Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Valentine's Day】

So, as you know, Valentine's day falls on the 14^th of February every year. But do you know some of the stories behind it? Apparently, in 3^rd Century Rome, soldiers were banned from getting married. However, a priest, named Valentine, was secretly holding marriage ceremonies for them. Unfortunately, he was caught, charged and executed. And from this, it's said that Valentine's Day became a day to confess your love to the object of your affection. In Japan, on this day, it's become a bit of a custom to give out chocolates as in other countries around the world. However in Japan, the custom has it's unique points like the concept of Giri-Choko or “obligation chocolates” which are typically given to non-romantic relations like bosses or coworkers. Then there are Tomo-Choko or “friend chocolates” which might be exchanged among friends and the recently popular concept of Gohobi-Choko or “reward chocolates”, meaning you buy yourself some top-notch luxury chocolate to treat yourself! Cookies and macarons have become popular gifts as well in recent years. I hope you had a chance to treat yourself yesterday! If not, hit the shops today, you might get lucky and find a gorgeous box on discount. I won't lie, discounts after various holidays is my favorite time to stock up on things. I remember when I was in the US, picking up Valentine's cards for half price so that I'd be ready for the next year. It was pretty common to exchange little cards and candies at school, in fact, in elementary school, we often decorated paper lunch bags for Valentine's and taped them to our desks like little postboxes. Then during lunch, students would go around putting those cards and candies into the bags. It was always exciting to read everyone's messages and count how many candies I got.

【Fukuoka City Medical Interpreting Call Center】

Alright, well now I've got some information from Fukuoka City about help you can get if you need to see a doctor. In order to make it easier for international residents to visit the doctor, Fukuoka City has set up the Fukuoka City Medical Interpreting Call Center. The Call Center provides real time interpretation for when you are speaking to a doctor at the hospital or when you are picking up a prescription at a pharmacy. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone number for the Call Center is 092-733-5429. Again, that number is 092-733-5429. 18 different languages are available and while the service is free, telephone call charges may apply.

【Preventing the spread of Covid-19】

And once again we are asking everyone to continue to practice basic infection prevention measures to fight against the spread of Covid-19. Wear a mask, wash your hands, gargle and avoid the 3 Cs. That means you should avoid closed rooms with poor ventilation, try not to be in crowded places and avoid close contact conversations.

【Chinese Steamed Buns】

So, today our first topic is about Chinese Steamed Buns, yummy treats that you can easily snack on in this cold season. You often see them all toasty and warm lined up in cases at convenience stores. Have you every had one? I've had more than I can count....can't resist them!

Although they are originally from China, they were brought to Japan and people loved them. Some typical ones that are pretty popular are 'Niku-man', which are pork buns, 'An-man' which have sweet red bean paste stuffed inside, and 'Pizza-man' and 'Curry-man”which are pretty self explanatory. There are quite a few that you can buy frozen and cook up at home as well. Actually, if you've got some hotcake or pancake mix at home, you can make the bun part pretty easily yourself so why not try making some filled with some original flavors of your home country? I guess for me, I could try some kimchi or bulgogi in one and ummm...hamburgers in another? I might stick with the ones the professionals make!

【Tuberculosis prevention】

Now we have some important information from Fukuoka City. In 2019, 205 people in Fukuoka City were diagnosed with tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a disease that causes inflammation of the lungs mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is an infection disease that is transmitted person to person.

Symptomos of tuberculosis include coughing, phlegm, fever, bloody phlegm, chest  pain, lethargy, night sweats and/or weight loss. In the beginning, it does resemble the common cold. 

If you've noticed that you've had a cough for over two weeks, have had a lot of phlegm, you've felt lethargic or you've suddenly lost weight, please see a medical professional for an exam as soon as possible.

Even if you are infected, tuberculosis does not always develop, however if your body cannot fight the tubercle bacillus, over time, an infection may develop.

If you are diagnosed with tuberculosis, you can fight it off by taking the proper medicine every day according to your doctor's orders.

And, to prevent the spread or start of infections, make sure you get plenty of sleep, eat a good, balanced diet and get enough exercise. Making an effort every day to live healthily is the most effective prevention.

In Fukuoka City, there is a medical interpretation service available if you do need to find a hospital or need some advice. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone number for that service is 092-733-5429. Again, that number is 092-733-5429. Interpretation is available in 18 different languages.

