Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Sunset Live】

This weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, marks THE end-of-summer music event in Fukuoka: "Sunset Live." It's a large-scale outdoor music festival held at a beachfront location. With the sea as a backdrop, stages are set up on the sandy beach, amidst the woods, and at the campsite. Amazing artists covering various genres of music take the stage, making it a truly diverse experience. Numerous food and beverage stalls from Fukuoka's dining scene are also present, offering the chance to enjoy drinks and gourmet delights. There's also a strong emphasis on eco-friendly activities to protect the environment, making it an environmentally-conscious event. The venue is adorned with numerous art installations, and live painting performances are also showcased. Childcare facilities are available, allowing families with children to participate. Activities like marine sports are available, meaning you can get the full summer experience before summer ends. I encourage you to come and enjoy the festivities. Convenient shuttle buses are available from Hakata-Tenjin area; for more details, search for "Sunset Live 2023."

And, there'll be a special LOVE FM feature on the event at a later date, so be sure to tune in!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Disaster Prevention Day and Stockpiling Encouragement Week

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City. Disaster Prevention Day is an annual awareness day and is on September 1st. And in Fukuoka City, the week of the 1st to the 7th of September is Fukuoka City's Stockpiling Encouragement Week. Stockpiling refers to keeping a good supply of food and other necessities in your home. And through this one week event, the city hopes to raise its citizens' awareness of disaster prevention, including the need to stockpile in both our homes and workplaces.

So why do we need to stockpile? Well, if there is an earthquake or typhoon, even if you aren't in danger, without food or water, we can't survive. If the stores shut down, we can't buy the food and drinks we need. If the water supply is disrupted, there's no water to drink. And, if the electric and gas are out, there's no way we can cook food. So, in order to ensure that the lives that have been saved can actually survive, it's important to have emergency supplies prepared in advance.

Alright, so what should be stockpiled?

Make sure to have a three-day supply of drinking water and food. One person needs roughly three liters of water per day, this is something to keep in mind. Nonperishable emergency foods like freeze-dried rice, canned foods, biscuits, chocolate bars and hardtack are some things that are good to have on hand. Food that doesn't need to be cooked is essential.

If you have a radio and flashlight, make sure they have batteries. And if you take medicine, or need bandages or anything like that, make sure you have extra supplies in with your first aid kit. If there is an infant in your family, make sure you have diapers in your supplies as well.

In addition to the water you'll need for drinking, you'll also need water for flushing the toilet and other daily needs. Keep a polyethylene water tank with tap water and consider keeping your bathtub filled as well.

Buy a little more than you usually do, of the foods you normally eat, and as you use them up, consuming them based on their expiration dates, keep replacing them so that you always have a little more than enough in your house. This is your rolling stock. This is recommended because you always have a certain level of stored food, and it falls within the scope of your usual shopping routine in terms of cost and time.

As typhoons do often occur around this time of year, take this opportunity to prepare for disasters once again.

【Words to Take a Photo】

On August 22nd in Japan, there's a play on words known as "Hai, Cheese Day." When taking photos, what do you say to get people to smile? Different cultures have their own established cues, in the US, it's cheese but I remember in Korea often saying Kimchi!  I looked up what other countries use to get people to smile and in France and Thailand, the word Pepsi, is sometimes used. In a number of countries, like Turkey, Romania, Germany and Bulgaria, among others, people just stay 'smile' in their own language. In Japan, it's pretty common for the photographer to say, "Hai, Cheese!" ("Hai" meaning "yes" in Japanese), before taking the photo.

The origin of this practice seems to have come from the English-speaking world with the popular phrase "Say Cheese!" In English-speaking countries, after the photographer's cue, the subjects often repeat the phrase. However, in Japan, the person taking the photo gives the signal, and the person being photographed simply needs to put on a smile.

In addition to "Hai, Cheese!" in Japan, there's another photo-taking cue where the photographer asks, "What's 1+1?" and the subjects respond with "2 (ni)!" This playful interaction adds an extra element of fun to the experience.

When you're asked to take someone's photo or when you're taking photos with Japanese people, use these cues to get the best smiles from your photo subjects!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Eliminating Drunk Driving

Now, I have some important information from Fukuoka City.

If you are a recent resident of Fukuoka you may not know about this incident but for those of you who have been here for awhile....did you know about the drunk driving accident that occurred in Fukuoka City on August 25, 2006?

This year marks 17 years since that drunk driving accident which killed three children on the Umino-nakamichi-ohashi Bridge in the Higashi Ward.

In response to this tragedy, Fukuoka City has undertaken various initiatives to eliminate drunk driving, but it still persists.

However, drunk driving has not disappeared. In fact, in 2022, there were 28 accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Drunk driving is a crime.
You must not drive a car, motorcycle, or bicycle after drinking alcohol.
You must not lend your vehicle to a person who has been drinking alcohol, nor should you encourage or offer alcohol to someone who intends to drive.
You must not get into a car knowing that the driver has been drinking.

