Life in Fukuoka "English"

【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.

This is our last broadcast for 2024. What kind of year was it for you?  

For me, it was a busy year, but good. We want to the UK to visit family and family and friends from the US and UK came to visit us here as well. We took my family around Fukuoka and other parts of Kyushu. My sister's friend, who came with her and my mom, really loved Fukuoka. I didn't get to show him all of the charms of the city, it was still pretty hot when they visited, but he loved the ramen here and a lot of the other food as well, of course. He also liked that although the city was compact, it had a very cosmopolitan feeling but was also convenient for everything. All of us who live here know how great it is!

 I also started an upper level patissier course, I may have mentioned doing a course a couple of years ago. A more advanced course opened up this year, so I decided to join it. It's definitely harder than the class before! We've made some pretty amazing confections that I never thought I'd be able to make. It continues through until March, so there's still a lot to learn in the new year! 

Speaking of which, ss we approach the New Year, let me introduce some of the  meaningful tradition of Osechi Ryori, the Japanese New Year feast.

【Osechi Ryori: Traditional Japanese New Year Cuisine】

What do you usually eat to celebrate the new year?
In Japan, there are several foods believed to bring good luck when eaten during the New Year. Among these, Osechi Ryori is the quintessential Japanese New Year dish.

The origin of Osechi dates back to offerings made to the gods to express gratitude for abundant harvests at seasonal changes. In modern times, it has become a meal to celebrate the New Year with family and is also often served to guests.

Osechi Ryori is packed in jubako, tiered lacquer boxes. This tradition has multiple reasons. One is the symbolism of stacking the boxes, which represents "piling up happiness." Additionally, packing the food in jubako saves space and makes it easier to serve to guests. The custom of preparing Osechi and other New Year dishes at the end of the year allows families to avoid cooking during the first three days of the New Year. During this time, people welcome the gods, pray for a bountiful harvest, and the safety of their families. To honor this, cooking or using fire is avoided. Preparing Osechi in advance also is said to reduce the number of times the cook has to be in the kitchen so that he or she can rest. Osechi ryori is designed to taste good even when cold and lasts a long time.

Each dish in Osechi Ryori carries a symbolic meaning or wish for good fortune. The ingredients and dishes vary by region, but a complete Osechi usually includes around 20–30 different items, allowing a variety of flavors to be enjoyed. Osechi is organized into five categories: 

1. "Three celebratory dishes" that symbolize prosperity, longevity, and a bountiful harvest.

2. Appetizers that pair well with sake.

3. Grilled seafood dishes.

4. Simmered dishes.

5. Vinegared dishes.

The ingredients in the dishes incorporate wishes for bountiful harvests, health, longevity, and family prosperity. 

The arrangement of dishes within the jubako is also predetermined. Traditionally, five-tiered jubako are used. The contents vary by region, but typically:

The first tier contains the "three celebratory dishes" and appetizers that pair well with sake.

The second tier holds grilled dishes.

The third and fourth tiers are filled with simmered dishes and vinegared dishes.

The fifth tier is left empty, symbolizing a space to invite good fortune.

In recent years, three-tiered boxes have become common, with the first tier for celebratory dishes, the second for grilled and vinegared dishes, and the third for simmered dishes.

The "three celebratory dishes for the New Year" typically include Kuro-mame: Sweetly simmered black soybeans, Kazunoko: Salted herring roe, Tazukuri: Dried baby sardines roasted and coated in a sweet soy sauce glaze and Tataki gobō: Smashed burdock root.

The "sake-pairing dishes" include Kurikinton: Sweet chestnut paste, Kōhaku kamaboko: Red and white fish cake, Datemaki: A sweet rolled omelet made with eggs and fish paste and  Kombumaki: Herring wrapped in kelp and tied with kanpyo, simmered in a sweet soy sauce.

Additionally, grilled seafood such as yellowtail, sea bream, and spiny lobster; vinegared dishes such as kōhaku namasu (pickled carrot and daikon radish); and simmered dishes such as nimono (featuring lotus root, taro, daikon, carrot, and konnyaku) are included.

Each dish in osechi ryori is carefully made, filled with meaning and prepared with care and time. The tradition of enjoying osechi ryori, with its various wishes for good luck,  is still deeply rooted in the heart of Japanese culture. 

