Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Sunset Live】

This weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, marks THE end-of-summer music event in Fukuoka: "Sunset Live." It's a large-scale outdoor music festival held at a beachfront location. With the sea as a backdrop, stages are set up on the sandy beach, amidst the woods, and at the campsite. Amazing artists covering various genres of music take the stage, making it a truly diverse experience. Numerous food and beverage stalls from Fukuoka's dining scene are also present, offering the chance to enjoy drinks and gourmet delights. There's also a strong emphasis on eco-friendly activities to protect the environment, making it an environmentally-conscious event. The venue is adorned with numerous art installations, and live painting performances are also showcased. Childcare facilities are available, allowing families with children to participate. Activities like marine sports are available, meaning you can get the full summer experience before summer ends. I encourage you to come and enjoy the festivities. Convenient shuttle buses are available from Hakata-Tenjin area; for more details, search for "Sunset Live 2023."

And, there'll be a special LOVE FM feature on the event at a later date, so be sure to tune in!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Disaster Prevention Day and Stockpiling Encouragement Week

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City. Disaster Prevention Day is an annual awareness day and is on September 1st. And in Fukuoka City, the week of the 1st to the 7th of September is Fukuoka City's Stockpiling Encouragement Week. Stockpiling refers to keeping a good supply of food and other necessities in your home. And through this one week event, the city hopes to raise its citizens' awareness of disaster prevention, including the need to stockpile in both our homes and workplaces.

So why do we need to stockpile? Well, if there is an earthquake or typhoon, even if you aren't in danger, without food or water, we can't survive. If the stores shut down, we can't buy the food and drinks we need. If the water supply is disrupted, there's no water to drink. And, if the electric and gas are out, there's no way we can cook food. So, in order to ensure that the lives that have been saved can actually survive, it's important to have emergency supplies prepared in advance.

Alright, so what should be stockpiled?

Make sure to have a three-day supply of drinking water and food. One person needs roughly three liters of water per day, this is something to keep in mind. Nonperishable emergency foods like freeze-dried rice, canned foods, biscuits, chocolate bars and hardtack are some things that are good to have on hand. Food that doesn't need to be cooked is essential.

If you have a radio and flashlight, make sure they have batteries. And if you take medicine, or need bandages or anything like that, make sure you have extra supplies in with your first aid kit. If there is an infant in your family, make sure you have diapers in your supplies as well.

In addition to the water you'll need for drinking, you'll also need water for flushing the toilet and other daily needs. Keep a polyethylene water tank with tap water and consider keeping your bathtub filled as well.

Buy a little more than you usually do, of the foods you normally eat, and as you use them up, consuming them based on their expiration dates, keep replacing them so that you always have a little more than enough in your house. This is your rolling stock. This is recommended because you always have a certain level of stored food, and it falls within the scope of your usual shopping routine in terms of cost and time.

As typhoons do often occur around this time of year, take this opportunity to prepare for disasters once again.

【The Island of Fukuoka City"Nokonoshima""Shikanoshima"】

When it comes to summer, it's all about the sea! Have you already been to the beach and gone swimming? This week, let me introduce two islands that you can easily visit as day trips from Fukuoka: "Nokonoshima" and "Shikanoshima."

"Nokonoshima" is approximately 10 minutes away by ferry from Noko Ferry Terminal in Meinohama here in Fukuoka City. This island has a circumference of about 12 kilometers and boasts beautiful seasonal flowers and stunning seascapes. There are many spots that exude a sense of history, and you'll see so many breathtaking views on the island. At the beach, you can enjoy activities such as motor boating, banana boating, water skiing, a floating trampoline on the sea, diving platforms, and swings. One of the island's famous spots is the "Nokonoshima Island Park," popular for its sunflower fields in full bloom. The island is also equipped with restaurants offering fantastic views, barbecue houses, camping facilities, and lodging options to fully immerse yourself in nature.

Next up is "Shikanoshima," an island connected to mainland Fukuoka by both land and sea routes. You can easily access it from the city using either method of transportation. The island's greatest attractions lies in its beautiful sea. Diving spots offer encounters with tropical fish and seahorses. You can also enjoy activities like yachting, windsurfing, scuba diving, and fishing. Additionally, there are dining establishments where you can savor fresh seafood, and "Kin'in Dock" and "Kin'in Curry" are famous local dishes, so be sure to try them out.

Have a fun and active summer here in the city!

