Life in Fukuoka "English"

【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.

【Important information from Fukuoka City about disaster prevention】

Now it's time for a couple of announcements from Fukuoka City. The first is about disaster prevention. In Japan, from June to July we have a rainy season, a time in which there is a lot of rain. And due to all of this rain, this is also a period in which natural disasters easily occur.

In July 2017, in Fukuoka Prefecture, record levels of heavy rain caused a huge amount of damage. During heavy rains, do not go near rivers, coasts or cliffs near mountains as these become dangerous places. Please take actions that will protect your life.

You can take a look at Fukuoka City's Homepage to find information on hazard maps and disaster prevention. If you check Fukuoka Support for Foreigners, Fukuoka City's support page for foreign residents, you can also see this disaster prevention information.

Make sure you check, in advance, the evacuation centers and safe routes for the area that you live in, because you never know when danger will strike.

Important information is also posted on Fukuoka City's official Facebook page “Global Community Fukuoka” and on the Fukuoka City International Foundation's Facebook Page “Fukuoka City International Center/Attaka Fukuoka”. If you follow these pages, you will receive regular updates on important information.

 There is one more service to mention here from Fukuoka City. An umbrella sharing service called “Ai Kasa” has been put into place and can be utilized via LINE. The umbrellas are easy and cheap to rent and you'll find them in the subway stations and around department stores, so if there's a sudden downpour, you don't have to worry about being caught out in the rain!

For more information, please search for “Ai Kasa Fukuoka Shi” on the internet.

【Information from the National Health Insurance】

Next is information about national health insurance. In Japan, everyone is required to sign up for health insurance and I'm sure everyone has. By paying for insurance, you will reduce the amount you have to pay at the hospital if you need to go for an illness or injury. There are three types of insurance available but at this time, we're covering information for those who have national health insurance.

The insurance premium for that is decided every June and a notification will be sent in the middle of June. Please confirm your insurance premium when it comes and pay before the deadline.

Insurance premiums are based on your income from the previous year.

For households whose income has decreased due to the effects of the new coronavirus, please consult the ward office as you may be able to reduce taxes.

For households who have enrolled in national health insurance but whose previous year's income is unclear, a National Health Insurance Income Report has been sent.

If you have not yet submitted this report, please fill in the necessary details and post it or take it to your local ward office or branch office.

 If there is anything that you don't understand, you can consult by phone in 18 different languages. This phone number is 092-753-6113.  Again, this phone number 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 what you are calling about.

【Information from Fukuoka City about the Covid-19】
Next, I have some information from Fukuoka City in regards to the Novel Coronavirus.
The first is a request from Fukuoka City. Life in the time of the coronavirus means that we, the residents of Fukuoka, all must make some changes for our new lifestyle. Some of these changes include keeping the 3 C's in mind--meaning to avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close conversation. Other changes include trying to maintain a distance of 2 meters from others, wearing a mask when outdoors and having conversations, and washing our hands and faces when we get home.

You may also want to consider some other things as you change your lifestyle. When shopping, either do so online or use electronic money to make payments at the store. If you want restaurant food, get takeaway or delivery, or if you are eating in the shop, sit side by side.

As a standard practice for your new lifestyle, wear a mask when you go out, especially when you are on the subway.

This next bit of information is for students and international students who have lost their jobs. Fukuoka Prefecture has quickly put into action, a project that creates short term jobs that you can apply for. And in addition, the national government has implemented a set of benefits payable to students who have seen a significant loss of income from their part-time jobs and meet certain requirements. For more information on that, please check the Fukuoka City website. Also on the website, information on the special fixed benefit relief money is updated from time to time so make sure everyone takes a look at that, by searching for “Fukuoka Support for Foreigners”

【Regarding Taxes】
Continuing with information from Fukuoka City, anyone that owned a motorized bike or light vehicle as of April 1st is required to pay the light vehicle tax.
Owners of motorized bikes or light vehicles should have received the tax payment notice which was sent around May 5th. If you have not yet paid this tax, please make your payment, which can be done at a convenience store or bank, as soon as possible.
And, for people who were residents of Fukuoka City as of January 1st, and if your annual income is over 1,000,000 yen, an individual city resident tax may be charged.
For those employed by a company, the tax amount will be withheld from your salary.
For those who are not employed by a company, tax payment slips will be sent around June 15th. Please make your payment at a convenience store or at a bank.
If you do not pay these city taxes, such as the light vehicle tax, you may encounter difficulties when it comes time to renew your resident status and you may also be subject to seizure of your property.
There may be some of you who, due to the effects of the Coronavirus, have seen a decrease in income and may have difficulty paying your city taxes. If so, please consult your local ward office. You can also consult by phone in 18 different languages. This phone number is 092-753-6113. Again, this phone number 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 the call is to inquire about taxes.

【Colleen's “Stay at Home” time】
I wonder where you are listening to me right now? In the car? On a morning walk or maybe at home? I guess a lot of you were and maybe still are spending a lot more time at home due to the Coronavirus. It was the same for me. Except for the time outside walking for exercise, going to the supermarket and occasionally doing jobs that couldn't be done from home, I was doing my best to stay home. I know for some, this time was a chance to binge-watch tv shows, learn a new hobby or just catch up on sleep. I did a little bit of all of that, and I made attempts at being productive. I pulled the weeds out of my garden...but they just keep coming back. It is a never ending battle. I also put some vegetables and flowers in and in addition to the weeds, now I have to battle the slugs who are trying to eat my hard work! I did eat some of the komatsuna I grew but had to pull two slugs off...at least I know it's fresh, right?! I actually found that despite being home, I was never not busy, there was always something, and in fact, some days I felt like I needed a few more hours! Hopefully you have been able to enjoy your time at home as well, despite the situation that put us there.

【100,000 Yen Government Relief Money (Special Fixed Relief Benefits)】
This next topic will no doubt be of interest to everyone, it is about the 100,000 yen relief money being provided by the government. For everyone, including foreign nationals, who were registered as residents of Japan by April 27th are eligible to apply.
For people living in Fukuoka city, the applications for that relief money have been sent, beginning from May 15th. If there is anything that you don't understand, for example like how to fill out the application, please call the following number for help. The helpline is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Nepalese and that phone number is 092-401-0826. Again, that is 092-401-0826.

Love FM has also been broadcasting a special 5 minute program to help you understand more about that relief money. The program is called “Life in Fukuoka Special Edition-Understanding the Fixed Relief Benefits in 5 Minutes" and it is on every Monday and Saturday at 1:53pm in English.You can also listen to this special program as a podcast at anytime on the Love FM Homepage so definitely check it out.

You can also look at the Fukuoka City Homepage and link to Support  For Foreigners to get information. On that page,  you'll find information not only about living in Fukuoka, but also information on other things like Coronavirus support services. Definitely take the time to access that page, it has a lot of useful and necessary information.

【Cloth Mask Delivery】
As you know, the Japanese government has sent cloth masks out to all of its residents. And in Fukuoka as well, these deliveries began on the 12th of May. For each household, two masks were sent. The masks are washable and can be used again and again. When you wash them, use regular clothes detergent and gently wash them by hand. Hang them out in a sunny place to dry.

【Mask & Ride】
I guess now that the state of emergency has been lifted for Fukuoka, the number of people out and on public transportation has increased. As such, Fukuoka City has asked that when you are out using the Fukuoka City Subway or the Fukuoka City operated ferries, to avoid the 3 C's that have been mentioned before and to always wear a mask. They also request that people, except in the case of an emergency, avoid having unnecessary conversations while on board the subway or ferry, and to stagger commuting times or work from home in order to reduce congestion.