Life in Fukuoka "English"

【The Long Holiday】

Every year in Japan, at the end of April and into the beginning of May, we've got a handful of national holidays that translates into a long holiday for all of us, often referred to as Golden Week. During this time, there are usually festivals and events held all across Japan, however due to Covid-19, many of these events have been cancelled or are on a much smaller scale than before. I imagine many people will be enjoying online events and travel this year though. Golden Week starts with Showa Day on the 29th of April. What do you have planned this year? A bit of a stay-cation at home perhaps? Or maybe visiting some hot spots in your area? I'm hoping to see some of the wisteria around Fukuoka. The Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden has become famous thanks to its beautiful wisteria tunnel, but here in the city there are a couple of places that are just a stone's throw away, like the wisteria near the Fukuoka Castle ruins, or in Futsukaichi at Buzoji Temple. They're cycle-able places, so that's probably where you see me over the holiday! On my bicycle, searching for wisteria and enjoying the hopefully great weather!

【The Volunteer Bank to Support Foreigners】

Now, we have some information from Fukuoka City. From April, the Fukuoka City International Foundation has started a Volunteer Bank to Support Foreigners. Those who want to help the international residents of Fukuoka, by using their language skills, can register with the Volunteer Bank under the following categories: translation or interpretation, international exchange and assistance in case of disaster.

Currently, the Volunteer Bank is looking for participants. Participants will help interpret Administrative Scrivener Consultant meetings and translate posters as well as provide online support to people who don't understand Japanese and are having troubles. Other activities might include helping local civic centers with planning and setting up international exchange events or festivals and supporting interpreters during disasters as well as helping to give translation  and interpretation at disaster drills. 

To be a volunteer, you must be over 18 years old and live in the greater Fukuoka area. You must be proficient in Japanese and on one other language, at least above a daily conversation level. And you must be able to set aside enough time to participate in the volunteer activities. Your nationality does not matter.

This is for those who feel like they want to help with international exchange and build their language skills. Your efforts will promote mutual understanding and international exchange between Japanese and foreign residents, leading to a safe and secure life together.

If you are interested, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or give the foundation a call. They are waiting to hear from you!

I have another announcement here for those of you who are struggling with letters from school because you can't understand Japanese. At the Fukuoka City International Foundation, another language support program called “Tutor Program” has been started. The “Tutor Program” is a one on one service that will match you with a tutor that you can contact online. You'll be able to ask this tutor to give you simple translations of letter and other documents as well as get advice on daily living.

If you are a foreign resident of Fukuoka City and think you will be able to communicate with a tutor online, then you are eligible for the program. Please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or call the Foundation for more information.

The phone number for the Fukuoka City International Foundation is 092-262-1799. Again, that number is 092-262-1799. You can call anytime from 8:45 am to 6pm. Feel free to contact the Foundation with any questions you have!

【New Beginnings & DJ Introductions】

It's April now and I wonder if you know the wamei, or Japanese name for the month. Although we might think it's shi-gatsu, actually, it has another name and that's Uzuki with the kanji for rabbit in it. I guess rabbits kind of signal spring, at least if you think of Easter, which I talked about last week. Anyway, April is when school and company entrance ceremonies take place and it's also the time of the year when we think about new beginnings in our life. So, speaking of new starts in this season, let me begin with introducing myself again! My name is Colleen Mathieu and I have worked with LOVE FM for over 10 years now. My regular program is on Saturday mornings from 8am to 10 am and it's called Earth Feeling. It's a really chilled out morning program with pretty relaxing music to help you get the weekend started. Tune in when you have the chance! I've lived in Fukuoka for 16 years now, it's become my second hometown after Detroit, Michigan in the USA where I'm originally from. Some of my favorite things about Fukuoka is the Hakata dish, goma saba which is raw mackeral in a sesame sauce, taking walks around Ohori Park, and just how convenient the city is to get around, especially on a bicycle. Two things that surprised me when I came to Fukuoka was first, how cold the houses are in the winter. I'm from Michigan but maybe because we have central heating you never feel so cold inside! The second was how empty many of the beaches were in May and June, even on hot days. In Michigan, if the temperature was high enough, even if the water in the lakes was freezing cold, you'd see people at the beach! Maybe it's just Michiganders? What do my fellow English speakers do on those days?

Well, that's just a little bit about me and I want to say thank for listening over the last year and I hope you'll continue to tune in every week for this short program!

As we all enter this new season and possibly new environments, I'm sure there are some who haven't quite got the hang of things and might feel stressed or nervous, so make sure you get plenty of rest and relaxation on your days off. This month will be a full month, but make it fun and enriching. After all, even with all the work we might need to do, we've got Golden Week at the end of it to look forward to!

【Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents】

Next, I have some information from Fukuoka City. If there's anything that you are worried about or if you want some advice on, the Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents is here to support you. 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. So as you start your new life here, if you have any worries or something you don't understand, don't hesitate to call.

【Preventing the spread of Covid-19】

We've still got to be careful , so once again, we are asking everyone to continue practicing 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. 

【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!

【Changing Out The Wardrobe & Drying Out The Bugs!】

So, with cooler weather coming, we've go to think about pulling out all of those winter clothes that have been in storage all this time. In Japan, this is called “koromogae” which I'd guess I'd call “changing out the wardrobe”.  And as Japan is a pretty humid country, there's a kind of technique or folk's wisdom that has been passed on through the years called “mushiboshi”, which will help you take care of your clothes. Have you ever heard of this “mushiboshi” or have any idea of what this means?