【Fukuoka City Information】

ducation and Career Consultation Fair 2023 for Children with Foreign Heritage

Now, I have an announcement from the Fukuoka City International Foundation. Together with "Tomoiki Fukuoka" and Fukuoka YWCA, the foundation will be co-hosting the " Education and Career Consultation Fair 2023 for Children with Foreign Heritage."

At this fair, education consultations will be provided for children from preschool to high school who have roots in foreign countries. The consultations are free of charge and available in Japanese, English, and Chinese. The event will take place on Sunday, August 27th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Fukuoka City International Center in Tenyamachi, Hakata-ku.

For inquiries, please contact the Fukuoka City International Foundation. You can reach them via phone or the inquiry form on their website. The phone number is 092-262-1744.

Consultations for 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 center at least one week in advance.

Your confidentiality is guaranteed, so please feel at ease to use these services.

For more information, please call  0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

【IRIE MUSIC FES with JIM BEAM SUMMER FES 2023 in FUKUOKA】

This weekend, a music event organized by LOVE FM's reggae program "IRIE MUSIC" will be held. It is a collaborative project between the weekly "reggae 100%" program "IRIE MUSIC," which airs every Saturday morning from 8 AM, and Suntory's "JIM BEAM SUMMER FES." Following the huge success of last year's event, it is being held again this year, with a focus on "reggae/Hip-Hop/Okinawa" as the theme, promising three days of exciting music.

The festival will take place from August 4th to 6th,  this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The venue is "Tenjin Chuo Park," and admission is free. Come and enjoy the summer with awesome artist performances, delicious drinks, and gourmet food! For more details, please check LOVE FM's official website.

【Fukuoka City Information】

 Fukuoka City Tourism Global Site-Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City. Today I'll introduce you to the Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide, the global tourism site for Fukuoka City.

Until now, Fukuoka City has been providing tourism information in Japanese and other languages on the "Yokanavi" tourism information site. To make the information more attractive and accessible to foreign visitors, the city has launched the "Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide," a tourism information site specifically tailored to meet the needs of international travelers.

On this website, you can find information about tourist attractions, events, area sightseeing, and gourmet experiences in four languages: English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. The focus is on using videos and photos to make the information easily understandable.

This site is not only for tourists but also for Fukuoka residents who want to deepen their knowledge and enjoyment of the city. It is packed with useful information to help everyone make the most of their time in Fukuoka.

Search for "Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide" and check it out!

【Yukata】

With summer festivals and other events happening, you're sure to see people out in Yukata. Have you seen Yukata, or know what they are?

A yukata is a casual kimono made of cotton, traditionally worn in Japan during the summer. It originated as a garment to be worn after bathing and has been simplified over time. It is often provided as sleepwear in hotels and other accommodation facilities. While it is not commonly worn in everyday life nowadays, many people wear yukata for special events, so you can often see them at festivals and fireworks displays.

Compared to a formal kimono, the yukata is relatively inexpensive and easier to purchase. However, I recommend trying a yukata rental for a more accessible experience. Yukata rentals offer a complete set including the yukata itself, accessories, and decorative items, and they come in a wide range of designs. You can enjoy the process of choosing your yukata and accessories.

Why not try wearing a yukata and going out this summer? It can be a fun and memorable experience!

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Opening of the World Aquatics Championships

The long-awaited 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka is finally beginning! On July 14th, after a 22-year wait, Fukuoka will host the world swimming championships. It is a celebration of aquatic sports that rivals the Olympics, featuring six disciplines and 75 events: swimming, artistic swimming, diving, high diving, water polo, and open water swimming. Approximately 2,400 athletes from over 200 countries are expected to participate. You will have the opportunity to witness the excitement and inspiration of top athletes from around the world competing in Fukuoka. You won't want to miss this historic moment!

After the World Aquatics Championships, the World Masters Swimming Championships will take place from August 2nd. Swimming enthusiasts from all over the world will participate in races and then explore our city, enjoying meals, shopping, and sightseeing. During the tournament, various events will be held to coincide with the World Aquatics Championships. One of these events is "Fukuoka Ichi-ba," featuring booth exhibitions and stage events held near the main venue, Marine Messe Fukuoka. Additionally, there will be illuminations around the venue to create a festive atmosphere.

In addition to these events, there will be activities and events held at Hakata Station and in the historic district of Hakata. Fukuoka Tower and Port Tower will also be illuminated to welcome the World Aquatics Championships.

