Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Food Education Day】

In Fukuoka Prefecture, efforts are being made to promote food education and local production for local consumption as a prefecture-wide movement. As part of this initiative, on the 19th of every month, known as “Food Education Day,” a special farmers market corner is set up at the Fukuoka Prefectural Government Office in Hakata Ward, where fresh seasonal agricultural, forestry, and marine products, as well as processed goods, are sold.

The market is held every month on the 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and ends once items are sold out. If the 19th falls on a government office closing day, it is held on the nearest preceding business day instead. This month, it will be held over two days, Thursday the 18th and Friday the 19th. The location is the first-floor lobby of the Fukuoka Prefectural Government Office.

Why not support Fukuoka-produced agricultural, forestry, and marine products by buying them—and by enjoying them too?

【Fukuoka City Information】

Rainy Season and Heavy Rain

In Japan, the period from June to July is known as the “rainy season,” when there is a lot of rainfall.
Please be careful, as this is a time when disasters caused by heavy rain are more likely to occur.

In recent years, record-breaking rainfall during the rainy season has caused major damage in Fukuoka Prefecture as well.
When there is heavy rain, do not go near dangerous places such as rivers, coastlines, or steep slopes near mountains. Please take action to protect your life.

On the Fukuoka City website, you can check hazard maps and disaster prevention information.
Please check in advance what kinds of dangers exist in the area where you live and how to evacuate if necessary.
For details, search for “Fukuoka City Multilingual Portal” and visit the “Disaster” page.

Important information from Fukuoka City is also shared in multiple languages through the official Fukuoka City Facebook page “Global Community Fukuoka” and the Fukuoka City International Foundation Facebook page “Fukuoka City International Center / Attaka Fukuoka.”
Please follow these pages to receive important information regularly.

Taxes

People who were living in Fukuoka City on January 1 and whose income from the previous year exceeded 1.1 million yen may need to pay municipal and prefectural resident taxes.

A tax payment notice will arrive around June 15, so please make sure to check it carefully.
It will show the payment amount and payment deadline.
You can pay at convenience stores, banks, or post offices.
Payment by smartphone apps and credit card is also available.

If you work for a company, the tax may be deducted directly from your salary.
If you do not pay your municipal taxes, your property may be seized, and it could negatively affect future residency status renewal procedures.

If you do not understand something or have difficulty making payments, please consult your local ward office.
Consultations are available by phone in 23 languages.

The phone number is (092-753-6113).
After contacting the interpretation center, you will be connected to your ward office.
Please tell them the language you speak, the ward where you live, and that your inquiry is about taxes.

【Christmas Advent】

Once again this year, Christmas Advent has begun, bringing color and cheer to Fukuoka’s winter!

Now in its 12th year, the event has welcomed approximately 12 million visitors in total so far. Boasting the highest number of visitors of any Christmas event in Japan, it is loved by many as a "Christmas to enjoy with all five senses," combining light, music, and art. Until Christmas Day, various venues will be filled with dazzling illuminations, festive food, seasonal music, and stage performances; a full lineup of holiday experiences again this year for everyone to enjoy.

The main venues include the JR Hakata Station Plaza, Kihinkan-mae Plaza, Tenjin Central Park, Fukuoka City Hall West Side Fureai Plaza, and Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City. From Hakata through Nakasu to Tenjin, the city is transformed into a glowing ribbon of lights, featuring a variety of illuminations and Christmas markets.

At each venue, you’ll find hütte (wooden stalls) selling hot wine, hot chocolate, and authentic European Christmas goods. The limited-edition mugs, unique to each location and popular enough to sell out every year, are cherished collectibles for many fans. If you’re hoping to get one, don’t wait too long! In addition, there are live music stages and hands-on workshops that people of all ages can enjoy, perfect for the whole family to go out for a great evening. 

Also happening during this season is the Fukuoka Classical Music Festival, running from November 20 to December 21. This event will be held at Christmas Advent venues as well as concert halls throughout the city. It offers rare opportunities to hear live performances and vocals by world-renowned musicians and top artists. Don’t miss it!

During this festive season, Fukuoka becomes a city to enjoy on foot—a Christmas city full of delight. Take in the illuminations, enjoy music and gourmet treats, and make the most of Christmas in Fukuoka!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Autumn National Fire Prevention Week

From November 9 to November 15, it is “Autumn Fire Prevention Week.”

