Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Hiyashi Chuka -Cold Noodles】

You may have begun seeing signs up on restaurants this time of year saying, "Hiyashi Chūka has started!"? Have you ever wondered why "Hiyashi Chūka starts" and what it means?

Although it includes the kanji "Chūka" which means Chinese cuisine, Hiyashi Chūka means "a dish with Chinese noodles chilled in cold water" and it originated in Japan. It's said that the arrangement of noodles piled high with toppings like cucumber, ham, and tomato in a radial pattern was inspired by Mount Fuji. The dish is seasoned with a refreshing soy sauce-based or sesame based sauce, making it a perfect summer meal.

There are various theories as to the origin of the phrase 【冷やし中華(ひやしちゅうか)始めました！】or “Hiyashi Chukka has begun!” , but it is commonly believed to basically express the idea, "Since it's getting hotter, we have started serving the summer-only Hiyashi Chūka. Please come and enjoy it!"

In the hot and humid summer when your appetite tends to decrease, this cool noodle salad of sorts is a highly recommended seasonal menu that helps prevent summer fatigue!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Information about the National Health Insuranc

In Japan, to ensure that everyone can receive medical care at a low cost and with peace of mind when they are sick or injured, it is mandatory for all residents to join a public health insurance system. People who are allowed to stay in Japan for more than three months and are not covered by their company's health insurance must join the National Health Insurance. This requires procedures at the ward office of the district where you live.

Those enrolled in the Fukuoka City National Health Insurance must pay insurance premiums. These premiums are an important source of funding used for medical expenses. The insurance premiums for the period from April 2024 to March 2025 were determined in June based on the previous year's income and other factors.

For those enrolled in the National Health Insurance, payment notices were sent in mid-June in a blue envelope. Please check the amount of the insurance premium listed in the documents inside the envelope and pay the premium within the payment deadline. Failure to pay the insurance premium may result in an investigation of your assets and the seizure of your savings or salary, so please be aware.

If you have any questions, you can receive consultations over the phone in 18 different languages. The phone number is [092-753-6113] . That phone number is for a interpretation center, so after speaking to a representative you will be connected to your local ward office. Make sure you tell them which ward you live in and that you want help with the National Health Insurance. 

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

"Education and Career Consultation Fair 2024 for Children with Foreign Heritage" 

Now, I have information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation. Together with the NPO Tomoniikiru Machi Fukuoka Association and Fukuoka YWCA, the foundation will be co-hosting the " Education and Career Consultation Fair 2024 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. Additionally, consultations on residency status with the Immigration Bureau and administrative scriveners will be available. The consultations are free of charge and available in Japanese, English, Vietnamese and Chinese. The event will take place on Saturday, July 13, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Fukuoka City International Hall in Tenyamachi, Hakata Ward.

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].

【Father's Day】

It's a few weeks away, but the third Sunday of June is Father's Day. This year, that day is June 16th. 

In Japan, carnations are usually given to mom on Mother's day, but for Father's day, the flower is a yellow rose, or so they say.   Yellow roses symbolize "devotion" and "refreshment." in the language of flowers. But, you could also give another flower. Since Father's Day falls in early summer, sunflowers, which give a lively impression, are often chosen. Many people also give practical gifts for the business scene, such as ties, or their father's favorite items like alcohol and snacks. My dad loves pies, so I send them to him.

Father's Day is a perfect opportunity to express the gratitude to dad that is hard to convey on a daily basis. Spend some quality time with your father or give him a present, and make it a wonderful day together.

【Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Foreign Student Taught Language Classes-Recruiting for Classes

This information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation is about the language classes being taught this year by international exchange students.  The classes offer the opportunity to learn languages from various countries, such as Chinese, Korean,  Vietnamese, Spanish and German. Through interactions with international student instructors, you will not only learn the language but also gain insights into their native cuisines and cultures. 

The venue for the classes is Fukuoka City International Center, which is just a 5-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station or Kushida Shrine station on the Fukuoka City Subway lines.

