Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Making a Healthy Year the Goal】

After the New Year's holiday and New Year's holidays, when we've enjoyed ourselves to the fullest, many of us feel a bit more conscious of our waistlines. If that's the case, why not start a little exercise this year and make it a habit to keep you healthy throughout the year?

Whether it is jogging, swimming, yoga, or going to the gym, choosing an exercise routine that fits your personality, preferences, and lifestyle will make it last longer. And of course, along with your exercise routine, make sure to eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep.

Also, looking at a monitor screen for a long time, like on a computer, smartphone, or tablet, can really tire your eyes out. If you're feeling some strain from staring at a screen all day, it might be a good idea to warm up and relax your eyes.

An easy way to do this is to take a shower, just close your eyes, and just let that warm water run over your eyelids. Make sure you keep them shut tight so that you don't get water in them! Of course, you can't always just jump in the shower, so another way to warm your eyes is with a warm, damp towel. Make sure it's not so hot that it'll burn your eyelids. You can prep the towel in the microwave or by soaking it in hot water. If you combine that towel with your bath time, you'll get to soak and relax your eyes.

There are also commercial eye masks and facial steamers available on the market, so whether you use them, or something that you have at home, you can easily take care of yourself and enjoy an easy and healthy year!

【Info From Fukuoka City】

Be Careful about the Norovirus

As you may know, winter is the season when it's very easy to get infectious gastroenteritis and food poisoning due to the Norovirus. It's a strong virus and can be transmitted even with very little contact.

The virus enters your body via the food you eat or from your hands from touching something. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. You can get the virus through inhalation if someone with the virus in the area has been vomiting or had diarrhea. You can also get it from foods that have been cooked by somebody infected by the virus. It can also be transmitted by eating shellfish, like oysters, that haven't been thoroughly cooked and are carrying the virus.

Severe vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. So if you think you have caught the virus, get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. You'll recover in a few days but the virus can hang around for a week to a month, even in your stools, and so it is possible to infect others, something we need to be careful about.

We can take measures to prevent the spread of infection, however. Be sure to wash your hands with soap before preparing meals, before eating and after using the toilet. Make sure you wash your utensils and cooking tools thoroughly after each use and disinfect them with bleach or boiling water. Alcohol disinfectants aren't that effective against the Norovirus, but heat is. The Norovirus is killed at temperatures of 85-90 degrees Celsius.

So, make sure that when you cook, things are cooked thoroughly and that you wash any fruits and veggies that you don't cook. And, of course, if you don't feel well, try to stay away doing too much in the kitchen.

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

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

【Fukuoka City Information】

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

The Japanese Chatting Salon

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

Using Zoom, international students and Japanese volunteers meet one on one or in small groups to talk about topics that interest them. If you are looking for a chance to use daily Japanese as well as practice the Japanese you've learned in class, or just want to chat with a native Japanese speaker, then definitely join in! The sessions are free but you do need to apply in advance. 

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

The Winter Issue of FCIF and the End of Publication

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

【The New Year and Fukuoka's Unique Tradition-Hatsumode, the First Shrine visit to 3 Shrines】

So, how are you spending the new year? Yesterday was the 1^st of January and I guess a lot of people were at home with their families eating new year's dishes and hanging out. Did anyone climb a mountain to see the first sunrise? I just relaxed with my cats. I'll try to get out for some of the new year bargains but I'll wait until the crowds are gone. I know I'll probably miss out on the best deals, but I don't mind.

Speaking of the new year in Japan, there is a tradition called Hatsumode. Hatsumode is making a shrine visit at the very beginning of the year to pray that your year will be a full and happy year. It's a custom that has carried on from a long time ago.

In Fukuoka, the custom of hatsumode means to do sansha-mairi or three shrine visits in the new year.

If you plan on doing the three visits, you can visit your favorite shrine, or even one near your house, everyone has their own custom, but if you are planning on doing shrine visits in the Fukuoka city area, in Tenjin or Hakata, you could visit Kushida, Sumiyoshi and Kego shrines. Do you think you'll do Sansha-mairi this year? I usually do three shrines, Kego is almost always on the list, and I sometimes do Hakozaki and Atago, if I have time. There are a few shrines near my house, so it isn't too hard to get all three in!

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Information about Covid Vaccinations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Fukuoka Prize Presentation  Ceremony

Fukuoka City honors those who have contributed to academic research, art, and culture in Asia by presenting the "Fukuoka Prize. This year's award ceremony, the 32nd, was held on December 22nd .This year's awardees were taiko drummer HAYASHI Eitetsu, art historian TIMON SCREECH, and Artist Shahzia SIKANDER. The award ceremony, held with great fanfare, will soon be available to watch on YouTube. If you are interested, just check the Fukuoka Prize website for the link to that video.If you are interested, just check the Fukuoka Prize website for the video link. That website is https://fukuoka-prize.org.

