Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka】

Even if you don't play, I'm sure most of you have heard about Pokémon GO? If you don't know what it is, well, it's a smartphone game app where you can catch Pokémon that appear on your screen and then battle them against others. Loved both in Japan and internationally, it has been downloaded over 1 billion times and is so popular that events are held all over the world.
The first Pokémon GO event in Kyushu, "Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka," will be held in Fukuoka City on Saturday, November 16th, and Sunday, November 17th.
The main venue will be Maizuru Park, where you’ll be able to find popular Pokémon characters throughout the city. Besides encountering rare Pokémon within the park, you can also participate in an exciting event where you can catch Pokémon while exploring 10 official courses set around sightseeing spots in the city. It's a fun opportunity to discover both Pokémon and the attractions of Fukuoka City.
Tickets are required to participate in this event. For more details, search for Pokémon GO Fukuoka.

【Fukuoka City and Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

The Japanese Chatting Event in Tenjin

Have you been studying Japanese but would like an opportunity to chat more with Japanese people in Japanese? The Fukuoka City International Foundation is hosting an event where international residents and Japanese can enjoy conversations together. The event will take place on November 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Acros Fukuoka in Tenjin, Chuo Ward.
Participants will form two circles, with international participants and Japanese participants facing each other.
You will chat one-on-one about various themes for one minute. After each round, participants will switch seats and chat with the next person.
The event will be facilitated by Shintaro Fukae, a Regional Japanese Language Education Advisor from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It’s a great opportunity to engage in conversation with many different people.
Participation is free, but registration is required, and the event is limited to the first 30 participants. Please search for "Nihongo Shaberiba In Tenjin" to register.
Enjoy the conversations and create connections that transcend borders!

"Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School" Information Session
Have you heard about Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School? It’s a public night school established by Fukuoka City for people who couldn’t receive compulsory education for various reasons or who couldn't attend school due to issues like truancy. Enrollment is open regardless of nationality.
At this school, you can study the same nine subjects as in regular junior high school, and if you are worried about your Japanese skills, you can also receive Japanese language instruction. Graduating from the school grants you a junior high school diploma.
Classes are held on weekdays from 5:50 PM to 9:20 PM, and the school is located in Momochi, Sawara Ward. There are no fees for tuition or textbooks.
If you would like to know more, there will be a school information session on November 10th at 2:00 PM. To participate, please register by Wednesday, November 6th via phone or the web. You can call 092-400-0751 between 2:00 PM and 9:15 PM on weekdays. For web registration,search for "Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School Student Recruitment."
If you have questions or need advice, you can contact them via email in your own language using the address provided on their website.

That was information from Fukuoka City.

◇https://sites.google.com/fuku-c.ed.jp/fukuokakibou/admissions/info

【The Nakasu Festival】

Have you ever heard of "Nakasu Matsuri"? It could be described as a dazzling festival, held in Kyushu's largest entertainment district, Nakasu and this festival is held to express gratitude to the customers who visit Nakasu throughout the year.

This year, it will take place next weekend, on the Friday and Saturday nights of October 25th and 26th.

Nakasu's main street will be transformed into a pedestrian paradise, lined with around 60 food and drink stalls. One of the highlights is the "Nakasu Kunihiro Onna Mikoshi," where a total of 500 women carry mikoshi or portable shrines and parade through Nakasu. Another must-see is the "Oiran Dochu", where elegantly dressed oiran  or courtesans gracefully stroll through the streets in splendid costumes. These are sights that can only be experienced at this event.

Additionally, there will be stage events including shows and live performances to enjoy.

Why not take a trip to experience an enchanting night in Nakasu, at an event that only happens once a year?

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

The Japanese Chatting Event in Tenjin

Have you been studying Japanese but would like an opportunity to chat more with Japanese people in Japanese? The Fukuoka City International Foundation is hosting an event where international residents and Japanese can enjoy conversations together. The event will take place on November 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Acros Fukuoka in Tenjin, Chuo Ward.

Participants will form two circles, with international participants and Japanese participants facing each other. You will chat one-on-one about various themes for one minute. After each round, participants will switch seats and chat with the next person.