The courses run from July 2024 to February 2025, with a total of 26 or 27 lessons. The total tuition fee for each course is 33,000 yen.

For more detailed information regarding the languages offered, schedule, and other information, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation. You can search for "Foreign Language Classes Taught by International Students" on a search engine to access the page you need.

The application deadline is June 20th. They're looking forward to getting your applications!

You can consult using LINE call !

If you are connected to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's official Line Account, you can use Line Call to contact 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. 

【Spring Rose Garden】

This coming Sunday, the 12th, is "Mother's Day." In Japan, Mother's Day is celebrated every second Sunday of May, like in the US, as a day to express gratitude to mothers. It is customary to say "thank you" and to give mothers flowers on this day.

Around this time, the spring roses and many other flowers in Fukuoka are in full bloom. As part of the "One Person, One Flower" campaign in Fukuoka City, many flowers have been planted in flower beds around the city, so you might see quite the colorful display while walking around town .

Speaking of flowers around town and a great day out, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, features about 1,200 rose plants of approximately 220 varieties in two areas of the park. And as you might have guessed with all those flowers, it is also a popular spot for photography.

Another place, the Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden in Chuo Ward, has about 1,800 rose plants of approximately 280 varieties. The spring rose garden is rather spectacular due to the large size and number of flowers. I go nearly every year to enjoy the view and the scent of all of those roses.

If you haven't been yet, then get out and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the "spring roses" blooming in Fukuoka City for yourself!

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

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

The consultations are held on the 4th floor of the Fukuoka City International Center, which is located in Hakata Ward's Tenya-machi. 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 two weeks in advance.  The phone number to call is 0120-66-1799. Again, that is (0120-66-1799).

Get Consultations through LINE CALL

If you are connected to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's official Line Account, you can use Line Call to contact 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.

【Parking Services at Fukuoka Airport】

This morning I have some exciting news for travelers! Next Tuesday, April 16th, marks the grand reopening of the multistory car park for domestic flights at Fukuoka Airport. Situated right in front of the domestic terminal, the capacity of this revamped parking facility has doubled with space for 1617 vehicles.

The exterior draws inspiration from Fukuoka's traditional craft, Hakata-ori, giving it a touch of local heritage. Each floor is easily identifiable through color and illustrations, featuring designs that celebrate Fukuoka's famous products like strawberries, the prefectural flower plum, and of course, ramen. It's a nod to everything Fukuoka is cherished for.

When it comes to parking fees, the first 30 minutes are free. After that, it's 250 yen for each additional half-hour. A full day's stay will cost you the regular rate of 3500 yen, but during peak times like the New Year holidays, it goes up to 4500 yen.

Checking the availability of parking spaces now is a breeze with updates available on the official website or on social media platform “X”. And here's a bonus for international travelers: you can book your parking spot in advance through the website.

We hope this information makes your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Safe travels!

【The Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

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.

Legal Consultation 

The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents at the Fukuoka City International Center offers free legal consultation for foreign residents twice a month.

Legal consultations are available from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on the first Saturday of every month, and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the third Wednesday of the month. Each session runs for 45 minutes and is completely free. However, you do need to make a reservation to consult with the lawyer. Free English interpretation services are also available so if you will need an interpreter, please mention that when you make your reservation.

You can make reservations via the Fukuoka City International Foundation's webpage but reservations are on a first come, first serve basis, so it may be better to call the center first to check.

These consultations ensure strict confidentiality, so please feel free to consult with us. Reservation hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. For detailed inquiries, please contact (0120-66-1799). The Fukuoka City International Foundation is looking forward to hearing from you.

【National Spring Traffic Safety Campaign】

With the arrival of April this week, we've stepped into a new fiscal year. From this Saturday, the 6th, until the 15th, we will observe the "National Spring Traffic Safety Campaign."

This campaign spotlights four key areas:

• Ensuring roads are safe for children to navigate and promoting safe crossing methods.
• Reinforcing the importance of prioritizing pedestrians and encouraging considerate and yielding driving behaviors.
• Advocating for the use of helmets when riding bicycles or electric scooters and adherence to traffic rules.
• Eradicating drunk driving.

