Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Hojoya】

Hōjōya is one of Fukuoka’s three major festivals and a beloved autumn tradition. It takes place at Hakozaki Shrine in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, every year from September 12 to 18, lasting seven days and seven nights. This festival has been passed down for over a thousand years.

It is a sacred ritual to honor and give thanks for the lives we take to survive. Many also visit the shrine to pray for things like prosperity in business or safety at home, and each year it draws approximately one million visitors.

Along the nearly one-kilometer-long approach to the shrine, you’ll find around 500 stalls, from food vendors to traditional festival games like shooting galleries and water balloon fishing, all bustling with crowds. Unique to Hōjōya are nostalgic attractions like haunted houses and curiosity show tents, which are rarely seen at festivals today.

In the past, ginger fields surrounded the area, and a custom began of bringing home fresh ginger, with the green leaves still attached, after visiting the shrine. Even today, you’ll find plenty of fresh ginger for sale. It’s the perfect time to use it to make syrup or pickled ginger and recharge your energy during the lingering summer heat. Another local favorite is the Yaki-mochi, a sweet rice cake filled with red bean paste.

You can also enjoy musical performances, including traditional Japanese taiko drumming, and a display of intricate local glass art called “Chanpon.” For a bit of luck, try the “Hato Mikuji”—a fortune slip where you’re guaranteed to win a good luck charm.

With plenty to see from morning to night, Hōjōya is a lively autumn festival packed with excitement. As you give thanks for the blessings of the season, why not head out and experience this treasured part of Fukuoka’s fall tradition?

【Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Now Accepting Participants: "Let’s Help Build a Community Together Using Easy Japanese – with a UN Official!"

The Fukuoka City International Foundation will be hosting a special workshop on city planning, led by a staff member from the United Nations Habitat Fukuoka Headquarters.

The workshop is open to students from 4th grade of elementary school to 3rd year of junior high school. It will be held on Sunday, September 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in one of the conference rooms at ACROS Fukuoka. 

The UN-Habitat Fukuoka Headquarters, which carries out housing-related activities, is the only United Nations agency located in Kyushu.

In this workshop, participants will become residents of an imaginary “Habitat Village,” which has been badly damaged by heavy rain. Working together, they’ll think about ways to rebuild the community.

The workshop will be conducted using Easy Japanese, so children of foreign nationality are also warmly encouraged to join. Anyone interested in learning more about the global activities of the United Nations is welcome to join.

Participation is free, but advance registration is required.

For details on how to sign up, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation’s website or Facebook page.

The website address is 【www.fcif.or.jp】

【September is Fukuoka Music Month】

This week marks the end of summer vacation, and many schools are beginning their new term and next week we head into the month of September. 
And when we think of September, we think of Fukuoka Music Month.

In Fukuoka, a city known for its lively music scene, large-scale music events are held every weekend throughout September.
This year, five major events will take place over four exciting weeks.

The first event, BAYFES 2025, will be held next weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, September 6th and 7^th. It’s a free outdoor music festival held at Bayside Place Hakata, right by the Hakata Port. This year, international artists will also take part, including performers from Taiwan. Over two days, 11 groups of artists will perform across three different stages, featuring live music from musicians and DJ sets.

On the 6th, there will even be a special on-board live performance — a one-time-only show held inside a chartered sightseeing boat. You’ll also find a vintage vinyl market at the venue.

And on the evening before the festival, Friday the 5th, a pre-party will be held at Hakata Port Tower, the landmark of the harbor. The tower’s observation room will be transformed into a luxurious lounge for a Special DJ Night to kick things off.

BAYFES 2025 starts at 2 PM on both Saturday and Sunday and continues into the night. It’s three days of music you can immerse yourself in, right by the ocean, with a pleasant sea breeze blowing through the port.

In the second week, on Saturday and Sunday, September 13th and 14th, the streets of Nakasu, Fukuoka’s lively entertainment district, will come alive for NAKASU JAZZ, a free street jazz festival. Stages will pop up all around the area, and for two amazing days, the streets will be filled with the live performances of around 80 outstanding artists. From jazz standards to modern hits, the wide-ranging setlist and the energy of live street performances are sure to capture the hearts of not only jazz lovers, but even those who may not be so familiar with jazz.

