Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Hydrangea Season】

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

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

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

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

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

【Fukuoka City Information】

The World Aquatics Championships

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

【The Summer Solstice】

Next week, the 21st of June, marks the summer solstice or “Geshi” in Japanese.

The summer solstice is the day with the longest period of daylight from sunrise to sunset. It is also the day of the year when daytime is the longest, about 4 hours and 50 minutes longer than the winter solstice "toji", which is the shortest day of the year.

After this day, summer officially begins, and the temperatures start to rise. As it gets hotter, it's common for our appetite to decrease, and there is a tendency to consume lighter, refreshing meals, which can actually lead to nutritional deficiencies. It's important to maintain a balanced diet and ensure that you're getting enough nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium, to help you get through the summer.

Additionally, engaging in moderate exercise and getting sufficient sleep are also crucial for getting through the summer season.

So, let's all get ready for the summer by focusing on nutrition and building our physical stamina.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Taxes

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City. If you live in Fukuoka City, and have earned more than 1 million yen the previous year, from January 1st to December 31st, you may need to pay taxes. You will receive a tax payment notification around the 15th of June. Please make sure you open that envelope, it has information on when you need to pay and how much will be due. You can pay at convenience stores, the bank or even the post office. If you are a regular company employee, these taxes may be taken out from your salary by your company.

If you do not pay your taxes, you may risk facing difficulty when it comes time to renew your residence status or risk being subject to seizure of property.

If there is anything you don't understand, or if you may have difficulty making payments, please consult with your local ward office. You can also consult by phone in 18 different languages. The phone number for this is 092-753-6113. This phone number will connect you to the ward office after you speak with an interpreter. Please tell the interpreter which ward you live in and that you are calling about taxes.

Foreign Student Taught Language Classes-Recruiting for Classes

I also have some information from the Fukuoka International Foundation to share with you 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, Spanish, Vietnamese, German, and Arabic. Through interactions with international student instructors, you will not only learn the language but also gain insights into their native cuisines and cultures. The classes will be conducted in Japanese.

The venue for the classes is Fukuoka City International Hall, which is just a 5-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Fukuoka City Subway.

The courses run from July 2023 to February 2024, totaling 8 months with a total of 28 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!

【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!

【Fukuoka's Yatai】

Fukuoka is a city of gourmet food! Fukuoka is known for its yatai, or food stalls and the number of stalls is said to be the largest in Japan. They are so popular here, actually, they themselves are a kind of sightseeing spot. There are about 100 yatai stalls over the two main areas, the Nakasu area and the Tenjin area!
You can enjoy a wide variety of gourmet Hakata foods such as ramen, yakitori, and gyoza, as well as international cuisine from China, Spain, France, and other countries.
Recently, more and more of these places are offering cashless payment services and have foreign language menus.
Yatai stalls represent a big part of Fukuoka's food culture and are a great place for people to interact with each other. If you haven't visited a yatai stall yet, why not try one during this season when the weather is perfect for dining outdoors?

【Fukuoka City Information】

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. The consultations will take place on the 4^thfloor of the Fukuoka City International Center.

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.

Using Line Call for Information and Advice

Also, if you need to get in touch with the Fukuoka City International Foundation, you can reach them through the official LINE account.

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 22 languages, so please feel free to contact them. In addition, you can get information on the Foundation's events and announcements for international residents. Please add the Foundation's official LINE account to your friends' list from the Fukuoka City International Foundation website. The foundation will not accept consultations via the LINE talk chat function, but you can use the inquiry form on the foundation's website if you want to send a message about anything.

【Advice for a fresh start in life】

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

【Fukuoka City Information】

Consultations for Foreign Residents

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

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

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

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

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

 Vietnam Festival 2023 in Fukuoka

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

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

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

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

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

【Seasonal Ingredients-Renkon】

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

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

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

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

【Fukuoka City Information】

Fukuoka was Chosen by the Lonely Planet!

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City.

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

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

【Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Week】
In Japan, January 15 through January 21 is recognized as "Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Week," which was established after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that rocked Japan on January 17, 1995. Because the damage was so great, there was a limit to the amount of help that could be provided by the government alone. It is said that the earthquake made people realize the importance of helping each other in the community and neighborhoods and also taking measure to protect oneself.