Well, if you don't, the English means “drying insects” , which might give you a hint. Basically, in order to protect your clothes from being nibbled on by clothes moths larvae, you should hang your clothes out in the fresh air for a nice drying. Choose a day when the weather is good and the air is dry. Not only will this help prevent bugs, but it will also remove moisture and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Not only should you do this in October and November, this is when the summer insects tend to remain, but you should also think about doing this in July and August after the rainy season as well as in January and February when the air is dry. Three times a year is ideal for mushiboshi! I actually do a lot of this as a matter of course, I think I picked up the habit from some older students that I used to teach. I usually change out my clothes closer to November, as well as put away the summer blankets to pull out the winter blankets and kotatsu cover. I find that hanging everything out before storage does work and helps keep my clothes and blankets in pretty good condition, free of little wormy holes! I definitely recommend an Autumn airing and drying when you have time!

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Free Early Childhood Education & Childcare

Important information from Fukuoka City for those of you who have young children in your home. Did you know that fees for kindergarten, nursery school or other certified childcare centers, for children from the ages of three to five, have been free since October 2019?

However, you do still have to pay for things like transportation, school lunch and school events. Depending on the kindergarten or nursery school, use of the facilities may not be completely free.

If there is anything you don't understand about this, please consult with your local ward office. At the ward office, you can receive phone assistance in 18 different languages. This phone number is 092-753-6113. Again, for assistance in 18 different languages, the phone number is 092-753-6113. After connecting to an interpretation center, you'll be connected to the ward office. Just tell them which ward you live in and what you need help with.

Smoking Manners

Do you know the rules to smoking in public?

While you're walking or on a bicycle, you shouldn't be smoking. In Fukuoka City, especially where there are a lot of people in Tenjin, Daimyo and around Hakata Station, smoking while on the paths is actually prohibited. And actually, it's dangerous if you are walking and smoking where there are a lot of people.

Why is this? Well, if you bump into someone you could burn their skin or their clothes. And there are a lot of people who are bothered by the smell of tobacco smoke. Not to mention, those cigarette butts that just get tossed to the pavement can cause fires! Make sure you throw out your garbage where it is supposed to be thrown out.  And if you do smoke while out and about, get yourself a little portable ashtray to carry around with you and be sure to smoke in designated smoking areas. By following the rules and minding your manners, everyone around can feel comfortable and safe. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

【What's the latest trend?】

So, today the topic I'm supposed to talk about is what is popular or trendy right now in the US. And if I'm honest, I don't really know because I don't follow the trends in the US. I still listen to classic rock and have been watching old episodes of Star Trek. Tells you how up-to-date I am! However, a little while back and then again last month, I saw some articles on how women are embracing being more natural, more specifically, not dying their hair as it goes grey and that some salons have even created hair treatments to really accentuate the color as it changes. I thought that was pretty cool, my hair has been going grey, actually white, for a few years now and the thought of using permanent dyes to maintain some kind of  hair color for 'my age', is just not something I can be bothered to do. I recently did a temporary dye for fun, it was a bright magenta that has faded over the weeks, but I am fully at ease with my normal hair color and its 'glitter' strands, as I've heard them called.  If this 'embrace the grey' is a trend that is happening in the US, I guess it's something that I can get on board with!

【Status report on the child allowance】

A child allowance is being provided to those raising children from the age of zero to the age that they finish junior high school. The amount ranges from 5000 yen to 15,000 yen per child, per month, based on the child's age and your income.

The money is paid three times per year, in June, October and February, for the 4 month period before the month of payment. In order to receive this child allowance, you must submit a yearly status report. In the first half of June, Fukuoka City sent the documents necessary to make the report to allowance recipients. Please fill the necessary information in and make sure to post the report so that it will arrive by June 30^th. Please be aware that you will not receive a payment if you do not submit the report or if there are any sections left incomplete.

If there is anything that you don't understand, please check with  your local ward office. You can also consult by phone in 18 different languages. This phone number is 092-753-6113.  Again, 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 on riding bicycles】

Did you know that last year in Fukuoka city that there were 1770 bicycle accidents and also one resulting death? It is very important to follow the rules and keep your manners while riding bicycles. So from now, I just want to cover some of the main rules in Japan.

 In Japan, in principle, bicycles are supposed to pass on the left side of the road and pedestrians have priority while on the sidewalk. When you are on the sidewalk, please pass slowly along the side closest to the road. Also, remember to turn on your headlight at night.

If you leave your bicycle parked on the road not in a designated area, it will be taken away, so always park in a designated area. Finally, riding side by side is not allowed.

Fukuoka City has introduced a cycle share service challed Charichari. There are over 250 bicycle ports throughout the city and more are to be added in the future.

Use the Charichari application to rent a bicycle. After you are finished, just return the bicycle to your nearest port. It costs 4 yen per minute and you can pay using a convenience store or a credit card. For example, going from Tenjin to Hakata station takes about 10 minutes. Using the bicycle, that will only cost you 40 yen, so definitely try it out.

Did you know that there is a Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for foreigners that can give you advice on any worries or problems. If there is anything about your new life in Fukuoka that you don't understand or are worried about, please feel free to call the center. Consultation is available in 19 different languages. The phone number is 092-262-1799. Again that is 092-262-1799.