Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Food Education Day】

In Fukuoka Prefecture, efforts are being made to promote food education and local production for local consumption as a prefecture-wide movement. As part of this initiative, on the 19th of every month, known as “Food Education Day,” a special farmers market corner is set up at the Fukuoka Prefectural Government Office in Hakata Ward, where fresh seasonal agricultural, forestry, and marine products, as well as processed goods, are sold.

The market is held every month on the 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and ends once items are sold out. If the 19th falls on a government office closing day, it is held on the nearest preceding business day instead. This month, it will be held over two days, Thursday the 18th and Friday the 19th. The location is the first-floor lobby of the Fukuoka Prefectural Government Office.

Why not support Fukuoka-produced agricultural, forestry, and marine products by buying them—and by enjoying them too?

【Fukuoka City Information】

Rainy Season and Heavy Rain

In Japan, the period from June to July is known as the “rainy season,” when there is a lot of rainfall.
Please be careful, as this is a time when disasters caused by heavy rain are more likely to occur.

In recent years, record-breaking rainfall during the rainy season has caused major damage in Fukuoka Prefecture as well.
When there is heavy rain, do not go near dangerous places such as rivers, coastlines, or steep slopes near mountains. Please take action to protect your life.

On the Fukuoka City website, you can check hazard maps and disaster prevention information.
Please check in advance what kinds of dangers exist in the area where you live and how to evacuate if necessary.
For details, search for “Fukuoka City Multilingual Portal” and visit the “Disaster” page.

Important information from Fukuoka City is also shared in multiple languages through the official Fukuoka City Facebook page “Global Community Fukuoka” and the Fukuoka City International Foundation Facebook page “Fukuoka City International Center / Attaka Fukuoka.”
Please follow these pages to receive important information regularly.

Taxes

People who were living in Fukuoka City on January 1 and whose income from the previous year exceeded 1.1 million yen may need to pay municipal and prefectural resident taxes.

A tax payment notice will arrive around June 15, so please make sure to check it carefully.
It will show the payment amount and payment deadline.
You can pay at convenience stores, banks, or post offices.
Payment by smartphone apps and credit card is also available.

If you work for a company, the tax may be deducted directly from your salary.
If you do not pay your municipal taxes, your property may be seized, and it could negatively affect future residency status renewal procedures.

If you do not understand something or have difficulty making payments, please consult your local ward office.
Consultations are available by phone in 23 languages.

The phone number is (092-753-6113).
After contacting the interpretation center, you will be connected to your ward office.
Please tell them the language you speak, the ward where you live, and that your inquiry is about taxes.

【Please Cooperate with Water Conservation】

Since last autumn, there has been very little rainfall in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Rainfall in the area where Kyushu's largest river, the Chikugo River, is located, has been the lowest in the past 50 years, according to observations.
As a result, the water storage level of the dams connected to the Chikugo River continues to decline.

About one-third of the tap water used in Fukuoka City comes from the Chikugo River. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure water from the river as we have in the past.
The forecast for the coming month also predicts less rainfall than usual.
If this dry weather continues, Fukuoka City will face a very serious water shortage.

For this reason, Fukuoka City is continuing efforts to conserve limited water resources and avoid waste.
It is said that if every citizen of Fukuoka saves just one bucket of water per day, the city can conserve approximately 6 million cubic meters of water over the course of a year.

So, let’s all be mindful and do our part to conserve water.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Filing City and Prefectural Taxes

I'm pretty sure that most of you have received your tax forms to file in Reiwa 8, they were sent by post from Fukuoka City. 

The deadline for filing is Monday, March 16th. The tax department of the ward office will accept your tax return from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, however the counters there may be crowded so please send your tax returns by mail or by internet. 

Those who are required to file Fukuoka City taxes include anyone who has lived in Fukuoka City since the first of January 2026 and had income in 2025. Those who submitted a final tax declaration to the tax authorities or those who only received a salaried income whose company filed year end adjustments  do not need to file a tax return. 

When filing, you need your My Number card or a document that shows your number and a driver's license, passport or resident card to show proof of identity. 

Documents, such as withholding slips that show your income from 2025 and any documents for deductions made during 2025 are also necessary.

