tenjin

Have you been studying Japanese but would like an opportunity to chat more with Japanese people in Japanese? The Fukuoka City International Foundation is hosting an event where international residents and Japanese can enjoy conversations together. The event will take place on November 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Acros Fukuoka in Tenjin, Chuo Ward.
Participants will form two circles, with international participants and Japanese participants facing each other.
You will chat one-on-one about various themes for one minute. After each round, participants will switch seats and chat with the next person.
The event will be facilitated by Shintaro Fukae, a Regional Japanese Language Education Advisor from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It’s a great opportunity to engage in conversation with many different people.
Participation is free, but registration is required, and the event is limited to the first 30 participants. Please search for "Nihongo Shaberiba In Tenjin" to register.
Enjoy the conversations and create connections that transcend borders!

"Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School" Information Session
Have you heard about Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School? It’s a public night school established by Fukuoka City for people who couldn’t receive compulsory education for various reasons or who couldn't attend school due to issues like truancy. Enrollment is open regardless of nationality.
At this school, you can study the same nine subjects as in regular junior high school, and if you are worried about your Japanese skills, you can also receive Japanese language instruction. Graduating from the school grants you a junior high school diploma.
Classes are held on weekdays from 5:50 PM to 9:20 PM, and the school is located in Momochi, Sawara Ward. There are no fees for tuition or textbooks.
If you would like to know more, there will be a school information session on November 10th at 2:00 PM. To participate, please register by Wednesday, November 6th via phone or the web. You can call 092-400-0751 between 2:00 PM and 9:15 PM on weekdays. For web registration,search for "Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School Student Recruitment."
If you have questions or need advice, you can contact them via email in your own language using the address provided on their website.

That was information from Fukuoka City.

◇https://sites.google.com/fuku-c.ed.jp/fukuokakibou/admissions/info

【The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize】

This autumn, the Norwegian Nobel Committee decided to award the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations It marks the first time in 50 years that a Japanese organization has received the Peace Prize.
The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations is a group that helps those affected by nuclear weapons and works to pass on the horrors of war to future generations.
Their nearly 70 years of efforts to advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons and to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again were highly praised.
Fridnes, the chairman of the Nobel Committee, said, "One day, the hibakusha (survivors of the atomic bomb) will no longer be here as witnesses to history. A new generation is needed to continue sharing their experiences and message. These people will inspire and educate others worldwide, helping to maintain the taboo against nuclear weapons. A peaceful future for humanity depends on preserving this taboo."
The representative of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations stated, "We will continue to appeal to the world for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of peace."
I had the opportunity to meet one of the Hibakusha when I rode the Peaceboat in 2010. The Peaceboat is a global non-government organization that works to raise awareness and building connections internationally among groups that work for peace, human rights, environmental protection and sustainable development. On the boat, one man told us his story as a survivor. I could only cry as I listened to him. His story and others stories do need to be passed on to remind people that seeking destruction only harms us and peace is something we all need to strive for. Hearing the news that the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize is just wonderful.

【Autumn Reading Week】

This Sunday marks the start of Autumn Reading Week. Every year, the two weeks from October 27 to November 9 are designated as Reading Week, with the hope of increasing interest in reading and encouraging people to develop a reading habit. Autumn, with its pleasant weather, is a season that can really let us focus on reading a bit more.
Fukuoka City has 12 libraries, all of which offer free access and book borrowing services. The largest of these is the Fukuoka City Library, with over 1.2 million books. It hosts events like picture story shows and reading sessions for children. There's also a mini-theater showing films daily, as well as a restaurant, study rooms, and conversation rooms, making it a comfortable space for everyone to enjoy.
One recommended event is Bookuoka, an annual festival celebrating books, held until November 23. Various events such as readings and talk shows will take place throughout the city, with the main event on Sunday, November 3. On this day, an outdoor secondhand book market will appear along Keyaki Street, leading from Tenjin to Gokoku Shrine. Book publishers, bookstores, and individual book lovers will set up stalls offering their curated selection of secondhand books. You might even find rare or out-of-print titles!
During the festival, a special event will also be held at Fukuoka PARCO in Tenjin, where publishers and bookstores from across Japan will gather. About 30 small, unique publishing companies and six independent bookstores from Fukuoka will showcase their carefully selected books.
For more details, search for Bookuoka online.

Enjoy a delightful autumn of curling up with a good book!

