Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Hojoya Festival】

One of the three major festivals in Fukuoka, the "Hōjōya Festival” will be happening soon.  Have any of you been to it? Held at Hakozaki Shrine in Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, this autumn festival has been held for over a thousand years and is on every year from September 12th to 18th, lasting seven days and seven nights.

It is a Shinto ritual to make offerings and express gratitude for the life we have received in order to live. It is also visited by many worshippers who pray for "prosperous businesses" and "safety in the home.

Along the approximately 1-kilometer approach to the shrine, there are about 500 stalls, including food stalls, haunted houses, shooting games, and yo-yo fishing booths, attracting a large crowd of people. Specialties like new ginger with green leaves and traditional sweets called "Yaki Mochi" are also sold. Additionally, there are music performances such as Japanese taiko drumming and exhibitions of glassworks known as "Champōn." It's a really fun, retro Japanese atmosphere,  that you should definitely check out. .

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Fukuoka Prize

Now, I have some information to share with you from Fukuoka City. Every year, Fukuoka City presents the "Fukuoka Prize" to individuals who have contributed to academic research, arts, and culture in Asia, honoring their achievements. The recipients of the 33rd Fukuoka  Prizes are : Tonchai Winichakul a historian, for the Grand Prize; Khatharya UM a political scientist and Southeast Asian researcher, for the Academic Research Prize; and Zhang Lü, a film director, for the Arts and Culture Prize.

The award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 12th, followed by a public lecture from Wednesday, September 13th, to Friday, September 15th. On September 13th, Zhang Lü, the film director who received the Arts and Culture Prize, will give a speech; on September 14th, Khatharya UM, the political scientist and Southeast Asian researcher who received the Academic Research Prize, will speak; and on September 15th, Tonchai Winichakul the historian who received the Grand Prize, will also deliver a lecture. All events are free to attend, and recordings will be available for later viewing. The broadcast for for each recorded public lecture among all three award categories is from October 2nd (Monday) to October 31st (Tuesday). If you plan to attend one of the lectures, please make sure to apply by September 16th (Saturday).

For detailed event information, please search for "Fukuoka Prize" and visit the official Fukuoka Prize website's event page.

【Sunset Live】

This weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, marks THE end-of-summer music event in Fukuoka: "Sunset Live." It's a large-scale outdoor music festival held at a beachfront location. With the sea as a backdrop, stages are set up on the sandy beach, amidst the woods, and at the campsite. Amazing artists covering various genres of music take the stage, making it a truly diverse experience. Numerous food and beverage stalls from Fukuoka's dining scene are also present, offering the chance to enjoy drinks and gourmet delights. There's also a strong emphasis on eco-friendly activities to protect the environment, making it an environmentally-conscious event. The venue is adorned with numerous art installations, and live painting performances are also showcased. Childcare facilities are available, allowing families with children to participate. Activities like marine sports are available, meaning you can get the full summer experience before summer ends. I encourage you to come and enjoy the festivities. Convenient shuttle buses are available from Hakata-Tenjin area; for more details, search for "Sunset Live 2023."

And, there'll be a special LOVE FM feature on the event at a later date, so be sure to tune in!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Disaster Prevention Day and Stockpiling Encouragement Week

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City. Disaster Prevention Day is an annual awareness day and is on September 1st. And in Fukuoka City, the week of the 1st to the 7th of September is Fukuoka City's Stockpiling Encouragement Week. Stockpiling refers to keeping a good supply of food and other necessities in your home. And through this one week event, the city hopes to raise its citizens' awareness of disaster prevention, including the need to stockpile in both our homes and workplaces.

So why do we need to stockpile? Well, if there is an earthquake or typhoon, even if you aren't in danger, without food or water, we can't survive. If the stores shut down, we can't buy the food and drinks we need. If the water supply is disrupted, there's no water to drink. And, if the electric and gas are out, there's no way we can cook food. So, in order to ensure that the lives that have been saved can actually survive, it's important to have emergency supplies prepared in advance.

Alright, so what should be stockpiled?

Make sure to have a three-day supply of drinking water and food. One person needs roughly three liters of water per day, this is something to keep in mind. Nonperishable emergency foods like freeze-dried rice, canned foods, biscuits, chocolate bars and hardtack are some things that are good to have on hand. Food that doesn't need to be cooked is essential.

If you have a radio and flashlight, make sure they have batteries. And if you take medicine, or need bandages or anything like that, make sure you have extra supplies in with your first aid kit. If there is an infant in your family, make sure you have diapers in your supplies as well.

In addition to the water you'll need for drinking, you'll also need water for flushing the toilet and other daily needs. Keep a polyethylene water tank with tap water and consider keeping your bathtub filled as well.