For information on what documents are needed and anything else about filing your taxes, please visit your local ward offices website. If there is anything that you don't understand, please use the telephone translation hotline to call the ward offices. The hotline supports 25 languages including English , Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Nepali. The 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 filing taxes. If you go to your ward office in person, you can also use your phone and this service to help you with interpretation, so don't hesitate to use it!

"Blue Ticket” System for Bicycle Violations Starting in April

To continue, I'd like to share some changes coming to traffic violations regarding bicycles. 

In Japan, bicycles are considered "vehicles" and are subject to traffic regulations.

Starting in April 2026, a blue ticket (fine) system will be applied to bicycle traffic violations for riders aged 16 and older.

There are 113 types of violations that may be subject to fines. Among them, the following are especially important to watch out for:

Ignoring traffic signals

Using a smartphone while riding

Riding without lights at night

Riding against traffic

Riding on sidewalks

Riding side by side

Using earphones or headphones

Holding an umbrella while riding

Riding on the right side of the road

Entering prohibited areas

Not stopping at stop signs

In addition, it's important to never ride under the influence of alcohol.
Any of these traffic violations can lead to accidents and injuries.

To use bicycles safely and comfortably, please review the traffic rules and make a conscious effort not to violate them.

【Fukuoka Silvester Concert】

There are now fewer than 10 days left in the year. How about welcoming the end of the year and the moment of the New Year with music? On New Year's Eve, December 31, the Fukuoka Silvester Concert 2025 will be held at Fukuoka Sunpalace in Hakata Ward.

The Fukuoka Silvester Concert is a New Year’s Eve musical event where general participants from the public join in chorus and orchestra to welcome the New Year on a grand stage together with soloists and professional musicians. Since its first event in 2014, it has been held with the goals of promoting musical culture, contributing to the local community, and building human connections, with the involvement of many Fukuoka citizens. Beginners are welcome! People unfamiliar with classical music are especially encouraged to attend. Some people who came as audience members have even made their stage debut in the chorus the following year.

Even before the concert begins, the lobby events offer a fun experience, with food stalls, miscellaneous goods, and performances by street entertainers, making it easy for anyone to enjoy, even if they're not familiar with classical music. The concert program itself includes many well-known pieces such as Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” making it a great introduction to classical music.

The highlight of the concert is, without a doubt, the moment of the New Year countdown! Will the countdown performance—where the year changes right as the music ends—succeed again this year?

The countdown piece for 2025 has been decided: “The Blue Danube.” This piece by Johann Strauss II, who celebrates his 200th birth anniversary, will be performed with chorus. It promises to be a tense and emotional moment, a special experience where everyone can celebrate a glamorous New Year's together.

The concert will take place on New Year's Eve, December 31, at Fukuoka Sunpalace in Hakata Ward, starting shortly after 10 p.m. Why not spend the final night of the year with music and encounters with many people? Experience a uniquely Fukuoka New Year’s celebration that goes beyond the boundaries of classical music!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Spend the New Year's Holiday safely

Fukuoka City wants you to enjoy your winter holidays safely and enjoyably and has a few tips to share. 

From the end of the year to the start of the new year, there are a lot of opportunities to drink alcohol. So, make sure, 100%, that you don't drink and drive, don't make others drink and drive, never allow someone to drink and drive and don't ignore someone who would drink and drive. Even cycling after drinking is against the law.

And it's important to remember that even the next day you might have some alcohol in your system or will be hungover. In that case, even if you think you only have a little bit of alcohol left in your system, it doesn't mean you should drive, because you shouldn't. 

Also, every year, the end of the year sees more and more traffic accidents. If you are out late at night, make sure you are wearing bright or reflective clothes that are easy for drivers to notice. And if you are driving or even cycling, make sure you turn your headlights on earlier in the evening.

Next, we have a warning about investment scams and romance scams via social media.
There has been a sharp increase in fraud cases where people are tricked into investing money by individuals they meet through social media or dating apps, or by scammers pretending to be celebrities. To protect yourself:

1. Be cautious of investment solicitations on social media or the internet.

2. If someone you’ve never met in person discusses money, assume it might be a scam.

3. Any investment pitch that includes phrases like "guaranteed profits" or "guaranteed principal" is a scam.

Keep these three points in mind to avoid falling victim.

