Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Koshien Summer Baseball】

Koshien, the high school baseball tournament held every year in August is considered one of Japan's iconic summer traditions. As the season approaches, it becomes a daily topic in the media and is broadcasted extensively. Although its formal name is the "National High School Baseball Championship Memorial Tournament," it is commonly known as "Koshien" due to its location at the Koshien Stadium in Hyogo Prefecture. High school students from all over the country aspire to participate in this tournament. They compete in intense matches starting from regional qualifying tournaments, and only the schools that triumph advance to the main event.

Many players who later have careers in professional baseball have experienced this tournament. Manga and movies have been inspired by it, and fans eagerly await this event every year. Each school's journey is full of drama, and documentaries leading up to their participation are often featured. In addition to the actual games, there are many other highlights such as the singing of each school's alma mater, performances by the brass bands, the cheerleading squads' performances, and the tradition of players taking home a handful of sand from the field after each game. The tournament offers more than just the matches; it showcases the youth and sportsmanship of high school athletes giving their all on the field. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend watching these high school players' spirited and sportsmanlike efforts!

【DJ's recommended summer recipe】

It's still pretty hot out, isn't it. I hope all of you are feeling alright and haven't been wiped out by this heat. Although we want to get out and be active and do loads of things in the summer, to do that, we need to make sure we're getting the right kind of nutrition. So, I've got a recipe idea for you to help beat the heat of summer.

My go to dish in the summer is basically any kind of cold noodle dish!

At home, I often make somen with kimchi, sesame seed oil and cucumbers on top for a quick and refreshing meal. Just a little bit of mentsuyu or dashi soy sauce for some extra salt and it's ready to go. Cucumbers are great for getting a little more hydration in your body, kimchi is fermented, so it's great for you, plus the spice always helps in the summer and the dish overall isn't too heavy, but still filling. Add a  little tuna or shredded cooked chicken for some extra protein. Try it! Let me know what you think and if you have a good summer dish, let me know.

If you are out, quite a few shops have reimen, or cold noodle dishes on their menus that you can try as well. I had a really tasty cold champon noodle dish with mabo eggplant at Ringer Hut the other day. I definitely recommend it for when you want a 

quick lunch. It had loads of veggies, plus the eggplant and was just spicy enough to make it the perfect summer dish on a day out. There are a few Ringer Hut scattered around the city, in Tenjin, Hakata, Momochi, Sasaoka...so pop in one when you have the chance.

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

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

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

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

Have a fun and active summer here in the city!

【Fukuoka City Information】

ducation and Career Consultation Fair 2023 for Children with Foreign Heritage

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

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

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

Consultations for Immigration, Residency, and Nationality Matters

To continue,

 Is there anything you don't understand about residency status and term of stay regulations? If there is, the Fukuoka City International Foundation provides free consultation on these matters to the international residents of Fukuoka City.

Consultations are held every second Sunday of the month. They are offered from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, but you must register by 3:30 PM.  A gyousei-shoshi, or administrative lawyer will answer your questions and offer consultation.

There are English and Chinese interpreters present, and so, consultation in English, Chinese and Japanese does not require a reservation. For other languages, please consult with the center at least one week in advance.

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

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

【Summer Retreats in Fukuoka City】

It's the peak of summer, and many students will be getting ready for their summer vacations this weekend, so let me introduce you to some  "summer retreats" in Fukuoka City.

First, if you're thinking that you want to get out and be active, how about visiting a valley or waterfall? In Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City, there is the "Nogouchi Keikoku," a 700-meter-long lush walking trail along the river. Not only can you walk along the river, but you can also enjoy playing in the shallow water and explore the nature around the area.  Sawara Ward is also home to the "Karan no Taki" and "Bouzuga Taki" waterfalls, which are recommended attractions and places to take a break from the summer heat.

If you prefer to spend time in a cool indoor environment, how about visiting a museum or science center? In Ropponmatsu, Chuo Ward, there is the "Fukuoka City Science Museum," which offers science workshops perfect for children to practice researching things on their own and a planetarium that always has something on! Also, in Momochi Beach, Sawara Ward, you can find the "Fukuoka City Museum," where an anime and Ghibli exhibition is being held until August 31st.

Going to a library is also a great option! Fukuoka City has libraries in each ward, but among them, the "Fukuoka City Public Library," located next to the Fukuoka City Museum, is the largest library in the city, with over 1.2 million books. You can enjoy programs such as kamishibai (paper theater) and mini theaters where movies are screened. It also has restaurants, self-study rooms, and discussion rooms, so you can spend the whole day comfortably.

On Fukuoka City's website, you can find information on museums in Fukuoka City. Search for "Fukuoka City Museum" and use it as one reference for your outings.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Legal Consultation and Personal Counseling

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

The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents at the Fukuoka City Internation Center offers free legal consultation and personal counseling for the international residents of Fukuoka City.

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.

Personal counseling services are available every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with a Japanese clinical psychologist in English or Japanese.

Both types of 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 092-262-1799. The Fukuoka City International Foundation is looking forward to hearing from you.

【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.