Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Itoshima Oyster Huts】

The season of "oyster huts," a winter tradition in Fukuoka, has arrived, and I'm sure, if you have been before, many of you are probably looking forward to it again this year!

Every year at this time of year, a row of huts and green house style buildings, directly operated by the local fishermen, open at six fishing ports in Itoshima for a limited time only.
The oyster huts in Itoshima have actually become so popular over the past few years that one could almost call it a boom! They are popular not only among locals, but also among travelers from Japan and abroad, with many repeat customers, and the number of visitors is increasing every year.
Oysters are so rich in nutrients that they are called the "milk of the sea." Oysters are in season during the cold winter season, and the oysters from Itoshima are fresh, safe, large, and delicious, while being reasonably priced.

Oysters, fresh in their shells are ordered by the kilogram, and are  simply grilled over a charcoal or gas fire. Open the shells with a special knife and eat them with lemon or ponzu sauce. 
Some restaurants will lend you a jacket or smock to keep your clothes clean, and some allow you to bring your own drinks and seasonings. So, go to Itoshima this winter to get your fill of their delicious oysters!

【Fukuoka City Information】

World AIDS Day

Next, I have information from Fukuoka City.

First is about World Aids Day on December 1st. Every year around the 1st of December, around the world, various events and activities take place, to deepen awareness and understanding of AIDS.

Even after being infected by HIV, definitive symptoms may not appear for a period of time and so it is believed that there are a number of people who have been infected but will not be diagnosed until the onset of AIDS. By detecting HIV infection early and receiving the appropriate health care and treatment, the onset of AIDS can be delayed. 

At the health and welfare centers of each ward, HIV screening is offered. This screening is free of charge and anonymous. So, if you think you may be at risk, get checked as soon as possible. Screening is only on certain days so make sure you check which days before you go.

And, I don't know if you know this but the red ribbon is a symbol that shows awareness and solidarity with those affected by AIDS. The red ribbon announces to others that you have no prejudice against people affected by AIDS and gives that message that we will not discriminate against those living with AIDS. The red ribbon days are from the 1st to 7th of December and over this period, the Hakata Port Tower and the Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum will be lit up in red in support. So for World AIDS Day, let's all take the time to learn the correct information about AIDS and how to prevent it.

Illegal dumping of garbage or Fly-tipping

I hope this doesn't really need to be said, but dumping oversized garbage and household waste in the mountains, forests, by the seaside, by rivers, on the road, or in parks is illegal.

In Fukuoka City, at the end of the year, many people do a big house clean and a lot of garbage is produced. As such, December has been designated as “Illegal Dumping Prevention Reinforcement Month”. Activities will be undertaken to strengthen measures to prevent the illegal dumping of waste.

Fukuoka City has, in cooperation with the police, installed surveillance cameras and warning signs in places where illegal dumping is common and will carry out patrols of those areas. Home appliances like TV's, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines and dryers, air conditioners and the like, are all subject to the Home Appliance Recycling Law and there is a set way to dispose of them. If you are buying replacement appliances, the shop will pick up your old appliance. If the shop will not take the old appliance, ask your local Yamada Denki to pick them up, or request collection from Renet Japan Recycle or SG Moving, disposal companies which have an agreement with the city. Please keep in mind that you will have to cover recycling fees and collection and transportation fees with these companies.
Also, when getting rid of your pc, please ask the manufacturer or contact Renet Japan Recycle to collect your PCs.

Traders who advertise “Free pick-up for items you don't need” through flyers and the internet, are illegal collectors who have not received permission from Fukuoka City. Please do not use these unauthorized collectors as problems such as illegal dumping, high fees and improper processing of waste may occur.

【Christmas Advent】

The whole city of Tenjin and Hakata is sparkling with Christmas lights and festively decorated Christmas trees at shopping centers around town. Have you been to Christmas Advent yet, a Christmas event in Fukuoka, the city of lights?
What is it? Some of you may wonder what it is, but it's actually the annual "Christmas Market" event. It has has been renamed "Christmas Advent" and scaled up for its 11th year!

You probably noticed illuminations and Christmas markets getting set up from around November 6 at various venues.  And you'll see even more as the streets of Hakata, Tenjin, and Nakasu  continue to be decorated every day until Christmas. Visitors can enjoy glittering illuminations, Christmas trees, many Santa Clauses, and stage events such as live music performances.

This year, three new venues have been added and more than 100 stores will be open, selling delicious gourmet foods, authentic and cute Christmas goods, and classic hot wine and hot chocolate.

The original event mugs are so popular that they change in design every year and people have really gotten into collecting them. This year, six different mugs are available for each venue. There's even a rainy day-only mug to collect as well.

The "Christmas Advent" has been newly reborn this year, with a townscape that looks like something out of a picture book, and is sure to put you in a joyful mood! Well, I hope you will have a memorable holiday time, this year!

https://christmas-advent.jp/

【DJ's Holiday Season】

Well, the Christmas Advent sounds like it will be pretty fun to go to this year. I've gone to the the Christmas Market every year it's been held so far, so I'll be sure to go this year as well. I'll probably also keep an eye out for other events in town as I have some time off during the month of December. I want to visit a couple of onsen, as the cold weather is perfect for long soaks in a hot spring, and I want to see a couple of movies in the theaters, like the Spy Family movie which is coming out next month.

