Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Agapanthus Black Jack】

Did you see the Agapanthus Black Jack at the Fukuoka Flower Show? General sales of this flower have now begun in Fukuoka City. Apparently, this variety was unveiled in Japan for the first time at the Fukuoka Flower Show, which was held by Fukuoka City in March last year. It was also selected as the very first “Feature Flower.”

“Feature Flowers” are chosen from among highly acclaimed new varieties from around the world. They are flowers that are easy to grow, blend naturally into city scenery and people’s daily lives, and have the potential to become future flower trends.

Agapanthus Black Jack won the top award in the plant variety category at the Chelsea Flower Show 2023, one of the world’s most prestigious international flower shows.

This variety is known for its unique beauty, with clusters of small, deep black-purple flowers. It also has a long flowering season and can be enjoyed from early summer throughout much of the summer.

Another advantage is that it is highly resistant to heat and dry conditions, making it relatively easy to grow even during Japan’s hot summer weather.

This rare new variety, which has received high praise around the world, can now finally be purchased at garden centres and other retailers, around one year after it was first introduced in Japan.

Why not try growing it yourself as a striking new feature for your garden or balcony?

If you didn't have a chance to see the flowers during the flower show and want to see them for yourself, the Agapanthus Black Jack has also been planted at the Fukuoka City Botanical Garden and Maizuru Park.

When you go for a visit, keep an eye out for the beautiful, deep black-purple flowers of the  Black Jack.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Please Take Care to Avoid Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its temperature properly due to heat and intense physical activity, leading to an imbalance of body fluids and electrolytes. Symptoms of heatstroke include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.

If you are feeling these symptoms, and unable to drink water on your own, or if cooling your body and replenishing fluids and electrolytes does not lead to recovery, please call emergency services at 119 and request an ambulance. Particularly from July onwards, as the temperatures start to rise after the end of the rainy season, there is a rapid increase in heatstroke-related emergency transport cases. During this period, be cautious as the humidity is high and your body may not be acclimated to the heat.

Heatstroke can happen not only outdoors but also indoors, so caution is necessary. Here are some tips for preventing heatstroke:

Stay hydrated by drinking fluids regularly. You should drink things like barley tea or water during normal daily activities, and  rehydration drinks or sports drinks when engaging in physical exercise. Replenish both fluids and electrolytes when you sweat.

Wear a hat and use a parasol to avoid direct sunlight.

Use air conditioning and fans effectively to keep the room temperature below 28 degrees Celsius.

Use cooling items such as cooling sheets or ice pillows.

Finally, maintain your physical condition by eating well-balanced meals and getting enough sleep. Stay safe and cool this summer. 

【Blueberries】

Blueberries, which come into season from early summer and stay in season through the summer, are a popular fruit known for their sweet-tart flavor and rich nutritional value. From June through September, blueberry-picking farms begin opening across Fukuoka Prefecture, offering a fun seasonal activity.

In the nature-rich Wakiyama area of Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City, you’ll find Country Farm Kiichigoya, a blueberry farm where the berries are carefully grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides. The farm now has around 400 blueberry bushes, all full of fruit. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of original products made with freshly harvested blueberries, including blueberry jam, blueberry vinegar, and ice pops. In addition, blackberry picking is available until around mid-July. Part of the farm is covered with rain shelters, so you can enjoy berry picking even on rainy days without getting wet.

There’s something special about walking among the trees and picking perfectly ripe blueberries with your own hands, so why not refresh yourself in nature with family and friends while enjoying the flavors of the season?

【Fukuoka City Information】

Information about the National Health Insuranc

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

Those enrolled in the Fukuoka City National Health Insurance must pay insurance premiums. These premiums are an important source of funding used for medical expenses. The insurance premiums for the period from April 2026 to March 2027 were determined in June based on the previous year's income and other factors.

For those enrolled in the National Health Insurance, payment notices have been sent out today June 15th  in a blue envelope. When you receive your envelope, please check the amount of the insurance premium listed in the documents inside the envelope and pay the premium within the payment deadline. Failure to pay the insurance premium may result in an investigation of your assets and the seizure of your savings or salary, so please be aware.

If you have any questions, you can receive consultations over the phone in 24 different languages. The phone number is (092-753-6113). That phone number is for a interpretation center, so after speaking to a representative you will be connected to your local ward office. Make sure you tell them which ward you live in and that you want help with the National Health Insurance. 

