Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Seasonal Vegetables-Hakusai or Chinese Cabbage】

As it gets colder, nabe is something that you start to want to eat. If you're new to Japan, nabe is a kind of hot-pot with loads of veggies, meat and whatever else you want to put in. And Hakusai or Chinese Cabbage is one of those things that you definitely want to add to that hot-pot. It comes into season around October or November, which means it is in season now and its peak is over the winter. You'll see it everywhere in supermarkets and greengrocers around town.

Hakusai in this season is tender and flavorful. And while it's great in hot-pots and in other simmered dishes, it can also been eaten raw in salads.

So, what kind of nutrients does it have? Well, it has a lot of potassium which is good for removing salt from the body, great for helping to prevent high blood pressure.

It also contains vitamin C, making it a good food for preventing colds.

And the great thing about hot-pots is that you can eat them with friends and family, or even by yourself. It's an inexpensive way of getting your vegetables in and enjoying a nice hot meal on a chilly day. If getting vegetables and doing all the prep, like peeling and cutting is just too much of a pain, there are actually convenient one-pot packs at the supermarket with everything pre-cut that just need to be heated up.
I like a simple hot-pot soup base with plenty of ponzu and sesame sauces on the side for dipping. What kind of hot-pot will you make this winter?

【Fukuoka City Information】

Legal Consulatations

Now, I have some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about legal consultations. The Fukuoka City International Foundation, at the Fukuoka City International Center, offers free legal consultation twice a month 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.

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

Now, I have some other information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about 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 foundation at least one week in advance.

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

For more information, please call the toll free number 0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

【Moving Day】

Did you know that the 13^th of October is Moving Day? I had no idea. It seems that it was  created to commemorate the arrival of Emperor Meiji from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868.

At that time, the Emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo with thousands of people in tow. He distributed gifts and money to the people along the way in a a pretty spectacular manner. By doing this, he moved the capital of Japan from Kyoto to Tokyo.

 To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this move, Japan's first "eki-den" (relay race) was held. This was a long-distance relay race that started at Kyoto’s Sanjō Bridge and stretched the roughly 500 kilometers to Tokyo, concluding after three days at the banks of Ueno’s Shinobazu Pond. The sport has proliferated since, and Japan now boasts some 100 competitions, but it was originally born as a result of Emperor Meiji's big move. I can't say I've had such impressive moves to any of my homes, can you? I've moved quite a few times around the city though and can give you a bit of advice if you are planning a move. First, plan in advance. Sometimes it's hard with apartment contracts ending and the time you have to get out of the old place and into a new place, but if you can reserve a moving company well in advance, it'll save you from some headaches. Call up a few places and negotiate for a good price, I've had friends that were able to get much lower prices than their original quotes. If you need to box things up yourself, you can get pretty sturdy boxes at the supermarket, just ask the staff where they put their discarded boxes. They're free to take.  I've also cycled between old and new places, carrying things a bit at a time, but that was during my last move. I was able to move in at any time to the new place, so I could work out the closing of the old place at my own pace. I didn't carry everything by bicycle of course, but getting the smaller things out really made a difference at the end when we just needed to get a few big items.

Moving can be stressful, so if you are making a move, I hope it is stress free and quick!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese Speech Contest

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

Have you heard of the International Japanese Speech Contest that they hold every year?

Well, this year, the International Speech Contest will take place on Saturday, October 29^th from 1pm in the Science Hall  at the Fukuoka City Science Museum.  Speeches are given by students from Japanese classes and from Japanese language schools in the Fukuoka Metropolitan area. The topic of the speech is up to the participant and ranges from their experiences living in Fukuoka City to their dreams for the future, of course, delivered in Japanese. If you have a chance, come and support these students and listen to the fruits of their language study labor!  If you are planning to attend the contest, you do need to make a reservation. Reservations can be made through the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website.

For more information you can also call the Fukuoka City International Foundation and speak to the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at 092-262-1744.