From autumn to winter, the air becomes dry and the risk of fire increases.

Last year in Fukuoka City, there were 279 fires and the main causes were cigarettes, gas stoves, and electrical appliances.

Cigarettes are a major fire hazard. So, never smoke in bed, do not let cigarette butts pile up, and always extinguish cigarette fires completely by soaking them in water.

And in this season, extra caution is needed with gas stoves. As the weather gets colder, people tend to cook more hot pot dishes using stoves. Be sure never to leave the stove unattended while in use.

Dust buildup around electrical outlets and damaged cords can also cause fires. So, be sure to clean around outlets regularly. Make sure to get behind televisions, refrigerators, and other places that are usually hidden. And also check that electrical cords are not being crushed under furniture.

Electronic devices that use lithium-ion batteries, such as smartphones or mobile batteries, may catch fire if they are dropped or subjected to a strong impact. If the battery is swollen or becomes unusually hot during charging, do not use it, as there is a risk of fire.
When disposing of such items, take them to collection boxes at public facilities or electronics stores.

Let’s all take care to prevent fires in our daily lives.

【Fukuoka-Grown Figs – “Toyomitsuhime”】

Figs are in season around this time of year. Did you know that Fukuoka Prefecture is the second largest producer of figs in Japan? Fukuoka-grown figs soak up plenty of summer sunlight, resulting in a rich sweetness and an elegant flavor.

Among them is a special variety called Toyomitsuhime, which is grown exclusively in Fukuoka. These figs are a vivid ruby color, with large, juicy flesh, a strong sweetness, and a smooth texture. Their average sugar content is over 17 degrees Brix, offering a sweetness similar to melon. They are also known as a fig you can eat with the skin on.

Because figs quickly lose their freshness after harvest, only perfectly ripe fruit is picked. Thanks to this careful approach by farmers, Toyomitsuhime figs are rarely distributed outside of Fukuoka.

When choosing delicious figs, look for ones that are evenly reddish-brown and have smooth, taut skin. The darker the color, the better. Figs are also rich in calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber which are nutrients known for supporting beauty and wellness.

Be sure to look for Toyomitsuhime figs while they’re in season, and give them a try!

【Fukuoka City / Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Disaster Prevention Day and Stockpiling Encouragement Week

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.

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.

Parent-Child Interaction Class “Yarana Hiroba”

Would you like to visit a place where you and your child can have fun together?

At Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward, a monthly parent-child program called “Yarana Hiroba” is held. It’s a fun and welcoming space for infants, toddlers, and their parents to spend time together.

The next session will be held on Tuesday, September 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This month’s activity is “English Story Time & Free Space.”

You’ll enjoy reading English picture books and moving along to English songs with your child.

For more details, including how to sign up, please check the Fukuoka City International Foundation Facebook page.

【Hakozaki Hydrangea Festival】

As the seasons shift from spring to summer, the rainy season—tsuyu—brings many cloudy and rainy days. In Fukuoka, the tsuyu typically begins in early June and ends in mid-July. One of the joys of this season is appreciating the flowers of the moment,  hydrangeas or ajisai in Japanese.

Hydrangeas begin with pale colors and deepen in hue as they bloom over time. Interestingly, the color of the flowers can also vary depending on the acidity of the soil. With their vibrant shades of white, blue, pink, and purple, hydrangeas brighten streets and gardens, lifting our spirits even during damp, dreary weather.

There are many famous hydrangea spots in Fukuoka City. Close to Tenjin, Maizuru Park is especially recommended for a stroll. You'll see hydrangea if you look for the wooded area behind the Fukuoka Art Museum and near the entrance of the peony and Chinese peony garden.

At the Fukuoka City Botanical Garden, you can admire not only hydrangeas but also a wide variety of plants in the greenhouse, making it a great rainy-day destination.

You can also enjoy hydrangeas on a grand scale at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Higashi Ward and Nokonoshima Island Park in Nishi Ward, where wide-open spaces showcase colorful blooms in abundance.

Another highlight is the Hakozaki Shrine Hydrangea Festival, held throughout June. In the shrine’s vast 1,700-tsubo Ajisai Garden, around 3,500 hydrangea plants from 100 varieties bloom beautifully. Don’t miss the hydrangeas displayed in the water basin used for purifying hands and mouth before prayer. They’re one of the festival’s special sights.

