Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Itoshima Oyster Huts】

The season of "oyster huts," a winter tradition in Fukuoka, has arrived, and I'm sure, if you have been before, many of you are probably looking forward to it again this year!

Every year at this time of year, a row of huts and green house style buildings, directly operated by the local fishermen, open at six fishing ports in Itoshima for a limited time only.
The oyster huts in Itoshima have actually become so popular over the past few years that one could almost call it a boom! They are popular not only among locals, but also among travelers from Japan and abroad, with many repeat customers, and the number of visitors is increasing every year.
Oysters are so rich in nutrients that they are called the "milk of the sea." Oysters are in season during the cold winter season, and the oysters from Itoshima are fresh, safe, large, and delicious, while being reasonably priced.

Oysters, fresh in their shells are ordered by the kilogram, and are  simply grilled over a charcoal or gas fire. Open the shells with a special knife and eat them with lemon or ponzu sauce. 
Some restaurants will lend you a jacket or smock to keep your clothes clean, and some allow you to bring your own drinks and seasonings. So, go to Itoshima this winter to get your fill of their delicious oysters!

【Fukuoka City Information】

World AIDS Day

Next, I have information from Fukuoka City.

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 time 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. 

At the health and welfare centers of each ward, HIV screening is offered. This screening is free of charge and anonymous. So, if you think you may be at risk, get checked as soon as possible. Screening is only on certain days so make sure you check which days 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.

Traders who advertise “Free pick-up for items you don't need” through flyers and the internet, are illegal collectors who have not received permission from Fukuoka City. Please do not use these unauthorized collectors as problems such as illegal dumping, high fees and improper processing of waste may occur.

【Momiji-gari, Autumn Leaves Viewing】

The temperature is dropping, and the weather is feeling a bit
more autumn-like. The trees are turning vivid shades of red, orange, green, and yellow, and in Japan, just
as people enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the spring, there's a cultural tradition of appreciating the
colorful foliage in the autumn.
It's called "紅葉狩り" (Momijigari), and it involves activities such as walking, hiking, taking a drive, or
traveling to hot springs in order to see the autumn foliage. People also take photos of the colorful leaves,
paint them, or enjoy meals or a soak in the hot spring while surrounded by the vibrant scenery. There are
so many ways to appreciate this natural beauty, you just need to find the one that suits you.
In the next topic, the information from Fukuoka City, I'll introduce some recommended spots within
Fukuoka city for enjoying Momijigari!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese Gardens and Autumn Foliage
First, one great spot to see Autumn colors is at a Japanese garden and fortunately, Fukuoka City boasts
several Japanese gardens. Here in the city, we have:
1. Yusentei Park
2. Shofuen Garden
3. Rakusuien Garden
4. Ohori Park Japanese Garden
These Japanese gardens are conveniently located within the city, which means they're easy to get to for a
visit. And they're a great place for even a short visit because Japanese gardens provide the opportunity to
appreciate seasonal beauty within a limited space.
They often offer matcha tea for a small fee, allowing you to relax while enjoying the garden's view. You
can take leisurely strolls around the ponds and savor the tranquil, crisp air.
This season is a recommended time to visit these gardens, as you can also enjoy the beautiful autumn
foliage. But, if a Japanese garden isn't your cup of tea, Fukuoka City has many other popular spots for
viewing autumn leaves, such as the Fukuoka City Museum area, Aburayama Citizen's Forest, and
Momijihachimangu Shrine. From November to December, these places reach their peak for autumn
foliage. So, get out and enjoy these places this autumn.

Bicycle Parking Manners
One more topic to share and for those of you who commute by bicycle, this is important information for
you. There are a lot of us who get around the city by bicycle and it's important to make sure that we are
parking in designated bicycle parking areas.

Bicycles parked in areas other than bicycle parking lots, like on the street or in public parks are
considered an obstruction to pedestrians or even a nuisance, and are therefore subject to removal under
the assumption that they are abandoned bicycles.
Fukuoka City charges a fee of 2,500 yen to return a bicycle that has been removed, and if the bicycles are
not picked up within a certain period of time, they will be discarded.
There are bicycle parking lots near shopping centers and stations that offer free parking for set periods of
time, so even though it might seem like a hassle, make use of them because it's a lot better than paying
money to get your bicycle back from bike jail!

【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!

【The Summer Solstice】

Next week, the 21st of June, marks the summer solstice or “Geshi” in Japanese.

The summer solstice is the day with the longest period of daylight from sunrise to sunset. It is also the day of the year when daytime is the longest, about 4 hours and 50 minutes longer than the winter solstice "toji", which is the shortest day of the year.

