Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Moving Day】

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

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

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

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

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese Speech Contest

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

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

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

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

Foreign Language Newletter FCIF Autumn Edition Release

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

【Do you do sports?】

Well, today I guess I'll start off with a question for you. Do you do any kind of sports on a regular basis? I try to do a few exercises a week with Fitness Blender, one website I love with lots of exercise videos. I used to go jogging and play tennis, over the last couple of years, I've found myself spending a lot more time indoors. And that's not unusual, with more people working at home now, it's easy to spend the whole day without once stepping outside. Sitting all day on a chair can be tough on the body, there are definitely back and shoulder aches and pains that come with it, so why not put aside a set time every day for a little bit of stretching?

If you are out of the house for work or running errands, doing little things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or commuting to work on foot are things you can easily do to get your body moving and blood pumping a bit.

If you decide to do some walking or jogging in the evening, be careful of cars, motorbikes and bicycles.

In the low lights, it is, of course, harder to see what is going on around you, and it is also harder for others to see you which increases the risk of accidents happening. In this season, the sun sets earlier, so it's important to be even more careful as we head deeper into the season and begin to lose daylight even earlier. Of course, there is a pretty easy solution to help you out. Wear brightly colored clothing and use reflective materials or LED lights when you do go out. I like to go walking in the evening, especially when I haven't had time to do an exercise routine during the day. I've got an armband that lights up, I bought it at Sunny supermarket and it really helps cars and bikes to see me.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Myo-jyo-waraku 2022

Now, I've got some information from Fukuoka City about an event happening soon. It's called Myo-jyo-waraku 2022, and will be held from Wednesday, October 12 to Saturday, October 15. Myo-jyo-waraku was launched in 2011 as a festival for people involved in technology and creativity and is a festival where people from all walks of life, regardless of age or status, come together to create new things.

This years theme is GENTEN, or Origin.

And to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the declaration of "Startup City Fukuoka," in which Fukuoka City launched its support for startups during the 2012 Myo-jyo-waraku , a talk session will be held during the event, to look back at Startup City Fukuoka's origin from various perspectives.

In this talk session, participants will look back over the past 10 years of Fukuoka City's startup scene, examine the growth of its ecosystem, and talk about the future.
Other events will be held including art and creative-themed events and workshops at a campsite on the 14^th and 15^th.

For more information on the event, please search "MYOJOWARAKU2022" or visit the official website, https://myojowaraku.net/

【Delicious Asian Pears】

It's the season for sweet and juicy nashi or asian pears. Sometimes they're also called apple pears. They are in season from July to November in Fukuoka prefecture and you should be able to find them in supermarkets and veggie shops pretty easily now.

Right now, the pears you'll find in season in the shops are called Akizuki, Niitaka or Shinkou.

The way to choose a pear is to look at the skin and make sure it looks firm. The pear should still be hard and feel heavy. The bigger the pear, the better, the big ones are delicious.

If you buy a bunch and are trying to keep them as fresh as possible for as long as possible, makes sure you don't let them dry out. Keep them in a well sealed plastic bag in the fridge. You can keep them for one to two weeks that way, I've had some pears last nearly a month. Although the pears are sweet, they are low in calories and are said to help prevent cavities from forming. I wonder if it's their texture, that kind of helps to clean your teeth a bit while you're chewing, like with apples. Anyway, they make a great and healthy dessert if you're trying to keep away from other sweets! We cut them up and keep them in storage containers for handy anytime snacks. I think this season might be my favorite fruit season.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Tuberculosis Prevention Week

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City about Tuberculosis Prevention Week from the 24^th to the 30^th of September.

Tuberculosis is a disease that causes inflammation of the lungs mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is an infectious disease that is transmitted person to person.

In 2022, 138 people in Fukuoka City were diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Symptoms of tuberculosis include coughing, phlegm, fever, bloody phlegm, chest pain, lethargy, night sweats and or weight loss. In the beginning, it does resemble the common cold.

If you've noticed that you've had a cough for over two weeks, have had a lot of phlegm, you've felt lethargic or you've suddenly lost weight, please see a medical professional for an exam as soon as possible. The earlier it is detected, the earlier it can be treated preventing it from becoming a serious illness.  It is important to prevent spreading illness to family, friends and those at the workplace who are important to us.