Finally, please don't smoke while walking outdoors or riding a bicycle and try to refrain from smoking outdoors when people are around. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Let’s protect ourselves and our loved ones and enjoy a safe and enjoyable winter holiday.

【New Areas and Services at Fukuoka International Airport】

This week, I’d like to tell you about the new areas and services at Fukuoka International Airport.

The commercial area inside the international terminal’s third-floor boarding lounge has been newly expanded and opened this month. Thirteen unique shops, including six making their first appearance in Kyushu, have opened as a retail zone to meet the needs of travelers just before boarding and the growing demand from inbound tourists. The lineup includes food and traditional crafts that allow you to rediscover the charm of Japan and Fukuoka before departure, as well as character merchandise, convenience stores, clothing shops, and electronics retailers—offering a wide range of options to meet diverse needs. The area is also stocked with travel goods useful for your journey and perfect souvenirs, making it a comfortable and convenient space.

In addition, the arrival lobby on the first floor now features a specialty capsule toy store, representing a piece of Japanese culture that has gained global popularity. With over 500 capsule toy machines lined up, it offers a diverse selection of items. You’re sure to find something you’ll want—whether for yourself or as a small gift.

Furthermore, a convenient new service has also been introduced. Starting in November, Fukuoka International Airport launched the AI-based lost and found support system called “Lost and Found Cloud – find.” This service allows you to easily inquire about lost items at the airport via chat. It supports not only Japanese but also English, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.

Please note that it covers only lost items kept within Fukuoka Airport; items lost in customs areas, onboard aircraft, at airline counters, or in airline lounges are not included. No app installation is required. Simply access it from the official website of Fukuoka International Airport, go through a simple email authentication, and you can start chatting immediately from your browser.

With the upcoming year-end and New Year holidays, I guess many of my listeners may be using the international terminal at Fukuoka Airport. I hope this information is helpful!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Ward Office Consultation and Garbage Collection over the New Year Holidays

 Over the New Year's holidays, there are a few changes to ward office consultation hours and the days on which you can put out the garbage, so please make note.

Ward offices will be closed from Saturday, December 27th, to Sunday, January 4th.   In the days before and after the new year holidays, the ward office consultation counters will be busy so make sure you give yourself plenty of time when you go there.

Also, from Wednesday, December 31st, to Saturday, January 3rd, there will be no garbage collection, so please do not put your garbage out for pick up. The last day to put out burnable garbage for scheduled pick up is Tuesday, December 30th.  Scheduled garbarge pick-up will resume on Sunday, January 4th.  For nonburnable garbage and glass and pet bottles, in areas where collection is scheduled for Thursday, January 1st, dispose of garbage on Tuesday, December 30th.

Also, applications and pickup for oversized garbage will be stopped between Sunday, December 28th, to Sunday, January 4th, so please be aware of that.

If you have questions about garbage disposal, you can call the Interpretation Center to connect with your local ward office.
The phone number is (092-753-6113).
Let them know your ward and that your inquiry is about garbage disposal.
The service is available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and from December 29th to January 3rd.

【Momiji Hachimangu Shrine's Momiji Festival】

Did you know that there is a shrine in Fukuoka City’s Sawara Ward called Momiji Hachimangu? As its name suggests, the shrine grounds are filled with many Japanese maple trees (momiji), and it is revered as a place for safe childbirth, protection of children, and warding off misfortune.

This weekend, on Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th, the shrine will host its annual Momiji Festival. The vivid red and yellow gradient created by around 100 maple trees, combined with the magical lighting displays, offer a breathtaking blend of traditional and natural beauty. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit and enjoy the stunning scenery.

【Fukuoka City Information】

World Aids Day

First is about World Aids Day on December 1st. Every year around the 1st of December, around the world, various events and activities take place, to deepen awareness and understanding of AIDS.

Even after being infected by HIV, definitive symptoms may not appear for a period of several years sometimes and so it is believed that there are a number of people who have been infected but will not be diagnosed until the onset of AIDS. By detecting HIV infection early and receiving the appropriate health care and treatment, the onset of AIDS can be delayed. 