The event starts in the evening, transforming the streets of Nakasu into a city of jazz for those two nights. There will even be special, one-night-only collaboration sessions, wonderful and can't-miss music events.

In the third week, two events will take place. On Saturday, September 20th, ISLA DE SALSA will be held, a multicultural exchange festival centered on Latin music.

The venue is Nokonoshima, a small island floating in Hakata Bay and surrounded by nature, just ten minutes by ferry from central Fukuoka. From local amateur bands to world-renowned performers, musicians and dancers from Japan and around the globe will take the stage.

It's a festival where you'll find a fusion of diverse music, dance, delicious food, art, and encounters with people and cultures from all over the world. It's a participatory music event where visitors can dance, connect, and discover new tastes while celebrating culture through rhythm and movement.

Also on the weekend of September 20th and 21st, Sing! HAKATA will take place over two days in front of Hakata Station. This is one of Japan’s largest participatory singing events, featuring genres like gospel, choir, and a cappella. There will be stages for citizen-led performances and special collaborations with guest artists.

In the heart of the city, right in front of Hakata Station, everyone will come together to form a circle of music, and for the grand finale, the entire venue joins in a massive group chorus.

This free music festival runs from morning to night over two days, bringing the city and its people together in music.

In the fourth week, on Saturday and Sunday, September 28th and 29th, MUSIC CITY TENJIN will be held in Tenjin.This is a city-style music festival where you can discover new music. With the main stage set up in the Fureai Plaza next to Fukuoka City Hall, additional free live stages will be scattered all around Tenjin , turning the whole area into one big free music event. Artists from all backgrounds, both professional and amateur, will take part, filling the city of Tenjin with music for two full days.

A full month of music filling the streets of Fukuoka starting next weekend! I hope you're looking forward to it!

【Marine World Uminonakamichi – "Night Aquarium"】

This summer, why not enjoy a magical aquarium experience at night?

At Marine World Uminonakamichi in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, the aquarium is currently holding its special evening event, “Night Aquarium,” with extended hours until 9:00 p.m.

Once the sun goes down, the lighting inside the aquarium changes completely, creating a dreamlike, enchanting atmosphere. One of the highlights is a mesmerizing show where about 20,000 sardines swim in harmony with music and lights. And don’t miss the dolphin show set against the backdrop of the night skyline. It's a totally different and moving experience from the daytime performance.

Marine World features around 30,000 sea creatures from 350 species, with a focus on the seas around Kyushu. Popular exhibits include the Island Stage, where you can observe seals from all angles, and Penguin Beach, where you can get an up-close look at adorable penguins.

Right now, there’s also a special collaboration event taking place! Until September 23, the world of the hit game "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" is making an appearance at Marine World. More than 50 species of sea creatures from the game are on display in real life, offering a fun experience that bridges the game and the real world.

There are also hands-on activities that the whole family can enjoy, such as a creature scavenger hunt using a game card, and a small seashell wreath-making workshop where you can create your own original design.

The nighttime aquarium offers a calmer, more magical atmosphere compared to the lively daytime. It’s open every day until Sunday, August 24, and then weekends and holidays only from Saturday, August 30 to Tuesday, September 23.

You can enjoy the aquarium all day long, from 9:30 a.m. through the evening.

Why not make this your special summer memory and experience the wonder of the night aquarium?

 🔎 夏は「夜のすいぞくかん」開催！｜マリンワールド海の中道

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Fukuoka Prize

Fukuoka City presents the Fukuoka Prize to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to academic research, arts, and culture in Asia.

This year marks the 35th presentation of the Fukuoka Prize. The 2025 laureates are:

Grand Prize: Mr. Takara Kurayoshi, a historian who actively promotes the identity of Okinawa and the Ryukyu region

Academic Prize: Mr. Baik Young-seo, a historian who reexamines East Asia from the viewpoint of ordinary people

Arts and Culture Prize: Mr. Vo Trong Nghia, a Vietnamese architect known for his sustainable urban designs addressing Vietnam's social challenges.