Real-time updates can be found on the web, including event information and recommended tourist spots during the tournament. You can experience the excitement and inspiration of the World Aquatics Championships and feel the entire city of Fukuoka becoming even more exciting. It's something to really look forward to!

【Hydrangea Season】

From June to July, during Japan's rainy season, you can enjoy the sight of one of Japan's native plants, Ajisai, or Hydrangea in English.

These blooms, which look like flowers are not considered true flowers. Sepals, or modified leaves, make up most of the bloom and can be seen in colors from white to shades of blue. 

In Fukuoka city, you can easily enjoy hydrangeas in various places such as the Fukuoka City Botanical Garden and Maizuru Park located in the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. You can also see approximately 10,000 hydrangea plants of about 70 varieties blooming at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park and at Nokonoshima Island Park along the Hydrangea Path that they have there.

Another must-see location is Hakozaki Shrine, known as one of the three great Hachimangu shrines in Japan, which features 100 species and 3,500 hydrangea plants in its Hydrangea Garden.

Although the rainy season can be a bit gloomy, going to see these vibrant hydrangea blooms is sure to bring some cheer to your day!

【Fukuoka City Information】

The World Aquatics Championships

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City.

The upcoming Fukuoka 2023 FINA World Championships is just a month away. On July 14th, Fukuoka will host the World Aquatics Championships for the first time in 22 years.

This event, which includes swimming, artistic swimming, diving, high diving, water polo, and open water swimming, features 6 disciplines and 75 events, comparable to the Olympics. Approximately 2,400 athletes from over 200 countries are expected to participate. You will be able to experience the excitement and inspiration of top athletes from around the world competing in Fukuoka.

The Japanese national team will include notable athletes such as Tomoru Honda, silver medalist in the butterfly event at TOKYO 2020, Yui Ohashi, double champion in individual medley, Rikako Ikee, who achieved four titles in butterfly and freestyle at Japan Swim 2023, and Yukiko Inui, gold medalist in artistic swimming at the Budapest 2022 World Championships.

For the schedule of events and ticket information, please search for "Fukuoka 2023 FINA World Championships Tickets" .

Let's enjoy the festive atmosphere of the event together at the venue and on television, where the citizens of Fukuoka and spectators from around the world come together in excitement for this event.

To continue, I'd like to share a little bit of information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

Through the Foundation's official LINE account, you can can get advice on daily life in Japan or make an appointment for free professional consultation using the LINE call feature. Telephone interpretation is available in 22 languages, so please feel free to contact them. In addition, you can get information on the Foundation's events and announcements for international residents. Please add the Foundation's official LINE account to your friends' list from the Fukuoka City International Foundation website. The foundation will not accept consultations via the LINE talk chat function, but you can use the inquiry form on the foundation's website if you want to send a message about anything.

【DJ recommended restaurants】

This week. I'd like to give you a few restaurant recommendations if you are looking for a place to eat. There are so many great places in Fukuoka, whether you are looking for seafood, grilled meat, noodles, spice and so on.

First, if you are in the Daimyo area and craving izakaya food, then Tarafuku is my recommendation. It's my go-to restaurant for myself and my partner and also a great place to bring people who are visiting Fukuoka. The building and the inside looks well-loved, old but full of character and a lively atmosphere. The menu is excellent, there are so many izakaya standards like fried chicken, or rolled omelettes, but you'll also find seasonal specials taking advantage of the ingredients for that season. The menu is all in Japanese and the specials are often handwritten, so if reading is still a work in progress, invite your kanji reading friends out! As for what I would recommend at Tarafuku, well, I like to try something new every time and I would just say to try whatever catches your eye. You'll want to make a reservation if you go, it's usually pretty busy. 

Another place that I find myself going back to time and time again is D. Khajana, an Indian restaurant near Ohori Park. The lunch menu is more than reasonable, I've always walked out so satisfied and everything is delicious. You can even do takeout by calling ahead, or if you have time to wait a bit, ordering at the store. Definitely get some shish kebab, it's often in the set menus.

One more recommendation is Taco Mia, also by Ohori Park and with a branch at Momochi Beach that is open for the season. I sometimes place an order for pickup for their quesadillas or burritos and have a kind of picnic lunch at Ohori. If you are by Momochi beach though, enjoying the sea air, definitely go into their shop there. Thinking about their tacos is making me so hungry.