Buy a little more than you usually do, of the foods you normally eat, and as you use them up, consuming them based on their expiration dates, keep replacing them so that you always have a little more than enough in your house. This is your rolling stock. This is recommended because you always have a certain level of stored food, and it falls within the scope of your usual shopping routine in terms of cost and time.

As typhoons do often occur around this time of year, take this opportunity to prepare for disasters once again.

【Words to Take a Photo】

On August 22nd in Japan, there's a play on words known as "Hai, Cheese Day." When taking photos, what do you say to get people to smile? Different cultures have their own established cues, in the US, it's cheese but I remember in Korea often saying Kimchi!  I looked up what other countries use to get people to smile and in France and Thailand, the word Pepsi, is sometimes used. In a number of countries, like Turkey, Romania, Germany and Bulgaria, among others, people just stay 'smile' in their own language. In Japan, it's pretty common for the photographer to say, "Hai, Cheese!" ("Hai" meaning "yes" in Japanese), before taking the photo.

The origin of this practice seems to have come from the English-speaking world with the popular phrase "Say Cheese!" In English-speaking countries, after the photographer's cue, the subjects often repeat the phrase. However, in Japan, the person taking the photo gives the signal, and the person being photographed simply needs to put on a smile.

In addition to "Hai, Cheese!" in Japan, there's another photo-taking cue where the photographer asks, "What's 1+1?" and the subjects respond with "2 (ni)!" This playful interaction adds an extra element of fun to the experience.

When you're asked to take someone's photo or when you're taking photos with Japanese people, use these cues to get the best smiles from your photo subjects!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Eliminating Drunk Driving

Now, I have some important information from Fukuoka City.

If you are a recent resident of Fukuoka you may not know about this incident but for those of you who have been here for awhile....did you know about the drunk driving accident that occurred in Fukuoka City on August 25, 2006?

This year marks 17 years since that drunk driving accident which killed three children on the Umino-nakamichi-ohashi Bridge in the Higashi Ward.

In response to this tragedy, Fukuoka City has undertaken various initiatives to eliminate drunk driving, but it still persists.

However, drunk driving has not disappeared. In fact, in 2022, there were 28 accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Drunk driving is a crime.
You must not drive a car, motorcycle, or bicycle after drinking alcohol.
You must not lend your vehicle to a person who has been drinking alcohol, nor should you encourage or offer alcohol to someone who intends to drive.
You must not get into a car knowing that the driver has been drinking.

Driving under the influence of alcohol increases the risk of causing traffic accidents. For instance:

• Attention, judgment, and other faculties necessary for safe driving are impaired.
• Excessive speed and delayed recognition of danger can occur.
• The time it takes to press the brake pedal becomes longer.

Also, if you see someone driving in the way I'm going to describe, it's possible that person is driving drunk. If you see someone driving like this, please report it to emergency services by calling 110. Signs of a drunk driver include stopping the car well before the stop line when stopping at a stop sign, not starting the car up again when the traffic light turns green, weaving or unsteady driving and repeatedly accelerating or decelerating abruptly. Each and every person needs to take action and say “I will never drink and drive, I won't let others do it and I won't turn a blind eye!”
Let's all work together to eliminate drunk driving!

【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.

【IRIE MUSIC FES with JIM BEAM SUMMER FES 2023 in FUKUOKA】

This weekend, a music event organized by LOVE FM's reggae program "IRIE MUSIC" will be held. It is a collaborative project between the weekly "reggae 100%" program "IRIE MUSIC," which airs every Saturday morning from 8 AM, and Suntory's "JIM BEAM SUMMER FES." Following the huge success of last year's event, it is being held again this year, with a focus on "reggae/Hip-Hop/Okinawa" as the theme, promising three days of exciting music.

The festival will take place from August 4th to 6th,  this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The venue is "Tenjin Chuo Park," and admission is free. Come and enjoy the summer with awesome artist performances, delicious drinks, and gourmet food! For more details, please check LOVE FM's official website.

【Fukuoka City Information】

 Fukuoka City Tourism Global Site-Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City. Today I'll introduce you to the Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide, the global tourism site for Fukuoka City.

Until now, Fukuoka City has been providing tourism information in Japanese and other languages on the "Yokanavi" tourism information site. To make the information more attractive and accessible to foreign visitors, the city has launched the "Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide," a tourism information site specifically tailored to meet the needs of international travelers.

On this website, you can find information about tourist attractions, events, area sightseeing, and gourmet experiences in four languages: English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. The focus is on using videos and photos to make the information easily understandable.

This site is not only for tourists but also for Fukuoka residents who want to deepen their knowledge and enjoyment of the city. It is packed with useful information to help everyone make the most of their time in Fukuoka.

Search for "Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide" and check it out!

【GUEST INTERVIEW】

ーZiv Nakajima-Magenー

introduction...

In Japan for 12 years, mostly in Fukuoka.

From Israel but spent a decade in Australia.

Attractions of Fukuoka...

works...