Since there can be a period of several years without any noticeable symptoms even after infection, it’s important to get tested early, if you think you are at risk. At the health and welfare centers of each ward, HIV screening is offered. This screening is free of charge and anonymous. Screening is only on certain days so make sure you check the schedule on the Fukuoka City official website before you go.

And, I don't know if you know this but the red ribbon is a symbol that shows awareness and solidarity with those affected by AIDS. The red ribbon announces to others that you have no prejudice against people affected by AIDS and gives that message that we will not discriminate against those living with AIDS. The red ribbon days are from the 1st to 7th of December and over this period, the Hakata Port Tower and the Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum will be lit up in red in support. So for World AIDS Day, let's all take the time to learn the correct information about AIDS and how to prevent it.

Illegal dumping of garbage or Fly-tipping

I hope this doesn't really need to be said, but dumping oversized garbage and household waste in the mountains, forests, by the seaside, by rivers, on the road, or in parks is illegal.

In Fukuoka City, at the end of the year, many people do a big house clean and a lot of garbage is produced. As such, December has been designated as “Illegal Dumping Prevention Reinforcement Month”. Activities will be undertaken to strengthen measures to prevent the illegal dumping of waste.

Fukuoka City has, in cooperation with the police, installed surveillance cameras and warning signs in places where illegal dumping is common and will carry out patrols of those areas. 

Home appliances like TV's, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines and dryers, air conditioners and the like, are all subject to the Home Appliance Recycling Law and there is a set way to dispose of them. If you are buying replacement appliances, the shop will pick up your old appliance. If the shop will not take the old appliance, ask your local Yamada Denki to pick them up, or request collection from Renet Japan Recycle or SG Moving, disposal companies which have an agreement with the city. Please keep in mind that you will have to cover recycling fees and collection and transportation fees with these companies.

Also, when getting rid of your pc, please ask the manufacturer or contact Renet Japan Recycle to collect your PCs.

When making a request for the collection of unwanted items from your home, be sure to contact a licensed waste collection and transportation company. Using unlicensed companies can lead to issues such as illegal dumping or unexpectedly high fees, so please avoid using their services. 

【Ohori Park's Japanese Garden】

Fukuoka is home to many scenic gardens, and one of these is the Japanese Garden located at the south entrance of Ōhori Park in Chūō Ward.
Have you ever visited?

This garden, created using the techniques of traditional Japanese landscaping, is full of beautiful features to explore. Covering 1.2 hectares, it’s one of the largest gardens in the prefecture. A path encircles a large central pond, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing beauty of the seasons while strolling through the garden.

Inside the garden, there is a teahouse and on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Tuesdays of each month, the Tea Ceremony Hall (Chakaikan) is open to the public for free. You can also enjoy matcha tea for a small fee.

Currently, at this relaxing oasis in Fukuoka, the Ōhori Park Japanese Garden is hosting a special summer-only nighttime art event called “SORA 宙.” Set against the backdrop of a historic Japanese garden, the event combines cutting-edge digital technology with traditional Japanese aesthetics, creating an enchanting nighttime experience like no other.

Projection mapping is displayed on various garden features inspired by natural landscapes, allowing visitors to follow the light as they explore the grounds. This immersive experience expresses the Japanese worldview that “spirits reside in all things”—a unique cultural concept brought to life through modern visual art. It’s a new way to experience Japanese culture, inviting you to connect with its quiet depth in a garden that transforms completely after dark.

The event runs through the end of September, from sunset until 10 PM.
Why not stop by to cool off and enjoy a peaceful summer evening?

🔎 大濠公園日本庭園 「宙 -SORA-」

【Fukuoka City Information】

Eliminating Drunk Driving

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 19 years since that drunk driving accident which killed three children on the Umino-nakamichi-ohashi Bridge in Higashi Ward. In response to this tragedy, Fukuoka City has undertaken various initiatives to eliminate drunk driving.

Drunk driving is a crime.
You must not drive a car, motorcycle, or ride a 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 lowers your attention and judgment, which can delay your ability to detect danger, lead to excessive speeding, and increase the risk of traffic accidents. 