【Preventing the spread of Covid-19】

And finally, a reminder that although measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 are being taken, more and more people are getting out and about. So, wear a mask, wash your hands and gargle and also practice the 3 C's. And so you don't forget, the 3 C's mean you should avoid closed rooms, try not to be in crowded places and avoid close contact conversations. It's up to each of us to help prevent the spread!

【Coming of Age Day】

So, today, the 2^nd Monday of January, is Seijin no Hi, or Coming of Age Day in Japan.

The purpose of the day is to celebrate and encourage those young people who have officially become, and are aware that they are, adults and are making their way through life on their own two feet.

Men and women who have turned 20 years old are invited to a Coming of Age ceremony, held by their municipality for these young adults. However, this year, due to the influence of Covid-19, some local governments may cancel ceremonies this year or break it up into several sessions.

At the ceremony, men typically wear suits and women will often wear kimono, however there are those who come in character costumes or really flamboyant get-ups as a group.

And it seems that recently, for kids who turn 10, more and more elementary schools have been holding a kind of half coming-of-age ceremony or Nibun no ichi seijinshiki. I guess it's nice to have milestones in life to celebrate. 

In the US, 16 is usually a big year to celebrate as it's when we can officially drive, assuming we've passed our driver's license test. 18 is another milestone year, we are officially adults and can vote, get married and join the army. Strange that we can't drink until we are 21 though, isn't it! 21 is usually a big party kind of birthday as it's the official drinking age. I guess it's sometime between 18 and 21 that we become adults, but even as a “adult” in age, I sometimes feel like I still haven't grown up at all. Maybe next year. Anyway, a big congratulations to all of those who are celebrating today! I wish you all the best as you begin “adulting”!

【Be careful of the Norovirus】

Now, I have some information for you from Fukuoka City. Now that we are in the winter season, it is really easy to get infectious gastroenteritis and food poisoning due to the Norovirus.

The virus is really strong and can be transmitted even in small amounts.

This virus can enter your body via your hands or through food and if it does, causes terrible symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and a fever.

You can get sick just by inhaling the virus as it's been spread through the air due to an infected person vomiting or having diarrhea. And if an infected person cooks food, the virus can easily spread to those who eat that food. If you think it sounds terrible, well, you're right. It is.

Also, be careful when eating shellfish like oysters, because if they aren't thoroughly cooked to the right temperature, you can get the virus from them.

Severe vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration so if you do get sick, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

People generally recover after 2 to 3 days but even if you no longer have symptoms, the virus can still be detected in your stools from a week to a month later. 

So, to prevent the spread of this virus, please take the following precautions. First, before you cook or eat and after you use the toilet, make sure you use soap to wash your hands. 　　

Wash your cooking utensils thoroughly with boiling water or chlorine bleach.  Alcohol sprays aren't very effective against the Norovirus. However, the virus will die if exposed to temperatures from 85 to 90 degrees for over 90 seconds.  So make sure you cook your ingredients all the way through, really scrub any veggies and fruits that you eat raw and avoid cooking when you don't feel well.

【Prevention of the spread of Covid-19】

I've got one more thing for you today and that is to ask you to take care to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Recently, because measures to prevent the spread are being taken, more and more people are getting out. So, wear a mask, wash your hands and gargle and also practice the 3 C's. That means you should avoid closed rooms with poor ventilation try not to be in crowded places and avoid close contact conversations. It's up to each of us to help prevent the spread!

【Toji-The Winter Solstice】

Well, today, I've got another little bit of Japanese culture that I think may occur in many other countries around the world. In Japan, it's called Toji and it's on December 21^st. Toji is one of Niju-shisekki, the 24 divisions of the solar year from the old calendar. And this is when we have the shortest day and longest night of the year. In Japan, on Toji,  people traditionally take yuzu baths, basically they have yuzu floating in their bath, making it quite fragrant, and eat pumpkin.