【Fireflies】

Fireflies drifting through the air with their soft, magical glow are a beautiful sight to see. Although many people associate fireflies with summer, they actually only appear for a short period from late May to mid-June.

It is said that fireflies are most active on warm, humid nights with temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius, especially on cloudy and windless evenings. Nights after rain or just before rainfall, when the air feels muggy, are considered the best time to see them. Their activity usually peaks about two hours after sunset, so visiting around that time is recommended.

Fireflies prefer areas with rich nature and clean water. In Fukuoka City, there are many famous viewing spots where you can see fireflies, including the rooftop of JR Hakata City at Hakata Station, Myohoji Temple in Chuo Ward, and the upper stream area of the Muromi River in Sawara Ward. Firefly viewing is a wonderful outing for an early summer evening.

However, fireflies are very delicate creatures. Touching them can quickly weaken them, so please do not catch them, and simply enjoy watching them quietly. Strong lights such as car headlights, flashlights, and camera flashes are also strictly prohibited. Please follow proper manners while enjoying the fireflies.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Easy Japanese Radio Course

Have you ever listened to the “Easy Japanese Radio Course”?
This program speaks slowly in “easy Japanese” for foreign residents who may not yet fully understand Japanese.
It shares useful information that foreign residents should know while living in Japan.

The program airs every Friday from 9:54 a.m.
Even if there is something you don’t understand or you miss the broadcast, don’t worry!
You can listen again anytime on the podcast while following along with the script posted on the Love FM website.
Please give it a listen.

HIV Testing Awareness Week

The week from June 1 to June 7 is HIV Testing Awareness Week.
In 2025, medical institutions in Fukuoka City newly reported 10 HIV cases and 11 AIDS patients.

Prevention, early detection, and early treatment are very important for HIV infection.
Since HIV infection usually causes very few symptoms at first, testing is necessary to know whether or not you have been infected.

Each ward Health and Welfare Center distributes free HIV self-testing kits that can be used at home.
You can also take tests for syphilis and genital chlamydia, which have been increasing in recent years, at the same time.

Testing is simple. You collect blood and urine samples at home and mail them to a testing center. The results can then be checked online.
Distribution dates for the testing kits are scheduled in advance, so please check the Fukuoka City website beforehand.

By detecting HIV early and receiving proper health management and treatment, it is possible to delay the onset of AIDS.
If you are concerned, please get tested for early detection.

【Rakugo in English ”イングリッシュ de 落語”】

This Saturday, the much-acclaimed “English Rakugo” returns to Tenjin!

Have you heard of “English Rakugo”?

Rakugo is a traditional Japanese storytelling art that dates back to the Edo period. A single storyteller, or rakugoka, performs multiple characters and brings an imaginative world to life. “English Rakugo” retains the essence of classic Rakugo while expressing it in English, stimulating the imagination beyond language barriers. It’s gaining attention as a form of universal entertainment that everyone—Japanese speakers and non-Japanese speakers alike—can laugh at and enjoy together.

Originally performed in 2024, English de Rakugo—led by two rakugo performers, Tatekawa Shinohachi and Shinoharu—received great acclaim as a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture through English. Whether you’re a longtime fan of rakugo or completely new to it, you can laugh together in the same space! It’s a shared comedy experience that transcends both borders and language.

English de Rakugo with Tatekawa Shinohachi and Shinoharu will take place this Saturday, the 7th, starting at 3:00 PM. The venue is Resola Hall, right in the heart of Tenjin, just steps away from the LOVE FM studio. All seats are unreserved and tickets are ¥2,000. Student discounts are also available.

For more information, please check the LOVE FM website.

I went to the first volume in 2024 and enjoyed it so much that I'm planning to go this time too!

Wouldn’t you like to experience this new form of entertainment—where laughter, English, and traditional arts come together? If you have the chance, take this opportunity to enjoy Japan’s traditional “sit-down comedy”: Rakugo!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Lifestyle Related Disease Prevention Month

February is Life-style related disease prevention month. 

These are diseases that develop due to, as you may have guessed, our life-style. Life-style related diseases include diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and heart attacks and are caused by poor nutrition, a lack of regular exercise and insufficient sleep. Smoking, excessive drinking and stress can also cause life-style related diseases. 

To maintain a healthy life-style, balanced and appropriately portioned meals, three times a day at regular times, is key.  Constantly eating nutritionally unbalanced foods, like instant meals or greasy foods, can lead to obesity and diabetes. They also say that chewing your food properly is important in a healthy diet as it will reduce the burden on your digestive system and strengthen the muscles around the mouth. Take your time to eat, aim to spend at least 20 minutes enjoying your meal. 