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!

【IRIE MUSIC with JIM BEAM SUMMER FES 2025 in FUKUOKA】

This weekend, LOVE FM’s reggae program “IRIE MUSIC” will be holding a special music event!
“Irie Music,” the 100% reggae program that airs every Saturday morning at 8 a.m., will host its popular outdoor music festival once again this year. This popular event will take place over three days in the heart of Tenjin, themed around “Reggae, Hip-Hop, and Okinawa,” bringing you feel-good, rhythmic music.
It’s a free music event that anyone can enjoy, from reggae beginners to longtime fans.

The event runs for three days, from this Friday, the 25th, to Sunday, the 27th.
On Friday, it starts at 4 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy music all day long starting from 11 a.m.
The venue is Tenjin Central Park, located just a short walk from Tenjin Station and once again, entry is free!

Of course, no festival is complete without great food!
You can enjoy a variety of delicious foods, including specialties from popular local restaurants and Okinawan cuisine, paired with refreshing cold drinks.
With fantastic live performances, delicious food, and drinks, come join us for the best music experience of the summer!

 🔎 https://lovefm.co.jp/jbsf/ 

【Fukuoka City Information】

Bicycle Rules and Manners

I guess like me, many of you probably ride bicycles on a regular basis.
If you are new here, do you know the rules and manners around riding bicycles here in Japan?

In Japan, bicycles, as a rule, are supposed to ride on the left side of the roadway.
Pedestrians have priority on sidewalks, so when riding on sidewalks, please ride slowly on the side of the road.
All bicyclists should wear helmets and you need to make sure you have a bicycle light to turn on at night. 

Two people riding on one bicycle or riding side by side is prohibited. 

Also, make sure you don't ride a bicycle while holding an umbrella, using a cell phone or even listening to headphones as doing any of these things while riding is dangerous. 

Finally, you should never drink alcohol and then ride a bicycle. 

If you need to park your bicycle, make sure it is parked in a bicycle parking lot.
Bicycles parked in areas other than bicycle parking lots, like on streets or in parks , are considered to be obstructive or a nuisance to pedestrians and end up being considered abandoned bicycles and can be subject to removal.
　 Fukuoka City charges a fee of 2,500 yen to have a removed bicycle returned, and if it is not picked up within a certain period of time, it will be disposed of.
Fortunately, to keep your bicycle safe, there are a number of parking areas near shopping malls and stations that offer free parking for a set period of time.

Another thing to know about cycling here is that, anyone who rides a bicycle in Fukuoka City must purchase bicycle insurance.
If you have an accident on your bicycle, you may have to pay a lot of money to the other party involved in the accident. If you have bicycle insurance, for example, if you injure someone while riding your bicycle, the insurance will pay for medical treatment and other expenses instead of you. So, make sure you have bicycle insurance in case of an accident.

Bicycles are a great way to get around and are environmentally friendly, but it's important to know the rules and manners as well to have a safe ride around the city!

【Fukuoka Civic Orchestra】

Do you enjoy classical music?

This Sunday, June 15th, the Fukuoka Civic Orchestra will hold its regular concert at the ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall in Tenjin, Fukuoka City. 

Founded in 1972, the Fukuoka Civic Orchestra is an amateur ensemble that has continued vibrant performance activities with the aim of becoming an "orchestra loved by the citizens." The orchestra consists of around 100 members, mainly working adults, but also includes students, homemakers, and people from various walks of life. They rehearse every Saturday and focus on holding two regular concerts a year, along with other performances throughout the year.

The program for this concert includes:

Spring Song, a symphonic poem by Jean Sibelius

Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major by Jean Sibelius

Selections from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61 by Felix Mendelssohn

Before the main performance, there will also be a lobby concert and a pre-talk by the conductor.

The concert takes place on Sunday, June 15th. Doors open at 1:00 PM, and the performance begins at 2:00 PM.

All seats are non-reserved. Tickets are 1,500 yen for general admission, and 500 yen for students from elementary through university level.

We hope you’ll take this opportunity to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of classical music!

