Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Fukuoka International Airport Tourist Information Center – The Yatai Concierge】

One of Fukuoka's famous tourist attractions is Yatai. Have you ever experienced an evening in one of these food stalls? The streets of Tenjin, Nakasu, and Nagahama are lined with these stalls at night and from Hakata cuisine to international dishes, there are various types of stalls, which makes it hard to decide sometimes which one to choose. If you have lived in Fukuoka for a long time, you have probably been asked at least once for a recommendation on which yatai to visit, I know I have!

Good news for you if you can never come up with a place on the spot. Now, Fukuoka, the city of yatai, has introduced the nation's first Yatai Concierge!

Made to help all of us-residents trying to make recommendations, first-time yatai users and tourists looking for a good place to eat, the Yatai Concierge has opened at the tourist information center in the international terminal of Fukuoka Airport. The concierge provides yatai recommendations, explains a bit about how to dine at them as well as how to enjoy them, sharing the charm of these local food stalls.

It operates year-round from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

So, be sure to share this information with those visiting Fukuoka to help them experience this city's yatai culture!

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Legal Consultation and Personal Counseling

The Fukuoka City International 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. Reservations are necessary, so please make one if you are interested.

Both types of consultations ensure strict confidentiality, so you can feel at ease when you come these consultations. Reservations will be taken from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays. For detailed inquiries, please contact (0120-66-1799).

【interview】

Piano and English Teacher　ーBenjamin Stringerー

From Texas, USA

Piano class taught in English　ーEUPHONYー

@ 4-10-2-2 Odo, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City　〒819-0001

HP　https://www.euphony.jp/　　X／instagram 　@euphony_ep

【The Day of the Ox in the Midsummer】

In Japan, there is day on which the season changes called "Doyo no Ushi no Hi" , or The Day of the Ox in the Midsummer. On this day, there is a tradition of eating eel. The reason is that during this time, as we transition from the end of the rainy season to the full swing of summer, people feel like they want to shake off the fatigue the rainy season and heat bring and boost their appetite. Eel is supposed to have these benefits, so it's great for helping our bodies get a nutrition and energy boost.
People typically eat eel as "Kabayaki," which is grilled eel with a sauce made from soy sauce and sugar, or "Shirayaki," which is simply grilled over charcoal without any sauce. In addition to eel, foods starting with the letter "u". or rather the Japanese character for "u", are considered lucky to eat on the Day of the Ox. These include "udon" (thick wheat noodles), "umeboshi" (pickled plums), and "uri" which are gourds like cucumber and watermelon.
This year, the Day of the Ox falls on July 24th and August 5th. As we head into the height of summer, let's stay healthy by eating nutritious and delicious foods!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide Site Information

Today, I'd like to give you a little information about the Fukuoka City International Tourist Guide, the global site for sightseeing in Fukuoka. This website shares information about the attractions of Fukuoka, including tourist facilities, events, area sightseeing, and gourmet food, effectively using videos and photos in four languages (English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese) to really show what is so great about this city. You can search by categories such as gourmet, history and culture, nature and outdoor activities, or by specific areas, making it easy to find recommended information about the area you want to visit.
The site is packed with useful information not only for tourists but also for residents of Fukuoka to enjoy and get to know the city better.
Search for "Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide" online to discover something new about the city!

Fukuoka City Child-Rearing Exchange Salons

To continue, I've got some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about a child-rearing exhange salon.
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 monthly parenting exchange salon has begun. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, they hold an infant interaction class there where parents and children can have a great time together.
In July, the event will take place on the 23rd from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The theme for July is "Parent-Child Exercise." A childcare worker will come and lead the parents and children in fun activities like dancing and other physical exercises.
For more information on how to apply and other details, please visit the Fukuoka City International
Foundation's website or Facebook page.

【Beaches】

Summer is just around the corner here in Japan, so here are some recommended beaches in Fukuoka City to visit if you're looking for somewhere to swim.