Throughout this period, various initiatives will be implemented across Fukuoka Prefecture, aiming to address these priorities.

April brings new first graders into our traffic society, yet their understanding of road dangers remains limited. Furthermore, children's field of vision is much narrower than adults might assume, often not fully aware of their surroundings. Let's be vigilant of children's sudden movements and potential to dart into the road.

This time also introduces new students and professionals, and many will find themselves on unfamiliar  routes to school or work. Mornings can be a rush, reducing our time for caution. In our haste, let's not neglect safety checks or forget the spirit of kindness and sharing the road. It's vital that adults set an example of traffic safety.

Let's all once again remind ourselves of the traffic rules and elevate our commitment to traffic safety.

With a little more time and patience in our hearts, let’s ensure everyone’s journey today is safe. Safe travels!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Consultations for Foreign Residents

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 5:30 pm 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 about  National Health Insurance, garbage or taxes, or procedures necessary for living in Fukuoka City, please call the Interpretation Center.

You can also call the Interpretation Center for consultation by connecting to your local ward office. The telephone number is (092-753-6113). Phone calls will be taken between 9am and 5pm on regular business days. The center is closed on weekends, holidays and over the new year. 18 languages are supported at that number.

Finally, if you are looking for help finding a medical institution, talking to a doctor at a hospital, or receiving medicine at a hospital or prescription pharmacy, the city provides a service called the Fukuoka City Medical Interpreting Call Center service which provides telephone interpretation to and from the call center.
Requests for interpretation can be made by foreigners as well as by hospitals and prescription pharmacies.
The call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and supports 20 different languages. The telephone number is (092-733-5429).

【International Women's Day】

Have you recently seen any mimosa flowers decorating the city streets? March 8th is "International Women's Day," a commemorative day established by the United Nations to celebrate and protect women's rights and honor the accomplishments they've achieved. It's celebrated worldwide.
Mimosa flowers symbolize International Women's Day. Blooming from February to March, heralding the end of the cold winter and the arrival of spring, in the language of flowers, the mimosa represents "gratitude" and it's also known as the "flower of happiness." The bright yellow vitamin color is cute and charming, making you feel cheerful just by looking at it!
Just like sending carnations on Mother's Day, how about expressing your gratitude on this year's International Women's Day by giving someone dear to you some mimosa flowers?

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

「Let's Build Our Town Together with UN Staff! 」Participants Wanted.
Now, I have some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation to share with you. The Fukuoka City International Foundation will host a workshop on community building with staff from UN-Habitat Fukuoka Headquarters as instructors and are looking for participants.
The workshop, targeting elementary fourth graders to junior high school third graders, will take place on Saturday, March 23rd, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Acros Fukuoka.
UN-Habitat Fukuoka Headquarters, engaged in projects related to "people's dwellings," is the only UN agency in Kyushu.
During the workshop, participants will become residents of Habitat Village and brainstorm reconstruction plans for a village heavily affected by heavy rainfall.
The workshop will be conducted in simple Japanese, so children of foreign nationalities are encouraged to participate. The foundation is looking forward to the participation of everyone interested in the global activities of the United Nations.
To continue, I have some information regarding consultation times at the Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents.

Consultation hours at the Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents.
The Fukuoka City Consulation Support Center for Foreign residents on the first floor of the Fukuoka City International center in Hakata Ward's Tenyamachi aims to address the questions and concerns of foreign residents. They provide consultations on various aspects of daily life, such as residence procedures, employment, healthcare, welfare, childbirth, childcare, and children's education, and also provide information and guidance to relevant agencies.
From April, general consultations are available from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays, from Monday to Friday. The center offers face-to-face, telephone, and email consultations. For face to face or telephone consultations, interpretation services are available in 22 languages, including English.
The address for the center is 4-1 Tenyamachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, and the telephone number is 0120-66-1799. You can also use LINE call through the Foundation's offical line account.
For more information, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation website.
The service is free, but you do need to make an appointment. To find out how to make an appointment, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage or its Facebook page. The website address is fcif.or.jp. If there is anything that you don't understand or if you still have questions, you can also contact 092-262-1744.