【Fukuoka City Information】

About Taxes

If you live in Fukuoka City and earned more than 1 million yen in the previous year from January 1 to December 31, you may be required to pay residential taxes, those are municipal and prefectural taxes. 

A tax payment notice will be sent to you around June 15.
Please make sure to open the envelope, as it contains important information about how much you owe and the payment deadline.

You can pay your taxes at convenience stores, banks, or post offices.
Payment is also possible using a smartphone payment app or credit card.

If you are employed by a company, these taxes may be automatically deducted from your salary.

If you do not pay your taxes, you may face property seizure or experience difficulties when renewing your residence status.

If you are unsure about anything or have trouble paying, please consult your local ward office. You can also get help over the phone in 23 different languages.

The phone number is (092-753-6113). 
This number connects you to an interpretation center, which will then connect you to the appropriate ward office. Please tell the interpreter which language you speak, which ward you live in, and that you are calling about taxes.

【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.

【FUKUOKA IS OPEN Center】

A new school and work year has begun—! Have you settled into your new rhythm? Many of you may be working hard in a new environment or have just started a new life here in Fukuoka.

This week, I’d like to introduce the FUKUOKA IS OPEN Center, a one-stop consultation service for foreign residents living in Fukuoka Prefecture.

The FUKUOKA IS OPEN Center is a free consultation service that supports the improvement of living and working conditions, so that people can live safely and comfortably—and thrive—in Fukuoka. Located on the 3rd floor of ACROS Fukuoka in Tenjin, Chuo Ward, the center is run in cooperation with Fukuoka Prefecture and various specialized agencies. They offer free support and advice on job hunting, employment, residency status, housing, medical care, education, and more.

Excluding national holidays and year end holidays, the center is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, and also on the 3rd Sunday and 4th Saturday of each month.

In addition to in-person consultations, support is also available online, by email, and by phone, in 24 languages.

There’s also a multilingual portal site, FUKUOKA IS OPEN, which includes useful information for daily life and videos featuring foreign residents sharing what they love about Fukuoka. Be sure to check it out!

We hope everyone can enjoy a fulfilling and comfortable life here in Fukuoka!

【Fukuoka City information】

Rules about putting out the garbage

There are a lot of people starting a new chapter in their lives in Fukuoka now and that does typically mean buying new things or getting rid of old things. Which brings us to garbage and the rules around garbage here.

In Fukuoka City, garbage is seperated into different categories. They are burnable, nonburnable and plastic pet bottles and glass garbage, as well as over-sized garbage. Other than oversized garbage, you can buy the bags for each type of garbage at convenience stores and supermarkets, so make sure you use the Fukuoka City garbage bags for throwing things out.

The red bag is for burnable garbage. This is used for garbage like food scraps, paper waste, clothes and plastics.

The blue bag is for nonburnable garbage which includes things like empty cans and glass or ceramics.

And the yellow bag is for plastic pet bottles and glass bottles.

The day on which garbage is picked up is specific to your neighborhood. Burnable garbage is picked up twice a week and nonburnable and glass bottles and plastic pet bottles are picked up once a month.

Garbage is picked up late at night so garbage should be put out between sunset and midnight on your collection day in the designated location.

If you need to find out when garbage is picked up in your neighborhood, you can do so by adding the official Fukuoka City LINE account to your friend's list. Set your location when you add the account and you will get notifications for the pickup day.

And, if you type in the name of the garbage you want to throw out, the account will tell you which bag you should put it in, so it's a pretty handy service.  

If you can't fit something you want to throw out in one bag because it is too big or is heavy enough to tear the bag, it is considered over-sized garbage and needs to be thrown out through a different process. For over-sized garbage, pick-up can be arranged if you contact the Fukuoka City Oversized Garbage center, or Sodai Gomi Uketsuke in Japanese, by phone, on the internet or through LINE. They will tell you how much it will cost to throw away the item, where to put it and on what day and time they will pick it up.

If you decide to call the Oversized Garbage Center, you can call 092-731-1153, again that is 092-731-1153. They have support for 23 different languages through an interpretation center. There is also a QR code service that provides information on garbage disposal rules in 10 different languages. Just check the Fukuoka City website for more information on that.