The award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 16, and talk events will take place on Monday, September 15 (national holiday) and Wednesday, September 17. On September 15, architect Vo Trong Nghia, recipient of the Arts and Culture Prize, will give a talk. At noon on September 17, historian Baik Young-soo will speak as the Academic Prize recipient and in the evening on the same day, Grand Prize winner Takara Kurayoshi will give his lecture. 

All events, including the award ceremony and talks, are free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. The registration deadline for the award ceremony is Tuesday, August 26.  For the talk events, the deadline is two days before each event.

For more information and to register, please visit the official Fukuoka Prize website by searching “Fukuoka Prize”.

【Recommended Beaches and Public Pools in Fukuoka City】

We are now in the middle of summer—have you been to the beach yet?
In Fukuoka, a city where urban life and nature are side by side, there are plenty of spots to fully enjoy the summer season.
Today, I’ll introduce some of the beaches and public pools within Fukuoka City.

So, first, let’s talk about beaches!

The first spot is Seaside Momochi Beach Park in Sawara Ward.
This is a safe and well-maintained beach located just north of Fukuoka Tower. You can enjoy not only swimming but also marine sports. There are beach houses, as well as restaurants and shops nearby. With easy access from Tenjin, this beach is popular with both tourists and locals.

The second spot is Shikanoshima Beach in Higashi Ward.
Shikanoshima is connected to the mainland, making it a perfect location for a drive. You can also get there within an hour from central Fukuoka using trains, buses, or ferries. The beach is known for its clear water and beautiful white sands. The northern tip, known as the Shirose area, is the only diving spot within Fukuoka City, and the views are spectacular.

Next is Nokonoshima Island Camp Village Beach in Nishi Ward.
It’s a nature-rich island about 10 minutes by ferry from Meinohama, featuring a beach surrounded by palm trees. The camp village has lodging, restaurants, and shops, allowing you to enjoy a resort-like atmosphere away from the city.

Also in Nishi Ward is the Ohara Beach, another highly recommended spot.
It’s one of Fukuoka’s longest beaches, with an open, unobstructed view where you can relax and enjoy swimming. The beach houses are well-equipped, and you can also enjoy BBQ, banana boat rides, and other marine leisure activities.

I've been to Momochi, Shikanoshima and Nokonoshima. I do like Nokonoshima, it really does feel like you've escaped for a little vacation somewhere. I've never been to Ohara Beach, so I might need to check it out.  And I have to say, I love a good beach bbq, so it might be the best place for me this year!

Besides these, there are many hidden beaches within Fukuoka City perfect for drives or leisurely walks where you can enjoy nature at your own pace. When you go out though, don’t forget to take precautions against heatstroke!

Next, let’s take a look at the public pool facilities.

When it comes to pools in Fukuoka City, the most famous is the Uminonakamichi Sunshine Pool in Higashi Ward. It’s one of the largest pool complexes in western Japan, featuring a 300-meter long lazy river and six different types of pools with fun features designed to excite children’s sense of adventure. It’s a classic summer destination loved by both kids and adults. During summer vacation, there’s also a convenient direct bus service from Tenjin, departing from in front of Tenjin Post Office. It’s a perfect spot for groups of friends or families who want to enjoy an active day out.

Next, we have the Fukuoka City Public Pools.
Each of Fukuoka’s seven wards has an affordable, year-round public pool facility open to everyone. These pools are kept at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, and most are equipped with parking lots, showers, and coin lockers.

Indoor pools, which can be enjoyed rain or shine and without worrying about the summer heat, are a popular option for outings during the hot season. Entry fees are very reasonable, especially in summer: just 320 yen for adults, 160 yen for high school students, and 110 yen for elementary and junior high school students for two hours of use.