【Valentine's Day】

So, as many of you probably know, February 14 is "Valentine's Day. There are differnent ways of celebrating
the holiday in different countries, but one that has been gaining momentum in Fukuoka over the past few
years is the "Flower Valentine," in which people send flowers to their loved ones on the day as a token of their
appreciation and love.
Fukuoka Prefecture actually grows a number of different flowers such as roses, carnations, and gerberas. And
you may have noticed, as you've passed flowerbeds in Fukuoka City, signs with "Hitori Hitohana (One person,
one flower)" or "FLOWER CITY FUKUOKA", written on them.
This "Hitori Hitohana (One person, one flower) Movement," is something Fukuoka City is doing with the aim of
creating "Flower City Fukuoka" by encouraging citizens, businesses, and government officials to grow flowers
in parks, sidewalks, offices, homes, and other places in Fukuoka City to increase the amount of flowers and
greenery.
Around the city, starting from today and going until the 14th, during this Flower Valentine event, flowers will be
displayed in various places around Fukuoka City, and on Valentine's day, at JR Hakata Station, Kokura
Station, Kurume Station, and Shin-Iizuka Station, flowers will be handed out to people passing by. The event
really will bring flowers and love throughout the city.
It's easy to get involved, just send flowers with your feelings to your loved ones and have a wonderful
Valentine's Day!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Fukuoka City Child-Rearing Exchange Salons

Have you heard of the Fukuoka City Child Rearing Exchange Salon? Child-rearing exchange salons are
places where parents with children between the ages of 0 and 6 can freely spend time together at community
centers and other familiar venues in the city. Parents and childen have a chance to get together with others
and have a refreshing day out spending time playing. There is no charge for the event and childcare
supporters are also there to help watch over and help out with the event.
The next child-rearing exchange salon is happening at the Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward. It will
be on Tuesday, February 13th from 10:30 to 11:30am. Activities like making handprint and footprint stamps
and story telling will be held. It's a wonderful chance to make a memorable keepsake of your child's
handprints and footprints. Make sure you wear clothes that are okay to get dirty, if you decide to join the
event. Everyone is welcome and Japanese language skills are not necessary.
Any parent and child living in Fukuoka City can participate. For more information, including how to apply,
please check the Fukuoka City International Center's website or call 092-262-1744. Phone calls will be accepted on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00.
There's definitely a child-rearing exchange salon near you, so make sure you check the Fukuoka City
homepage to find out where and when!

Get Consultations Through Line Call!

I've got one more bit of information to share with you from the International Foundation. This 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.

【Eho-Maki】

This Saturday,February 3 is Setsubun, the day before the beginning of spring in the old calendar in Japan.
The name literally means 'seasonal division. On this day, there is a traditional event to drive away evil spirits
and wish for good health and good fortune throughout the year." One thing people do for Setsubun is
"mamemaki" (bean-throwing), which you do while chanting"Oni wa soto - Fuku wa uchi" . This means “Ogre
go out, good fortune come in”. Another thing people do for good luck on this day, a more recent custom, is to
eat "ehoumaki" , so today I'll talk a little bit about this Ehou-maki.
Basically, “Ehoumaki" is a type of sushi roll. There are no rules regarding the ingredients to be used in the roll,
but it is said that egg , shrimp, sea eel, cucumber, shiitake mushroom, dried gourd, and sakuradenbu, a kind
of pink flaked fish egg, should be used as ingredients as they represent seven kinds of lucky charms.
However, you'll see “Ehoumaki” with lots of different fillings.
And although there aren't really rules about the filling, there are some rules about how to eat "ehoumaki".
The first rule is that one person must eat the whole entire roll by himself/herself. Ehoumaki is a sushi that rolls
in good fortune, so it must not be cut so that the karma or the good fortune isn't broken.
The second rule is that you have to eat it facing the direction that is considered auspicious for the year. This
year it is "East Northeast,”, so get your compass out and make sure you are facing the right way!
Finally, it is important that as you are eating it, you make a wish in your mind and continue eating silently until
you finish the roll. Don't let your luck escape by talking while you are eating!
Think you'll celebrate setsubun? You can buy beans for "mamemaki" at supermarkets and you can buy
ehoumaki in supermarkets and convenience stores if you don't want to make one. So give this little bit of
Japanese culture a try at home on February 3 and bring in some extra luck and fortune for the year.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Lifestyle Related Disease Prevention Month