Fukuoka Prize: Invitation to an event with a past Fukuoka Prize winner

If the Fukuoka Prize winners are people that interest you, then you'll be interested to hear that the 17th Academic Research Award winner, historian Dr. Takeshi Hamashita, has been invited to give a lecture on Saturday, February 4, 2023. His lecture is titled "Considering Asia from the Sea" and will be held at Nishijin Plaza in Sawara-ku, Fukuoka City. For details, please see News & Topics on the Fukuoka Prize website.

We are currently accepting applications for participants, so if you are interested, please join us!

https://fukuoka-prize.org/topics/detail/54259378-4e74-4815-bae8-0aba3f08251f

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

【The End of the Year and the New Year】

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

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

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

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

【Fukuoka City information】

Ward office consultation and putting out the garbage over the New Year Holidays

Over the New Year's holidays, there are a few changes to ward office consultation hours and the days on which you can put out the garbage. For ward offices and the Health and Welfare Center, please be aware that these places will be closed from Thursday the 29^th of December to Tuesday the 3^rd of January.  In the days before and after the new year holidays, the ward office consultation counters will be busy so make sure you give yourself plenty of time when you go there.

Also, from Saturday the 31^st of December to Tuesday the 3^rd of January, please do not put your garbage out for pick up. Burnable garbage can only be put out on your area's scheduled garbage day up to Friday the 30^th of December and then after Wednesday the 4^th of January. For nonburnable garbage and glass and pet bottles, if Sunday January 1^st  is your regular day to put them out, instead they can be put out beforehand on Thursday, December 29th.

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

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

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

Spend the New Year's Holiday safely

Fukuoka City wants you to enjoy your winter holidays safely and enjoyably and has a few tips to share.

From the end of the year to the start of the new year, there are a lot of opportunities to drink alcohol. So, make sure, 100%, that you don't drink and drive, don't make others drink and drive, never allow someone to drink and drive and don't ignore someone who would drink and drive. Even cycling after drinking is against the law.

And it's important to remember that even the next day you might have some alcohol in your system or will be hungover. In that case, even if you think you only have a little bit of alcohol left in your system, it doesn't mean you should drive, because you shouldn't.

Also, every year, at the end of the year sees more and more traffic accidents. If you are out late at night, make sure you are wearing bright or reflective clothes that are easy for drivers to notice. And if you are driving, make sure you turn your headlights on earlier in the evening.

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

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

【Seasonal Foods-Enoki mushrooms】

Autumn and winter are great seasons for so many ingredients and one of them happens to be Enoki mushrooms. These mushrooms are those thin white ones all in a bunch. They are crunchy and have a mild flavor that goes well with any seasoning. It is an ingredient that can be found in supermarkets all year round, but its actual season is fall and winter! Low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, it is a good food for people on a diet. Their white, thin appearance may make you wonder if they are nutritious but despite what you think, they are full of nutrients including vitamin B group, potassium, iron, and other nutrients.

Fukuoka Prefecture produces a brand called "hakata-enoki", and ranks first in western Japan in terms of production volume. The best way to eat them is to cook them without washing them. Washing with water is not recommended, as the aroma, flavor, and nutrients of the mushrooms will be washed away. They are delicious stir-fried with meat, in soups, or even cooked up by themselves.

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but freezing is recommended. Cut them into bite-size pieces, place in a storage bag, and freeze. The key is not to thaw them before using them. Heat them while frozen. Why freeze them in the first place? Freezing will break down the cell walls of the mushrooms, increasing the absorption of nutrients and flavor.

 【Fukuoka City Information】

Now, I have some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about a new service they are offering.

The Fukuoka City International Foundation does have an official LINE account

From the Foundation's official LINE account, you can make an appointment for consultations on daily life or free professional consultation using the LINE call feature. Telephone consultations are available in 22 languages, so please feel free to contact them. In addition, the Voom function of LINE is used to send out information on the Foundation's events and announcements from Fukuoka City. Please add the Foundation's official LINE account to your friends' list from the Fukuoka City International Foundation website. The foundation will not accept consultations via LINE talk, but you can use the inquiry form on the foundation's website.

Also, the Fukuoka City International Foundation will be closed for a period of 6 days, from Thursday, December 29^th  to Tuesday, January 3^rd . It will reopen on Wednesday, January 4^th 2023 at 9 am.

The first session in 2023 for the free legal advice service for foreigners will be held will be on Saturday, January 7^th.  You do need an appointment before you go, so please call to make an appointment as soon as you can.

