Life in Fukuoka "English"

【（koromo-gae）Changing out the Wardrobe】
Koromo-gae is “the changing of the clothes” or “changing out the wardrobe” in English and it's the custom of changing your wardrobe from winter clothes to summer clothes around the 1st of June. So why did koromo-gae start in the first place here?
Well, it was a practice apparently introduced from China during the Heian period. In the palace, it became an event of sorts and wardrobes were changed out twice a year. From the Edo period, the samurai society changed out their wardrobes 4 times a year to suit the seasons as the variety of kimonos increased. The custom then spread to the general public. In the Meiji period, western clothes were becoming the fashion and since officials and military personnel typically wore uniforms, the change in wardrobe once again happened twice a year, once for summer clothes and once for winter clothes. This was also influenced by the change in the use of calendars when Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar in order to adopt western systems modeled around western calendar days.
The custom became pervasive throughout Japan and you can see it's influence in schools and their uniforms and in regular family homes even today.
It's a good custom as there's usually not enough space in the closet or drawers to keep all of the winter and summer clothes together. Also, at least in my case, if I don't change out my wardrobe, my drawers get kind of messy, and when I'm looking for a t-shirt, I pull out a wool turtleneck, which is just somehow a terrible feeling even on the hands on a hot day! I have yet to change things out though, when I do, I think I'll also do a big clear out of things I haven't worn in a while!

【Information From Fukuoka City】

Easy Japanese Radio

Now I have some information from Fukuoka City about Easy Japanese Radio. From June, a new program, Yasashi Nihongo Rajio Kouza or the Easy Japanese Radio Course will start airing. This 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 will be on every Friday from 11:50 am and the first program will be aired on June 3rd. 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 skill but also pick up some new, useful vocabulary. So, tune in on June 3rd !

HIV Testing Week

Alright, I have some more important information to share with you here. June 1st to the 7th is HIV testing week.
Just last year, medical institutions in Fukuoka City reported 21 new HIV infections and 18 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.

【DJ Recommendations for Rainy Season and Summer Prep】

As the weather continues to heat up, you can really feel that we're heading into the summer months. We're very nearly into June now, just a week or so left of May. However, before we get into the full heat of summer, we have rainy season first....

Japanese Summer and Its Rainy Season

If you've been here for a while, you'll know that one big characteristic of summer in Japan is its mugginess. It is hot and humid here. And June is when Tsuyu, or rainy season, shows up bringing in lots of clouds and lots and lots of rain. In Japanese, the beginning of rainy season is referred to as “tsuyu-iri” and the end is “tsuyu-ake.” I'm not sure there's really a good translation for that other than entering rainy season and the lifting or clearing of rainy season...if you have a better word for it, let me know. In Fukuoka, the end of rainy season is typically around the middle of July, but it really depends on the area and that year. And once it does end, we get “mousho”, which is very very hot, or extreme heat, and means hot days with temperatures often from 35 degrees and above. So, as we move into June, make sure you prepare so that you are completely ready for summer.

I remember when I first came to Japan and experienced my first rainy season, I was shocked at how wet I got even with an umbrella. The rain was falling so hard it was bouncing back up off the ground and splashing me. Just an umbrella won't cut it during rainy season. I now have a good pair of rain boots, an assortment of raincoats and ponchos, depending on how heavy the rain is, and of course, several sturdy umbrellas. I cycle to most places so one of my rain coats is extra long and has a expandable back so that I can carry my backpack underneath it. Once the rainy season is over and the heat of summer hits, I'm alright. Michigan isn't known for such hot summers at all, and summer isn't all that long either, but I can handle the hot weather and I love going to the beach. However, I always have a handkerchief with me, as the summer is pretty sweaty, and never leave the house without water and a hat of sorts, which leads me into our next topic today, ways to avoid heat stroke and sunburns.

Measures to Prevent Heatstroke and Sunburns

You'll often hear the word “Necchushou”, in Japanese, come summer. This means heatstroke and it's Japan's biggest climate illness. Symptoms of heatstroke include dizziness, nausea, sluggishness and headaches and may result from spending a long time outdoors, under the sun, or doing physical activities in the summer heat. You can actually get heatstroke, not only from being outdoors but also indoors, so be careful as you deal with the heat of summer.

So, make sure you avoid being under direct sunlight when you can, and try to stay in shaded areas or in cool rooms.

When you go out, wear a hat or carry a parasol to block some of that sunlight, and try to avoid strenuous physical activities.

Keep a cool towel on your neck, or make use of the many products out there on the market to help prevent heatstroke!

And of course, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Right now, we are still wearing masks to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, so it's sometimes harder to recognize when we are feeling thirsty, so make it a point to drink water at regular intervals.

Increase in Natural Disasters in Recent Years During Rainy Season and the Summer

From the beginning of rainy season, all the way to autumn, Japan experiences typhoons, heavy rains, flooding, fierce winds and storm surges.

And, in recent years, heavy rains have caused a series of disasters in Kyushu. To be prepared for this, check your area's disaster prevention map to know what actions to take in case of a disaster and to where you should evacuate. Knowing this information beforehand could make all the difference. You can check the website  https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/bousai/bousaiforeigner.html or look up Fukuoka City Disaster Prevention to find the information you need on the internet.

【Cherries】

Among the mountains of Fukuoka you'll find an area full of a number of different fruits that are famous throughout Japan. Of these, May heralds the arrival of cherries, as these delicious fruits come into season. And throughout orchards in Fukuoka Prefecture, cherry picking is a fun tourist activity for couples, families and friends alike.

These fruits can only be eaten for about 2-3 days after being picked if they aren't treated, so being able to eat them freshly picked is a delicious treat.