The Chuo Civic Pool, located about six minutes by bus from Tenjin near Nishi Park, is the most accessible from the city center.
If you’re looking for variety, the Sogo Nishi Civic Pool offers both 25-meter and 50-meter pools with water depths ranging from 1 meter to over 3 meters, making it a top choice for convenience and scale in the city.
For serious swimmers, the Axion Fukuoka Prefectural General Pool in Hakata Ward is highly recommended, featuring competition-standard 50-meter lanes and a diving pool often used for international events.

Most facilities also have shallow pools for young children and outdoor pools.
Wherever you live in the city, you can stay active and cool this summer by making use of your local civic pool!

【Asian Market Festa 2025】

Enjoy the atmosphere of an Asian market and night bazaar right here in Fukuoka! The Asian Market Festa is a lively event filled with Asian cuisine, goods, travel information, and even local Fukuoka and Kyushu gourmet specialties. It will be held for six days, from Tuesday, May 27 to Sunday, June 1, at Tenjin Chuo Park in front of the Kihinkan (Guest House).

There will be around 30 food stalls at the festival, offering famous dishes from countries such as Taiwan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Hong Kong. You can enjoy the feeling of being at an Asian street market or night market and sample those countries' treats from street food classics to local favorites. There will also be a wide variety of Asian beers and sweets.

This year, special attention is also given to visitors from outside the region, with a selection of gourmet foods from Fukuoka and Kyushu, including local specialties and popular restaurants. There will also be stage performances, including music, dance, martial arts, and more making it feel like you've taken a trip overseas without ever leaving the ground. 

What's even better is that admission is free! On weekdays, the event starts at 5pm and ends at 10pm. On Saturday, it starts at 12pm and ends at 10pm and on Sunday, it starts at 12pm but ends a little earlier at 9pm.

It's impossible to try everything in one day, so you'll definitely want to visit this delicious gourmet street again and again!

【Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival 2025】

Now I've got some information on another another outdoor event that is currently underway in Tenjin. Just a short walk from Tenjin Chuo Park, the Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival is being held at the Fureai Plaza on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall.

Fukuoka City is a sister city with Bordeaux, France and this wine celebration has been held every year since 2017. Now in its 8th edition, the festival features around 100 varieties of Bordeaux wine, along with French-inspired dishes prepared by popular local restaurants using Kyushu-sourced ingredients.

In addition to wine and gourmet food, the event offers a cultural experience, with live performances of ballet, opera, and jazz taking place on stage throughout the day.

The festival is open daily until Sunday, June 15 on Weekdays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

At the Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival, wine, gourmet food, and culture come together in a special setting where you can fully experience the charm of both Bordeaux and Fukuoka. With a carefully curated selection of fine wines from around the world, the festival is a must-visit for wine lovers. A wide range of wines are available, making it a perfect opportunity to discover your personal favorite. Don’t miss this wonderful event—make your way to Tenjin and enjoy! 

【Fukuoka Golden Week Event Information】

Golden Week has arrived once again! Today, I'll share some exciting events happening around Fukuoka from this week through to next week.

First, we have the ever-popular Craft Gyoza Festival, a huge hit each year on social media and in the news, back in Fukuoka. This year’s festival features 14 gyoza shops along with booths serving fried rice, drinks, and desserts, all gathered from across Japan. You can enjoy 28 types of craft gyoza-grilled, boiled, fried, and steamed—including unique variations, each carefully crafted by expert gyoza artisans who pay close attention to the dough, filling, and sauces.

It’s 12 full days of gyoza and craft beer for every gyoza lover. The festival runs until Tuesday, May 6, at Maizuru Park, and it's from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

Next up is a unique event that blends food and culture. The Fukuoka Castle Night Market – Golden Week Special is now underway at the old courthouse site in Maizuru Park, Fukuoka City, until Tuesday, May 6.

With the beautifully lit-up castle as a backdrop, you’ll find local gourmet food stalls, accessory and craft shops, and popular food trucks from within Fukuoka City. The market also features hands-on activities like fortune-telling, workshops, and traditional fair-style games which is perfect for both kids and adults.

Open from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, it’s a great place to enjoy music and performances in the cool evening breeze and is a must-visit new night spot in Fukuoka!

