Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Reusable Trash Bags: “Fuku Reji”】

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

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

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

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

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

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

【Fukuoka City Information】

Ward Office Consultation and Garbage Collection over the New Year Holidays

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

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

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

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

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

【Nagahama Fish Market “UOZA”】

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

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

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

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

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

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

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

End of year information

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

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

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

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

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

The Fukuoka City International Foundation will continue being an

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

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

Use Line Call for Consultations

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

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

【Baby Dolphin at Marine World Uminonakamichi】

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

【Fukuoka City and Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

World Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week

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

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

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

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

Naraya  December 10 Community Center-Infant Interaction Class

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

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

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

【Indian Consulate General】

A new Indian Consulate General will soon be established here in Fukuoka. Currently, the only Indian consulate in Japan is in Osaka, making Fukuoka the second location. Fukuoka already hosts consulates from the United States, China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. With the expectation of more Indian nationals and companies working in Kyushu, the consulate is set to open in December.

The new consulate will issue visas, ensure the safety and support of Indian residents, and serve as a center for sharing information on India’s economy and culture. Fukuoka, the vibrant gateway city to Asia is about to get even livelier!

【Fukuoka City Information】

 World Aids Day

First is about World Aids Day on December 1st. Every year around the 1st of December, around the world, various events and activities take place, to deepen awareness and understanding of AIDS.

Even after being infected by HIV, definitive symptoms may not appear for a period of several years sometimes and so it is believed that there are a number of people who have been infected but will not be diagnosed until the onset of AIDS. By detecting HIV infection early and receiving the appropriate health care and treatment, the onset of AIDS can be delayed. 

Since there can be a period of several years without any noticeable symptoms even after infection, it’s important to get tested early, if you think you are at risk. At the health and welfare centers of each ward, HIV screening is offered. This screening is free of charge and anonymous. Screening is only on certain days so make sure you check which days before you go.

And, I don't know if you know this but the red ribbon is a symbol that shows awareness and solidarity with those affected by AIDS. The red ribbon announces to others that you have no prejudice against people affected by AIDS and gives that message that we will not discriminate against those living with AIDS. The red ribbon days are from the 1st to 7th of December and over this period, the Hakata Port Tower and the Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum will be lit up in red in support. So for World AIDS Day, let's all take the time to learn the correct information about AIDS and how to prevent it.

Illegal dumping of garbage or Fly-tipping

I hope this doesn't really need to be said, but dumping oversized garbage and household waste in the mountains, forests, by the seaside, by rivers, on the road, or in parks is illegal.

In Fukuoka City, at the end of the year, many people do a big house clean and a lot of garbage is produced. As such, December has been designated as “Illegal Dumping Prevention Reinforcement Month”. Activities will be undertaken to strengthen measures to prevent the illegal dumping of waste.

Fukuoka City has, in cooperation with the police, installed surveillance cameras and warning signs in places where illegal dumping is common and will carry out patrols of those areas. 

Home appliances like TV's, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines and dryers, air conditioners and the like, are all subject to the Home Appliance Recycling Law and there is a set way to dispose of them. If you are buying replacement appliances, the shop will pick up your old appliance. If the shop will not take the old appliance, ask your local Yamada Denki to pick them up, or request collection from Renet Japan Recycle or SG Moving, disposal companies which have an agreement with the city. Please keep in mind that you will have to cover recycling fees and collection and transportation fees with these companies.
Also, when getting rid of your pc, please ask the manufacturer or contact Renet Japan Recycle to collect your PCs.

When making a request for the collection of unwanted items from your home, be sure to contact a licensed waste collection and transportation company. Using unlicensed companies can lead to issues such as illegal dumping or unexpectedly high fees, so please avoid using their services. 

【Christmas Advent】

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the holiday season in Fukuoka!

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Naraya  November 26 Community Center-Infant Interaction Class

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

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

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

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

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

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

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

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

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

For more information, please call the toll free number (0120-66-1799). Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 5:30pm on weekdays. 

【Shichigosan Festival】

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

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

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

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

【Fukuoka City Information】

Student Recruitment for Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

【November Holidays】

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

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

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

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

【Oyster Huts】

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

【Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka】

Even if you don't play, I'm sure most of you have heard about Pokémon GO? If you don't know what it is, well, it's a smartphone game app where you can catch Pokémon that appear on your screen and then battle them against others. Loved both in Japan and internationally, it has been downloaded over 1 billion times and is so popular that events are held all over the world.
The first Pokémon GO event in Kyushu, "Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka," will be held in Fukuoka City on Saturday, November 16th, and Sunday, November 17th.
The main venue will be Maizuru Park, where you’ll be able to find popular Pokémon characters throughout the city. Besides encountering rare Pokémon within the park, you can also participate in an exciting event where you can catch Pokémon while exploring 10 official courses set around sightseeing spots in the city. It's a fun opportunity to discover both Pokémon and the attractions of Fukuoka City.
Tickets are required to participate in this event. For more details, search for Pokémon GO Fukuoka.