Regular exercise is also important as the loss of muscle mass due to a lack of exercise will affect your basal metabolic rate, which is the number of calories you burn as your body performs basic functions. If this rate decreases, it's more likely you'll gain weight.  So make time to exercise to maintain your muscle strength and mass. For people who don’t exercise much, try walking to the store instead of driving, using stairs instead of elevators or escalators, and adding about 10 more minutes of physical activity to your daily routine by taking advantage of small opportunities throughout the day. 

Sleep is also essential to your health. It plays an important role in our health as it allows us to get rid of mental and physical fatigue and boosts our immunity. But to maintain our immunity, it's important that we are getting enough sleep and that our sleep is good quality sleep. Avoid using your smartphone, watching TV, or consuming caffeine or alcohol before going to bed, as these will reduce the quality of your sleep.  Instead, find another way to relax, perhaps by taking a bath before bed, or doing whatever is it you like to do to relax. It's important to live a stress-free life. Perhaps this is an opportunity to reflect on and improve your daily habits.

【Fukuoka Budokan】

This month, the relocated Fukuoka Budokan has newly opened at Higashi Park in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City.

The Fukuoka Budokan is a martial arts center managed by Fukuoka Prefecture. It hosts martial arts competitions such as judo, kendo, kyudo, and sumo, as well as police training exercises. It also serves as a hub for promoting sports among the public. The facility was originally located near Ohori Park in Chuo Ward but has now relocated due to the reconstruction of the Fukuoka Prefectural Art Museum. The new Budokan has opened on the west side of the Fukuoka Citizens’ Gymnasium.

The new building has one basement floor and four above-ground floors. The first floor houses a sumo ring. On the second floor, there are four indoor judo and kendo courts, which were previously outdoors. The fourth floor has a kyudo (Japanese archery) range. Additionally, the basement level now features a newly built gymnasium the size of one basketball court.

Designed as a space that “connects martial arts and Fukuoka’s culture,” the building features a design inspired by the spirit of Japanese martial arts, with an exterior patterned after Hakata-ori (traditional Hakata weaving) to reflect the essence of Fukuoka. Inside, traditional crafts from Fukuoka Prefecture are on display. The facility is also environmentally friendly, with solar panels and the use of local Fukuoka wood for interior walls and seating.

Managed under the jurisdiction of the Fukuoka Prefectural Police, the Fukuoka Budokan is open to the public outside of scheduled police training times. Reservations can be made at the front desk.

Whether you are already familiar with martial arts or completely new to them, come visit the newly reborn Fukuoka Budokan and experience its charm for yourself.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Be Careful about the Norovirus

As you may know, winter is the season when it's very easy to get infectious gastroenteritis and food poisoning due to the Norovirus. It's a strong virus and can be transmitted even with very little contact. 

The virus enters your body via the food you eat or from your hands from touching something. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. You can get the virus through inhalation if someone with the virus in the area has been vomiting or had diarrhea. You can also get it from foods that have been cooked by somebody infected by the virus. It can also be transmitted by eating shellfish, like oysters, that haven't been thoroughly cooked and are carrying the virus. 

Severe vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. So if you think you have caught the virus, get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. You'll recover in a few days but the virus can hang around for a week to a month, even in your stools, and so it is possible to infect others, something we need to be careful about. 

We can take measures to prevent the spread of infection, however. Be sure to wash your hands with soap before preparing meals, before eating and after using the toilet. Make sure you wash your utensils and cooking tools thoroughly after each use and disinfect them with bleach or boiling water. Alcohol disinfectants aren't that effective against the Norovirus, but heat is. The Norovirus is killed at temperatures of 85-90 degrees Celsius. 

So, make sure that when you cook, things are cooked thoroughly and that you wash any fruits and veggies that you don't cook. And, of course, if you don't feel well, try to stay away from  doing too much in the kitchen. 

If you feel unwell and need to visit a hospital, Fukuoka City provides access to a Medical Interpretation Call Center. This service can help you communicate with doctors during consultations and also assist when receiving medication at hospitals or pharmacies.

If you're not sure which medical facility you should go to, you can also call for advice on where to seek care.

The phone number is (092-733-5429).

The service is available 24 hours a day, every day, and supports 20 different languages, so please don’t hesitate to call if you need help.

【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. 