While the customs of osechi vary by region, modern osechi ryori has become increasingly diverse.  Celebrate the New Year with the Osechi Ryori that suits your family, and let it bring you health and happiness for the year ahead. 

Thank you very much for listening to Life in Fukuoka this year.  I hope that the tips  I share on Life in Fukuoka will also be useful for you next year. May 2025 bring you  an abundance of joy. Have a wonderful New Year!

【Seaside Momochi ICE SKATING PARK】

Have you ever tried ice skating? It’s the perfect activity for this chilly winter season! This winter, the popular Seaside Momochi area, a well-known spot for sightseeing and relaxation, has opened the Seaside Momochi ICE SKATING PARK. This special ice skating rink is open for a limited time until February 24th at the Plaza in front of Fukuoka Tower.

And, in addition to skating, the park will host seasonal events.

Until December 25th, Momochi will hold its first-ever Christmas Market for some festive cheer.

From December 28th to January 13th, the park will transform into a New Year celebration area, featuring a temporary shrine area with kadomatsu, the traditional pine decorations, and a giant torii gate.

From January 16th to February 24th, the park will adopt a Valentine’s theme with heart-shaped monuments to set a romantic mood.

There will also be skating lessons, performances, and shows for everyone to enjoy. The rink is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, though hours may change depending on the weather. Be sure to check the official website before heading out.

The admission fee is  ¥1,700 for adults and ¥1,200 for children in junior high school and under. Skate rentals are included in the price.

This is a fun winter activity for both kids and adults that you can only enjoy during this season. Don’t miss out—make plans to visit the Seaside Momochi ICE SKATING PARK this winter!

シーサイドももち ICE SKATING PARK🔎https://fuk-sc.com/

【Fukuoka City Information】

Spend the New Year's Holiday safely

Fukuoka City wants you to enjoy your winter holidays safely and enjoyably and has a few tips to share.

From the end of the year to the start of the new year, there are a lot of opportunities to drink alcohol. So, make sure, 100%, that you don't drink and drive, don't make others drink and drive, never allow someone to drink and drive and don't ignore someone who would drink and drive. Even cycling after drinking is against the law.

And it's important to remember that even the next day you might have some alcohol in your system or will be hungover. In that case, even if you think you only have a little bit of alcohol left in your system, it doesn't mean you should drive, because you shouldn't.

Also, every year, the end of the year sees more and more traffic accidents. If you are out late at night, make sure you are wearing bright or reflective clothes that are easy for drivers to notice. And if you are driving or even cycling, make sure you turn your headlights on earlier in the evening.

Next, we have a warning about investment scams and romance scams via social media.
There has been a sharp increase in fraud cases where people are tricked into investing money by individuals they meet through social media or dating apps, or by scammers pretending to be celebrities.

To protect yourself:

1. Be cautious of investment solicitations on social media or the internet.
2. If someone you’ve never met in person discusses money, assume it might be a scam.
3. Any investment pitch that includes phrases like "guaranteed profits" or "guaranteed　principal" is a scam.

Keep these three points in mind to avoid falling victim.

Finally, avoid smoking while walking outdoors or riding a bicycle and try to refrain from smoking outdoors when people are around. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Let’s protect ourselves and our loved ones and enjoy a safe and enjoyable winter holiday.

【Reusable Trash Bags: “Fuku Reji”】

As the year-end and New Year season approaches, we tend to go shopping quite a bit more and also buy quite a bit more. While out shopping, have you seen or heard of the convenient "Fuku Reji" bag that you can use to carry your shopping and  also use for disposing of trash? These bags are now available near checkout counters at convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstores across Fukuoka City.

While the widespread use of reusable bags has reduced the reliance on plastic shopping bags following the introduction of charges for plastic shopping bags, Fukuoka City still disposes of approximately 2,600 tons of plastic shopping bags annually. To address this, Fuku Reji was introduced as a new eco-friendly option for reducing plastic waste during shopping.

If you forget your reusable bag or find yourself needing extra space for an unexpected shopping trip, consider choosing Fuku Reji. These bags not only help reduce plastic waste but also save on costs.

They are available in two sizes, 15 liters for 15 yen or 10 liters for ten yen. After using them as shopping bags, you can repurpose them as designated household trash bags for combustible waste. You can dispose of these bags following the usual rules for trash collection in your area, putting them out in the proper location on your trash collection day for Fukuoka City.