Foreign Language Newletter FCIF Autumn Edition Release

"FCIF", a foreign-language information paper on daily life, Japanese culture, events and more, is published every three months in English, Chinese, and Korean for the foreign residents living and working in Fukuoka.
The theme of the autumn issue of FCIF, which was published this month, is "Let's Enjoy the Arts in Fukuoka.”
In addition to introducing spots and events where you can enjoy the arts in Fukuoka, the paper also has interviews with foreign residents living in Fukuoka and other useful information for your daily life. So, definitely pick it up and take a look at it!
You can get the newsletter at your ward office, the Information Plaza at City Hall, and Fukuoka International House.
You can also visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation website at www.fcif.or.jp to see this newsletter.

【High School Baseball's Anniversary】

I wonder if baseball fans even know this. I guess highschool baseball fans must know this bit of trivia, but just in case....Did you know that August 18^th is the anniversary of high school baseball? Baseball, as many know, is extraordinarily popular in Japan. And it was on August 18^th in 1915, on a field in Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan's first national junior high school championship baseball tournament took place. 10 junior high school students who had won the district qualifiers participated. The final match was between junior high schools in Kyoto and Akita, with Kyoto winning 2-1. From the 10^th tournament, Koshien Stadium became the official venue and from 1948 it became the national high school baseball championship.

These days, people refer to it as Summer Koshien or The Summer High School Baseball Championship. This year is the 104^th time it has been held and will be held from August 6^th to the 22^nd.

The young athletes who play an active part in this tournament often attract the attention of professional baseball teams and it is from this championship that many stars have been born.

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters

Now, I have 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.

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

Your confidentiality is guaranteed, so please feel at ease to use this service.

For more information, please call the toll free number 0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

Japanese Chatting Salon

I've also got some information for any international students who are studying in Fukuoka. Do you 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. The next session is on August 31^st, so 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 a reservation.

To make a reservation, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or its Facebook page. The web address is www.fcif.or.jp. If there is anything that you don't understand feel free to contact the Fukuoka International Student Support Association at 092-262-1744. Again that number is 092-262-1744. Phone calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm on weekdays. Definitely check it out! They're looking forward to hearing from you!

【Sunflowers】

In the summer, the flower that seems to represent the season is probably the sunflower, standing tall and proud among the other flowers, looking like a big ole sun on its own. And although sunflowers seem to be mostly know for having really long stems and just being tall in general, there are actually quite a few varieties that have been bred for planters and stand around 10 centimeters tall. Sunflowers are a hardy plant and will grow in different kinds of soil. Whether you've got fertilizer or not, they'll grow.

If you think you want to grow some, then just remember that potted sunflowers need to have decent drainage and flowers growing in a flower bed should be in soil with decent drainage but also moderate water retention. If you just want to go see some and a whole lot of them at that, then you might check out Nokonoshima's Island Park in Nishi-ku or the Yanagawa Himawari En, or Sunflower Park in Yanagawa City. Sunflowers as far as the eye can see would be a pretty spectacular sight. On a date and a drive or even with friends, seeing the flowers of the season is a wonderful way to spend a day.

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Now, I've got information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

Legal Consultation

The Fukuoka City International Foundation, at the Fukuoka City International Center, offers free legal consultation twice a month 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.

If you choose to use this service, please know that confidentiality is guaranteed.

For more information, please call 0120-66-1799. Again, that number is 0120-66-1799. Calls will be taken between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

Multi-lingual FCIF Newsletter Summer Edition

I also have information about FCIF the multi-lingual newsletter for international residents. It comes out every three months and has information in English, Chinese and Korean about things like staying and living in Fukuoka, tips on living here, Japanese culture and other events.

The summer edition was published this July with the theme of “Summer Fun in Fukuoka”. This summer edition has information for you about summer events and places to go in Fukuoka and things to watch out for when you are out or at the beach.

And from this year, a column with interviews from the international residents of Fukuoka has been added. You'll have a chance to learn why others have come to live in this great city and also how their lives are going here, so pick up a copy or read it on the website. For paper copies, you can find them at the ward offices, the information plaza at City Hall or at the Fukuoka City International Center. Or just go to www.fcif.or.jp which is the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website and read it online.