If you're planning on going cherry picking, here are a few tips for how to find the most delicious ones. First, you want to look for big, fat ones with no damage to the skin and make sure the stem doesn't look dried out.

If you are planning on keeping them for a few days, you can put them in the fridge but instead of the fridge, it's better to keep them in a cool room. If you want to chill them before you eat them, then put them in the fridge about two hours before you plan on eating them for the best flavor.  I don't know if you know this, but my home state of Michigan is actually famous for its cherries. If you look in the stores here, you'll find Michigan Cherries, they're often quite tart but they are great for pies and other pastries. I made a Black Forest Cake in my patisserie class the other week and was pleased to see Michigan Cherries being used. A little taste of home, I guess!

【Information From Fukuoka City】
Light Vehicle Tax
Now I have some information from Fukuoka City about the Light Vehicle Tax.
People who are in possession of a motorized bike or a light vehicle, as of April 1st, must pay a light vehicle tax.
If you do have a motorized bike or light vehicle, you will receive a tax payment notification in the post, so make sure you take a look inside. Payment is due by the 31st of May and you can make your payment at a convenience store, bank or post office.

If you do not pay your taxes, like the light vehicle taxes, you may run into difficulties when it comes time to renew your residency visa and you may face having your assets seized.

If there is anything you don't understand or if you are finding it difficult to pay your tax, please contact your ward office for consultation. If you contact them by phone for consultation, 18 different languages are supported. That phone number is 092-753-6113. Again, that number is 092-753-6113. This phone number will connect to the Multilingual Interpretation Center. After registering with them, you will be connected to your ward office. When you call, make sure that you tell them which language you need to use, the ward in which you live and that you are calling in regards to paying your taxes.

【International Family Day】

May 15^th, just under a week from now is International Day of Families. Have you heard of it?

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly decided in a resolution that 15 May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

For many of us who live here in Japan, it can be hard to get back to our home countries on a regular basis. Fortunately, these days we have the internet, and with instant messaging and video calls it is a lot easier to keep in touch with our families than it was in the past. After all, our most formative years are spent with our families and those people are likely the most important people in our lives, so they should be celebrated. Family can also be the people that are around you now, that you have chosen to let into your family unit. So let's spend time finding ways to strengthen the relationships with those people that we love, working out the difficulties that sometimes come up and taking time to talk with those in our families.

【Information From Fukuoka City】

Some important information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation to share with you.

A Free Dial Phone Service
A brand new, toll free or free dial phone service has been started. This service will connect you to the Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents for any advice and help that you need. The number for this is 0120-66-1799. Again, that number is 0120-66-1799. A number of foreign languages are supported on this line, so feel free to call when you need some help.

The Start of the Official Line Account
The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents has also set up an official Line account. Information about events at the Foundation as well as information to help you out with your daily life will be sent out via this account.
You can even use Line Call to ring 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 a number of languages is available. However, 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.
To add this Line Account to your friends' list, look up ID @111dhfna. Again, that is ID @111dhfna.

Introducing the Tutor Program
Now I have some information about the Tutor Program. This will be useful for those of you who are struggling with the Japanese language and daily life, dealing with things like letters from school, or trying to explain in Japanese why you want to return something that you bought online .

The “Tutor Program” is a one on one service that will match you with a tutor, registered with the Foundation, that you can contact online. You'll be able to ask this tutor to give you simple translations or ask them for advice on daily living.
If you are a foreign resident of Fukuoka City and think you will be able to communicate with a tutor online, then you are eligible for the program. The program is free to you.
For more information and details on the program, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or call the Foundation. The number to call is 0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm
on weekdays. Definitely check it out!

【Fish Restaurants】

Although Fukuoka is a big metropolitan city, the sea and mountains are right in our backyard. We're pretty lucky to have them, especially as they provide so many delicious ingredients. Fukuoka is famous nationally for its ramen and udon. You've had some, right?

However, I think even more than those two dishes, Fukuoka City has some amazing fish.

It seems the number of fish restaurants per 100,000 people in Fukuoka City is the highest percentage in the nation.

In Fukuoka, you'll find the Nagahama Fish Market where fish caught locally are sent all across Japan. At this market, there are also some restaurants, including sushi and tempura shops where you can enjoy what we could call “Japanese Cuisine”. If you don't like the raw fish of sashimi dishes, then definitely check out the tempura places. I've mentioned it before, but I love goma saba. If you can still get it, definitely eat it! As for tempura, I have to say one of my favorite fish to have as tempura is Kisu or Japanese Whiting. They're so light and easy to eat, if I were any good at fishing or making tempura, I'd probably stuff myself silly with them. I guess it's a blessing in disguise that I'm not good at either.

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Covid-19 Vaccinations
Alright, moving on to some important information from Fukuoka City.
Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.
In Fukuoka City, inoculations for the third dose of the vaccine have begun. Residents who are over the age of 12 and have received the previous two inoculations will receive the vaccination coupon for the third dose in the mail.
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 roughly 6 months after your second dose, please phone the call center. Vaccinations for children between the ages of 5 and 11 have also begun.
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.

Temporary Special Benefits
Due to the prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has put
together a temporary special benefit to give support to households which are
exempt from levy of the resident tax. The support benefit is 100,000 yen per household.
Eligible households will be sent a letter explaining the benefits and the request to confirm some details. You do need to follow a procedure to receive the benefits so please read the letter, fill in the necessary details and send that information back within three months of the letter’s date of issue.
If you need any help with these temporary special benefits, please contact the call center where they can help you. The phone number is 0120-018-092. Again, that number is 0120-018-092. Calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and a number of foreign languages are supported, including English, Spanish, Portuguese and others.