If you've never been to any of these places, perhaps over the holiday week you'll have a chance to check them out. If you're trying to avoid crowds, then get takeaway  from D. Khajana or Taco Mia and enjoy a leisurely dinner and maybe movie at home with friends. If you're planning to just jump into the feeling of Fukuoka, then Tarafuku is the place for you. I'm sure it'll have an especially fun atmosphere with the holiday week and all the visitors that will be in Fukuoka enjoying their time here!

And, if any of your friends are looking for places to go, you can always share these suggestions with them!

【Fukuoka City Information】

World Aquatics Championship and the World Aquatics Masters Championships

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City. You've probably seen the posters up, but if you haven't, from July 14^th to 30^th  Fukuoka is hosting the ‘World Aquatics Championships Fukuoka 2023’ and from August 2^nd to 11^th, the ‘World Aquatics Masters Championships Kyushu 2023’.

 The World Aquatics Championships is a swimming event comparable to the Olympics, where the world's best swimmers compete in 75 events in 6 sports.

And the excitement of watching the world's top swimmers competing against each other can be experienced in Fukuoka.
Fukuoka citizens and spectators from all over the world will have the chance to come together and enjoy the festive atmosphere of these championships!

For more information about the competition schedule and tickets, please look up "World Aquatics 2023".

The World Aquatics Masters Championships are open to everyone over the age of 25 with the aim of realizing "health, friendship, and mutual understanding.
The championships will be held in the three Kyushu cities of Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima, and 10,000 swimmers from around the world will participate. Applications will be accepted until June, so if there is someone interested in participating among your friends and family back home, let them know about it!

Enjoy this year's summer in Fukuoka, where you can feel the excitement of swimming and competitions!

【Advice for a fresh start in life】

This week is the beginning of the year, in a sense. It's the beginning of the fiscal year and when a lot of other things start, like new radio programs. Although Life in Fukuoka has, thanks to its listeners, been going on for a few years now, let me introduce myself for any new listeners. Perhaps you've just moved to Fukuoka for a new job or school and have decided to tune into the show.
Well, my name is Colleen and I'm originally from Detroit, Michigan in the US. I originally came to Fukuoka in 2002 as an exchange student at Kyushu University and came back again in 2005 to work, but only for a year. My how time flies, it's been 18 years since then!
Currently, I work a few different jobs, as an instructor at a hotel school, a narrator and of course, as a LOVE FM DJ. Not only do I do this show, but if you tuned in yesterday morning, from 8am to 9:45 am, you would've heard me on air on my program Earth Feeling.
As for my hobbies, well, I have few, I enjoy traveling, taking photos, playing tennis and cooking. On my days off, my boyfriend and I usually try to find place to visit, whether it's just at Maizuru Park to see the flowers and walk the castle ruins, or a drive somewhere in Kyushu.
If it's your first time in Fukuoka, I recommend getting a sandwich at La Brioche bakery, near Ohori Park and taking a stroll around the park, stopping when you find a place that suits you to enjoy that sandwich It's just a nice way to spend an afternoon, especially if you've been busy with moving, meeting new people and just getting adjusted to life in a new place! Sometimes you need to just stop and take a breath.
Spring is the season of freshness and fresh starts too, I guess. I'm sure you'll find yourself facing a number of challenges as you begin life here, but don't shy away from them. Every challenge is a learning experience whether you succeed or fail. Also, don't be shy about speaking Japanese, you might mistakes as you speak, but hey, you're learning a brand new language! It's not easy! Good luck as you begin your new year here! If you have any messages you want to send or even any requests for the show, feel free to message!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Consultations for Foreign Residents

I have some information from Fukuoka City.
Is there anything worrying you as you settle into your new life here? Or maybe something you don't understand?

Well, at the Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents, you can get information on things like residence procedure, employment, medical care, welfare, childbirth, child rearing and children's education, as well as referrals to the appropriate consultation centers.

To contact the Consultation Support Center, please call 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be taken between 9am and 6pm on regular business days. The center is closed on weekends, holidays and over the new year. 21 languages are supported at that hotline.

In addition, if there's there's anything you want to know National Health Insurance, garbage or taxes, or procedures necessary for living in Fukuoka City, please call the Interpretation Center.

If you want to check the procedures of Fukuoka City, you can call the Interpretation Center and ask for help. You can also call the Interpretation Center for consultation by connecting to your local ward office. The telephone number is 092-753-6113. 18 languages are supported at that number.