For me though, Christmas is a pretty special time. When I was in the US, the whole family, my aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and sometimes friends all got together for present exchanges and a big potluck party. There was always so much conversation and laughter and a big poker game at the end of the night. Now that I'm in Japan, it's harder to meet family, but I have friends here who are like my family and I usually hold a Christmas party at home with them. We exchange presents, have a potluck lunch or dinner and usually end up playing board games.

That's my plan again this year, so I have to figure out what presents to get people and also plan out my menu! In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I like to check out the Shintencho, the Chikagai and a few other stores in Tenjin for ideas for Christmas presents. We also get the house ready for Christmas with decorations and we put up a tree in the living room and put ornaments and lights on it in preparation for presents from Santa! As for food, well on Christmas, I like to have ham, and Costco is handy for that and for lots of other foods as well! I'm looking forward to Christmas this year!

What do you like to do for fun over the holidays?

【November Grand Sumo Tournament】

Have you recently spotted any sumo wrestlers in traditional chonmage topknot hairstyles while strolling around town? If you have, it's because the 'November Grand Sumo Tournament,' a traditional Japanese sumo event, is taking place. While there are six Grand Sumo Tournaments held annually, the one in November is known as the Kyushu Basho, and Fukuoka serves as the host city.

This year, it's being held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center , or Fukuoka International Center, from November 12th to the 26th. During this period, colorful banners and flags line the area around the venue, and sumo fans from all over Kyushu gather in Fukuoka, creating a lively atmosphere every day. Additionally, during this time, sumo stables are set up around Fukuoka city and its suburbs, where you can visit and interact with sumo wrestlers.

While you can watch sumo on television, there's a unique intensity to witnessing sumo bouts live! In the venue, you'll not only witness the sumo matches but also get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes activities of the people who support sumo. It's a fascinating and entertaining opportunity to see these backstage efforts.

Why not take advantage of these two weeks and watch sumo in Fukuoka during this special event?

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents has made some changes!

This time I have some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about some changes that have been made to the The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents. The support center, which is operated by the Fukuoka City International Foundation has been renovated to make it even more accessible for consultations. This includes the addition of consultation counters and increased privacy in the consultation space.

The Consultation Support Center aims to address the questions and concerns of foreign residents. They provide consultations on various aspects of daily life, such as residence procedures, employment, healthcare, welfare, childbirth, childcare, and children's education, offering face-to-face, telephone, and email consultations. They also provide information and guidance to relevant agencies.

General consultations are available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, from Monday to Friday. Interpretation services are available in 22 languages, including English. Telephone interpretation services and tablet device translation functions are also used when necessary.

For more details, please visit their website. For inquiries, please contact them by phone at  0120-66-1799. 

Consultations for 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 center at least one week in advance.

Your confidentiality is guaranteed, so please feel at ease to use these services.

For more information, please call  0120-66-1799.  Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

Again, that was information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

https://www.fcif.or.jp/

【Fukuoka Marathon 2023】

This Sunday, November 12th, the 'Fukuoka Marathon 2023' will take place. It is a marathon that citizens can participate in, covering a distance of 42.195km between Fukuoka City and Itoshima City, with 12,000 participants expected to run over 7 hours. Starting right in the heart of Fukuoka's city center, Tenjin, runners will head towards the goal in Itoshima, enjoying beautiful seaside and mountain scenery along the way. The course offers a pleasant run transitioning from the urban to natural landscapes.

This event is filled with the unique charm of Fukuoka as participants will be treated to local Fukuoka delicacies, famous sweets, and dishes made from regional ingredients. The medals for the winners will feature traditional Fukuoka crafts, such as Hakataori ribbons.

In addition to the 42.195km marathon, there will also be a 5.2km wheelchair race and a fan run. Professional athletes and Olympic competitors will join as guest runners. The Fukuoka Marathon is a major event that attracts many people to come and support the runners along the course.

Please note that there will be road closures and restrictions on pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the roads around the course on the event day.

So, Let's all send warm cheers on November 12th and support the runners as they strive for the finish line together!

https://www.f-marathon.jp/about/charm_1.php

【Fukuoka City Information】

Autumn's National Fire Prevention Campaign Week

Now I have some information from Fukuoka City. This year, November 9th to 15th is the Autumn National Fire Prevention Campaign week. As we move from Autumn to Winter, the air becomes drier and incidents involving fires increase. In Fukuoka City last year, there were 266 incidents! The main causes of incidents involving fires include cigarettes, gas burners and home heaters.

You've got to be extra careful with those little gas stoves.  When it gets cold, and you want to make a nabe or hot pot at the table, the gas stove often comes out. And when you do use it, make sure you never leave the stove unattended while it is on.

Also, be careful of starting fires with cigarettes. They are a known fire hazard and this should go without saying but do not smoke while in bed and don't let your cigarette butts just pile up. Make sure you put your cigarette out completely with water when you are done smoking.

Some other examples of fire incidents that might occur are when clothes hanging to dry or curtains are near a heater catch fire, or when your futon or blanket is too close to the  heater and, while you are sleeping, catches fire. It's really dangerous to put things that might be flammable near a heater. Also, don't forget to double check that you've switched off the heater when it's not in use.

Also, make sure to regularly check that the smoke alarm in your house is working and that your fire extinguisher is up to date. It's important to practice fire safety every day.

This message was brought to you by Fukuoka City.