Let the beauty of hydrangeas soothe your soul during Japan’s rainy season.

【Fukuoka City information】

Rainy season and heavy rains

 In Japan, June to July is rainy season and is called "tsuyu" in Japanese. It is a period of frequent rainfall and is also a time to be cautious as it is also a season when heavy rain disasters can occur.  

In recent years, Fukuoka Prefecture has experienced significant damage due to record-breaking heavy rainfalls during the rainy season. When it is raining heavily, please avoid going near places that can become dangerous during these rainstorms, such as rivers, coastlines, and mountainsides. It is also important to take action to protect yourself during this time.

One thing you can do is to check hazard maps and disaster prevention information on the Fukuoka City website. It is advisable to familiarize yourself in advance with the risks and evacuation procedures specific to your residential area. For more details, search for "Fukuoka City Multilingual Portal" and refer to the "Disaster" page.

Important information from Fukuoka City is also shared in multiple languages on the official Facebook page "Global Community Fukuoka" and the Fukuoka City International  Foundation Facebook page "Fukuoka City International Center/ Attaka Fukuoka." Follow these pages to stay updated on important information.

【Fukuoka Airport International Terminal Grand Opening】

After undergoing renovations since 2022, Fukuoka International Airport is now more convenient and
comfortable than ever. The Fukuoka Airport International Passenger Terminal is set to officially open on the 28th of this month! With the concept of “Easy, Fast, Fun,” the terminal has evolved into a more seamless and enjoyable space.
To ensure a smooth departure process, the security and immigration checkpoints have been expanded and relocated. The terminal will introduce "Smart Lanes", allowing up to four passengers, at the same time, to prepare for and proceed to security checks as soon as they are ready. Additionally, Kyushu’s first-ever "Priority Lane" will be introduced, enabling eligible travelers to go through security without waiting in line.
For those looking to enjoy their time before departure, the terminal now offers a duty-free shopping area four times larger than before and a brand-new food court featuring Fukuoka and Kyushu’s local cuisine. Travelers can enjoy regional flavors and immerse themselves in the local atmosphere right up until their flight.
As the gateway to Fukuoka, Kyushu, and western Japan, the newly upgraded Fukuoka Airport International Terminal is now more convenient and welcoming than ever. Be sure to check it out on your next trip!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Disposing of Garbage from Moving Home

I mentioned last week that it's moving season now that spring is here. That means that this time tends to be when we see a lot more oversized garbage and so I've got some information on how to use the Oversized Garbage Disposal Call Center.

The first way to do it is by applying for pickup with the Oversized Garbage Disposal Call Center. First, contact them by phone or by internet, or even through the Official Fukuoka City Line Account, to put in your application and then purchase the appropriate oversized garbage disposal ticket at the convenience store or other shops.
The garbage pickup day will be roughly one week after you apply. You must put out the garbage by 8:30am on the collection day in the designated spot.
The phone number for the Oversized Garbage Disposal Call Center is (092-731-1153). 
If you apply via the internet or Line, you can do so at your convenience, 24 hours a day. Look for that information on the official Fukuoka City homepage.
For TV's, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers and air conditioners, according to the home appliance recycling law, there are specific guidelines for disposal. You cannot dispose of them as oversized garbage or put them out in garbage bags.
You can have the old appliance removed by the firm installing the new one or you can contact the store where you originally bought the appliance. If you don't know where it was bought, you can also contact the Yamada Denki in your city about disposal. Recycling fees as well as fees for collection and transport will be required.

Citizen's Natural Disaster Prevention Day
To continue, I have one more announcement. This year is the 20th year since Fukuoka Prefecture was hit by the Seiho-Oki Earthquake and to keep this experience from being forgotten, Fukuoka City has designated March 20 as "Citizens' Disaster Prevention Day"
In recent years, major disasters such as earthquakes and heavy rain have occurred in many areas. We never know when a disaster will strike. In order for each of us to take appropriate actions when a disaster strikes, it is important to be prepared on a daily basis.
Please check the Fukuoka City website for hazard maps and information on disaster prevention, and again prepare and confirm what to take with you when you evacuate.

Let's take this "Citizens' Disaster Prevention Day" as an opportunity to think about disaster prevention for the safety of yourself, your family, and your community.

【SUNSET LIVE 2024】

September in Fukuoka is Music Month—a whole month where the city comes alive with music, and the first week of September is highlighted by the annual music event, SUNSET LIVE 2024, which will mark its 30th and final edition this year.