In light of this, "Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Day" on January 17 and " Volunteer Week" from January 15-21 were established to remind people of the importance of disaster preparedness and of voluntary disaster prevention and of volunteer activities in the event of a disaster. So, take some time today to think about how you need to prepare in case of disaster in line with Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Week.

【Fukuoka City Information】

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

The Japanese Chatting Salon

Today's information is for any international students who are studying in Fukuoka. Do you know about the monthly Japanese Chatting Salon? It's an event where international students and Japanese volunteers can have a casual conversation. It takes place once a month and the next time it is happening is on Tuesday, January 31^st.

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 but you do need to apply in advance. 

To apply for this event, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or the Facebook page. The Foundation's website is www.fcif.or.jp. If there is anything that you don't understand, just contact the Foundation and speak to someone in the Fukuoka International Student Support Association. The number to call is 092-262-1744. Again that number is 092-262-1744. They are looking forward to hearing from you!

The Winter Issue of FCIF and the End of Publication

And, the Fukuoka City Foundation also wants to let you know that the winter issue of FCIF, the foreign-language information paper about things like life in Fukuoka City and Japanese culture, has been published.

The theme of this issue is "Hakata's Winter Food Culture.

It includes interviews with foreign residents living in Fukuoka, procedures for enrolling in municipal elementary and junior high schools, and useful information on the My Number Card and other issues in daily life, so make sure you take a look.

You can get the paper at places such as your ward office, the Information Plaza at City Hall, and the Fukuoka International Student Housing.

You can also view it on the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website at www.fcif.or.jp.

Please note that with this winter issue, the publication  of "FCIF" will come to an end.

In order to provide timely and flexible information, the Foundation will continue to provide useful information through their website and social media.

【Looking back on 2022 and Resolutions for the New Year】

Well, we've got less than week left before we ring in 2023, now that Christmas is over. How was your year? What did you get up to? I hope it wasn't all work and no play!

My year was pretty good. I was busy with work but I still had plenty of time to travel to the places I wanted to visit in Japan this year. In the beginning of this year, I went to Hokkaido to see the drift ice in the Abashiri area. I was very lucky and did see it but also got stuck in Hokkaido for two extra days due to heavy snow. It wasn't too bad, both my partner and I had our computers with us so we could work from the hotel!

Over sakura season, we went to Okayama where I met my online Japanese teacher for hanami and also drove up to Tottori to see the sand dunes. On the way back to Okayama city we stopped in the Hiruzen Highlands for Hiruzen yakisoba. If you are ever in that area, definitely try it! During Golden Week, I saw the huge wisteria in Ashikaga park in Tochigi and bought natto in Mito, Ibaraki! There was some camping and onsen time in Kuju and a big camping van trip in Hokkaido where we saw so many beautiful flowers and learned to make cheese. We saw the night view in Hakodate and had some of the best sushi I've ever had in Japan. That is saying something, Fukuoka has great seafood, but I think Hakodate is the winner.

In August, we escaped the heat by heading for Kamikochi in Nagano. Unfortunately it was a bit wet during our visit, so we didn't camp or hike as planned, but made up for it by enjoying the area all around with a visit to Hida-Takayama and Matsuyama. I also passed a patissier course, added another cat to the house and just generally enjoyed my year. I didn't get quite as fit as I had planned to in the beginning of the year, but that seems to be the same story every year. My resolution next year definitely involves another attempt at getting six pack abs....

Although Covid is still around and affecting us, we are gradually getting back to our normal every day lives. In 2022, a huge and shocking event was the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It has no doubt caused many people to think about the impact of war and why we need to value peace. It has also shocked many people into realizing the importance of and how much we rely on electric and gas at home. I know people are trying to be more careful with how much energy they're using now as energy prices have increased and we're all trying to save money. 

In 2023, I hope we can have a world where everyone spends more time than not with a smile on their face. 

What are your plans for 2023? I guess as we wrap up the end of 2022, it's a good time to think about the things we want to change or even try doing. Like I said before, I'm hoping to get fitter in 2023, but that is all about the effort I put in. I've got to make a more consistent workout schedule, spend less time on my phone and also less time sitting at a desk. I'd like to take another cooking course, if I have the chance. There was a baking course being offered at the school I went to that I really wanted to join but the days didn't work out. I might have better luck in 2023. I also want to travel overseas again, I think. I'm a bit apprehensive about having to deal with international airports and the whole process involved with international travel, but there are still so many places around the world I'd like to go and so many foods I'd love to try. I'm pretty sure I'll go to the US to see family this year, finally. Oh, and hopefully I'll have my driver's license after 17 years of putting it off here...I'm scheduled for my driving test in just a few weeks. Fingers crossed that the practice I've been doing will pay off!