The design of the bags, created by artist Kazuhiko Ifuku, symbolizes a "circle of compassion" born from the idea of individuals caring for others and nature, fostering connections and cycles of thoughtfulness.

So, when you need a shopping bag at convenience stores, supermarkets, or drugstores, choose Fuku Reji to help reduce plastic waste!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Ward Office Consultation and Garbage Collection over the New Year Holidays

Over the New Year's holidays, there are a few changes to ward office consultation hours and the days on which you can put out the garbage.

Ward offices will be closed from Saturday, December 28th, to Sunday, January 5th.   In the days before and after the new year holidays, the ward office consultation counters will be busy so make sure you give yourself plenty of time when you go there.

Also, from Tuesday, December 31st, to Friday, January 3rd, there will be no garbage collection, so please do not put your garbage out for pick up. The last day to put out burnable garbage for scheduled pick up is Monday, December 30th.  Scheduled garbarge pick-up will resume on Sunday, January 5th. For areas with regular collection on Tuesdays and Fridays, garbage can be disposed of on Saturday, January 4th, as a substitute day.  For nonburnable garbage and glass and pet bottles, in areas where collection is scheduled for Wednesday, January 1st, dispose of garbage on Sunday, December 29th. For areas with collection scheduled on Thursday, January 2nd, dispose of garbage on Monday, December 30th.

Also, applications and pickup for oversized garbage will be stopped between Sunday, December 29th, to Friday, January 3rd, so please be aware of that.

If you have questions about garbage disposal, you can call the Interpretation Center to connect with your local ward office.
The phone number is (092-753-6113).
Let them know your ward and that your inquiry is about garbage disposal.
The service is available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and from December 29th to January 3rd.

【Nagahama Fish Market “UOZA”】

A new facility called "UOZA" has opened in the Nagahama area, conveniently located near Tenjin in Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City. Run by seafood professionals, this facility features a food hall where you can enjoy the market’s fresh seafood, a retail corner offering processed seafood products, and even a SASHIMI DOJO, where you can learn how to prepare sashimi.

The highlight of UOZA is its food hall, designed to resemble a fish auction site with high ceilings and bright lighting. Fresh seasonal fish are displayed in showcases, and the prices are budget-friendly, starting at just one 500 yen coin . You can mix and match sashimi, grilled fish, fried dishes, and more to create your own custom meal or seafood platter.

The retail corner offers a variety of prepared seafood, seasonings that pair perfectly with fish dishes, and even professional-grade kitchen tools like knives used by chefs.

UOZA is open from  11:00 AM to 9:30 PM every day except on on Wednesdays and during the New Year holidays.
For the latest updates, check out UOZA’s official Instagram.

If you love seafood, don’t miss this new spot in Nagahama where you can enjoy fresh seafood and purchase high-quality products!

 🔎 https://www.instagram.com/uoza_nagahama/

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

End of year information

The Fukuoka City International Foundation will be closed for a period of 9 days, from Saturday, December 28th  to Sunday, January 5th . It will reopen on Monday, January 6th 2025 at 9 am.

The first session in 2025 for the free legal advice service for foreigners will be on Wednesday, January 15th.  You do need an appointment before you go, so please call to make an appointment as soon as you can. 

For consultations with a gyousei-shoshi, or administrative lawyer, reservations are not necessary. The first day available in 2025 for that is Sunday, January 12th. 

Please check the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website for information.

Or you can call (0120-66-1799). The call is free to make. 

The Fukuoka City International Foundation will continue being an

antenna to gather and provide a wealth of information and support to you, the foreign

residents of Fukuoka, in order to make life here in the city even more comfortable, so feel free to use their services!

Use Line Call for Consultations

And if you connect with the Foundation's official LINE account, you can make an appointment for consultations on daily life or free professional consultation using the LINE call feature. Telephone consultations are available in a number of foreign languages, so please feel free to contact them. In addition, you can get information on the Foundation's events and announcements from Fukuoka City, so please add the Foundation's official LINE account to your friends' list from the Fukuoka City International Foundation website. 

One thing to keep in mind though is that the foundation will not accept consultations via the Line chat feature.  So if you want advice via text rather than calling, please use the inquiry form on the foundation's website.