【Asparagus】

Well, to start us off today, I've got a little bit about asparagus. Asparagus, you say? It may seem like a random topic but actually, May June and July are the prime season for asparagus in Japan.

I guess most of you know what vegetable I'm talking about, it's that long, thin green looking stalk type vegetable with small shoots on the end of it. It was actually first introduced to Japan during the Edo period by the Dutch but was only grown as an ornamental plant, rather than as food! It wasn't until the 1970's that it was widely cultivated as something to be eaten here.

And it is a great vegetable to eat. It's full of vitamins and minerals.

If you've ever prepared asparagus, you'll know that there are differing levels of hardness in the asparagus stalk and how the heat gets through when cooking can also vary. So, if you are planning on cooking some, first, remove the harder parts toward the bottom of the stem. You can actually just just snap it off, it's pretty simple.  Don't throw them away though, asparagus is not that cheap here!

You might want to boil those harder parts to soften them up.  As the bottom of the stalk is often quite a bit thicker than the rest of the vegetable, you can peel  the skin off before boiling to make it easier to soften them up.

In Fukuoka Prefecture, the brand grown locally is called Hakata Asparagus and you can usually find them in the supermarket.

If you do pick some asparagus up but aren't going to eat them right away, wrap them in cling film and keep them in the fridge but try to eat them at max, one or two days later. Or you could boil them, and then wrap them and keep them in the freezer to have ready anytime. They're fairly versatile and can be used in salads, stir-fries, grilled and more. I like to sautee them with a bit of butter, bacon, onion and garlic and give them a splash of lemon.

【Information From Fukuoka City】

Foreign Student Taught Language Classes

This time, it's information from the Fukuoka International Foundation about the available language classes taught by international exchange students. At the Fukuoka International Foundation, this program “The Foreign Student Taught Language Classes” is where international students hold classes and teach the language of their countries. This year, 10 languages are available with 12 classes being held from July to February of next year. It's a great chance to learn not only a new language, but also experience a different culture and cuisine.

In addition to these language classes, the Fukuoka International Foundation also provides other opportunities for international students to play an active role in various activities, such as acting as management staff for events held by the foundation. Currently, the foundation is working on a email system to get information out to international exchange students who want to participate in various activities so that all of you can enjoy exchange with the local community in Fukuoka City .

Administrative Lawyer Consultations

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

Consultations are held every second Sunday of the month. They are offered from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, but you must register by 3:30 PM. A gyousei-shoshi, or administrative lawyer will answer your questions and offer consultation. There are English and Chinese interpreters present, and so, consultation in English, Chinese and Japanese does not require a reservation. For other languages, please consult with the foundation at least one week in advance. Confidentiality is guaranteed. Please feel at ease to make use of this service, no matter how simple a question you may have.

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

And to prevent the spread of Covid-19, measures are being taken so please wear a mask and disinfect your hands when you come for a consultation.

【International Family Day】

May 15^th, just under a week from now is International Day of Families. Have you heard of it?

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly decided in a resolution that 15 May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

For many of us who live here in Japan, it can be hard to get back to our home countries on a regular basis. Fortunately, these days we have the internet, and with instant messaging and video calls it is a lot easier to keep in touch with our families than it was in the past. After all, our most formative years are spent with our families and those people are likely the most important people in our lives, so they should be celebrated. Family can also be the people that are around you now, that you have chosen to let into your family unit. So let's spend time finding ways to strengthen the relationships with those people that we love, working out the difficulties that sometimes come up and taking time to talk with those in our families.

【Information From Fukuoka City】

Some important information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation to share with you.

A Free Dial Phone Service
A brand new, toll free or free dial phone service has been started. This service will connect you to the Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents for any advice and help that you need. The number for this is 0120-66-1799. Again, that number is 0120-66-1799. A number of foreign languages are supported on this line, so feel free to call when you need some help.