I'm sure that many of you have a whole list of things you'd love to do or are planning to do in 2023. Good luck with it all!

【The End of the Year and the New Year】

We are coming up toward the end of the year and during this time, as well as over the New Year's holidays, at Christmas parties and New Year's celebrations, we tend to eat and drink way too much. Too much stress on the stomach and intestines can lead to stomachaches and bloating. So, when you are out, try to not consume too much meat, coffee, alcohol, strong spices, or strong black or green teas, as they can really do a number on the stomach by  increasing the production of stomach acid.

It goes without saying, but I'll say it here: One of the simplest ways to maintain good health is to eat a regular, nutritionally balanced diet. This is important not only for maintaining a healthy digestive system, but also for enhancing the body's immune system and which will keep you from getting sick easily.

Although it may be difficult during the year-end and New Year's holiday season with all the bonenkai invitations and chances to meet up with friends and family, try to at least eat at home for dinner. When you are at home, keep it simple with meals like nabe or udon which are easy to digest, and try to keep your eating schedule fairly regular.

Let's all welcome the new year with a fresh start while maintaining a healthy diet and a happy belly.

【Fukuoka City information】

Ward office consultation and putting out the garbage 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. For ward offices and the Health and Welfare Center, please be aware that these places will be closed from Thursday the 29^th of December to Tuesday the 3^rd of January.  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 Saturday the 31^st of December to Tuesday the 3^rd of January, please do not put your garbage out for pick up. Burnable garbage can only be put out on your area's scheduled garbage day up to Friday the 30^th of December and then after Wednesday the 4^th of January. For nonburnable garbage and glass and pet bottles, if Sunday January 1^st  is your regular day to put them out, instead they can be put out beforehand on Thursday, December 29th.

If it is Monday, January 2^nd , put your nonburnables out on Friday, December 30^th.

For areas where Tuesday, January 3^rd is a regular pickup day, garbage will be picked up instead on Friday, January 6^th.

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

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, at 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, make sure you turn your headlights on earlier in the evening.

Next, we have a warning for you about bag snatching incidents. There have been a number of these crimes from the evening to midnight in places where there are few people around. A lot of these incidents have occurred with the criminals riding motorbikes and snatching bags as they pass by. To avoid being involved in such an incident, make you carry your bag on the side opposite to the road and pay attention to your surroundings, making sure you look back behind you if you sense signs of people or hear a motorbike.

Protect yourself and the things that are important to you and have a safe and enjoyable winter holiday.

【The Nobel Prize】
On December 10, the Nobel Prize Ceremony will be held.
On 27 November 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament, giving the largest share of his fortune to a series of prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace to "those who have made the greatest contribution to mankind.– the Nobel Prizes.
In 1968, Sweden’s central bank established a Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel and currently there are now are six prizes given out.
Each year, up to three people can be awarded in each field.
The winners receive a cash prize, a certificate, and a medal.
This year's Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a human rights activist from Belarus, a former Soviet republic, and to human rights organizations in Russia and Ukraine, respectively, that have worked for many years to protect the fundamental human rights of citizens and their right to criticize power.
Currently, 615 prizes have been awarded to 989 laureates.
By country, the United States is in first place, the United Kingdom in second, and Germany in third. In terms of Asian countries other than Japan, India is in first place, followed by China and Taiwan in second place with the same number of entries. Who do you think will be awarded this year? It's something to keep an eye on!

【Fukuoka City Information】

World Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City about 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 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.

It's a good time to reflect upon what compassion and irreplaceable life means.

Information about Covid Vaccinations　　

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, as winter approaches, the spread of influenza or the flu always becomes more prevalent.  And with Covid spreading at the same time, it is possible to get sick with both.

To reduce the risk of ending up with a bad case of the flu, getting an influenza vaccination is strongly recommended.

 In fact, both the Covid vaccine and influenza vaccine can be given at the same time, if that is something you are worried about!