【The Nakasu Festival】

Have you ever heard of "Nakasu Matsuri"? It could be described as a dazzling festival, held in Kyushu's largest entertainment district, Nakasu and this festival is held to express gratitude to the customers who visit Nakasu throughout the year.

This year, it will take place next weekend, on the Friday and Saturday nights of October 25th and 26th.

Nakasu's main street will be transformed into a pedestrian paradise, lined with around 60 food and drink stalls. One of the highlights is the "Nakasu Kunihiro Onna Mikoshi," where a total of 500 women carry mikoshi or portable shrines and parade through Nakasu. Another must-see is the "Oiran Dochu", where elegantly dressed oiran  or courtesans gracefully stroll through the streets in splendid costumes. These are sights that can only be experienced at this event.

Additionally, there will be stage events including shows and live performances to enjoy.

Why not take a trip to experience an enchanting night in Nakasu, at an event that only happens once a year?

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

The Japanese Chatting Event in Tenjin

Have you been studying Japanese but would like an opportunity to chat more with Japanese people in Japanese? The Fukuoka City International Foundation is hosting an event where international residents and Japanese can enjoy conversations together. The event will take place on November 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Acros Fukuoka in Tenjin, Chuo Ward.

Participants will form two circles, with international participants and Japanese participants facing each other. You will chat one-on-one about various themes for one minute. After each round, participants will switch seats and chat with the next person.

The event will be facilitated by Shintaro Fukae, a Regional Japanese Language Education Advisor from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It’s a great opportunity to engage in conversation with many different people.

Participation is free, but registration is required, and the event is limited to the first 30 participants. Please search for "Nihongo Shaberiba In Tenjin" to register.

Enjoy the conversations and create connections that transcend borders!

Come and Listen to the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents

On Sunday, October 27th, starting at 12:30 PM, the Fukuoka City International Foundation will be holding the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents. In this contest, international residents and technical interns studying Japanese at schools or classrooms in the Fukuoka area will speak on various topics, such as their experiences living in Fukuoka and their dreams for the future, all in Japanese.

The event will be held at the Science Hall of Fukuoka City Science Museum in Ropponmatsu, Chuo Ward.
Admission is free, and no reservation is required.

Please come and listen to the participants showcase the results of their hard work and language studies!

For inquiries, contact the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at the Fukuoka City International Foundation at 092-262-1744 . Again, that number is (092-262-1744).

【Eye Health Day】

October 10 is "Eye Health Day," a day to prioritize and take care of your eyes. Many people use smartphones, computers, and tablets daily. However, prolonged use of these devices can strain your eyes, potentially leading to a decline in vision, as well as causing other physical problems like stiff shoulders, headaches, and even nausea. In today’s world, where such devices are essential for work and study, it’s important to be aware of our eyes' health even while using these devices.

So, to help protect yourself, when working for long periods:

• Sit up straight and keep at least 30 centimeters of distance between your eyes and the screen.

• Adjust your desk, chair, lighting on the screen or the natural light in your room to suit your needs. Rest your eyes for about 10-15 minutes every hour.

• Blink regularly to keep your eyes moisturized.

• Look into the distance or at nature, such as greenery, when possible.

• When you feel fatigued, warm your eyes with a steamed towel.

• If you wear glasses or contact lenses, get your eyes checked to make sure your prescription is up to date for your eyes.

• Your eyes can also be affected by UV rays, so protect them with sunglasses.

• Finally, proper sleep and a nutritious diet are also essential for eye health.

Let’s make it a habit to protect the health of our eyes on a daily basis!

【 Fukuoka City and Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Environmental Festival Fukuoka 2024

First, I want to share some information on the Environmental Festival coming up in a couple of weeks on the 26th and 27th of this month. Environmental Festival Fukuoka 2024 will be held at the Fureai Hiroba on the West Side of Fukuoka City Hall and on the first floor of Solaria Plaza at the Solaria Zephyr space on Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th of October. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days, and admission is completely free.

At the Fureai Hiroba, a variety of food trucks offering delicious and fun meals will gather, including menus featuring eco-friendly ingredients such as keema curry and sweets. Additionally, with the cooperation of Fukuoka's basketball team, the "Rizing Zephyr," you can play a game where you shoot balls representing burnable, non-burnable, and PET bottle trash into the correct goal, learning about waste separation while having fun. The famous "DeLorean" from a certain Hollywood movie will also make an appearance, where you can sit inside for a photo op and there will also be a flea market, no doubt full of treasures to be found.