The yuzu bath is said to help blood flow which warms up the body and also helps to prevent colds. The pumpkin is supposed to strengthen the skin and mucous membranes which should provide resistance to infectious diseases. It has also long been said that if you eat pumpkins during the winter solstice, you won't catch a cold. I can't say that I've heard of eating anything special on the winter solstice, but I do know that many people say a hearty, hot bowl of chicken soup is what you need for the winter to keep yourself healthy! That, and ginger and lots of vitamin C to keep the colds away. Fortunately, It's mikan season in Japan so getting that vitamin C is no problem! With Covid-19 and influenza prevalent this season, make sure you eat lots of nutritious foods and take care of yourself as you make your way to the end of this year and into the next!

【Foundation Consultation Desk】

Next, I have some information from Fukuoka City about the Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents. This support center can give information on, as well as introduce the appropriate contacts, for things related to general life here such as residency procedures, employment, medical care, welfare, childbirth, child-rearing and child education. The phone number for the center is 092-262-1799. Again, that number is 092-262-1799. The center is open from 8:45am to 6pm on weekdays but is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and for the New Year's holiday period. If you  call, help is available in 19 different languages.

【The Christmas Market】

I'm sure you've started to feel a bit of the holidays around you as illuminations go up around the city and every year, from November to December until Christmas Day, the Fukuoka Christmas Market is held in both Hakata and Tenjin and has become a bit of a winter tradition in Fukuoka City.

It's actually the largest Christmas Market in Japan and there are a number of shops all lined up around the square. It's an event where you can enjoy warm drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate and delicious foods all while taking in the Christmas illuminations and decorations all around you.

This year, the festival is being held in 4 locations around the city-at the plaza in front of Hakata Station, at the Fureai Hiroba in front of Fukuoka City Hall, as well as at the El Gala Passage and IMS Square. Whether with family, friends, or a sweetheart, it's a wonderful chance to make some fun winter memories.

【Prevention of the spread of Covid-19】

Of course, if you do go, it's important to keep in mind that we still need to take care this winter to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Although measures to prevent the spread are being taken, more and more people are getting out and with seasonal events like Christmas, New Year's Eve and the New Year holiday, there will be, no doubt, a number of opportunities for people to get together. So, wear a mask, wash your hands and gargle and also practice the 3 C's. And so you don't forget, the 3 C's mean you should avoid closed rooms, try not to be in crowded places and avoid close contact conversations. It's up to each of us to help prevent the spread!

【Labor Thanksgiving Day】

Well, we've only got about a month or so left til the end of this year.  And today is the last of the national holidays in the year. Today, November 23^rd is Labor Thanksgiving Day, a holiday that was created in 1948 to commemorate labor and production and give one another thanks.

Today is also the Niiname-sai or Harvest Festival whose roots stem from when newly harvested rice was offered up to the deities of Japan to say thank you for the year's harvest and to pray for a good harvest the next year. So today, November 23^rd, you should give thanks for the food that is on your table every day and all of us should show appreciation to each other for all the hard work we do day in and day out. If you think of it, Labor Thanksgiving Day is a really nice holiday, isn't it! I've got to say thank you to all the teachers I worked with when I first came here. I started off at an English conversation school and then started working in junior high schools around Fukuoka. The teachers there work so hard, every day with the students and I don't think they get enough appreciation at all! Make sure you say thank you to your teacher or to your child's teacher. I'm sure it'll brighten up their day to have their work appreciated.

Take time to appreciate yourself and those immediately around you, as well though. I guess some people might stay at home and relax, or maybe a trip to the onsen to soak the weariness away? Perhaps mom and dad might get a little thank you present from the kids. How do you think you might spend today?

【World Aids Day December 1^st】

December 1^st  is World Aids Day.  This day was established by the World Health Organization in 1988 with the purpose of preventing the spread of AIDS as well as eliminating the prejudice and discrimination faced by those living with and affected by the disease. Every year around the 1^st of December, around the world, various events and activities, to deepen awareness and understanding of AIDS, take place.

At the health and welfare centers of each ward, HIV screening is offered. This screening is free of charge and anonymous. Early detection of HIV infection and proper treatment and management can delay the onset of AIDS. 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. So for World AIDS Day, let's all take the time to learn the correct information about AIDS and how to prevent it.

【Beware of Fires】

As we move from autumn to winter, the air is very dry and fires happen a lot more often.  In Fukuoka City alone, last year there were 307 fire incidents. The main causes of these fires were cigarettes, gas canister stoves, and kerosene heaters. Some incidents involved drying laundry or curtains brushing against the heaters and catching fire. Others involved blankets and futons being too close to the heaters and catching fire while people were sleeping! It shouldn't have to be said, but putting anything that could burn easily should not be next to a heater. It's dangerous!

