Life in Fukuoka "English"

【IRIE MUSIC FES with JIM BEAM SUMMER FES 2023 in FUKUOKA】

This weekend, a music event organized by LOVE FM's reggae program "IRIE MUSIC" will be held. It is a collaborative project between the weekly "reggae 100%" program "IRIE MUSIC," which airs every Saturday morning from 8 AM, and Suntory's "JIM BEAM SUMMER FES." Following the huge success of last year's event, it is being held again this year, with a focus on "reggae/Hip-Hop/Okinawa" as the theme, promising three days of exciting music.

The festival will take place from August 4th to 6th,  this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The venue is "Tenjin Chuo Park," and admission is free. Come and enjoy the summer with awesome artist performances, delicious drinks, and gourmet food! For more details, please check LOVE FM's official website.

【Fukuoka City Information】

 Fukuoka City Tourism Global Site-Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City. Today I'll introduce you to the Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide, the global tourism site for Fukuoka City.

Until now, Fukuoka City has been providing tourism information in Japanese and other languages on the "Yokanavi" tourism information site. To make the information more attractive and accessible to foreign visitors, the city has launched the "Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide," a tourism information site specifically tailored to meet the needs of international travelers.

On this website, you can find information about tourist attractions, events, area sightseeing, and gourmet experiences in four languages: English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. The focus is on using videos and photos to make the information easily understandable.

This site is not only for tourists but also for Fukuoka residents who want to deepen their knowledge and enjoyment of the city. It is packed with useful information to help everyone make the most of their time in Fukuoka.

Search for "Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide" and check it out!

【GUEST INTERVIEW】

ーZiv Nakajima-Magenー

introduction...

In Japan for 12 years, mostly in Fukuoka.

From Israel but spent a decade in Australia.

Attractions of Fukuoka...

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【Summer Retreats in Fukuoka City】

It's the peak of summer, and many students will be getting ready for their summer vacations this weekend, so let me introduce you to some  "summer retreats" in Fukuoka City.

First, if you're thinking that you want to get out and be active, how about visiting a valley or waterfall? In Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City, there is the "Nogouchi Keikoku," a 700-meter-long lush walking trail along the river. Not only can you walk along the river, but you can also enjoy playing in the shallow water and explore the nature around the area.  Sawara Ward is also home to the "Karan no Taki" and "Bouzuga Taki" waterfalls, which are recommended attractions and places to take a break from the summer heat.

If you prefer to spend time in a cool indoor environment, how about visiting a museum or science center? In Ropponmatsu, Chuo Ward, there is the "Fukuoka City Science Museum," which offers science workshops perfect for children to practice researching things on their own and a planetarium that always has something on! Also, in Momochi Beach, Sawara Ward, you can find the "Fukuoka City Museum," where an anime and Ghibli exhibition is being held until August 31st.

Going to a library is also a great option! Fukuoka City has libraries in each ward, but among them, the "Fukuoka City Public Library," located next to the Fukuoka City Museum, is the largest library in the city, with over 1.2 million books. You can enjoy programs such as kamishibai (paper theater) and mini theaters where movies are screened. It also has restaurants, self-study rooms, and discussion rooms, so you can spend the whole day comfortably.

On Fukuoka City's website, you can find information on museums in Fukuoka City. Search for "Fukuoka City Museum" and use it as one reference for your outings.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Legal Consultation and Personal Counseling

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

The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents at the Fukuoka City Internation Center offers free legal consultation and personal counseling 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.

Personal counseling services are available every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with a Japanese clinical psychologist in English or Japanese.

Both types of consultations ensure strict confidentiality, so please feel free to consult with us. Reservation hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. For detailed inquiries, please contact 092-262-1799. The Fukuoka City International Foundation is looking forward to hearing from you.

【Yukata】

With summer festivals and other events happening, you're sure to see people out in Yukata. Have you seen Yukata, or know what they are?

A yukata is a casual kimono made of cotton, traditionally worn in Japan during the summer. It originated as a garment to be worn after bathing and has been simplified over time. It is often provided as sleepwear in hotels and other accommodation facilities. While it is not commonly worn in everyday life nowadays, many people wear yukata for special events, so you can often see them at festivals and fireworks displays.

Compared to a formal kimono, the yukata is relatively inexpensive and easier to purchase. However, I recommend trying a yukata rental for a more accessible experience. Yukata rentals offer a complete set including the yukata itself, accessories, and decorative items, and they come in a wide range of designs. You can enjoy the process of choosing your yukata and accessories.

Why not try wearing a yukata and going out this summer? It can be a fun and memorable experience!

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Opening of the World Aquatics Championships

The long-awaited 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka is finally beginning! On July 14th, after a 22-year wait, Fukuoka will host the world swimming championships. It is a celebration of aquatic sports that rivals the Olympics, featuring six disciplines and 75 events: swimming, artistic swimming, diving, high diving, water polo, and open water swimming. Approximately 2,400 athletes from over 200 countries are expected to participate. You will have the opportunity to witness the excitement and inspiration of top athletes from around the world competing in Fukuoka. You won't want to miss this historic moment!

After the World Aquatics Championships, the World Masters Swimming Championships will take place from August 2nd. Swimming enthusiasts from all over the world will participate in races and then explore our city, enjoying meals, shopping, and sightseeing. During the tournament, various events will be held to coincide with the World Aquatics Championships. One of these events is "Fukuoka Ichi-ba," featuring booth exhibitions and stage events held near the main venue, Marine Messe Fukuoka. Additionally, there will be illuminations around the venue to create a festive atmosphere.

In addition to these events, there will be activities and events held at Hakata Station and in the historic district of Hakata. Fukuoka Tower and Port Tower will also be illuminated to welcome the World Aquatics Championships.

Real-time updates can be found on the web, including event information and recommended tourist spots during the tournament. You can experience the excitement and inspiration of the World Aquatics Championships and feel the entire city of Fukuoka becoming even more exciting. It's something to really look forward to!

【Tanabata】

This coming Friday, the 7th of July is when Tanabata is celebrated in Japan.

Tanabata is a tradition where colorful strips of paper called "tanzaku" (made of paper) are hung on bamboo branches. It's a tradition that is familiar to most people in Japan from childhood.

According to the legend, two stars representing a married couple were separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year on this day. However, if it rains on that day, they cannot meet. It is believed that writing wishes on tanzaku and hanging them up will make those wishes come true. In the US, I learned the story as the Chinese legend about the Weaver and the Cowherd  and it seems that it refers to the stars, Vega and Altair. Of course, forbidden love or faraway love is a common theme in stories throughout history which is no doubt why the tale has endured and exists in Japan as well.

Various events are held in different regions, and in Fukuoka City, you can experience Tanabata events at Fukuoka Tower. Until July 7th, the tower will be illuminated with a special Tanabata-themed display. You can also write your wishes on tanzaku and hang them up. There will also be a festival from July 5th to 7th. So go out and enjoy these festivities!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Warnings about Heatstroke

Now I have some information from Fukuoka City about preventing heatstroke as we get into the hot days of summer.

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. Additionally, wearing masks during summer increases the risk of heatstroke, 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.

Remember to take necessary precautions and prioritize your well-being during the hot summer months to prevent heatstroke.