 Vietnam Festival 2023 in Fukuoka

 I have some information on the Vietnam Festival 2023 in Fukuoka.

This festival commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam.The festival is being held over two days, April 15th and 16th at Fukuoka Tenjin Chuo Park.

The event will feature live performances by Vietnamese pop artists, traditional dances, ao dai shows and other stange events.There will also be food and drink booths featuring Vietnamese cuisine.

The event will be held from 10am to 8pm on the 15th and from 10am to 7pm on the 16th.It will be held rain or shine unless there is stormy weather, in which case, it will be cancelled.Admission is free so please feel free to drop by!

For more information, please look up Vietname Festival 2023 Fukuoka.

【Retort Curry Day】

Japan has a number of unusual anniversary days, I've introduced a few on this program before and it turns out that just the other day on February 12^th, it was Retort Curry Day. It was in 1968 on this day that Bon Curry was created as the world’s first commercial retort-pouch food product ever to exist, using innovative original technology under the concept of “a curry that you can eat just by heating a single-serving package in hot water, a curry that never fails.”

A retort curry is a pressurized, heat-sterilized curry packaged in a bag made of aluminum foil. The technology using retort was originally invented by the U.S. Military, but retortable curry, which can be heated with hot water and eaten immediately, is a Japanese invention.
Most retort pouch curries are heated with hot water, but there are some retort pouch curries that can be heated in a microwave oven, so be sure to read the directions carefully before cooking them up.
Nowadays, you can enjoy the taste of delicious curries from restaurants all over Japan. My partner and I have tried quite a few, we like to do at home curry tours. I'm a fan of a Miyazaki Curry but my partner seems to prefer the Indian curries. You're sure to find your favorite as you sample the many that are available at convenience stores and supermarkets!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Now, I have information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation .

Get consultations through LINE Call!

The first thing to share is about their Line Call service. If you are connected to the Foundation's official Line Account, you can use Line Call to ring the center for advice on life here as well as to make reservations for the free professional consultation services that the Foundation provides.  Interpretation over the phone for 22 different languages is available.

You can also sign up to get information on events or useful information for foreign residents of the city, so if you aren't already connected on Line, just go to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage and click on Add Friend to get connected.

However, be aware that you cannot send messages through the chat function. If you want to send a message regarding getting advice, then please look up the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage on the internet and fill out the help request form on their website.

International Kids and Parents Event “Let's make easy riceball lunchboxes!”

The next bit of information I have to share with you is about an event for international kids and parents called “Let's make easy riceball lunchboxes”!

During this event, Japanese parents and kids and foreign parents and kids will get together to make onigiri-bento, or riceball lunchboxes, in a fun, international exchange event.

The event will be held on Saturday, March 11^th at  the Fukuoka City Health Promotion Support Center in the Airefu Cooking room. 

The deadline to register for this event is Monday the 20^th of February. To register for the event or to get more information, please go to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website at www.fcif.or.jp .

【Seasonal Ingredients-Renkon】

Today, I'd like to talk about an ingredient that we often see around this time of year.
Have you heard of the vegetable "ren-kon"?
If you haven't, well, RENKON" is the enlarged underground stem of the lotus, which looks like a root, hence the name "lotus root" in English. Maybe you've seen it, but didn't know the name. When it's cut into slices, you'll see that it has holes in it, which is supposed to be "good for the future" and "good for your future prospects” because you can see through it. If you had the New Year's dish, osechi, this year, you might have seen it. It is supposed to bring the wish for a bright new year ahead.

Honestly, I can say I haven't seen it in any kind of regular cooking in the US, but in Korea, where my mom is from, we definitely ate  it. I had it at Korean restaurants in the US as well, it was usually a side dish that came out with the kimchi and other dishes. I love it, I especially like it with seasoned mince meat sandwiched inside, which I make at home sometimes.

Chikuzen-ni, a local dish of Fukuoka Prefecture, also uses lotus root, and is loved by the locals. Chikuzen-ni is a kind of simmered dish and I think it's a pretty standard household recipe. In saying that, although lotus root is a familiar ingredient that can be found in supermarkets, it is difficult to cook and eat chikuzen-ni by yourself, as you usually need to make a big old pot of it!

These days, it is sold at even convenience stores as a side dish that can be eaten just by heating it up, so if you don't plan on making a huge pot all for yourself, then pick up a pack and give this traditional Fukuoka dish a try!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Fukuoka was Chosen by the Lonely Planet!