This outdoor music event will be held this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, September 7th and 8th, at the special stage set up at Keya Beach and Campground in Itoshima City. In this beautiful natural setting, close to the sea and mountains, you can enjoy performances by top artists, as well as enjoy delicious food and drinks from popular Fukuoka restaurants, and have some fun in the sea and on the beach with a variety of marine sports.

SUNSET LIVE is an event filled with hospitality, not only for people but also for the environment, featuring activities like beach cleanups and a daycare center. It's an event for people of all ages.

It's often said, "Fukuoka's summer ends with SUNSET," making it an essential part of September in Fukuoka. Don’t miss the chance to witness this special final stage.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Disaster Prevention Day and Stockpiling Encouragement Week

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.

【Plum Juice】

Plum season has come. You may have noticed packs of them at the store already. Actually, the peak season for plums is from May to July, so they are at their best right now. Plums are great for you. They can help stimulate appetite and aid in recovering from fatigue, making them perfect for the hotter days coming up when you might feel a bit tired out from the heat of summer.
There are two types of plums: green plums and ripe plums. Green plums are characterized by their acidity and refreshing aroma. They aren't good for eating raw due to their hardness and strong acidity, but when you do something with them, that acidity transforms into delicious drinks and condiments. As plum wine, plum syrup or even crunchy pickled plums, they are delicious.
Ripe plums, on the other hand, are yellow and have a sweet, fruity aroma. Because they absorb flavors well, they are suitable for making pickled plums (umeboshi) and plum juice. If you make umeboshi with green plums, they will have a crunchy texture, whereas using ripe plums will result in a soft texture.
Today, I'll share with you a recipe for plum juice. The only ingredients you need are green plums and rock sugar in equal amounts. First, wash the green plums well and soak them in water for about two hours to remove any bitterness. Then, wipe off the water, remove the stems, put them the plums in a bag, and freeze them overnight. The next day, layer the plums and rock sugar in a sterilized jar and store it at room temperature. You'll see the juice coming out of the plums and it will be ready in about a week to drink. Mix the plum juice with soda water or water, and enjoy! Both green plums and rock sugar are readily available at supermarkets, so give it a try!

【Fukuoka City information】

Rainy season and heavy rains

In Japan, June to July is rainy season and is called "tsuyu" in Japanese. It is a period of frequent rainfall and is also a time to be cautious as it is also a season when heavy rain disasters can occur.
In recent years, Fukuoka Prefecture has experienced significant damage due to record-breaking heavy rainfalls during the rainy season. When it is raining heavily, please avoid going near places that can become dangerous during these rainstorms, such as rivers, coastlines, and mountainsides. It is also important to take action to protect yourself during this time. One thing you can do is to check hazard maps and disaster prevention information on the Fukuoka City website. It is advisable to familiarize yourself in advance with the risks and evacuation procedures specific to your residential area. For more details, search for "Fukuoka City Multilingual Portal" and refer to the "Disaster" page. Important information from Fukuoka City is also shared in multiple languages on the official Facebook page "Global Community Fukuoka" and the Fukuoka City International Foundation Facebook page "Fukuoka City International Center/ Attaka Fukuoka." Follow these pages to stay updated on important information.

【Cherry blossom viewing】

It's just about time for cherry blossom season here in Fukuoka, so let me introduce a few spots to go and do a bit of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.
First, we've got Maizuru Park, a 15 minute walk from Tenjin. The park is known for housing the Fukuoka Castle ruins, a symbol of the park you might say. At the ruins, you'll find yourself surrounded by more than 1000 beautiful cherry trees, with a wonderful light up at night during the blossom season. Along the moat, you'll also see the cherry trees reflected on the water, making for a spectacular sight. During the season, the grounds are filled with food stalls and food trucks, so that people can enjoy hanami even at night. You might want to stop at Imaya, one of the stands, for a delicious hamburger to enjoy as you do hanami. Some other places to consider for hanami are the Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Higashi Ward and Aburayama's Citizen Park where you enjoy walking among the trees for some forest bathing and cherry blossom viewing. Finally, Atago Shrine, where you'll find the cherry tree of good luck, is one more place to visit. Of course, the list doesn't stop there in Fukuoka City. In many parks and streets, even in the middle of the city, you can enjoy hanami, so enjoy it to the fullest while the cherry trees are in full bloom. Here's to a great hanami season this year!