【Baby Dolphin at Marine World Uminonakamichi】

In October, a baby dolphin was born at Marine World Uminonakamichi, the aquarium located in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City.

The newborn is a male bottlenose dolphin, born on October 27th, measuring just over 1 meter in length. Typically, if a dolphin's birth takes more than two hours, the survival rate decreases. This particular birth took approximately 3.5 hours, but both mother and baby are healthy and thriving.

A caretaker shared the following information: "The baby dolphin has a sturdy build and swims exceptionally well. His clear, wide-open eyes are a charming point for many. I hope he gets a name that children will love and becomes a favorite among visitors."

The baby dolphin's name will be chosen through a visitor vote, so if you visit the aquarium, don’t forget to cast your vote!

In addition to this, Marine World Uminonakamichi regularly hosts a variety of fun events. The new area, "Kaiju Island", features up-close experiences with adorable seals, showcasing their charming gestures and calls. Feeding experiences with dolphins and sea lions are also very popular at the aquarium.

For event details and the latest updates, be sure to check their official website!

🔎https://marine-world.jp/news/post-6963/

【Fukuoka City and Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

World Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week

Human rights" refers to the right to "live like a human being" that each individual has from birth.
December 10 is World Human Rights Day, a day to think about "human rights" not only in Japan but also in other parts of the world.
December 4 to 10 is Human Rights Week, and Fukuoka City also observes "Respect for Human Rights Week," which aims to make Fukuoka City a better place to live, where human rights are respected, and there is no discrimination.

While you ARE irreplaceable, OTHERS are also irreplaceable. This is an important week to know that each and every one of us is important.

In order to realize a society where "no one is left behind" as stated in the SDGs, it is important to eliminate discrimination and prejudice against women, children, the elderly, foreigners, and people with disabilities, and to respect each other's human rights.

The December 1 issue of the Fukuoka City Newsletter features the concept of "Foreign Residents Contributing to Fukuoka City and Multicultural Initiatives" and includes introductions to "Foreign Residents Active in Fukuoka City" and "Interaction Activities Between Foreign Residents and Local Communities" , things that are strongly connected to a society where everyone can understand each other, so be sure to check it out and consider once again what compassion and irreplaceable life means. 

Naraya  December 10 Community Center-Infant Interaction Class

For those of you with children, wouldn't you like to visit a place where you can have fun with your children? At the Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward, a parenting exchange salon takes place every month. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, they hold an infant interaction class, called Yarana Hiroba, where parents and children can have a great time together.

The event will be held on Tuesday, December 10th, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The theme is a Christmas Party, where participants can enjoy activities such as storytelling, singing, and playing with stickers. Let’s have a lively and cheerful gathering together!

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

【Christmas Advent】

The winter celebration Christmas Advent has started again in Fukuoka this year. With the theme "A Christmas to Stimulate the Senses," Fukuoka transforms into a festive town that’s a joy to walk around and explore until Christmas Day. Visitors can stroll through dazzling illuminations, savor delicious food, admire art installations and enjoy the “Fukuoka Classical Music Festival” being held at the same time as the Christmas Advent Festival. The event this year combines light, music, and art for a Christmas experience like no other.

The main venues include Fukuoka Airport, JR Hakata Station Square, the plaza in front of the Kihinkan Hall, Tenjin Chuo Koen Park, the Fureai Hiroba on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall, and Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City. From Hakata through Nakasu and all the way to Tenjin, these areas form a band of light with illuminations and Christmas markets.

Each venue features creative illuminations and wooden “hutte” stalls offering classic Christmas treats like hot wine, hot chocolate, and spiral sausages, as well as Christmas goods sourced from Europe, allowing you to experience an authentic European Christmas right in Fukuoka. Since it’s held in the heart of the city, it’s easy to stop in and enjoy the festivities when you're out in town doing a bit of shopping!

A musical stage is held every hour at the event, and some venues even offer workshops, making this an event that can be enjoyed by all ages. If you’re aiming to get the exclusive event mugs,  which are very popular and sell out each year, make sure you go early to get one!

Enjoy the holiday season in Fukuoka!

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Naraya  November 26 Community Center-Infant Interaction Class

For those of you with children, wouldn't you like to visit a place where you can have fun with your children? At the Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward, a parenting exchange salon takes place every month. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, they hold an infant interaction class, called Yarana Hiroba, where parents and children can have a great time together.