【ART FAIR ASIA FUKUOKA】

In Fukuoka, known as the “Gateway to Asia,” an art fair with an Asian concept, ART FAIR ASIA FUKUOKA 2025, will be held next weekend. This gallery show brings together art galleries from across the region to exhibit and sell their works. Aiming to connect Asia and Japan, as well as the local and the global, the fair creates a space where diverse expressions beyond traditional frameworks meet with new talents shaping the future , a gathering filled with Asia’s energy and creativity.

This year marks the 10th anniversary, and the event will be larger than ever, featuring over 100 booths. It has also evolved into an “experiential art fair” where visitors can not only view and purchase art but also immerse themselves in interactive experiences. With a focus on artists from Asia, Kyushu, and Fukuoka, the fair collaborates with museums, universities, companies, and other art fairs both in Japan and abroad.

In the main section, carefully selected commercial galleries from Japan and overseas will showcase their collections. There will also be performance art, live shows, large-scale installations, and a special curated area introducing leading artists driving Asia’s contemporary art scene.

The event will be held at Marine Messe Fukuoka, Building B, over three days from Friday, September 26 through Sunday, September 28. Visitors can look forward to a unique, immersive art experience that will inspire creativity and imagination. Don’t miss it!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Tuberculosis Prevention Week

From September 24th to September 30th is Tuberculosis Prevention Week.

Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease caused by the tuberculosis bacteria, mainly affecting the lungs. In 2024, 176 people were newly diagnosed with tuberculosis in Fukuoka City. In recent years, there has been a growing number of cases among foreign-born residents in their 20s and 30s, and group infections have also been reported at Japanese language schools.

Common symptoms include coughing, phlegm, fever, chest pain, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss. In its early stages, TB can resemble a common cold. If you have symptoms such as a cough lasting more than two weeks, phlegm, feeling unusually tired, or sudden weight loss, please visit a medical facility as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment not only prevent the illness from becoming severe but also protect your family, friends, and coworkers from infection.

Being infected with the tuberculosis bacteria does not always mean you will develop the disease. However, if your immune system cannot control the bacteria, it can multiply over time and lead to illness. To reduce the risk, it’s important to maintain good health habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. Also, even if you are diagnosed with tuberculosis, it can be cured by taking the prescribed medication every day as instructed by your doctor.

Fukuoka City also provides a Medical Interpretation Call Center that can help you find a hospital and assist with conversations at clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies when receiving medication.

The service is available 24 hours a day, every day. The phone number is （092-733-5429）

Support is available in 20 languages, so please don’t hesitate to call if you need assistance.

【Fukuoka City Subway – Available Coin Locker Search Service】

With the growing number of international visitors to downtown Fukuoka areas like Tenjin and Hakata, more and more people are using coin lockers to store their luggage. To help reduce the hassle of walking around with bags while looking for an available locker, Fukuoka City Subway has introduced a new service for coin lockers located inside Tenjin and Hakata stations which will allow you to check the real-time availability of lockers at a glance.

Touchscreen panels have been installed near two ticket gates at each station, where you can search for available lockers by size and location. These panels are multilingual, supporting English, Chinese, and Korean. Additionally, for lockers that don’t have a touchscreen, a QR code system is available, allowing users to search locker availability using their smartphones.

Alongside this service, the number of large-sized lockers—big enough to fit carry-on suitcases—has been doubled at each station, making it even more convenient to use.

With summer holidays just around the corner, be sure to take advantage of this service when traveling or shopping to enjoy your time in Fukuoka more comfortably.

 🔎ロッカーコンシェルジュ｜富士アイティ株式会社

【Fukuoka City ／ Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Warnings about Heatstroke

Now that the hot days of summer are here, I’d like to share some tips to help you prevent heatstroke this season.

Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature properly due to high temperatures or intense physical activity. This leads to an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.

If you experience these symptoms and are unable to drink water on your own, or if cooling your body and rehydrating with fluids and electrolytes doesn’t lead to improvement, please call emergency services at 119 and request an ambulance.

Particularly from July onwards, as the temperatures start to rise after the end of the rainy season, the number of heatstroke related emergency calls increases rapidly. During this time, be especially careful, as high humidity and the body’s lack of acclimatization to the heat can raise the risk. Keep in mind that heatstroke can occur not only outdoors but also indoors. 

Here are some tips for preventing heatstroke:

Stay hydrated by drinking fluids regularly. Water and barley tea are recommended for daily hydration. During exercise or physical activity, oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks are ideal.