At Solaria Zephyr, high school and university students will take on quiz challenges aimed at becoming heroes to save the Earth, learning about the environment in a fun way. In the "Fukuoka Waste Art Exhibition," you can express your daily life through art, with stylish and ethical products available for purchase.

There will be plenty of events for both children and adults to enjoy while learning about environmental issues. So, head out to the city on that weekend and explore the eco-friendly practices close to us and have fun at "Environmental Festival Fukuoka 2024"!

October 22ndNaraya Community Center-Infant Interaction Class

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 parenting exchange salon takes place every month. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, they hold an infant interaction class, called Yarana Hiroba, where parents and children can have a great time together.

In October, the class will be held on the 22nd from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The theme for October is "Parent-Child First Aid Training." To help you prepare for any emergencies with your child, staff from the Fukuoka City Disaster Prevention Center will teach first aid techniques. For more details on how to apply, please visit The Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or Facebook page.

【The Flavors of Autumn】

Now that summer heat has finally settled down, we can build up our autumn appetites  and enjoy the delicious flavors of autumn. This week, I'll talk about some of this season's best ingredients!

First, we have the classic autumn favorites: sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and chestnuts. Although they are available year-round, they are at their sweetest and most flavorful in the autumn. You can enjoy them in a variety of dishes, such as simmered dishes, tempura, mixed rice, stews, or simply steamed or roasted. You'll want to be sure to try out the seasonal sweets made from these ingredients that are only available this time of year. Just last Monday, I had a chestnut paste filled donut from Mr. Donuts. That was tasty!

We've also got root vegetables, like lotus root and burdock, in season at this time. They are also delicious in simmered dishes, stir-fries, or deep-fried into chips. They pair perfectly with ground meat and other meat-based dishes.

For something a little more indulgent, there are the fragrant and flavorful matsutake mushrooms. Though a luxury ingredient, they are worth enjoying grilled, in mixed rice, or as dobin mushi (steamed in a teapot) — delicacies that are only available in this season.

Moving on to fish, you can't go wrong with sanma (Pacific saury), simply grilled with salt to really enjoy its flavor. Also in season are the fatty mackerel, firm autumn salmon, bonito that is perfect for sashimi or tataki, and versatile red snapper. Be sure to try these seasonal fish while they are at their best. If you have a chance to try sanma sashimi, I recommend it. It is so rich and almost buttery, it just melts in your mouth. It's only during this season, if you can find it.

And of course, we can't get forget the fruits of autumn. Right now, we have pears, grapes, persimmons, and apples. They are great to eat as is, but they also work wonderfully in salads or as jams. I ordered a box of nashi, or asian pears, with Furusato Nozei and have already finished them. I've just received another box from a farm via Mercari, so I'll have pear for a few more weeks. We indulged in some shine muscat last month, they were really good, but something to eat sparingly, as they were quite expensive. Speaking of expensive, I'm hoping to have a few dishes with matsutake mushrooms this season, if I can find a nice course somewhere to enjoy! Are there any autumn dishes you are looking forward to trying?

Autumn is truly full of delicious ingredients! And remember, seasonal foods are packed with nutrients, so be sure to fully enjoy the flavors of autumn!

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Creators 2024

The event "The Creators 2024", will be on again this year. This is an event where you can experience creativity and entertainment with the latest in entertainment elements and technology-driven content.

There's a big change this year though. Before, it was only two days, but this year, the event will be held over two weekends: Saturday and Sunday, October 5th & 6th, and Saturday and Sunday, October 12th & 13th. With four days to explore, you'll have more time to leisurely experience all the various content, which was previously difficult to see in just two days.

During the first weekend, on October 5th (Sat.) and 6th (Sun.), at the Fukuoka City Science Museum,  the popular event called "Playable! Digital Art Exhibition,"  will be held. There,  you can immerse yourself in sound and visuals for a magical experience. You'll also find workshops where you can try programming and crafts, as well as an AI Dance Show featuring a 3D dance generation AI service called "Strongest AI Dancer," developed by creative companies in Fukuoka.

On the second weekend, on October 12th (Sat.) and 13th (Sun.), at the Fureai Hiroba on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall , you can enjoy live performances by creators and artists on a stage enhanced by large-scale lighting and screens. Additionally, there will be eSports battles between professional players and students, immersive experience booths, VR trucks, and more, offering a wide range of exciting content.