The event will be facilitated by Shintaro Fukae, a Regional Japanese Language Education Advisor from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It’s a great opportunity to engage in conversation with many different people.

Participation is free, but registration is required, and the event is limited to the first 30 participants. Please search for "Nihongo Shaberiba In Tenjin" to register.

Enjoy the conversations and create connections that transcend borders!

Come and Listen to the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents

On Sunday, October 27th, starting at 12:30 PM, the Fukuoka City International Foundation will be holding the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents. In this contest, international residents and technical interns studying Japanese at schools or classrooms in the Fukuoka area will speak on various topics, such as their experiences living in Fukuoka and their dreams for the future, all in Japanese.

The event will be held at the Science Hall of Fukuoka City Science Museum in Ropponmatsu, Chuo Ward.
Admission is free, and no reservation is required.

Please come and listen to the participants showcase the results of their hard work and language studies!

For inquiries, contact the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at the Fukuoka City International Foundation at 092-262-1744 . Again, that number is (092-262-1744).

【Hakata and Tenjin Summer Festivals】

The Hakata Summer Festival and the Tenjin Summer Festival are now being held livening up the summer in Fukuoka even more. 

The Tenjin festival is at Fureai Plaza on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall and will be held every day from tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6th until Sunday, August 18th. The Hakata Festival is being held in the square right in front of JR Hakata Station, again, every day from tomorrow to Thursday, August 22nd.  

There are stalls selling shaved ice, yakisoba, and Hakata gourmet foods, as well as traditional festival games like yo-yo fishing and shooting galleries. There's also a live music stage at each venue.

You'll have a chance to join in the Bon Odori dance performed there, forming a circle around the "yagura" tower and dancing to the music. Even if you've never danced the Bon Odori dance before, you'll no doubt have fun experiencing this uniquely Japanese festival. Be sure to visit and enjoy the treats of summer!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese learning site-Tsunagaru, Hirgaru, Life with Japanese

Today, I'd like to share some information about the Japanese language learning site "Tsunagaru Hirogaru Nihongo de no Kurashi" created by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. This site is designed for foreigners to learn Japanese on their own, and it aims to help learners acquire the Japanese necessary for communication and daily life.

The site supports 18 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Nepali, and Vietnamese.

The site offers three levels of study, from Level 1 to Level 3, allowing you to study at your level of proficiency. There is also a Japanese proficiency check to help you determine which level is appropriate for you.  

There are a variety of lessons dealing with everyday situations. For example, you can learn Japanese used for "shopping," "going to the hospital," and "raising children" through videos. You can study the meaning and practice your pronunciation by watching these videos which have subtitles in Japanese, romaji, or a foreign language of your choice. The dialogues for each of the videos are also available to see on the site for easy review. 

As Japanese has many types of written characters, which might seem difficult at first, the site also introduces tips for reading and writing in daily life, such as how to write names and fill out common documents. There are also videos on systems like "tax" and "medical care," as well as informational columns with tips for daily life in Japan, making it a very useful site.

Search for “Tsunahiro”, that's TSUNAHIRO, and start learning Japanese from the scenarios that interest you or are most relevant to you right now. You can also find a link to the site on the Fukuoka City website under "Support for Foreign Residents."

If you want to learn from a teacher, face to face, Fukuoka City does offer many Japanese classes taught by volunteer teachers at community centers and other locations. Information about the levels, participation fees, and contents of each class is available on the "Nihongo Class Map." You can find beginner classes for slow-paced learning, kanji practice classes, classes to learn about Japanese culture, and classes that allow you to enjoy interacting with locals while studying Japanese.

Search for "Fukuoka City Nihongo Class Map" to find nearby Japanese classes.

【Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival】

For the wine lovers this morning, the "Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival" is currently being held
at the Fureai Hiroba on the West side of Fukuoka City Hall. This festival marks the 35th
anniversary of the sister city relationship between Fukuoka and Bordeaux and the festival itself
is celebrating 7 years.
At the festival, you can enjoy over 100 different types of Bordeaux wines, along with delicious
local cuisine from Fukuoka. Additionally, the venue features authentic opera performances and
other stage shows. It's a popular event, attracting many visitors each year and the atmosphere
is lively and fun. It is a must-do event for wine enthusiasts. The festival is open from 5 PM on
weekdays and from noon to 10 PM on weekends and will go on until June 2nd. Be sure to check
it out!

https://bordeaux-fukuoka.com/

【Fukuoka City Information】

Easy Japanese Radio

Have you heard
about this program? 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

June 1st to the 7th is
HIV testing week.
Just last year, medical institutions in Fukuoka City reported 34 new HIV infections and 7 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.
Screenings are on a specified day, so please visit the homepage of your local health and welfare
center before you go.
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.

【Nanakusa-gayu】

Happy New year! Thank you for starting the year off with me. I hope you have a wonderful 2024 filled with good food, fun and friends.

How did you spend your New Year's eve? What's the plan for today?

I hope you have a chance to enjoy the food, customs, and atmosphere around the city that are unique to the New Year.

I don't know if you know this, but on January 7, the last day of the New Year week, people eat "Nanakusa porridge," a traditional food containing seven kinds of seasonal medicinal herbs, for breakfast, to pray for good health and good fortune throughout the year. It is also meant to help the stomach and intestines, which may be tired and overworked from the rich foods and alcohol consumed during the New Year's holiday. The porridge is usually seasoned simply with salt. You can find these seven herbs as a set, sold at supermarkets and other places, so you don't have to worry about trying to gather all of these ingredients together.

Once again, I wish you all a happy and healthy year in 2024!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese Chatting Salon

The first topic is about their Japanese chatting salon which might be useful for any international students who are studying in Fukuoka. Do you know about the monthly Japanese Chatting Salon? Using Zoom, international students and Japanese volunteers meet one on one or in small groups to talk about topics that interest them. If you are looking for a chance to use daily Japanese as well as practice the Japanese you've learned in class, or just want to chat with a native Japanese speaker, then definitely join in! The sessions are free and the next session will be held online on January 31st.  You do need to make a reservation to join this event though.

To learn more about this event or to make a reservation, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or their Facebook page. The website for the Fukuoka City International Foundation is www.fcif.or.jp. Again that website is www.fcif.or.jp.  You can also call the Foundation to get details at  (092-262-1799). They're looking forward to hearing from you, so check it out.

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.

【Fukuoka Oktoberfest 2023】

Well, it's that time of year again when the beer festival 'Fukuoka Oktoberfest,' featuring direct imports of beer from Germany, will be held here in Fukuoka. It will be over 10 days from Friday, October 20th to Sunday, October 29th.

You can enjoy a variety of German draft beers, beer cocktails, sausages, and other traditional German home-cooked dishes. And while you enjoy your food and drink, you can also experience the ambiance of Bavarian traditional music.

The event will take place at Reisen Park, just a 3-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station. Admission is free, and the beer is available on a deposit system.

Under the refreshing autumn sky, spend 10 days singing and dancing with a beer in hand. Soft drinks, non-alcoholic beer, and wine will also be available for purchase, so everyone can enjoy this festival.

We encourage you to come and experience the atmosphere for yourself by visiting.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Have you heard of the International Japanese Speech Contest?

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

Have you heard of the International Japanese Speech Contest that they hold every year?

Well, this year, the 21st  International Speech Contest will take place on the national holiday on Friday, November 3rd from 1pm. Speeches are given by students from Japanese classes and from Japanese language schools in the Fukuoka Metropolitan area. The topic of the speech is up to the participant and ranges from their experiences living in Fukuoka City to their dreams for the future, of course, delivered in Japanese. The contest will be held in the Science Hall  at the Fukuoka City Science Museum in Ropponmatsu.

If you are planning to attend the contest, you do not need to make a reservation.

If you have a chance, come and support these students and listen to the fruits of their language study labor!

For more information you can call the Fukuoka City International Foundation and speak to the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at 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.