【FukuokaCity Information】

Disposing of Garbage from Moving Home

I mentioned that it's moving season now that spring is here.That means that this time tends to be when we see a lot more oversized garbage and so I've got some information on how to use the Oversized Garbage Disposal Call Center.
The first way to do it is by applying for pickup with the Oversized Garbage Disposal Call Center. First, contact them by phone or by internet, or even through the Official Fukuoka City Line Account, to put in your application and then purchase the appropriate oversized garbage disposal ticket at the convenience store or other shops. The garbage pickup day will be roughly one week after you apply. You must put out the garbage by 8:30am on the collection day in the designated spot.
The phone number for the Oversized Garbage Disposal Call Center is 092-731-1153. Again, that number is 092-731-1153. If you apply via the internet or Line, you can do so at your convenience, 24 hours a day.
For TV's, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers and air conditioners, according to the home appliance recycling law, there are specific guidelines for disposal. You can have the old appliance removed by the firm installing the new one or you can contact the store where you originally bought the appliance. You can also contact the Yamada Denki in your city about disposal.
Recycling fees as well as fees for collection and transport will be required.

Citizen's Natural Disaster Prevention Day
To continue, I have one more announcement. Fukuoka City has designated March 20 as "Citizens' Disaster Prevention Day" to keep the experience of the March 20, 2005 Fukuoka Prefecture Seiho-oki Earthquake from being forgotten.
In recent years, major disasters such as earthquakes and heavy rain have occurred in many areas. We never know when a disaster will strike. In order for each of us to take appropriate actions when a disaster strikes, it is important to be prepared on a daily basis.
Please check the Fukuoka City website for hazard maps and information on disaster prevention, and again prepare and confirm what to take with you when you evacuate. Let's take this "Citizens' Disaster Prevention Day" as an opportunity to think about disaster prevention for the safety of yourself, your family, and your community.

【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.

【Firefly Watching】

This season is firefly watching season. It's the time of year, in which you can watch these adorable, glowing bugs dance along streams and rivers. Fireflies are one of those symbols of summer in Japan, and definitely tells us summer is nearly here. With their faintly glowing lights, flickering in and out, people can't help but to be captivated by their charm.

The best time to see fireflies is at the end of May and the beginning of June. They can be found around areas with very clean water, and in Fukuoka there are quite a few places to see them.

Motogigawa Shizenkoen in Fukutsu City is where you'll find a place called Hotaru no Sato, or the village of fireflies, and Tanadashisuikoen Park in Tohomura are quite famous places to see fireflies, but there are also places right here in Fukuoka City. One place is the rooftop garden at Hakata Station. It's called the Tsubame no Mori Hiroba and is a great place to forget the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment and enjoy the beauty of nature. So, if you are in Hakata, definitely check it out.

When you do go to see these rare insects, make sure that you don't try to catch them or surprise them. They too are living creatures and appreciate good manners.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Rainy Season and Heavy Rains

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City. In Japan, June to July is rainy season and is called "tsuyu" in Japanese. It is a period of frequent rainfall and is also a time to be cautious as it is also a season when heavy rain disasters can occur. 

In recent years, Fukuoka Prefecture has experienced significant damage due to record-breaking heavy rainfalls during the rainy season. When it is raining heavily, please avoid going near places that can become dangerous during these rainstorms, such as rivers, coastlines, and mountainsides. It is also important to take action to protect yourself during this time.

One thing you can do is to check hazard maps and disaster prevention information on the Fukuoka City website. It is advisable to familiarize yourself in advance with the risks and evacuation procedures specific to your residential area. For more details, search for "Fukuoka City Multilingual Portal" and refer to the "Disaster" page.

Important information from Fukuoka City is also shared in multiple languages on the official Facebook page "Global Community Fukuoka" and the Fukuoka City International  Foundation Facebook page "Fukuoka City International Center/ Attaka Fukuoka." Follow these pages to stay updated on important information.

Aikasa

In addition, to help you out during rainy season, the city of Fukuoka provides a shared umbrella service called "AIKASA." There are spots at subway stations and department stores where you can borrow umbrellas, and you can easily rent them using your smartphone. These umbrellas are available 24/7 for 110 yen, cheaper than buying a disposable umbrella and also, environmentally friendly. Consider using this service when you're suddenly caught out in a rain shower!