Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Asian Market Festa 2025】

Enjoy the atmosphere of an Asian market and night bazaar right here in Fukuoka! The Asian Market Festa is a lively event filled with Asian cuisine, goods, travel information, and even local Fukuoka and Kyushu gourmet specialties. It will be held for six days, from Tuesday, May 27 to Sunday, June 1, at Tenjin Chuo Park in front of the Kihinkan (Guest House).

There will be around 30 food stalls at the festival, offering famous dishes from countries such as Taiwan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Hong Kong. You can enjoy the feeling of being at an Asian street market or night market and sample those countries' treats from street food classics to local favorites. There will also be a wide variety of Asian beers and sweets.

This year, special attention is also given to visitors from outside the region, with a selection of gourmet foods from Fukuoka and Kyushu, including local specialties and popular restaurants. There will also be stage performances, including music, dance, martial arts, and more making it feel like you've taken a trip overseas without ever leaving the ground. 

What's even better is that admission is free! On weekdays, the event starts at 5pm and ends at 10pm. On Saturday, it starts at 12pm and ends at 10pm and on Sunday, it starts at 12pm but ends a little earlier at 9pm.

It's impossible to try everything in one day, so you'll definitely want to visit this delicious gourmet street again and again!

【Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival 2025】

Now I've got some information on another another outdoor event that is currently underway in Tenjin. Just a short walk from Tenjin Chuo Park, the Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival is being held at the Fureai Plaza on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall.

Fukuoka City is a sister city with Bordeaux, France and this wine celebration has been held every year since 2017. Now in its 8th edition, the festival features around 100 varieties of Bordeaux wine, along with French-inspired dishes prepared by popular local restaurants using Kyushu-sourced ingredients.

In addition to wine and gourmet food, the event offers a cultural experience, with live performances of ballet, opera, and jazz taking place on stage throughout the day.

The festival is open daily until Sunday, June 15 on Weekdays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

At the Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival, wine, gourmet food, and culture come together in a special setting where you can fully experience the charm of both Bordeaux and Fukuoka. With a carefully curated selection of fine wines from around the world, the festival is a must-visit for wine lovers. A wide range of wines are available, making it a perfect opportunity to discover your personal favorite. Don’t miss this wonderful event—make your way to Tenjin and enjoy! 

【Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan】

Have you ever visited one of Hakata’s well-known sightseeing spots, the Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan?

Located in Reisenmachi, Hakata Ward, near Kushida Shrine, this facility lets you observe and experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of old Hakata. It includes a building designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by Fukuoka City, a souvenir shop offering goods related to Fukuoka and Hakata, and interactive exhibits where you can view displays on Hakata’s history and culture, watch demonstrations by skilled artisans, and even try your hand at making traditional crafts.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan, and to celebrate, the souvenir shop was renovated and reopened in April with a newly added café.

The new café and retail space, called hakatakara, offers traditional crafts from Hakata, popular Fukuoka-themed items, locally made sweets, and exclusive products you won’t find anywhere else—perfect for souvenirs. The café serves Japanese tea and traditional sweets. Additionally, a new tourist information and exchange space has been created to welcome international visitors.

This is a great new spot where you can experience Hakata’s traditional culture firsthand—so I highly recommend a visit!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Easy Japanese Radio

 Have you heard about Easy Japanese Radio? This radio 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 is on every Friday from 9:54am. 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 skills but also pick up some new, useful vocabulary. So, tune in every Friday!

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 27 new HIV infections and 15 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. The test is simple and only requires a blood sample 

Please note that testing is only available on certain days, so be sure to check the schedule on the Fukuoka City website in advance. 

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.

【Outdoor Music Festival “CIRCLE ’25”】

Fukuoka’s popular outdoor music festival CIRCLE ’25 is happening again this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, at the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park Outdoor Theater.

CIRCLE is a major music event that represents Fukuoka each May.  Set in the lush greenery of Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, the festival features a full day of live performances from a diverse lineup of Japanese artists across multiple genres.

Originally launched in 2007, this year marks the 12th edition of CIRCLE. Over 20 unique artists will perform, ranging from rising stars to seasoned veterans of the Japanese music scene.

Visitors can relax in the open-air venue, pitch a tent, and enjoy gourmet food from select restaurants across Kyushu. Whether you come solo, with friends, or as a family with children, CIRCLE offers something for everyone.

The festival begins at 11:00 AM on both Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th and takes place at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park’s Outdoor Theater in Fukuoka.

Why not soak in the music and fresh air for a perfect spring weekend?

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Announcement for May 27 – Naraya Community Center Parent & Child Class

Looking for a fun place to spend time with your child?

The Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward holds a monthly class for infants and toddlers and their parents, called Yarana Hiroba. It’s a great chance for families to enjoy time together.

In May, the session will be held on Tuesday, May 27, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

This month’s theme is “Let’s play together!” Parents and children will enjoy dancing and moving their bodies freely with a licensed childcare worker.

For details on how to apply and other information, please visit the website or Facebook page of the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

Consultations on 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 two weeks in advance.  

Your confidentiality is guaranteed, so please feel at ease to use this service.

For more information, please call the toll free number 0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 5:30pm on weekdays.

【Fukuoka Museum Week】

In celebration of International Museum Day on May 18, the City of Fukuoka will once again host Fukuoka Museum Week this year as part of its effort to create a vibrant city full of colorful art.

Now in its 16th year, Fukuoka Museum Week features the participation of 16 museums and art institutions across the city. Each venue will offer a wide variety of special programs, including discounted admission, giveaways, and unique events designed for everyone to enjoy.

For those who regularly visit museums, this is a chance to experience your favorite spots in a new way. And for those who rarely go, this is a perfect opportunity to casually step inside and experience art and history for yourself. In addition to regular exhibitions, many museums will host special events like lectures, workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, and gallery talks.

The event will be held over nine days, from Saturday, May 17 to Sunday, May 25. During this period, visitors can enjoy free or discounted admission at participating facilities, along with special gifts and bonuses. There is also a stamp rally: collect stamps from three of the 16 participating locations and enter for a chance to win great prizes, such as tickets to special exhibitions or performances at Hakataza Theater.

For details, check out the official leaflet available at participating museums and tourist information centers, something handy to have before you go!

We encourage you to take this opportunity to visit as many museums as you can, and fully enjoy the charm of these places of discovery, learning, and inspiration.

【Fukuoka City information】

Light vehicle tax

Anyone who is in possession of a motorized bike or a light vehicle, as of April 1st, must pay a light vehicle tax.

If you own 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 2nd of June and you can make your payment at a convenience store, bank or post office.  You can even pay via smartphone apps or credit card.

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, 23 different languages are supported. That phone 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.