Driving under the influence of alcohol increases the risk of causing traffic accidents. For instance:

• Attention, judgment, and other faculties necessary for safe driving are impaired.
• Excessive speed and delayed recognition of danger can occur.
• The time it takes to press the brake pedal becomes longer.

Also, if you see someone driving in the way I'm going to describe, it's possible that person is driving drunk. If you see someone driving like this, please report it to emergency services by calling 110. Signs of a drunk driver include stopping the car well before the stop line when stopping at a stop sign, not starting the car up again when the traffic light turns green, weaving or unsteady driving and repeatedly accelerating or decelerating abruptly. Each and every person needs to take action and say “I will never drink and drive, I won't let others do it and I won't turn a blind eye!”
Let's all work together to eliminate drunk driving!

【Koshien Summer Baseball】

Koshien, the high school baseball tournament held every year in August is considered one of Japan's iconic summer traditions. As the season approaches, it becomes a daily topic in the media and is broadcasted extensively. Although its formal name is the "National High School Baseball Championship Memorial Tournament," it is commonly known as "Koshien" due to its location at the Koshien Stadium in Hyogo Prefecture. High school students from all over the country aspire to participate in this tournament. They compete in intense matches starting from regional qualifying tournaments, and only the schools that triumph advance to the main event.

Many players who later have careers in professional baseball have experienced this tournament. Manga and movies have been inspired by it, and fans eagerly await this event every year. Each school's journey is full of drama, and documentaries leading up to their participation are often featured. In addition to the actual games, there are many other highlights such as the singing of each school's alma mater, performances by the brass bands, the cheerleading squads' performances, and the tradition of players taking home a handful of sand from the field after each game. The tournament offers more than just the matches; it showcases the youth and sportsmanship of high school athletes giving their all on the field. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend watching these high school players' spirited and sportsmanlike efforts!

【DJ's recommended summer recipe】

It's still pretty hot out, isn't it. I hope all of you are feeling alright and haven't been wiped out by this heat. Although we want to get out and be active and do loads of things in the summer, to do that, we need to make sure we're getting the right kind of nutrition. So, I've got a recipe idea for you to help beat the heat of summer.

My go to dish in the summer is basically any kind of cold noodle dish!

At home, I often make somen with kimchi, sesame seed oil and cucumbers on top for a quick and refreshing meal. Just a little bit of mentsuyu or dashi soy sauce for some extra salt and it's ready to go. Cucumbers are great for getting a little more hydration in your body, kimchi is fermented, so it's great for you, plus the spice always helps in the summer and the dish overall isn't too heavy, but still filling. Add a  little tuna or shredded cooked chicken for some extra protein. Try it! Let me know what you think and if you have a good summer dish, let me know.

If you are out, quite a few shops have reimen, or cold noodle dishes on their menus that you can try as well. I had a really tasty cold champon noodle dish with mabo eggplant at Ringer Hut the other day. I definitely recommend it for when you want a 

quick lunch. It had loads of veggies, plus the eggplant and was just spicy enough to make it the perfect summer dish on a day out. There are a few Ringer Hut scattered around the city, in Tenjin, Hakata, Momochi, Sasaoka...so pop in one when you have the chance.

【The Island of Fukuoka City"Nokonoshima""Shikanoshima"】

When it comes to summer, it's all about the sea! Have you already been to the beach and gone swimming? This week, let me introduce two islands that you can easily visit as day trips from Fukuoka: "Nokonoshima" and "Shikanoshima."

"Nokonoshima" is approximately 10 minutes away by ferry from Noko Ferry Terminal in Meinohama here in Fukuoka City. This island has a circumference of about 12 kilometers and boasts beautiful seasonal flowers and stunning seascapes. There are many spots that exude a sense of history, and you'll see so many breathtaking views on the island. At the beach, you can enjoy activities such as motor boating, banana boating, water skiing, a floating trampoline on the sea, diving platforms, and swings. One of the island's famous spots is the "Nokonoshima Island Park," popular for its sunflower fields in full bloom. The island is also equipped with restaurants offering fantastic views, barbecue houses, camping facilities, and lodging options to fully immerse yourself in nature.

Next up is "Shikanoshima," an island connected to mainland Fukuoka by both land and sea routes. You can easily access it from the city using either method of transportation. The island's greatest attractions lies in its beautiful sea. Diving spots offer encounters with tropical fish and seahorses. You can also enjoy activities like yachting, windsurfing, scuba diving, and fishing. Additionally, there are dining establishments where you can savor fresh seafood, and "Kin'in Dock" and "Kin'in Curry" are famous local dishes, so be sure to try them out.

Have a fun and active summer here in the city!

【Fukuoka City Information】

ducation and Career Consultation Fair 2023 for Children with Foreign Heritage

Now, I have an announcement from the Fukuoka City International Foundation. Together with "Tomoiki Fukuoka" and Fukuoka YWCA, the foundation will be co-hosting the " Education and Career Consultation Fair 2023 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. The consultations are free of charge and available in Japanese, English, and Chinese. The event will take place on Sunday, August 27th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Fukuoka City International Center in Tenyamachi, Hakata-ku.

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.

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.