【Rainy Season】

Well, for those of you who have been here for awhile, you know that in Japan, there is a seasonal phenomenon known as the "rainy season or tsuyu," during which time we see many rainy and cloudy days over about a month as the seasons change from spring to summer. If this is your first year here, well hopefully, you like the rain. 
Although heavy rains can sometimes cause natural disasters, they are also a blessing as they give us water for what can be a long dry season over the summer. 
In Fukuoka, the rainy season usually begins in early June and ends in mid-July.
Since landslides and floods are more likely to occur, it is advisable to reconfirm evacuation methods and evacuation sites in your area. Also, check your weather forecast every day so that you know what to wear when going out and when is best for drying your laundry outside. I'm sure neither you or your clothes care to be caught in a rain shower unprepared! 

It's not all bad though. As I mentioned before, rainfall during the rainy season is essential for making sure we have enough water , which is vital for daily life and the growth of crops.
This season is also the time to enjoy the seasonal flowers, hydrangeas. They are at their most beautiful in the rain and bring a lot of color to otherwise dreary days. 
Make the most of the rainy season by spending time at home to relax and enjoy the soothing sound of the rain.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Easy Japanese Radio

Now I have some information from Fukuoka City about Easy Japanese Radio. From June, a new program, Yasashi Nihongo Rajio Kouza or the Easy Japanese Radio Course will start airing. This 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 will be on every Friday from 9:54am and the first program will be aired on June 2^nd . 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 on June 2^nd!

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 37 new HIV infections and 11 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.

Screenings are on a specified day, so please visit the homepage of your local health and welfare center before you go.

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.

【Spring Cleaning】

In Japan, the big house clean up is usually done in December right before the new year, but there are many advantages to cleaning in the spring.
For example, in winter it's pretty cold, so cleaning outside and cleaning around kitchen and bathrooms tends to feel like a hassle, but in spring, it is warmer, so it is easier to get motivated to do these chores. Plus, opening windows and doors for ventilation is actually pretty nice, and oil stains are easier to remove when the temperature is higher. This is really the season for efficient cleaning. Humidity is also lower on many days, so mold is less likely to form. Laundry also dries quickly, making it easy to wash curtains, sofa covers, and other large items.
If you do a big spring clean now along with changing up your room and clothes, your home will be spotless and you will feel pretty fresh and new. You can start this new season completely refreshed.
If you were slacking a bit at the end of last year, why not take this opportunity now to do a thorough house cleaning?

 【Fukuoka City Information】

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

Using Line Call for Information and Advice

The Fukuoka City International Foundation does have an official LINE account.

If you connect with the Foundation's official LINE account, you can make an appointment for consultations on daily life or free professional consultation using the LINE call feature. Telephone consultations are available in 22 languages, so please feel free to contact them. In addition, you can get information on the Foundation's events and announcements for international residents. Please add the Foundation's official LINE account to your friends' list from the Fukuoka City International Foundation website. The foundation will not accept consultations via the LINE talk chat function, but you can use the inquiry form on the foundation's website if you want to send a message about anything.

The Japanese Chatting Salon

To continue, I've also got some information for any international students who are studying in Fukuoka. The Fukuoka City International Foundation holds a “chatting salon” once a month where, international students and Japanese volunteers have a chance to chat. The next session is online, on Friday, March 31^st.

Using Zoom, international students and Japanese volunteers meet one on one or in small groups to talk about topics that interest them. So if you are looking for a chance to use daily Japanese as well as practice the Japanese you've learned in class, or just want to chat with a native Japanese speaker, then definitely join in! The sessions are free but you do need a reservation.

To make a reservation, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or its Facebook page. The web address is www.fcif.or.jp. If there is anything that you don't understand feel free to contact the Fukuoka International Student Support Association at 092-262-1744. Again that number is 092-262-1744. Phone calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm on weekdays. Definitely check it out! They're looking forward to hearing from you!

【Retort Curry Day】

Japan has a number of unusual anniversary days, I've introduced a few on this program before and it turns out that just the other day on February 12^th, it was Retort Curry Day. It was in 1968 on this day that Bon Curry was created as the world’s first commercial retort-pouch food product ever to exist, using innovative original technology under the concept of “a curry that you can eat just by heating a single-serving package in hot water, a curry that never fails.”