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City.

I don't know if you've heard, I saw this information on twitter, but in the "Best in Travel 2023" which announces the best destinations to visit in 2023 according to The Lonely Planet, Fukuoka was selected and it was the only selection in Japan!
Fukuoka was selected for the "Food" category, Lonely Planet which, if you've never used it, is a travel guidebook that boasts the world's largest market share and is read mainly in Europe and the United States. Every year, in the autumn, this guidebook announces its choices for the next year.
Naturally, all of us who live here know that Fukuoka has great food, but Fukuoka is attracting attention internationally for its rich variety of food culture, from yatai (food stalls) and ramen to trendy bars and coffee shops.
If you are interested in which shops were listed, just Search "Best in Travel 2023" . Maybe one of your regular haunts is on the list!

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/kyushu/fukuoka

【The New Year and Fukuoka's Unique Tradition-Hatsumode, the First Shrine visit to 3 Shrines】

So, how are you spending the new year? Yesterday was the 1^st of January and I guess a lot of people were at home with their families eating new year's dishes and hanging out. Did anyone climb a mountain to see the first sunrise? I just relaxed with my cats. I'll try to get out for some of the new year bargains but I'll wait until the crowds are gone. I know I'll probably miss out on the best deals, but I don't mind.

Speaking of the new year in Japan, there is a tradition called Hatsumode. Hatsumode is making a shrine visit at the very beginning of the year to pray that your year will be a full and happy year. It's a custom that has carried on from a long time ago.

In Fukuoka, the custom of hatsumode means to do sansha-mairi or three shrine visits in the new year.

If you plan on doing the three visits, you can visit your favorite shrine, or even one near your house, everyone has their own custom, but if you are planning on doing shrine visits in the Fukuoka city area, in Tenjin or Hakata, you could visit Kushida, Sumiyoshi and Kego shrines. Do you think you'll do Sansha-mairi this year? I usually do three shrines, Kego is almost always on the list, and I sometimes do Hakozaki and Atago, if I have time. There are a few shrines near my house, so it isn't too hard to get all three in!

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Information about Covid Vaccinations

Now, I have some information for you from Fukuoka City about Covid-19 vaccinations.

Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.

In Fukuoka City, vaccination tickets for the Omicron variant for those who will receive their third, fourth or fifth doses of the vaccine are being sent out. The vaccination for the omicron variant will be limited to one time per person. Vaccination vouchers are being sent out to those were vaccinated at least three months before.

When the inoculation coupon arrives, please visit the reservation site or call the vaccine call center to make a reservation. Please wait until that coupon does arrive.

If you haven't received that coupon, please phone the call center to have it issued again.

People who have recently relocated to Fukuoka City from overseas and who hope to get vaccinated need to fill out an application to receive the inoculation tickets.

For questions regarding vaccinations, to make a reservation or to apply for the inoculation ticket, you can call 092-260-8405. Again, that number is 092-260-8405. Calls will be taken between 8:30 am and 5:30pm every day. 7 languages are available at that number, including English, Chinese and Korean.

The Fukuoka Prize Presentation  Ceremony

Fukuoka City honors those who have contributed to academic research, art, and culture in Asia by presenting the "Fukuoka Prize. This year's award ceremony, the 32nd, was held on December 22nd .This year's awardees were taiko drummer HAYASHI Eitetsu, art historian TIMON SCREECH, and Artist Shahzia SIKANDER. The award ceremony, held with great fanfare, will soon be available to watch on YouTube. If you are interested, just check the Fukuoka Prize website for the link to that video.If you are interested, just check the Fukuoka Prize website for the video link. That website is https://fukuoka-prize.org.

Fukuoka Prize: Invitation to an event with a past Fukuoka Prize winner

If the Fukuoka Prize winners are people that interest you, then you'll be interested to hear that the 17th Academic Research Award winner, historian Dr. Takeshi Hamashita, has been invited to give a lecture on Saturday, February 4, 2023. His lecture is titled "Considering Asia from the Sea" and will be held at Nishijin Plaza in Sawara-ku, Fukuoka City. For details, please see News & Topics on the Fukuoka Prize website.

We are currently accepting applications for participants, so if you are interested, please join us!

https://fukuoka-prize.org/topics/detail/54259378-4e74-4815-bae8-0aba3f08251f