Our next event is one of the largest outdoor events in Tenjin, located just a short distance away from Tenjin Station, and it's back for its 15th edition. Drawing over 30,000 visitors annually, the Kyushu Craft Beer Week  features over 80 varieties of craft beer from 38 breweries across Kyushu and Yamaguchi and will be held from Tuesday, April 29 through Monday, May 5 at Tenjin Central Park, in front of the Kihinkan Guest House.

You'll have a great time at this open-air setting with beers you can only drink at the event, along with amazing gourmet dishes.  This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of craft beer in Japan, so you’ll also be able to try special beers from some of Japan’s most iconic and up-and-coming breweries. Beer lovers won't want to miss this chance to try unusual beers from across Japan.

Open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, it’s perfect for a holiday afternoon beer or an after-work drink.

The final event to report is the Night Aquarium. At Marine World Uminonakamichi in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, the aquarium is staying open until 9:00 PM on holidays through May 6. During the Night Aquarium, lighting is adjusted after 6:00 PM to create a magical atmosphere where you can observe sea creatures in a completely different light.

Evening performances such as the sea lion live show, dolphin show, and sardine show will be held at the show pool on the 2nd and 3rd floors starting from 6:00 PM. Reserved seats are also available for purchase, so be sure to check the official website for details before you go. It’s the perfect time for kids to stay up a little late and experience the wonder of the nighttime aquarium.

These are just four of the many events happening in Fukuoka during Golden Week.

And of course, we can’t forget Fukuoka’s biggest Golden Week event, the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival, taking place this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4. It’s a celebration of Hakata’s rich history, culture, and community spirit, so don’t miss it!

【Praying for Success】

As we are in the midst of exam season, many students have exams coming up this weekend. In Japan, when taking entrance exams or other tests with important outcomes, people go to do gōkaku kigan, to make a prayer for success. This involves visiting a shrine to make a personal declaration of determination and asking the gods for their blessings to pass the test and achieve their goals.

One shrine that many visit is Hakozaki Shrine (Hakozaki-gu) in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, one of Japan’s three major Hachiman shrines. Known as the “God of Protection and Victory,” it attracts many visitors during exam season who pray for success. Another popular spot is Suikyo Tenmangu Shrine, quietly located in the heart of Tenjin. It enshrines the deity of learning, making it another destination for those seeking academic success.

When praying, it’s important to state your name, address, specific wish, and the name of your desired school or the exam you want to pass. After the prayer, it’s customary to purchase a protective charm, the omamori to keep with you or to write your wish on a wooden plaque called ema and dedicate it to the shrine. Once the exams are over, the omamori should be returned to the shrine. If you pass, it’s also customary to visit the shrine again to express gratitude to the gods.

Praying on behalf of someone, such as family, friends, or loved ones, can also be a meaningful gesture. Best wishes to all of this year's exam-takers, may all of your hard work pay off! Good luck to you !

【Fukuoka City Information】

Tōchōji Setsubun Festival / International Students’ Bean-Throwing Ceremony

 Setsubun is an annual event in Japan that involves driving away misfortune such as illness or disasters and praying for health and happiness. A long-standing custom involves throwing beans to banish demons, with the chant “Fortune in, demons out!” (Fuku wa uchi! Oni wa soto!), wishing for good fortune and protection from misfortune.

At Tōchōji Temple in Hakata Ward, the Setsubun Grand Festival is held every year on February 3. The event attracts many visitors, and the lively bean-throwing ceremony features the Seven Lucky Gods, Otafuku and red and blue demons.

On Friday, January 24, as part of the festival's promotion, international students living in Fukuoka will dress as the Seven Lucky Gods and demons to perform a bean-throwing ceremony at Fukuoka City Hall. The students’ performances as demons are sure to be a fun event you don't want to miss.

How about you, do you think you'd like to experience this Japanese custom of bean-throwing?

For more information about the Setsubun Grand Festival on February 3 or the bean-throwing event on January 24, please check the websites of Fukuoka City or Tōchōji Temple in advance.