Plus, at the first-floor lobby of City Hall a new immersive space, a satellite branch of "Manga Dive" will be set up for you to experience the world of the popular manga "[Oshi no Ko]"  And at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, there will be events such as a screening of the popular movie "Summer Wars" and film-making workshops.

Admission is free at all venues, so get out and enjoy these four days of experiencing cutting-edge entertainment, culture, and technology in "Creative Fukuoka!"

【MUSIC CITY TENJIN 2024】

 We’re nearly at the end of September and hopefully you’ve been able to enjoy the music we’ve had all this month. The city has been buzzing with music this entire month. And this weekend, the event MUSIC CITY TENJIN 2024 will be held. Special stages will pop up all over Tenjin, turning the entire Fukuoka-Tenjin area into one big festival venue for Kyushu's largest music live event.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the festival, with the theme "Connecting Through Music." On Saturday, September 28th, and Sunday, September 29th, more than 30 free live performances will take place at the main venue, Fureai Hiroba Square on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall , as well as at special stages at Solaria Plaza and Fukuoka Mitsukoshi Lion Plaza.

For the impressive artist lineup, check the official MUSIC CITY TENJIN website or social media.

In conjunction with this, another music event, TENJIN SHOWTIME, will also be held. This event will feature around 70 performances by 35 groups at eight locations throughout Tenjin. Music genres will range from classical to rock, jazz, gospel, and pop, offering something for every music lover.

Enjoy Tenjin, filled with music, during this event-filled time of year!

【& SAKE FUKUOKA】

Next, I’d like to let you know about another event happening this weekend. On September 28th and 29th, the large-scale event & SAKE FUKUOKA 2024 will take place at the Fukuoka International Center, bringing together sake breweries from Fukuoka Prefecture and renowned local restaurants.

This event is not just about enjoying food and drinks, but also about experiencing the beauty of connections through sake, food, music, atmosphere, and meeting new people. Items from 43 sake breweries across Fukuoka will be featured, and in addition to the sake, exclusive dishes from hard-to-reserve restaurants will also be available.

Fukuoka Prefecture is one of Japan's premier sake regions, with many breweries utilizing locally grown sake rice such as Yamada Nishiki and Yume Ikkon.

Be sure to visit and indulge in the wonderful sake of Fukuoka!

【Sing! HAKATA】

 I've mentioned it before, but September in Fukuoka is Music Month, a time when the city comes alive with music for the entire month. This week, I’d like to tell you about a citizen-participation music event, "Sing! HAKATA," which will be held this weekend at JR Hakata Station Square.

For the past 10 years, the Kyushu Gospel Festival in Hakata has been held, but it has now evolved into Sing! HAKATA, adding new genres such as choir and a cappella, alongside gospel.

The event will feature guest performances by famous artists and collaboration stages with radio programs. There will also be a general participation stage with three sections: gospel, choir, and a cappella. Attendees can experience the joy of singing together across a wide range of music, from classical to pop.

Sing! HAKATA will take place over the two days of this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, from 10 AM to 8 PM at JR Hakata Station Square. Be sure to drop by and join in the singing!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Tuberculosis Prevention Week

Tuberculosis Prevention Week is from September 24 to September 30. 

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by the tuberculosis bacteria, primarily affecting the lungs. It is an infectious disease that spreads from person to person. In 2023, 140 new cases of tuberculosis were diagnosed in Fukuoka City. In recent years, there have been cases of group infections occurring in places such as Japanese language education institutions.

Symptoms of tuberculosis include coughing, sputum, fever, blood in the sputum, chest pain, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss. The initial symptoms are similar to a cold. If you experience symptoms such as "a cough lasting more than two weeks," "sputum production," "feeling tired," or "sudden weight loss," please see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection and early treatment are important not only to prevent the disease from becoming severe but also to protect your family, friends, and workplace from infection.

Although contracting TB does not always lead to the disease developing, if the body's immune system cannot suppress the bacteria, it can multiply over time and cause the disease.

To prevent infection and disease onset, maintaining good health through sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise is effective.

Even if you are diagnosed with tuberculosis, you can recover by following the doctor's instructions and taking the prescribed medication daily.

Fukuoka City has a Medical Interpretation Call Center, where you can get help finding a hospital. You can also use it when speaking to a doctor or receiving medication at the hospital or pharmacy. This service is available 24/7, every day. The phone number is (092-733-5429). The service supports 20 languages, so please feel free to consult them if needed.