The Start of the Official Line Account
The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents has also set up an official Line account. Information about events at the Foundation as well as information to help you out with your daily life will be sent out via this account.
You can even 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 a number of languages is available. However, 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.
To add this Line Account to your friends' list, look up ID @111dhfna. Again, that is ID @111dhfna.

Introducing the Tutor Program
Now I have some information about the Tutor Program. This will be useful for those of you who are struggling with the Japanese language and daily life, dealing with things like letters from school, or trying to explain in Japanese why you want to return something that you bought online .

The “Tutor Program” is a one on one service that will match you with a tutor, registered with the Foundation, that you can contact online. You'll be able to ask this tutor to give you simple translations or ask them for advice on daily living.
If you are a foreign resident of Fukuoka City and think you will be able to communicate with a tutor online, then you are eligible for the program. The program is free to you.
For more information and details on the program, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or call the Foundation. The number to call is 0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm
on weekdays. Definitely check it out!

【Fish Restaurants】

Although Fukuoka is a big metropolitan city, the sea and mountains are right in our backyard. We're pretty lucky to have them, especially as they provide so many delicious ingredients. Fukuoka is famous nationally for its ramen and udon. You've had some, right?

However, I think even more than those two dishes, Fukuoka City has some amazing fish.

It seems the number of fish restaurants per 100,000 people in Fukuoka City is the highest percentage in the nation.

In Fukuoka, you'll find the Nagahama Fish Market where fish caught locally are sent all across Japan. At this market, there are also some restaurants, including sushi and tempura shops where you can enjoy what we could call “Japanese Cuisine”. If you don't like the raw fish of sashimi dishes, then definitely check out the tempura places. I've mentioned it before, but I love goma saba. If you can still get it, definitely eat it! As for tempura, I have to say one of my favorite fish to have as tempura is Kisu or Japanese Whiting. They're so light and easy to eat, if I were any good at fishing or making tempura, I'd probably stuff myself silly with them. I guess it's a blessing in disguise that I'm not good at either.

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Covid-19 Vaccinations
Alright, moving on to some important information from Fukuoka City.
Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.
In Fukuoka City, inoculations for the third dose of the vaccine have begun. Residents who are over the age of 12 and have received the previous two inoculations will receive the vaccination coupon for the third dose in the mail.
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 roughly 6 months after your second dose, please phone the call center. Vaccinations for children between the ages of 5 and 11 have also begun.
For questions regarding vaccinations or to make a reservation, 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.

Temporary Special Benefits
Due to the prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has put
together a temporary special benefit to give support to households which are
exempt from levy of the resident tax. The support benefit is 100,000 yen per household.
Eligible households will be sent a letter explaining the benefits and the request to confirm some details. You do need to follow a procedure to receive the benefits so please read the letter, fill in the necessary details and send that information back within three months of the letter’s date of issue.
If you need any help with these temporary special benefits, please contact the call center where they can help you. The phone number is 0120-018-092. Again, that number is 0120-018-092. Calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and a number of foreign languages are supported, including English, Spanish, Portuguese and others.

【Means of Transportation in Fukuoka city】

Well, we are already into the second week of April and I wonder how everyone is getting along. For those of you who just moved to Fukuoka, how are things? Are you used to life here or still getting used to it?

As you explore the different areas of Fukuoka, what kind of transportation do use?

Bicycles are cheap and convenient, I commute nearly everywhere in the city on my bicycle and definitely recommend one, but make sure you do get off and push your bicycle through the parts of the city where there are a lot of people out walking. Also, park your bicycle in a designated parking area, don't just leave it parked out anywhere.

If cycling isn't for you, then using Nishitetsu Bus and the subway are the two best options for getting around the city. There are bus stops everywhere in the city and the subway has a good number of stations throughout the city. Both options are relatively inexpensive and you don't have to worry about finding a place to park your bicycle.

Naturally, there are also taxis all around the city, good if you've got a fair amount of luggage to carry around.

And, of course, there's always walking. You don't need any cash and it's great for your health. Plus, Fukuoka is a very walkable city! If you want to explore the city a bit more on foot, there are walking maps available at the information centers at Hakata and Tenjin Stations.