Facebook-”Fukuoka”

Nippon Bridge-Relocation Services Japan

https://nipponbridge.com/

Nippon Tradings International NTI

https://nippontradings.com/

【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.

【Yukata】

With summer festivals and other events happening, you're sure to see people out in Yukata. Have you seen Yukata, or know what they are?

A yukata is a casual kimono made of cotton, traditionally worn in Japan during the summer. It originated as a garment to be worn after bathing and has been simplified over time. It is often provided as sleepwear in hotels and other accommodation facilities. While it is not commonly worn in everyday life nowadays, many people wear yukata for special events, so you can often see them at festivals and fireworks displays.

Compared to a formal kimono, the yukata is relatively inexpensive and easier to purchase. However, I recommend trying a yukata rental for a more accessible experience. Yukata rentals offer a complete set including the yukata itself, accessories, and decorative items, and they come in a wide range of designs. You can enjoy the process of choosing your yukata and accessories.

Why not try wearing a yukata and going out this summer? It can be a fun and memorable experience!

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Opening of the World Aquatics Championships

The long-awaited 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka is finally beginning! On July 14th, after a 22-year wait, Fukuoka will host the world swimming championships. It is a celebration of aquatic sports that rivals the Olympics, featuring six disciplines and 75 events: swimming, artistic swimming, diving, high diving, water polo, and open water swimming. Approximately 2,400 athletes from over 200 countries are expected to participate. You will have the opportunity to witness the excitement and inspiration of top athletes from around the world competing in Fukuoka. You won't want to miss this historic moment!

After the World Aquatics Championships, the World Masters Swimming Championships will take place from August 2nd. Swimming enthusiasts from all over the world will participate in races and then explore our city, enjoying meals, shopping, and sightseeing. During the tournament, various events will be held to coincide with the World Aquatics Championships. One of these events is "Fukuoka Ichi-ba," featuring booth exhibitions and stage events held near the main venue, Marine Messe Fukuoka. Additionally, there will be illuminations around the venue to create a festive atmosphere.

In addition to these events, there will be activities and events held at Hakata Station and in the historic district of Hakata. Fukuoka Tower and Port Tower will also be illuminated to welcome the World Aquatics Championships.

Real-time updates can be found on the web, including event information and recommended tourist spots during the tournament. You can experience the excitement and inspiration of the World Aquatics Championships and feel the entire city of Fukuoka becoming even more exciting. It's something to really look forward to!

【Tanabata】

This coming Friday, the 7th of July is when Tanabata is celebrated in Japan.

Tanabata is a tradition where colorful strips of paper called "tanzaku" (made of paper) are hung on bamboo branches. It's a tradition that is familiar to most people in Japan from childhood.

According to the legend, two stars representing a married couple were separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year on this day. However, if it rains on that day, they cannot meet. It is believed that writing wishes on tanzaku and hanging them up will make those wishes come true. In the US, I learned the story as the Chinese legend about the Weaver and the Cowherd  and it seems that it refers to the stars, Vega and Altair. Of course, forbidden love or faraway love is a common theme in stories throughout history which is no doubt why the tale has endured and exists in Japan as well.

Various events are held in different regions, and in Fukuoka City, you can experience Tanabata events at Fukuoka Tower. Until July 7th, the tower will be illuminated with a special Tanabata-themed display. You can also write your wishes on tanzaku and hang them up. There will also be a festival from July 5th to 7th. So go out and enjoy these festivities!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Warnings about Heatstroke

Now I have some information from Fukuoka City about preventing heatstroke as we get into the hot days of summer.

Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its temperature properly due to heat and intense physical activity, leading to an imbalance of body fluids and electrolytes. Symptoms of heatstroke include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.

If you are feeling these symptoms, and unable to drink water on your own, or if cooling your body and replenishing fluids and electrolytes does not lead to recovery, please call emergency services at 119 and request an ambulance. Particularly from July onwards, as the temperatures start to rise after the end of the rainy season, there is a rapid increase in heatstroke-related emergency transport cases. During this period, be cautious as the humidity is high and your body may not be acclimated to the heat.

Heatstroke can happen not only outdoors but also indoors. Additionally, wearing masks during summer increases the risk of heatstroke, so caution is necessary. Here are some tips for preventing heatstroke:

Stay hydrated by drinking fluids regularly. You should drink things like barley tea or water during normal daily activities, and  rehydration drinks or sports drinks when engaging in physical exercise. Replenish both fluids and electrolytes when you sweat.

Wear a hat and use a parasol to avoid direct sunlight.

Use air conditioning and fans effectively to keep the room temperature below 28 degrees Celsius.

Use cooling items such as cooling sheets or ice pillows.

Maintain a balanced diet, get sufficient sleep, and manage your overall health.

Remember to take necessary precautions and prioritize your well-being during the hot summer months to prevent heatstroke.