Even if you are infected, tuberculosis does not always develop, however if your body cannot fight the tubercle bacillus, over time, an infection may develop.

If you are diagnosed with tuberculosis, you can fight it off by taking the proper medication every day according to your doctor's orders.

And, to prevent the spread or start of infections, make sure you get plenty of sleep, eat a good, balanced diet and get enough exercise. Making an effort every day to live healthily is the most effective prevention.

In Fukuoka City, there is the Fukuoka City Medical Interpreting Call Center service available if you do need to find a hospital or need some advice. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone number for that service is 092-733-5429. Again, that number is 092-733-5429. Interpretation is available in 20 different languages.

【Typhoon Warnings】

Well, September is the month when we often get strong typhoons. So, when we hear or see news and weather reports that typhoons are approaching, we should also check that we are prepared for weather disasters.

It's important that we have at least 3 days worth of food and water in case there are power outages, water shortages or store closures. Portable toilets like toilet bags, flashlights, portable radios, mobile batteries and portable gas stoves are things that we should have ready as well.

You should also check your yard or balcony before the wind gets strong and either move items indoors or secure any items that might get blown over.

Make sure you check evacuation routes to designated evacuation sites such as schools and community centers in advance and discuss the evacuation measures you'll take and how to communicate in case of an emergency with your family members on a regular basis.

【Information From Fukuoka City】

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

Legal Consultation

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

Legal consultations are available from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on the first Saturday of every month, and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the third Wednesday of the month. Each session runs for 45 minutes and is completely free. However, you do need to make a reservation to consult with the lawyer. Free English interpretation services are also available so if you will need an interpreter, please mention that when you make your reservation.

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

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

F.C.I.F Official LINE Accounts

You can also contact the Fukuoka City International Foundation through their official Line account. Just connect to their phone line via a Line Call and you can make inquiries about lifestyle consultation, free professional consultation and other services. And as before, telephone interpretation is available in 22 different languages.

In addition, you can receive information about Fukuoka City International Foundation events and other information for international residents, so be sure to add the Foundation to your friend's list! Chat is not supported on the account, however, so if you do want to contact the foundation via text, please use the inquiry form on the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website.

For more information about all of this and more, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage.

【Kui-shin-bou no hi- The Foodie's Day】

Did you know that the 14^th of September is Kuishinbo no hi? It's a bit of word play on the date 9/14 in Japanese but what exactly is a Kuishinbo? Well, it's a glutton but that does bring to mind a sloppy and voracious eater. You could say it is a gourmand, but that sounds a bit fancy. These days we'd probably say a foodie, someone who really likes to eat. There's actually a magazine that caters to these Kuishinbo and introduces the pleasures of various foods. This magazine is called Dancyu (Dan Chew)and is put out by the company, President Incorporated.

From 2021, the magazine made its aim to make meals tastier and more enjoyable as well as to remember to thank food producers, chefs and the others who are involved in the food we have in our lives.

In Fukuoka City, we have so many delicious foods and ingredients all around us. Not only Japanese restaurants but the number of foreign food restaurants have also increased. What food reminds you of when you were a kid? Why not try making it again here? It can be a little difficult to find all the ingredients you need sometimes but if you look around and do a little research, you can probably get your hands on nearly everything you need. Personally, kimchi chige with a ton of tofu reminds me of my childhood and getting what I need to make it here is really easy!

【Infomation 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, inoculation tickets for the third and fourth doses of the vaccine are being sent out. Residents who have received the previous two or three inoculations will receive the vaccination coupon for the next dose in the mail, roughly 5 months after their last dose if you are eligible.

Vaccination coupons for the fourth dose will be sent to people over the age of 60 who have had three previous doses, and to people between the ages of 18 to 59 who have underlying illnesses or who are healthcare workers, or workers in facilities for the elderly and the disabled.

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.

You can also phone that call center to register if you have an underlying illness.

Vaccinations for children between the ages of 5 and 11 are also being done.

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 or to make a reservation, you can call 092-260-8405. Again, that number is 092-260-8405. Calls will be taken between 8:30 am and 5:30pm every day. 7 languages are available at that number, including English.