Also, make sure that you remember to switch these things off.

Gas canister fires are a big one to really be careful about as well. As it gets colder, more people pull out their gas canister stoves to make hot pots and stews. If you are using one, make sure you aren't far away from it while it is on.

I mentioned cigarettes being the cause of some of these fires. So make sure that you never fall asleep while smoking, don't collect a bunch of cigarette butts together and make sure you fully put our your cigarette when you are done with it.

Make sure that the fire alarms and fire extinguishers in your home are up to date, this is something you should do regularly. With that and being careful about how you use fire in your life, we can all work to prevent fires on a daily basis.

【Halloween】

Well, Halloween has well and truly established itself in Japan, hasn't it! Although we're now already into November, Halloween was just a couple of days ago,  on October 31^st. And it was a Saturday to boot! What did you get up to? Did you happen to catch one of the many Halloween themed events that take place toward the end of October? Over these last few years, it seems that in Fukuoka, and a lot of other places, there seem to be a lot of pretty well established events that take place every year to really get people in the Halloween spirit.

In Japan, Halloween has the feeling of a festival where loads of people enjoy getting dressed up as their favorite characters but did you know that Halloween comes  from a Christian holiday called All Hallow's Day on November 1^st. There's actually a Celtic Festival that precedes the Christian holiday, so if you're interested in the the history, do a quick internet search! Anyway, the day before the 1^st of November is All Hallow's Eve and if you say it enough times, it does sound like Halloween, which is where it's said the name came from.

Usually I get dressed up for Halloween and head out into town. In past years, I've been Captain Hook, Sadako from The Ring, a Venetian Carnivale type person, a Gypsy,a witch, a crazy scientist...the list goes on. This year, I also enjoyed myself, but didn't put quite as much effort into my costume, I just wanted to have a well deserved beer...I had a full day of work and was pretty scary to look at after! Haha....

【Getting out and about】

So, today I've got some fun information if you are looking to get out of the house for a bit. How does a trip to the Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden sound? It's right in the Chuo ward in the city and there are a number of different animals and a variety of flowers and plants to see there. You can go by bus or by subway. If you go by subway, that stop is Yakuin Odori, make sure you exit via the Zoo and Botanical Garden side. From there, you can grab a taxi or bus but walking is recommended as it is a pretty nice stroll to the Zoo. Entrance is only 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for high school students. Jr high students and younger get in free. If you're interested, check out their homepage at zoo.city.fukuoka.lg.jp. Again, that website is https://zoo.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/

You can see the baby giraffe and kangaroo that were born there this year, they're already getting big so quickly! I actually visited the zoo and botanical garden last month and highly recommend visiting the Tenbodai Cafe in the botanical garden. Not only is there a great view, but the coffee was amazing value and the pizza was so delicious! I also saw a ton of flowers that I'd never seen before. I can't wait for autumn colors to come, there is actually an autumn color area in that garden. I visited the zoo side as well and it looks like they are doing quite a bit of work rebuilding the areas for the animals. It looks like they're working to make a more natural and interactive space for visitors and a more comfortable space for the animals.

Of course, measures are being taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and so there is sanitizer at the entrance for your hands and posters have been put up   and announcements are being made to remind you to maintain social distance and to wash your hands at regular intervals. And don't forget to wear a mask when you do go out as part of those measures!

【Mountain day】

Mountain day was started in 2016 as a day to give thanks to the mountains for the riches they provide us with and to provide people with the opportunity to get to know the mountains better. Now it seems that June is the only month without a national holiday now that Mountain Day" has been added to the calendar in August, which actually had no holidays before the addition.

I think it’s pretty nice that there are national holidays nearly every month. I know a lot of people can’t get time off normally because they are so busy working and no doubt these holidays come as a nice break in their busy schedules.

This year, due to COVID-19, the Olympics have been postponed until next year. However because they were supposed to take place this year, the date of Mountain day was shifted to August 10th, so make sure you don’t mix up the date!

