Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Plum】

Have you seen the plum blossoms in Fukuoka? Originally from China, it's at this time of year when there are still few flowers and little green in gardens, that you can enjoy the sweet fragrance and adorable blossoms of the plum tree. You'll know that spring is on it's way when the scent of plum blossoms gently floats by on the wind, tickling the tip of your nose.
There are around 500 kinds of plum trees, both edible and ornamental and all firmly a part of Japanese life. From the fruit of the trees, a couple of well known things you can make are umeboshi, or pickled plums as well as umeshu, or plum wine in English. Among fruits, plums have a high nutritional value and are rich in proteins, vitamins, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and other minerals.
And I don't know if you know this, but the plum blossom is the flower of Fukuoka Prefecture. There are quite a few places you can visit to see plum blossoms including Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine, Hirao Sanso and Abura Yama. If you catch them at the right time, the view is just stunning. I've got a couple of plum trees in my garden that I put sliced oranges on to get the mejiro birds to come and visit. And the view of the bright green mejiro against the plum blossoms is a beautiful site and one of my favorites this season.

【Support for Foreigners on the Fukuoka City Homepage】

If you look at the official Fukuoka City Homepage, you will find a section on the site that provides support for the foreign residents in Fukuoka. It's simply called Support for Foreigners, and has information on living in Fukuoka and now has information in Vietnamese and Nepalese as well.

Just search for “Fukuoka Support for Foreigners”. Again, you just need to type “Fukuoka Support for Foreigners” into your search bar. It's a useful site with important information so definitely take a look.

【Information Regarding the 100,000 yen Monetary Relief from the Government】

This site will be a big help if you have any questions about that 100,000 yen relief money from the government that everyone is talking about, or if you aren't sure how to fill in the application form for that money.

 In addition to the information on “Support For Foreigners”, on the Fukuoka City Homepage, a special telephone hotline exclusively for foreign residents has been set up  to give consultations on the 100,000 yen benefit money. The hotline supports 5 languages, they are English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Nepalese. The phone number is 092-401-0826. Again, that number is 092-401-0826. Please call this number if, after checking the Fukuoka City homepage, there is anything that you don't understand.

【For Those Looking for Full or Part-time Jobs】

If you are currently looking for work, the Fukuoka City Employment for Foreigners section will help you with your job search. Consultations are available over the phone in English and Chinese. That phone number is 092-716-8608. Once again, for job search support, please call 092-716-8608. 

 If you are an international student looking for work, you should consult the Fukuoka City International Student Support Center. The Center will provide support for finding part time jobs and employment where you can use your translation and interpretation skills. That phone number is 092-725-9201. Again that is 092-725-9201.