Participating in a Setsubun event is a great way to experience Japanese culture and invite good fortune into your life.

【Hatachi no Tsudoi (Coming-of-Age Ceremony)】

In Fukuoka City, a Hatachi no Tsudoi (Coming-of-Age ceremony) will be held next Monday, January 13, 2025, a public holiday celebrating Seijin no Hi (Coming-of-Age Day). The ceremony will take place at Marine Messe Fukuoka in Hakata Ward and is dedicated to individuals who have turned 20 years old.
Seijin no Hi marks the first step of new adults as members of society, celebrating their 20th birthday. It is a significant national holiday in Japan. During the ceremony, attendees can expect a congratulatory speech from the mayor, special projects by the organizing committee, and video messages from prominent figures connected to Fukuoka.
Outside the venue, the atmosphere is lively and celebratory, with many new adults reuniting with old friends and classmates and taking commemorative photos. There is a tradition of attending in formal attire, with many opting for kimono or hakama (traditional Japanese clothing). Some wear heirloom kimono passed down through their family, while others choose brand-new suits or completely original attire. Everyone dresses up in their own way, with preparation and styling starting early in the morning.
Participants also often visit photo studios to capture their special day, enjoy celebratory meals with their families, or attend reunions with old friends. It is a day not only to celebrate but also to express gratitude to the family and others who have supported them throughout their journey.
To all those turning 20 this year, and their families, we wish you a wonderful and memorable celebration. Congratulations!

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Looking for Participants “Let’s Build a　Community with UN Officials!”

The Fukuoka City International Foundation will host a workshop on urban planning, featuring staff from UN-Habitat's Fukuoka headquarters as instructors.

The target audience is students from the 4th grade of elementary school to the 3rd year of junior high school. The workshop will take place on Sunday, January 19, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the meeting room in Acros Fukuoka.
UN-Habitat's Fukuoka Office, the only United Nations organization in Kyushu, works on projects related to housing. During the workshop, participants will take on the role of residents in a fictional village affected by heavy rain and collaborate to create a reconstruction plan.
The workshop will be conducted in easy Japanese, making it accessible for children of foreign nationality. If you're interested in the global activities of the United Nations, don't miss this opportunity to participate.
Participation is free, but reservations are required. For reservation details, visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or Facebook page.

🔎The website address is【www.fcif.or.jp】

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.
To continue, is there anything you don't understand about residency status and term of stay regulations? If there is, the Fukuoka City International Foundation provides free consultation on these matters to the international residents of Fukuoka City.
Consultations are held every second Sunday of the month. They are offered from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, but you must register by 3:30 PM. A gyousei-shoshi, or administrative lawyer will answer your questions and offer consultation.
There are English and Chinese interpreters present, and so, consultation in English, Chinese and Japanese does not require a reservation. For other languages, please consult with the foundation at least two weeks in advance.

Your confidentiality is guaranteed, so please feel at ease to use this service.

For more information, please call the toll free number (0120-66-1799). Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 5:30pm on weekdays.

【Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka】

Even if you don't play, I'm sure most of you have heard about Pokémon GO? If you don't know what it is, well, it's a smartphone game app where you can catch Pokémon that appear on your screen and then battle them against others. Loved both in Japan and internationally, it has been downloaded over 1 billion times and is so popular that events are held all over the world.
The first Pokémon GO event in Kyushu, "Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka," will be held in Fukuoka City on Saturday, November 16th, and Sunday, November 17th.
The main venue will be Maizuru Park, where you’ll be able to find popular Pokémon characters throughout the city. Besides encountering rare Pokémon within the park, you can also participate in an exciting event where you can catch Pokémon while exploring 10 official courses set around sightseeing spots in the city. It's a fun opportunity to discover both Pokémon and the attractions of Fukuoka City.
Tickets are required to participate in this event. For more details, search for Pokémon GO Fukuoka.