In November, it will be held on the 26th from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

This month's theme is "Aikuru Demae Children's Center," where staff from the Chuo Children’s Center "Aikuru" will come to Naraya Community Center. Parents and children can enjoy various activities and storytelling together. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to connect with each other.

For details on how to apply, please visit The Fukuoka City International Foundation’s website or Facebook page.

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. 

【Shichigosan Festival】

As we enter November, you can feel the season shifting from autumn to winter. It's during this time, if you visit a shrine, that you’ll often see families dressed in traditional attire. This is for Shichigosan, a Japanese celebration of children’s growth. Shichigosan takes place annually on November 15 and celebrates children who are three, five, or seven years old. Dressed in vibrant traditional clothes, families visit shrines to express gratitude for their children’s healthy growth and to pray for their continued well-being.

Shichigosan has its roots in a time when infant mortality was high in Japan, and reaching the age of seven was considered a significant milestone. It is believed that this festival originated from the desire to pray for further health and well-being for children who reached these ages. Over time, the custom evolved into today’s style, where children wear beautiful traditional outfits and visit shrines with their families.

During Shichigosan, children are also given Chitose Ame (thousand-year candy), a long, red and white stick candy symbolizing health and longevity.

The sight of children walking carefully in their zouri sandals, wearing bright and colorful clothes, with their hair done up is absolutely adorable. If you see families in traditional attire around town, give them a word of congratulations!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Student Recruitment for Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School

Last month I mentioned some information about Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School in our broadcast, if you remember. Currently, the school is recruiting students for the next school year, so I want to share some more detailed information today.

Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School is a public night school created by Fukuoka City for individuals who couldn’t complete compulsory education due to various circumstances, including truancy. Enrollment is open regardless of nationality.

The school offers all the subjects taught in daytime junior high schools, and for those concerned about their Japanese skills, Japanese language teachers provide instruction from basic levels. Graduates receive an official junior high school diploma.

Classes are held from 5:50 PM to 9:15 PM on weekdays on the 4th floor of the Fukuoka City Education Center in Momochi, Sawara Ward. It’s conveniently located, just a 10-minute walk from the subway and bus terminal.

 Tuition and textbooks are free, and financial assistance, such as travel expenses, may be available for students in need.

Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School is now accepting applications for students who wish to enroll in April next year. Eligible applicants must have been born before April 1, 2010, be registered residents of Fukuoka City, and either did not graduate from junior high school or were unable to fully attend classes due to various reasons.

For more information, please refer to the application guide available on the school’s website by searching for "Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School Student Recruitment." Brochures are also available at city and ward offices, with translations in multiple languages including English.

If you’re interested in applying, please contact the school by January 31 of next year via phone or email. The phone number is 092-400-0751. You can call on weekdays between 2:00 PM and 9:15 PM. The email address is provided on the school’s website so feel free to send questions or inquiries via email in your preferred language, as they offer support in multiple languages, including English.

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

【November Holidays】

As we enter November, let’s talk about some holidays dedicated to expressing gratitude. Japan is known for having many special commemorative days, and two of them in November stand out: Good Couple Day and Labor Thanksgiving Day. 

Good Couple Day on November 22 was created from a Japanese wordplay on the numbers (11= “ii,” meaning good, and 22= “fufu,” meaning couple). This day is dedicated to cherishing time together as a couple. It’s a wonderful opportunity to express appreciation and share thoughts that may be hard to say in everyday life. Many people celebrate it not only with their partners but also with their parents, married children, or friends who are couples. The day has become so popular that some couples even choose it as their wedding anniversary. There are also events, such as the “Nice Couple Award,” which is presented to famous couples who stood out that year. 

Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23 is the last national holiday of the year. As the name suggests, it’s a day to express gratitude to workers. Originally, it was a harvest festival where people thanked the gods for the year’s crops and prayed for a good harvest in the coming year. Today, Labor Thanksgiving Day encourages the appreciation of work and the efforts of others. While there are no specific customs for the day, people often take time to rest, unwind, and share gratitude with family, friends, coworkers, and others who work hard around them. 

Both of these days are also a reminder to show appreciation not only to others but to yourself. Take a moment to recognize your efforts and give yourself some well-deserved praise for all the hard work you do! 