 【Info from Fukuoka city】

Some information for you from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

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 us at least one week in advance.

For more information, please call the toll free number 0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

Legal Consultations

The Fukuoka City International Foundation also offers free legal consultation 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. Reservations are first come, first serve, so calling in advance to make a reservation is recommended.

You can make a reservation for this service on the Fukuoka City International Foundation homepage.

If you choose to use these services, please know that confidentiality is guaranteed.

And to prevent the spread of Covid-19, measures are being taken so please wear a mask and disinfect your hands when you come for a consultation.

For more information, please call the toll free number0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

【Info from Fukuoka city】

Vaccination information
Well, enough about me, I have some important information from Fukuoka City to share with you now. Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.
In Fukuoka City, inoculations for the third dose of the vaccine have begun. Residents who are over the age of 18 and have received the previous two inoculations will receive the vaccination coupon for the third dose in the mail. If you haven't received that coupon roughly 6 months after your second dose, please phone the call center. Vaccinations for children between the ages of 5 and 11 have also begun. Those inoculation coupons will be sent by post starting in order from children who are 11 years old.
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.
For questions regarding vaccinations or to make a reservation, 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.

Temporary Special Benefits

Due to the prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has puttogether a temporary special benefit to give support to households which areexempt from levy of the resident tax. The support benefit is 100,000 yen per household.Eligible households will be sent a letter  explaining the benefits and the request to confirm some details. You do need to follow a procedure to receive the benefits so please read the letter, fill in the necessary details and send that information back within three months of the letter’s date of issue.If you need any help with these temporary special benefits, please contact the call center where they can help you. The phone number is 0120-018-092. Again, that number is 0120-018-092. Calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and a number of foreign languages are supported, including English, Spanish, Portuguese and others.

【Bamboo Shoots】

Seasonal foods are something that I really love to take advantage of in my cooking. And, this season, we've got one of my favorites, Takenoko. Takenoko are the little shoots that grow underground beneath the bamboo stalks, and are just called bamboo shoots in English. They're an ingredient best eaten as fresh as possible so you should cook them soon after buying them. Freshly dug bamboo shoots can be eaten raw, but generally you need to boil them after digging them up.

The bamboo shoots sold at the supermarket have already been heat-treated so they're ready to turn into a delicious dish as soon as you're ready to whip something up. They can be used for a whole variety of dishes, like simmered dishes, stir fries and tempura. They've got a nice texture and really absorb the flavors of what you are cooking. The thicker bit at the bottom is harder but if you slice it up into thin strips or chop it up finely, it's great to steam with your rice!

Fukuoka Prefecture actually is the largest producer of bamboo shoots in Japan as well as the largest production area with a long delivery period from December to May. The bamboo shoots from Ouma, Kokuraminami-ku in Kitakyushu City are considered a top-class ingredient, nationwide. You can actually dig up bamboo shoots yourself if you want through some of the bamboo farms in the area. If you want to try those famous Ouma bamboo shoots, check out http://www.ouma-takenoko.jp/ for information on joining a dig. The season runs until April 17^th and digs are on weekends and holidays. I think I might join one myself, because as I said, I love takenoko!

【Legal Consultation and Personal Counseling】

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

The Fukuoka City International Foundation 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.

If you choose to use these services, please know that confidentiality is guaranteed.

And to prevent the spread of Covid-19, measures are being taken so please wear a mask and disinfect your hands when you come for a consultation.

【Information on the Mail Magazine】

Now, I want to share a little information about Fukuoka City International Foundation's monthly mail magazine. The magazine, published in English and Japanese, shares news and information about international exchange events and cooperation and is available to everyone!  Just search for FCIF in your web browser and sign up on the Foundation's website to receive that valuable information!

For notices from the Fukuoka City International Foundation, or if you have any questions or need to make a reservation, you can contact them during the week between 9am and 6pm at 092-262-1799. Again, the phone number is 092-262-1799.