After this day, summer officially begins, and the temperatures start to rise. As it gets hotter, it's common for our appetite to decrease, and there is a tendency to consume lighter, refreshing meals, which can actually lead to nutritional deficiencies. It's important to maintain a balanced diet and ensure that you're getting enough nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium, to help you get through the summer.

Additionally, engaging in moderate exercise and getting sufficient sleep are also crucial for getting through the summer season.

So, let's all get ready for the summer by focusing on nutrition and building our physical stamina.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Taxes

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City. If you live in Fukuoka City, and have earned more than 1 million yen the previous year, from January 1st to December 31st, you may need to pay taxes. You will receive a tax payment notification around the 15th of June. Please make sure you open that envelope, it has information on when you need to pay and how much will be due. You can pay at convenience stores, the bank or even the post office. If you are a regular company employee, these taxes may be taken out from your salary by your company.

If you do not pay your taxes, you may risk facing difficulty when it comes time to renew your residence status or risk being subject to seizure of property.

If there is anything you don't understand, or if you may have difficulty making payments, please consult with your local ward office. You can also consult by phone in 18 different languages. The phone number for this is 092-753-6113. This phone number will connect you to the ward office after you speak with an interpreter. Please tell the interpreter which ward you live in and that you are calling about taxes.

Foreign Student Taught Language Classes-Recruiting for Classes

I also have some information from the Fukuoka International Foundation to share with you about the language classes being taught this year by international exchange students.  The classes offer the opportunity to learn languages from various countries, such as Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, German, and Arabic. Through interactions with international student instructors, you will not only learn the language but also gain insights into their native cuisines and cultures. The classes will be conducted in Japanese.

The venue for the classes is Fukuoka City International Hall, which is just a 5-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Fukuoka City Subway.

The courses run from July 2023 to February 2024, totaling 8 months with a total of 28 lessons. The total tuition fee for each course is 33,000 yen.

For more detailed information regarding the languages offered, schedule, and other information, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation. You can search for "Foreign Language Classes Taught by International Students" on a search engine to access the page you need.

The application deadline is June 20th. They're looking forward to getting your applications!

【Baby Stations】
For the new parents out there who are worried about taking your babies out with you on a day out in the city, this information is some great news for you. Fukuoka City has a variety of "baby stations," or "akachan no eki" , located throughout the city, where you can breastfeed and change diapers which makes outings with infants a whole lot easier.

The symbol for these facilities is an illustration of a pink baby's face. To find out where these facilities are located, you just need to access Fukuoka City's official LINE account.
Simply by sending your location information, you can find a nearby "Baby Station," . Talk about convenient!

With an infant in tow, you may be a little hesitant to go out because you are worried about breastfeeding, diaper changing and everything else that goes with taking care of a baby, so make good use of these baby stations and enjoy your shopping, dining or sightseeing day out in the city.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Light vehicle tax

Now I have some information from Fukuoka City about the Light Vehicle Tax.

People who are in possession of a motorized bike or a light vehicle, as of April 1^st, must pay a light vehicle tax.

If you do have 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 31^st of May and you can make your payment at a convenience store, bank or post office.

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, 18 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.

Bicycle parking manners

For those of you who commute by bicycle, this is important information for you. There are a lot of us who get around the city by bicycle and it's important to make sure that we are parking in designated bicycle parking areas.

Bicycles parked in areas other than bicycle parking lots, like on the street or in public parks are considered an obstruction to pedestrians or even a nuisance, and are therefore subject to removal under the assumption that they are abandoned bicycles.
Fukuoka City charges a fee of 2,500 yen to return a bicycle that has been removed, and if the bicycles are not picked up within a certain period of time, they will be discarded.
There are bicycle parking lots near shopping centers and stations that offer free parking for set periods of time, so even though it might seem like a hassle, make use of them because it's a lot better than paying money to get your bicycle back from bike jail!

【Subway Nanakuma Line Tenjin-Minami - Hakata Extension Opens!】

Fukuoka City boasts some of the most convenient public transport access in Japan, with its proximity to the airport and the city center, trains and subways running from east to west and north to south, and numerous bus routes. Now, the city is even more convenient with the addition of another subway line connecting Tenjin and Hakata!

A new station called "Kushida Jinja-mae" was opened between "Tenjin Minami" and "Hakata" stations, and you can now get to shopping mall "Canal City Hakata" in about 2 to 3 minutes on foot from the nearest subway station, whereas it used to take about 8 to 10 minutes!

Definitely take advantage of the spring weather and the very convenient public transportation here in the city to go out and discover the many charms of Fukuoka City.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Bicycle 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. 
Riding two on a bicycle or riding side by side is prohibited. It is also important to never drink alcohol and then ride a bicycle.

One more thing is to 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. 