【Oyster Huts】

Next up, I have information on a popular winter tradition in Fukuoka. These are the oyster huts in Itoshima which have opened for the season! Each year around this time, local fishermen set up huts and vinyl houses where visitors can enjoy oysters, often called "the milk of the sea." They are rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and packed with high-quality protein and nutrients that boost immunity, combat fatigue, prevent lifestyle diseases, and are beneficial for skin and hair. 

Itoshima’s oysters are known for being fresh, safe, affordable, large, and delicious, making them a favorite not only among locals but also among visitors from outside the prefecture. They are even available for purchase online, so you can enjoy fresh Itoshima oysters at home.

How do you like your oysters prepared? Raw, grilled, or steamed with just a squeeze of lemon or soy sauce is always a classic choice. They’re also delicious sautéed in butter and garlic or served as an ajillo.

In the past, when I've visited the oyster huts, I often brought a few seasonings with me. Some huts let you bring them. I think my favorite way to eat them was with garlic and butter, but we also found that adding some parmesan cheese on them was pretty good too!

In Japan, fried oysters (kaki-fry) are also very popular, and many restaurants offer this dish during the season. Be sure to try it if you haven’t—it's delicious! Be careful though, they're really hot when they come out and stay hot for a while, so when you bite into them, you might burn your tongue! Oysters add great flavor to soups and hot pots, making them perfect for warming up on chilly days. 

I can't say I often use oysters in my own cooking, I tend to eat them at restaurants during the oyster season as I trust the cooks there to cook them just right and bring out the best of their flavors. 

But, if you have any delicious oyster recipes, please share them with us! I'm always interested in trying new dishes!

【The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize】

This autumn, the Norwegian Nobel Committee decided to award the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations It marks the first time in 50 years that a Japanese organization has received the Peace Prize.
The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations is a group that helps those affected by nuclear weapons and works to pass on the horrors of war to future generations.
Their nearly 70 years of efforts to advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons and to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again were highly praised.
Fridnes, the chairman of the Nobel Committee, said, "One day, the hibakusha (survivors of the atomic bomb) will no longer be here as witnesses to history. A new generation is needed to continue sharing their experiences and message. These people will inspire and educate others worldwide, helping to maintain the taboo against nuclear weapons. A peaceful future for humanity depends on preserving this taboo."
The representative of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations stated, "We will continue to appeal to the world for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of peace."
I had the opportunity to meet one of the Hibakusha when I rode the Peaceboat in 2010. The Peaceboat is a global non-government organization that works to raise awareness and building connections internationally among groups that work for peace, human rights, environmental protection and sustainable development. On the boat, one man told us his story as a survivor. I could only cry as I listened to him. His story and others stories do need to be passed on to remind people that seeking destruction only harms us and peace is something we all need to strive for. Hearing the news that the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize is just wonderful.

【Autumn Reading Week】

This Sunday marks the start of Autumn Reading Week. Every year, the two weeks from October 27 to November 9 are designated as Reading Week, with the hope of increasing interest in reading and encouraging people to develop a reading habit. Autumn, with its pleasant weather, is a season that can really let us focus on reading a bit more.
Fukuoka City has 12 libraries, all of which offer free access and book borrowing services. The largest of these is the Fukuoka City Library, with over 1.2 million books. It hosts events like picture story shows and reading sessions for children. There's also a mini-theater showing films daily, as well as a restaurant, study rooms, and conversation rooms, making it a comfortable space for everyone to enjoy.
One recommended event is Bookuoka, an annual festival celebrating books, held until November 23. Various events such as readings and talk shows will take place throughout the city, with the main event on Sunday, November 3. On this day, an outdoor secondhand book market will appear along Keyaki Street, leading from Tenjin to Gokoku Shrine. Book publishers, bookstores, and individual book lovers will set up stalls offering their curated selection of secondhand books. You might even find rare or out-of-print titles!
During the festival, a special event will also be held at Fukuoka PARCO in Tenjin, where publishers and bookstores from across Japan will gather. About 30 small, unique publishing companies and six independent bookstores from Fukuoka will showcase their carefully selected books.
For more details, search for Bookuoka online.

Enjoy a delightful autumn of curling up with a good book!