A retort curry is a pressurized, heat-sterilized curry packaged in a bag made of aluminum foil. The technology using retort was originally invented by the U.S. Military, but retortable curry, which can be heated with hot water and eaten immediately, is a Japanese invention.
Most retort pouch curries are heated with hot water, but there are some retort pouch curries that can be heated in a microwave oven, so be sure to read the directions carefully before cooking them up.
Nowadays, you can enjoy the taste of delicious curries from restaurants all over Japan. My partner and I have tried quite a few, we like to do at home curry tours. I'm a fan of a Miyazaki Curry but my partner seems to prefer the Indian curries. You're sure to find your favorite as you sample the many that are available at convenience stores and supermarkets!

【Fukuoka City Information】

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

Get consultations through LINE Call!

The first thing to share is about their Line Call service. If you are connected to the Foundation's official Line Account, you can use Line Call to ring the center for advice on life here as well as to make reservations for the free professional consultation services that the Foundation provides.  Interpretation over the phone for 22 different languages is available.

You can also sign up to get information on events or useful information for foreign residents of the city, so if you aren't already connected on Line, just go to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage and click on Add Friend to get connected.

However, be aware that you cannot send messages through the chat function. If you want to send a message regarding getting advice, then please look up the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage on the internet and fill out the help request form on their website.

International Kids and Parents Event “Let's make easy riceball lunchboxes!”

The next bit of information I have to share with you is about an event for international kids and parents called “Let's make easy riceball lunchboxes”!

During this event, Japanese parents and kids and foreign parents and kids will get together to make onigiri-bento, or riceball lunchboxes, in a fun, international exchange event.

The event will be held on Saturday, March 11^th at  the Fukuoka City Health Promotion Support Center in the Airefu Cooking room. 

The deadline to register for this event is Monday the 20^th of February. To register for the event or to get more information, please go to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website at www.fcif.or.jp .

【Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Week】
In Japan, January 15 through January 21 is recognized as "Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Week," which was established after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that rocked Japan on January 17, 1995. Because the damage was so great, there was a limit to the amount of help that could be provided by the government alone. It is said that the earthquake made people realize the importance of helping each other in the community and neighborhoods and also taking measure to protect oneself.

In light of this, "Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Day" on January 17 and " Volunteer Week" from January 15-21 were established to remind people of the importance of disaster preparedness and of voluntary disaster prevention and of volunteer activities in the event of a disaster. So, take some time today to think about how you need to prepare in case of disaster in line with Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Week.

【Fukuoka City Information】

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

The Japanese Chatting Salon

Today's information is for any international students who are studying in Fukuoka. Do you know about the monthly Japanese Chatting Salon? It's an event where international students and Japanese volunteers can have a casual conversation. It takes place once a month and the next time it is happening is on Tuesday, January 31^st.

Using Zoom, international students and Japanese volunteers meet one on one or in small groups to talk about topics that interest them. If you are looking for a chance to use daily Japanese as well as practice the Japanese you've learned in class, or just want to chat with a native Japanese speaker, then definitely join in! The sessions are free but you do need to apply in advance. 

To apply for this event, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or the Facebook page. The Foundation's website is www.fcif.or.jp. If there is anything that you don't understand, just contact the Foundation and speak to someone in the Fukuoka International Student Support Association. The number to call is 092-262-1744. Again that number is 092-262-1744. They are looking forward to hearing from you!

The Winter Issue of FCIF and the End of Publication

And, the Fukuoka City Foundation also wants to let you know that the winter issue of FCIF, the foreign-language information paper about things like life in Fukuoka City and Japanese culture, has been published.

The theme of this issue is "Hakata's Winter Food Culture.

It includes interviews with foreign residents living in Fukuoka, procedures for enrolling in municipal elementary and junior high schools, and useful information on the My Number Card and other issues in daily life, so make sure you take a look.

You can get the paper at places such as your ward office, the Information Plaza at City Hall, and the Fukuoka International Student Housing.

You can also view it on the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website at www.fcif.or.jp.

Please note that with this winter issue, the publication  of "FCIF" will come to an end.

In order to provide timely and flexible information, the Foundation will continue to provide useful information through their website and social media.