For more information please call 092-262-1799. Again, that number is 092-262-1799. The call is free to make. You can also check the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website for information.

The staff members at the Fukuoka City International Foundation hope to 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 in 2023!

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

【Fukuoka City Information】

World Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week

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

While you are irreplaceable, others are also irreplaceable. This is an important week to know that each of us is important.

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

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

Information about Covid Vaccinations　　

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

【Getting Through December】

In Japan, the months of the year have two names. One is the number of the month, the way we normally refer to the month. December is juu-ni gatsu, juu-ni meaning 12. However the other name for December is "shiwasu. The Chinese characters for the name are teacher or master and run, and so, the popular theory is that this name originates from "the busy month when master monks run around from east to west to give sutra chantings.
In the old days, the 13th of December was considered the "start of the New Year," and people would do susuharai, which was cleaning the house of dirt that had accumulated over the year as well as prepare pine trees for kadomatsu or the pine tree decorations you see at people's gates and entrances during the new year. All of this is now just called O-Soji or the Big Clean Up.

From the 22^nd, the winter solstice which is called Toji in Japanese and the shortest day of the year, the days start to get really cold.  Yuzu comes into season at this time and there's a tradition of taking a bath with this citrus fruit floating in it. It is supposed to keep you healthy throughout the winter and help to prevent you from catching a cold. 

2022 will be at an end soon, despite just being at the start of December. How should we get everything done so that we can greet the new year relaxed and in good health?
Well, plan ahead and imagine the order in which you want to get everything done. It's also a good idea to make a shopping list and a to-do list with dates on the calendar marked to motivate you to get things done. If you've got a lot on your plate to finish up before the end of 2022, it'll be important to stay organized. In saying that, make sure you enjoy the holiday season as well, don't get caught up work too much!

【Info from Fukuoka City】

World Aids Day

Now I have a few announcements from Fukuoka City.

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 time 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.

At the health and welfare centers of each ward, HIV screening is offered. This screening is free of charge and anonymous. So, if you think you may be at risk, get checked as soon as possible. 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 1^st to 7^th 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. In Fukuoka City, you can speak with Yamada Denki for help with this.

When disposing of these items, recycling fees or collection and transportation fees are necessary.

Traders who advertise “Free pick-up for items you don't need” through flyers and the internet, are illegal collectors who have not received permission from Fukuoka City. Please do not use these unauthorized collectors as problems such as illegal dumping, high fees and improper processing of waste may occur.

【DJ Recommended～Christmas events and lightups～】

In Japan, as you may have noticed, the moment Halloween is over, Christmas starts taking over. Personally, I don't think it should start until late November, but there really aren't any big holidays in November in Japan to stop the Christmas creep. In the US, we've got Thanksgiving to look forward to before Christmas. Of course, even in the US, the Christmas stuff starts early though.

I do like Christmas however and really look forward to it. I usually hold a Christmas dinner and gift exchange at my house for my friends, something I'll probably do again this year. We like to do it pot luck style, so everyone brings a dish to share, and I usually make a main dish. In the past I've done roast chicken, roast pork, beef wellington, ham...I haven't decided on the dish this year though. Any recommendations? I've still got plenty of time to plan my menu.

Christmas Illuminations

Of course, with Christmas here, you've also got loads of lights up around the city, from Tenjin to Hakata, on shops and in the parks, a big old Christmas tree and all the decorations up, making for a pretty beautiful sight.

This year, I'm planning to go to the illuminations at the Across Building. It's a new set up, it seems, and I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Speaking of all these illuminations and everything else Christmas, we've also got the Fukuoka Christmas Market, something that you don't want to miss.

Christmas Market

The Fukuoka Christmas Market is held every year from November to December, up until Christmas day, in the Hakata and Tenjin areas. It's Fukuoka's winter story, you could say. In Japan, it is the biggest Christmas market and at each of the venues there are a whole load of shops, Christmas lights and decorations. With hot wine, hot chocolate, delicious food and everything else, it's a cozy, fun event to be at.

This year's theme is Light and Hope. The market venues are located at the Hakata Station plaza and in Tenjin at the City Hall's Fureai Hiroba and the Passage at Daimaru. There are different things to see and buy at each venue and the mugs made for the event every year are one of the most popular souvenirs to get. I like to go for the atmosphere, at the Hakata venue, there is often live music, which is always enjoyable.

Also, in the Nakasu area and at Tenjin Chuo Park, from 5pm to midnight, you'll see a variety of illuminations set up, Fukuoka's newest illumination spot. We've got about one month left until Christmas, so get out and enjoy these wonderful events. Make great memories and enjoy Fukuoka's Christmas to the fullest.

【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.