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 discarded.
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!

【About Fukuoka City】
This week, I would like to introduce Fukuoka City again, as I know many of you have started your new lives in Fukuoka City this spring.
Fukuoka City is a very energetic city and is called the "Gateway to Asia" with many international flights arriving every day. It is also the center of politics, economy, culture, and fashion in Kyushu.
With a population of over 1.6 million, many people from Japan and abroad have immigrated to the city, and there area as many as 40,000 international residents currently living here.
In addition to its convenient transportation, the best food stalls in Japan, and the high quality of its food culture, the city offers a wide range of shopping facilities, and its urban side of life is also concentrated in a compact area.
It is also surrounded by the sea and mountains, with many parks, making a city where urban and and nature coexist in harmony. It makes it very convenient and comfortable to live here!
In this season when the weather is nice, when you get the chance, take a day off and explore the city on foot!

【Fukuoka City Information】
Rules about putting out the garbage
Now, I've got some information to share with you about a big part of life in Fukuoka City.

There are a lot of people who are starting a new chapter in their lives this month and that does typically mean buying new things or getting rid of old things. Which brings us to garbage.
In Fukuoka City, garbage is separated into three types. There is burnable, nonburnable and plastic pet bottles and glass garbage. You can buy the bags for each type of garbage at convenience stores and supermarkets.

The red bag is for burnable garbage. This is used for garbage like paper waste, food scraps, 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, 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. They have support for 18 different languages. 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 that QR code.

【March's seasonal vegetable-Nira or Garlic Chives】
Now that we are in March, the days are getting warmer and warmer, but you may still find the evenings a bit chilly. That temperature gap can be a bit rough on the body since you might still be feeling a bit tired out from the cold of winter, so to keep yourself feeling good and strong, it's important that you eat lots of good seasonal foods with plenty of nutrients.
One of those foods happens to be Nira, the garlic chive, which is in season in March.
Allicin, the unique aroma component of garlic chives, is said to increase the absorption rate of vitamin B1 and convert sugar into energy.
One dish that happens to contain a lot of vitamin B1 and allicin is sauteed liver and nira. It is a kind of stamina food and is one way to boost your energy.
When you buy nira, it's good to remember that they are freshest when they are bright green all over, firm to the tips of the leaves and look fresh.
Make an active effort to take advantage of the foods of each season to boost your immune system.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Avoiding the Rush When Moving House

March and April are busy months for moving house and as a result, the consultation desks at your local ward offices may be quite crowded. The period between March 20^th and April 10^th are especially busy with wait times of 2 to 3 hours, so if you can try to avoid that period. However, that's not always possible,and if you find that you're too busy on weekdays to submit the notification of your move to the ward office, then you'll be glad to know that there are several weekend days when the offices are open for paperwork related to moving in or out of the city.

On Sunday the 26^th of March and Sunday the 2^nd of April, Fukuoka City ward offices and their branches will be temporarily opened from 10am to 2pm to take paperwork in regards to moving in or out of the city. 

If you are moving out of Fukuoka City, you do not have to go to the ward office to report your move-out. You can do so by mail or online if you have your My Number Card.
If you are moving from one place to another inside Fukuoka city you do not need the notification of the move out of your previous residence, you just need to submit notification that you have moved into your new residence.

There is now an online service available to make reservations with the ward office to take care of moving procedures. Reservations can even be done via a smartphone but must be made by 8:30 am, 5 business days before your desired date. You just need to send the date you want to go in, and information about your address change. With this system, an appointment can be easily arranged and the process at the consultation desk will take less time.
If you have any questions, you can check with the ward office using a telephone interpreter.
The telephone number is 092-753-6113. Again, that phone number is 092-753-6113.
Tell them you are moving to Fukuoka City and would like to discuss moving procedures with the ward where you live.

One more process that you should remember when moving is making sure you call to have your water turned on or turned off. You will need to have the notification of your move for this. Please call at least 4 business days before you move to arrange this. The phone number for that is 092-532-1010. Again, that number is 092-532-1010. Phone calls will be accepted in languages other than Japanese. This process can also be done online.

Garbage from Moving House

Also with Spring and the moving season, this time tends to be when we see a lot more oversized garbage, like furniture and home electronics. Fortunately, I have information on how to use the Oversized Garbage Disposal Center to get rid of all of that.

The first way to do it is by applying for pickup with the Oversized Garbage Disposal Center. First, contact them by phone or by internet, or even through the Official Fukuoka City Line Account, to put in your application and then purchase the appropriate oversized garbage disposal ticket at the convenience store or other shops.

The garbage pickup day will be roughly one week after you apply.

You must put out the garbage by 8:30am on the collection day in the designated spot.