【Information from Fukuoka City on the special fixed relief benefits】

The application deadline for the 100,000 yen special relief benefits is August 31st. Applications were sent to everyone who registered by April 27th as a Fukuoka City resident. Please make sure you get your application in by the deadline! If there is anything that you don’t understand please call 092-401-0826 for help or information. Again that number is 092-401-0826. This phone service is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm and consultation is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Nepali.

And Love FM is also running a special broadcast called the 5 minute guide to understanding the special fixed relief benefits. The English broadcast for that is on every Monday and Saturday at 1:53 pm. So make sure you check that out.

【Be careful of the Red Imported Fire Ant, Red back spider and the blue-ringed octopus!】

In the summer there are a few poisonous creatures you should be careful about, including the Red Imported Fire Ant, Redback Spider and the Blue-ringed Octopus.

The Red Imported Fire Ant is a reddish-brown ant between 2.5 and 6 millimeters in length . If you are stung, you’ll feel a burning pain an some people may go into anaphylactic shock if they have a strong allergic reaction to the sting.

The Redback Spider is a venomous spider that likes to make its home in warm, sunny locations like around potted plants, under drain lids and under benches.

The spiders are about 1 centimeter in length but 3-4 centimeters with its legs stretched out. It has a black body with a red hourglass shape on its abdomen. If you are bitten you may experience pain, a fever and nausea.

If you discover the red imported fire ant or Redback spider, do not touch it with your bare hands and use an insecticide to kill it. If you are bitten, please go to the hospital immediately.

And the blue ringed octopus has been seen both in and outside of Hakata Bay. It is up to 10 centimeters long and has a distinctive blue ring pattern that appears on its body when it is agitated. It has the same deadly poison as a blowfish and in the worst case, can result in death if bitten. If you are bitten, do not try to suck the poison out with your mouth, try to squeeze it out by hand and get to a hospital right away.

【Tanabata, the Star Festival】

In Japan, the 7^th of July is known as Tanabata or, The Star Festival. This festival celebrates the meeting of the deities, Hikoboshi and Orihime, the stars Altair and Vega, who can only meet once a year on this day, according to legend. One popular Tanabata custom is to write one's wishes on a piece of paper, and hang that piece of paper on a specially erected bamboo tree, in the hope that the wishes become true. Personally, my wish is that everyone stays healthy for the rest of the year and that we, as humans, consider the ways we need to change to prevent something like the Coronavirus happening again. It's a bit serious, I suppose....What's your wish?

【The plastic bag charge】

Actually this next topic kind of ties into my wish for things to change! As of July 1^st, 2020, plastic bags that you normally received for free when shopping at supermarkets and convenience stores, are no longer free. You will be required to pay a fee to receive one. This is a great chance to bring your “My Bag” or reusable shopping bag. No only will you be producing less waste, but you'll also be saving money.  If you've got a nice bag that folds up compactly and that you can carry on you, you'll be ready at any time for any shopping. Plastic bags are convenient, but with the amount that gets used, they have become a huge source of pollution in the ocean and have contributed to global warming. So, to reduce how much plastic gets needlessly used, we need everyone's cooperation. Before you take that plastic bag next time, really consider if it's something you need. Let's take this chance to rethink the way we live.

【Be careful not to fall victim to heatstroke】

As the days get hotter, I'd like to remind you to be careful about heatstroke. Heatstroke happens when happens when your body cannot regulate its temperature due to prolonged exposure to heat or intense exercise and the balance of water and salt in your body is off. Symptoms of heatstroke include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea. If you do not recover after cooling down, drinking fluids and taking some salt, please dial 119 to call an ambulance.

Especially in July, as temperatures reach maximum highs, the number of emergency heatstroke patients increases rapidly. So as this hot and humid season begins, take care as your body has not yet acclimated. And this year, as we spend more time indoors to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, do not let your guard down as heatstroke can occur indoors as easily as outdoors. In addition, wearing a mask in the summer increases the risk of heatstroke and so you must take caution.

 So here are some tips to prevent heatstroke. First, drink water throughout the day. Ideally, you'll want to get about 1.2 liters per day. Barley tea or water are nice everyday drinks to stay hydrated with. Sports drinks are good if you are exercising. If you sweat a lot during the day, make sure you rehydrate with plenty of water and a bit of salt, as well. And try to use your fan or air conditioner as efficiently as possible so that the room temperature does not go above 28 degrees.