【Fukuoka City and Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

The Japanese Chatting Event in Tenjin

Have you been studying Japanese but would like an opportunity to chat more with Japanese people in Japanese? The Fukuoka City International Foundation is hosting an event where international residents and Japanese can enjoy conversations together. The event will take place on November 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Acros Fukuoka in Tenjin, Chuo Ward.
Participants will form two circles, with international participants and Japanese participants facing each other.
You will chat one-on-one about various themes for one minute. After each round, participants will switch seats and chat with the next person.
The event will be facilitated by Shintaro Fukae, a Regional Japanese Language Education Advisor from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It’s a great opportunity to engage in conversation with many different people.
Participation is free, but registration is required, and the event is limited to the first 30 participants. Please search for "Nihongo Shaberiba In Tenjin" to register.
Enjoy the conversations and create connections that transcend borders!

"Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School" Information Session
Have you heard about Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School? It’s a public night school established by Fukuoka City for people who couldn’t receive compulsory education for various reasons or who couldn't attend school due to issues like truancy. Enrollment is open regardless of nationality.
At this school, you can study the same nine subjects as in regular junior high school, and if you are worried about your Japanese skills, you can also receive Japanese language instruction. Graduating from the school grants you a junior high school diploma.
Classes are held on weekdays from 5:50 PM to 9:20 PM, and the school is located in Momochi, Sawara Ward. There are no fees for tuition or textbooks.
If you would like to know more, there will be a school information session on November 10th at 2:00 PM. To participate, please register by Wednesday, November 6th via phone or the web. You can call 092-400-0751 between 2:00 PM and 9:15 PM on weekdays. For web registration,search for "Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School Student Recruitment."
If you have questions or need advice, you can contact them via email in your own language using the address provided on their website.

That was information from Fukuoka City.

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

【The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize】

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

【Autumn Reading Week】

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

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

【The Nakasu Festival】

Have you ever heard of "Nakasu Matsuri"? It could be described as a dazzling festival, held in Kyushu's largest entertainment district, Nakasu and this festival is held to express gratitude to the customers who visit Nakasu throughout the year.

This year, it will take place next weekend, on the Friday and Saturday nights of October 25th and 26th.

Nakasu's main street will be transformed into a pedestrian paradise, lined with around 60 food and drink stalls. One of the highlights is the "Nakasu Kunihiro Onna Mikoshi," where a total of 500 women carry mikoshi or portable shrines and parade through Nakasu. Another must-see is the "Oiran Dochu", where elegantly dressed oiran  or courtesans gracefully stroll through the streets in splendid costumes. These are sights that can only be experienced at this event.

Additionally, there will be stage events including shows and live performances to enjoy.

Why not take a trip to experience an enchanting night in Nakasu, at an event that only happens once a year?

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

The Japanese Chatting Event in Tenjin

Have you been studying Japanese but would like an opportunity to chat more with Japanese people in Japanese? The Fukuoka City International Foundation is hosting an event where international residents and Japanese can enjoy conversations together. The event will take place on November 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Acros Fukuoka in Tenjin, Chuo Ward.

Participants will form two circles, with international participants and Japanese participants facing each other. You will chat one-on-one about various themes for one minute. After each round, participants will switch seats and chat with the next person.

The event will be facilitated by Shintaro Fukae, a Regional Japanese Language Education Advisor from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It’s a great opportunity to engage in conversation with many different people.

Participation is free, but registration is required, and the event is limited to the first 30 participants. Please search for "Nihongo Shaberiba In Tenjin" to register.

Enjoy the conversations and create connections that transcend borders!

Come and Listen to the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents

On Sunday, October 27th, starting at 12:30 PM, the Fukuoka City International Foundation will be holding the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents. In this contest, international residents and technical interns studying Japanese at schools or classrooms in the Fukuoka area will speak on various topics, such as their experiences living in Fukuoka and their dreams for the future, all in Japanese.

The event will be held at the Science Hall of Fukuoka City Science Museum in Ropponmatsu, Chuo Ward.
Admission is free, and no reservation is required.

Please come and listen to the participants showcase the results of their hard work and language studies!

For inquiries, contact the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at the Fukuoka City International Foundation at 092-262-1744 . Again, that number is (092-262-1744).