The phone number for the Oversized Garbage Disposal Center is 092-731-1153. Again, that number is 092-731-1153.

If you apply via the internet or Line, you can do so at your convenience, 24 hours a day.

For TV's, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers and air conditioners, according to the home appliance recycling law, there are specific guidelines for disposal.

You can have the old appliance removed by the firm installing the new one or you can contact the store where you originally bought the appliance. You can also contact the Yamada Denki in your city about disposal. Recycling fees as well as fees for collection and transport will be required.

【Seasonal Flowers=Nanohana】

Nanohana or Rapeseed blossoms, with their bright yellow flowers, are a well-loved “Promise of spring” , much like cherry blossoms and are in bloom right around the same time.
In fact, rapeseed is a member of the Brassicaceae family of vegetables, and is related to komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach) and Chinese cabbage.

From the past until now, this plant has been valued not only for its flowers but also as a source of food with its fresh spring flavor. The rapeseed season in Fukuoka is relatively long and lasts from early February to mid-April. As the weather gets warmer, people are out enjoying the view of the blossoms in a number of spots around the prefecture. And, as I mentioned before, the timing is right around the time the cherry blossoms bloom, giving visitors a colorful spring scene to feast their eyes on.
In some places in Fukuoka Prefecture, two types of rapeseed  are planted: "early blooming rape blossoms" and "late blooming rape blossoms," allowing visitors to fully enjoy them during the season.
There are also many places to enjoy these blossoms such as Umino-nakamichi Seaside Park (Umino-nakamichi Kaihin-Ko-en) and Nokonoshima Island Park. It's just about time to go out and enjoy these lovely yellow flowers, they're waiting for you and will surely brighten your day. 

【Info From Fukuoka City】

Filing City and Prefectural Taxes

Well, moving on from that, now I've got some information from Fukuoka City about filing taxes. I'm pretty sure that most of you have received your tax forms to file in Reiwa 5, they were sent by post from Fukuoka City.

The deadline for filing is Wednesday, March 15^th. 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 2023 and had income in 2022. 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 2022 and any documents for deductions made during 2022 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 18 languages including English , Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Nepali. The number is 092-753-6113. Again, the number for that hotline 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!

【The End of the Year and the New Year】

We are coming up toward the end of the year and during this time, as well as over the New Year's holidays, at Christmas parties and New Year's celebrations, we tend to eat and drink way too much. Too much stress on the stomach and intestines can lead to stomachaches and bloating. So, when you are out, try to not consume too much meat, coffee, alcohol, strong spices, or strong black or green teas, as they can really do a number on the stomach by  increasing the production of stomach acid.

It goes without saying, but I'll say it here: One of the simplest ways to maintain good health is to eat a regular, nutritionally balanced diet. This is important not only for maintaining a healthy digestive system, but also for enhancing the body's immune system and which will keep you from getting sick easily.

Although it may be difficult during the year-end and New Year's holiday season with all the bonenkai invitations and chances to meet up with friends and family, try to at least eat at home for dinner. When you are at home, keep it simple with meals like nabe or udon which are easy to digest, and try to keep your eating schedule fairly regular.

Let's all welcome the new year with a fresh start while maintaining a healthy diet and a happy belly.

【Fukuoka City information】

Ward office consultation and putting out the garbage 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. For ward offices and the Health and Welfare Center, please be aware that these places will be closed from Thursday the 29^th of December to Tuesday the 3^rd of January.  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 Saturday the 31^st of December to Tuesday the 3^rd of January, please do not put your garbage out for pick up. Burnable garbage can only be put out on your area's scheduled garbage day up to Friday the 30^th of December and then after Wednesday the 4^th of January. For nonburnable garbage and glass and pet bottles, if Sunday January 1^st  is your regular day to put them out, instead they can be put out beforehand on Thursday, December 29th.

If it is Monday, January 2^nd , put your nonburnables out on Friday, December 30^th.

For areas where Tuesday, January 3^rd is a regular pickup day, garbage will be picked up instead on Friday, January 6^th.

Also, applications and pickup for oversized garbage will be stopped between Thursday, December 29^th to Tuesday, January 3rd, so please be aware of that.

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, at 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, make sure you turn your headlights on earlier in the evening.

Next, we have a warning for you about bag snatching incidents. There have been a number of these crimes from the evening to midnight in places where there are few people around. A lot of these incidents have occurred with the criminals riding motorbikes and snatching bags as they pass by. To avoid being involved in such an incident, make you carry your bag on the side opposite to the road and pay attention to your surroundings, making sure you look back behind you if you sense signs of people or hear a motorbike.

Protect yourself and the things that are important to you and have a safe and enjoyable winter holiday.