The Fukuoka Prize

Now, I have some information to share with you about the Fukuoka Prize. Fukuoka City honors those who have contributed to academic research, art and culture in Asia by awarding the Fukuoka Prize. This year, the laureates of the 32nd Fukuoka Prize are Taiko drummer Eitestu Hayashi, who will get the Grand Prize. The Academic Prize goes to Art Historian Timon Screech and the Arts and Culture Prize will go to Artist Shahzia Sikander.  The three laureates will gather in Fukuoka in September to each hold a public lecture. The Grand Prize Public Lecture is a particularly noteworthy event, as visitors will be able to enjoy a free taiko drum performance by Eitetsu Hayashi. The other public lectures with Mr. Screech and Ms. Sikander are also valuable opportunities to experience Edo art and contemporary art. These events are free to attend and you can even watch them online after the event so definitely apply if you are interested.

For more information on the events, please search "Fukuoka Prize" or visit the event page on Fukuoka Prize official website.

https://fukuoka-prize.org/en/

【Disaster Prevention Day-Evacuating during a Disaster】

Today, I want to talk about Disaster Prevention Day, an annual awareness day on September 1^st.  More specifically, I want to give you some information on evacuating during a disaster.

The Japanese kanji for evacuation means "avoiding difficulty. And that is exactly what you are trying to do. In the event of an emergency, it is important to know in advance where you can secure your safety.

If heavy rain is forecasted, or if heavy rain actually occurs, or if other risks increase, you should evacuate to a place where you can be sure of safety.

If you are in or near a "dangerous area," you should be prepared to evacuate immediately even if Fukuoka City has not issued an evacuation notice. If there is a risk, such as with forecasted or actual heavy rain, be prepared and evacuate based on your own judgment.

Dangerous areas" are areas where there is a risk of landslides or flooding, such as near mountains or rivers, or in flood-prone areas.

You can check the "Hazardous Areas" on the "Fukuoka City Comprehensive Hazard Map" on the Fukuoka City website. It will show you useful information on evacuation sites, locations of city and ward offices, and hazardous areas in the event of a disaster and give you information on things you should know in case of an earthquake, tsunami, typhoon, or flood.

https://webmap.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/bousai/

You don't have to only go to evacuation centers set up by the city, by the way. If it is safe to do so, you can also evacuate to the homes of relatives and acquaintances, hotels, and other evacuation sites.

This kind of "distributed evacuation" is especially important now with covid-19 infections a concern.

Those who are in "safe areas" where there is no risk of landslides or flooding should stay in their homes and ensure their own safety.

A "safe place" though, does not mean that there have been no disasters in the past. If you feel even the slightest bit of danger in your surroundings, please move to another location.

In addition to emergency supplies you may have already prepared, like water, food, cell phone chargers, medicine, and medicine notebooks, you should also prepare an emergency bag in advance that includes masks, disinfectant solution, thermometers, plastic gloves, and other items as a measure against the spread of infection.

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Disaster Prevention Day and Stockpiling Encouragement Week
To continue, I have some information from Fukuoka City. IN addition to Disaster Prevention Day, 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 our water system is stopped, there's no water to drink either. And, if the electric and gas are out, there's no way we can cook food. So, in order to really be safe, it's important to keep a rolling stock.

Alright, so what should be stockpiled?
You should have drinkable water and 3 days worth of food. One person needs roughly three liters of water per day, something to keep in mind. 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 sanitary needs. Keep a water tank full of water on a daily basis or fill the bathtub so that you do have that extra water on hand.

Buy a little more than you usually do, of the foods you normally eat, and as you use them up, make sure you replace them so that you always have a little more than enough in your house. This is your rolling stock. This is recommended because then you don't have to worry about expiration dates like when you keep a bag full of emergency food in your closet.

We get typhoons every year, so take a look at what you have in your home and make sure you are prepared.

【DJ recommends-Autumn Events】
Well, we are getting through August pretty quickly, very nearly at the end of it. However, that doesn't mean that the hot days are over quite yet, there are still a few left before we get to autumn. Speaking of autumn or fall, as we say in the US, I guess because of the falling leaves, what images or feelings pop up in your head? For me, it's the colors of the changing leaves, fresh apple cider and donuts at an apple mill, and the Renaissance Festival, a big festival held every year where people dress up and speak as though they are from another time in the past.
In Japan, Autumn brings to mind a few different expressions which translate to Autumn is the season of the appetite, the season of reading and the season of art. It's also a time of year when festivals are in full swing.