February is Life-style related disease prevention month.
These are diseases that develop due to, as you may have guessed, our life-style. Life-style related diseases
include diabetes, hypertension and heart attacks and are caused by a lack of regular exercise and by
nutritionally imbalanced diets. Smoking, excessive drinking and stress can also cause life-style related
diseases.
To maintain a healthy life-style, balanced and appropriately portioned meals, three times a day at regular
times, is key. Constantly eating nutritionally unbalanced foods, like instant meals or greasy foods, can cause
obesity and diabetes. They also say that chewing your food properly is important in a healthy diet as it will
reduce the burden on your digestive system and strengthen the muscles around the mouth. Taking your time
to eat, spending at least 20 minutes enjoying your meal, is suggested.
Regular exercise is also important as the loss of muscle mass due to a lack of exercise will affect your basal
metabolic rate, which is the number of calories you burn as your body performs basic life-sustaining functions.
If this rate decreases, it's more likely you'll gain weight. So make time to exercise to maintain your muscle
strength and mass. For those who do not have many opportunities to exercise, walk when shopping, use the
stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, or take other short breaks in your daily life to get about 10 minutes
more physical activity than you do now. It will go a long way toward your health.
Sleep is also essential to your health. It plays an important role in our health as it allows us to get rid of mental
and physical fatigue and boosts our immunity. But to maintain our immunity, it's important that we are getting
enough sleep and that our sleep is good quality sleep. Avoid using your smartphone, watching TV, or
consuming caffeine or alcohol before going to bed, as these will reduce the quality of your sleep. Instead, find

another way to relax, perhaps by taking a bath before bed, or doing whatever is it you like to do to relax. It's
important to live a stress-free life. Perhaps this is a chance to take another look at your own daily life-style.

【Nanakusa-gayu】

Happy New year! Thank you for starting the year off with me. I hope you have a wonderful 2024 filled with good food, fun and friends.

How did you spend your New Year's eve? What's the plan for today?

I hope you have a chance to enjoy the food, customs, and atmosphere around the city that are unique to the New Year.

I don't know if you know this, but on January 7, the last day of the New Year week, people eat "Nanakusa porridge," a traditional food containing seven kinds of seasonal medicinal herbs, for breakfast, to pray for good health and good fortune throughout the year. It is also meant to help the stomach and intestines, which may be tired and overworked from the rich foods and alcohol consumed during the New Year's holiday. The porridge is usually seasoned simply with salt. You can find these seven herbs as a set, sold at supermarkets and other places, so you don't have to worry about trying to gather all of these ingredients together.

Once again, I wish you all a happy and healthy year in 2024!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese Chatting Salon

The first topic is about their Japanese chatting salon which might be useful for any international students who are studying in Fukuoka. Do you know about the monthly Japanese Chatting Salon? Using Zoom, international students and Japanese volunteers meet one on one or in small groups to talk about topics that interest them. If you are looking for a chance to use daily Japanese as well as practice the Japanese you've learned in class, or just want to chat with a native Japanese speaker, then definitely join in! The sessions are free and the next session will be held online on January 31st.  You do need to make a reservation to join this event though.

To learn more about this event or to make a reservation, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or their Facebook page. The website for the Fukuoka City International Foundation is www.fcif.or.jp. Again that website is www.fcif.or.jp.  You can also call the Foundation to get details at  (092-262-1799). They're looking forward to hearing from you, so check it out.

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.