Replenish both fluids and salt after sweating.

Wear a hat or use a parasol to avoid direct sunlight.

Use air conditioning and fans efficiently to keep the room temperature below 28°C.

Use cooling items such as cooling sheets or ice pillows.

Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and take care of your overall health.

Take care of yourself and remember to stay cool and safe throughout the summer months.

 🔎Fukuoka city Prevent heat stroke and Enjoy Summer!

New Employment Consultation Service for International Students!

A free employment consultation service is now available for international students who wish to find a job in Fukuoka City. At the consultation desk, employment specialists provide continuous support, including information on obtaining the appropriate visa status for employment and advice on interview preparation.

The service is available at the Fukuoka City International Foundation in Tenya-machi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. Online consultations are also available.

For the consultation schedule and to make a reservation, please visit the Global Community Fukuoka Facebook page.

🔎Global Community Fukuoka | Facebook

【[Fukuoka Marathon 2025] Volunteer Recruitment】

The Fukuoka Marathon will once again be held this year on November 9. Runners from Japan and around the world will take on a scenic and dynamic 42.195 km course stretching from Tenjin in Chuo Ward to Itoshima, blending urban energy with natural beauty.

To support this event, the organizers are currently recruiting 3,500 volunteers. The encouragement and support of volunteers are a powerful source of motivation for the approximately 15,000 runners taking part.

Volunteer activities include registration, course setup, baggage check services, aid stations, guidance and direction, and language support for international participants.

Volunteers can choose to participate on one or more days from November 6 to 9.
Individual volunteers must be 15 years or older, excluding junior high school students, and group or organizational participation is also welcome.

To participate, volunteers must be able to read and write in Japanese and attend a mandatory orientation session either online or in person in advance.

Whether you're a returning volunteer or joining for the first time, everyone is welcome to be part of the excitement and help make the event a success.
In addition, volunteers will have a chance to receive a guaranteed race entry spot in the next Fukuoka Marathon through the “Volunteer Entry Program.”

For more details and to apply, please visit the official Fukuoka Marathon website.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Notice from Fukuoka City National Health Insurance

In Japan, all residents are required to enroll in a public health insurance system, so that they can receive medical treatment at a low cost and with peace of mind when they are sick or injured. If you are permitted to stay in Japan for more than three months and are not enrolled in employee health insurance through a company, you are required to join National Health Insurance. You must complete the procedures at the ward office of the area where you live.

If you are enrolled in Fukuoka City National Health Insurance, you are required to pay insurance premiums. These premiums are an important source of funding used to cover medical expenses for everyone.

The premium amount for the period April 2025 to March 2026 was determined based on your income from the previous year, and notification letters were sent in mid-June in blue envelopes to those who need to pay. Please be sure to open the envelope and check the amount listed. Be sure to pay your premiums by the due date.

If you do not pay your insurance premiums, the city may investigate your assets and seize your savings or salary, so please be aware of this.

If there is anything you do not understand, you can get help in 23 languages by phone.
The phone number is (092-753-6113.)
You will first be connected to the interpreting center, and then to your ward office.
Please tell the interpreter your ward and that you are calling about National Health Insurance.

【Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan】

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

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

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

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

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

【Fukuoka City Information】

Easy Japanese Radio

 Have you heard about Easy Japanese Radio? This radio program is for international residents who are still working on their Japanese skills and is a chance to listen to easy Japanese spoken at an easy pace. Information international residents will find useful in regards to living in Fukuoka will be shared. 

The program is on every Friday from 9:54am. If you can't understand everything, or miss what what was said, don't worry! You will be able to see the script for the program on Love FM's website and also listen to the podcast as many times as you want. It's a great chance to practice not only your listening skills but also pick up some new, useful vocabulary. So, tune in every Friday!

HIV Testing Week

Alright, I have some more important information to share with you here. June 1st to the 7th is HIV testing week.

Just last year, medical institutions in Fukuoka City reported 27 new HIV infections and 15 AIDS patients.

To prevent the spread of HIV, the earlier it is discovered, the faster it can be treated.

Even if someone is infected with HIV, few symptoms appear, which is why testing is necessary to know if someone is actually infected.

Free, anonymous HIV screenings will be held at the health and welfare centers of each ward. The test is simple and only requires a blood sample 

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

If an HIV diagnosis is made in the early stages, with proper health management and treatment, the onset of AIDS can be delayed. So if you think you may be at risk, please get checked as soon as possible.