【Fukuoka City and Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

The Japanese Chatting Event in Tenjin

Have you been studying Japanese but would like an opportunity to chat more with Japanese people in Japanese? The Fukuoka City International Foundation is hosting an event where international residents and Japanese can enjoy conversations together. The event will take place on November 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Acros Fukuoka in Tenjin, Chuo Ward.
Participants will form two circles, with international participants and Japanese participants facing each other.
You will chat one-on-one about various themes for one minute. After each round, participants will switch seats and chat with the next person.
The event will be facilitated by Shintaro Fukae, a Regional Japanese Language Education Advisor from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It’s a great opportunity to engage in conversation with many different people.
Participation is free, but registration is required, and the event is limited to the first 30 participants. Please search for "Nihongo Shaberiba In Tenjin" to register.
Enjoy the conversations and create connections that transcend borders!

"Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School" Information Session
Have you heard about Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School? It’s a public night school established by Fukuoka City for people who couldn’t receive compulsory education for various reasons or who couldn't attend school due to issues like truancy. Enrollment is open regardless of nationality.
At this school, you can study the same nine subjects as in regular junior high school, and if you are worried about your Japanese skills, you can also receive Japanese language instruction. Graduating from the school grants you a junior high school diploma.
Classes are held on weekdays from 5:50 PM to 9:20 PM, and the school is located in Momochi, Sawara Ward. There are no fees for tuition or textbooks.
If you would like to know more, there will be a school information session on November 10th at 2:00 PM. To participate, please register by Wednesday, November 6th via phone or the web. You can call 092-400-0751 between 2:00 PM and 9:15 PM on weekdays. For web registration,search for "Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School Student Recruitment."
If you have questions or need advice, you can contact them via email in your own language using the address provided on their website.

That was information from Fukuoka City.

◇https://sites.google.com/fuku-c.ed.jp/fukuokakibou/admissions/info

【The Nakasu Festival】

Have you ever heard of "Nakasu Matsuri"? It could be described as a dazzling festival, held in Kyushu's largest entertainment district, Nakasu and this festival is held to express gratitude to the customers who visit Nakasu throughout the year.

This year, it will take place next weekend, on the Friday and Saturday nights of October 25th and 26th.

Nakasu's main street will be transformed into a pedestrian paradise, lined with around 60 food and drink stalls. One of the highlights is the "Nakasu Kunihiro Onna Mikoshi," where a total of 500 women carry mikoshi or portable shrines and parade through Nakasu. Another must-see is the "Oiran Dochu", where elegantly dressed oiran  or courtesans gracefully stroll through the streets in splendid costumes. These are sights that can only be experienced at this event.

Additionally, there will be stage events including shows and live performances to enjoy.

Why not take a trip to experience an enchanting night in Nakasu, at an event that only happens once a year?

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

The Japanese Chatting Event in Tenjin

Have you been studying Japanese but would like an opportunity to chat more with Japanese people in Japanese? The Fukuoka City International Foundation is hosting an event where international residents and Japanese can enjoy conversations together. The event will take place on November 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Acros Fukuoka in Tenjin, Chuo Ward.

Participants will form two circles, with international participants and Japanese participants facing each other. You will chat one-on-one about various themes for one minute. After each round, participants will switch seats and chat with the next person.

The event will be facilitated by Shintaro Fukae, a Regional Japanese Language Education Advisor from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It’s a great opportunity to engage in conversation with many different people.

Participation is free, but registration is required, and the event is limited to the first 30 participants. Please search for "Nihongo Shaberiba In Tenjin" to register.

Enjoy the conversations and create connections that transcend borders!

Come and Listen to the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents

On Sunday, October 27th, starting at 12:30 PM, the Fukuoka City International Foundation will be holding the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents. In this contest, international residents and technical interns studying Japanese at schools or classrooms in the Fukuoka area will speak on various topics, such as their experiences living in Fukuoka and their dreams for the future, all in Japanese.

The event will be held at the Science Hall of Fukuoka City Science Museum in Ropponmatsu, Chuo Ward.
Admission is free, and no reservation is required.

Please come and listen to the participants showcase the results of their hard work and language studies!

For inquiries, contact the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at the Fukuoka City International Foundation at 092-262-1744 . Again, that number is (092-262-1744).