First, we have Seaside Momochi Beach Park in Sawara Ward: This beach is well-maintained for safety and comfort, offering not only swimming but also marine sports. Besides beach houses, there are restaurants and shops along the beach and the Jigyohama area sometimes hosts events such as music festivals.

There is also Shikanoshima Beach in Higashi Ward: Shikanoshima is connected to the mainland, making it great for a drive as the area is quite beautiful. The water is very clear, and the white sandy beach is stunning. The northern tip of Shikanoshima, Shirose, is the only diving spot in Fukuoka City, offering breathtaking underwater views.

Of course there's also Nokonoshima Beach in Nishi Ward: This island is rich in nature, featuring a campsite, accommodation facilities, restaurants, and shops. There are also playground equipment, an athletic field, and a zoo, providing plenty of activities besides swimming. The island's seasonal flowers are beautiful, especially the summer sunflower fields.

And finally, Ohara Beach in Nishi Ward: Known for its long stretch of beach, Ohara is one of Fukuoka's finest. With no obstacles, you can enjoy a relaxing swim. The beach houses are well-equipped, and you can enjoy marine leisure activities such as BBQ and banana boats.

So, even within Fukuoka City, you can enjoy nature and a resort-like atmosphere without having to travel too far! Have a great summer!

【Fukuoka City Information 】

Warnings about Heatstroke

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, 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.

Stay safe and cool this summer. 

【Hiyashi Chuka -Cold Noodles】

You may have begun seeing signs up on restaurants this time of year saying, "Hiyashi Chūka has started!"? Have you ever wondered why "Hiyashi Chūka starts" and what it means?

Although it includes the kanji "Chūka" which means Chinese cuisine, Hiyashi Chūka means "a dish with Chinese noodles chilled in cold water" and it originated in Japan. It's said that the arrangement of noodles piled high with toppings like cucumber, ham, and tomato in a radial pattern was inspired by Mount Fuji. The dish is seasoned with a refreshing soy sauce-based or sesame based sauce, making it a perfect summer meal.

There are various theories as to the origin of the phrase 【冷やし中華(ひやしちゅうか)始めました！】or “Hiyashi Chukka has begun!” , but it is commonly believed to basically express the idea, "Since it's getting hotter, we have started serving the summer-only Hiyashi Chūka. Please come and enjoy it!"

In the hot and humid summer when your appetite tends to decrease, this cool noodle salad of sorts is a highly recommended seasonal menu that helps prevent summer fatigue!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Information about the National Health Insuranc

In Japan, to ensure that everyone can receive medical care at a low cost and with peace of mind when they are sick or injured, it is mandatory for all residents to join a public health insurance system. People who are allowed to stay in Japan for more than three months and are not covered by their company's health insurance must join the National Health Insurance. This requires procedures at the ward office of the district where you live.

Those enrolled in the Fukuoka City National Health Insurance must pay insurance premiums. These premiums are an important source of funding used for medical expenses. The insurance premiums for the period from April 2024 to March 2025 were determined in June based on the previous year's income and other factors.

For those enrolled in the National Health Insurance, payment notices were sent in mid-June in a blue envelope. Please check the amount of the insurance premium listed in the documents inside the envelope and pay the premium within the payment deadline. Failure to pay the insurance premium may result in an investigation of your assets and the seizure of your savings or salary, so please be aware.

If you have any questions, you can receive consultations over the phone in 18 different languages. The phone number is [092-753-6113] . That phone number is for a interpretation center, so after speaking to a representative you will be connected to your local ward office. Make sure you tell them which ward you live in and that you want help with the National Health Insurance. 

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

"Education and Career Consultation Fair 2024 for Children with Foreign Heritage" 

Now, I have information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation. Together with the NPO Tomoniikiru Machi Fukuoka Association and Fukuoka YWCA, the foundation will be co-hosting the " Education and Career Consultation Fair 2024 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. Additionally, consultations on residency status with the Immigration Bureau and administrative scriveners will be available. The consultations are free of charge and available in Japanese, English, Vietnamese and Chinese. The event will take place on Saturday, July 13, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Fukuoka City International Hall in Tenyamachi, Hakata Ward.

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].