The most famous autumn festival in Fukuoka City is Ho-jo-ya held every September at Hakozaki-gu Shrine in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City.
Along with "Hakata Dontaku" in spring and "Hakata Gion Yamakasa" in summer, this festival is one of the three major festivals in Hakata. It is a festival to "respect all life, warn against killing, and give thanks for the harvest of autumn. I used to go every year and really enjoyed it. I didn't go last year, but I am hoping to go this year. It's pretty fun and the evening is cool enough to enjoy the time outdoors, even with the crowds. The food there is really good as well and sometimes there are things that you can only try there, I had a deepfried garlicky konnyaku snack before, I guess it's from Miyazaki, and could never get enough of it!
Hojoya is actually famous for its approximately 500 stalls, and used to be crowded with about 1 million visitors, but due to the pandemic, only the shrine rituals were held for the last two years.
This year, however, the festival will be held in a similar fashion to previous years, with stalls set up for the first time in three years, taking maximum measures against the spread of infection, such as reducing the number of seats in front of the special stage and asking visitors to wear masks and refrain from eating and walking.

Hopefully you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of Japanese culture and Japanese festivals as you sample the various stalls, such as target shooting, yo-yo fishing, and new ginger sales.
The yakimochi, a specialty of Hakozakigu Shrine with a chewy outside and sweet bean paste inside, is also highly recommended.
Hojoya will be held from Monday, September 12 to Sunday, September 18. However, if a state of emergency is declared during the period, the event may be scaled down or cancelled.
If you go out, don't forget to take precautions against the spread of infection.

Speaking of festivals, LOVE FM will also be holding a 3 day summer festival from Friday August 26th to Sunday August 28th in Tenjin's Chuo-Koen Park.
Saturday morning will start with IRIE MUSIC, a reggae program airing from 8am. There will be reggae, hip-hop and Okinawan folk music as well as booths selling food and drinks, so join us there. Grab a drink, move your body and have a great time!

This year will also be the first time in three years for "Nakasu Jazz" to be held. Nakasu Jazz has become an annual event in Fukuoka City in September. It is a jazz festival held mainly in Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, one of the busiest areas in western Japan.
One of the attractions of the festival is that all of the stage shows are free!
For the past two years, the festival has been held online, this year, however, the festival will be held at various locations in Nakasu on Saturday, September 17th and Sunday the 18 th .
IF you have a chance, come out and see the acts on stage. Whether you're a jazz lover or not, it's a great time for all. And of course, when you do go out, please remember to take basic infection prevention measures as you enjoy these autumn events.

【Somen】

Somen noodles, if you haven't had them yet this summer, are thin noodles made of wheat flour. In Japan, somen is a pretty common dish and quite often eaten during the hot summer season.
It is said that somen was brought to Japan from China in ancient times.

To prepare somen, you just need to boil them in water, cool them down with ice water and eat them with some cold tsuyu, a kind of dipping sauce.

Another popular dish is stir-frying those cooked somen noodles with some summer vegetables like goya and a little meat. Of course, it is also delicious in hot soup.  I personally like cold somen with some cucumbers, kimchi, a little bit of dashi or tsuyu and sesame seed oil.

You can find somen pretty easily at supermarkets and convenience stores for pretty good prices, especially if you buy in bulk. It's a great thing to have on hand when you don't really have an appetite in the summer due to the heat, but know you need to eat something. It certainly is my go-to dish!

【Information from Fukuoka City】
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 hear about the drunk driving accident that occurred in Fukuoka City on August 25, 2006?

This year marks 16 years since that drunk driving accident which killed three children on the Umino-nakamichi-ohashi Bridge in the Higashi Ward.
Since then, Fukuoka City has made various efforts to eliminate drunk driving .
However, drunk driving has not disappeared. In fact, in 2021, there were 23 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 car to a person who has been drinking alcohol and never offer alcohol to a person who will be driving.
You must not get into a car knowing that the driver has been drinking.
If you drink alcohol and drive, you increase the risk of a traffic accident.

Your ability to pay attention and make good decisions, which are necessary for safe driving, are impaired. You may drive too fast and your ability to judge a dangerous situation will be slowed. The time it takes to use your brake pedal will increase.
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 call 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 while driving and repeatedly accelerating or accelerating suddenly.
Each and every person needs to take action and say “I will never drink and drive, I will never allow another person to drink and drive and I will never ignore a person who is drunk-driving!”
Let's all work together to eliminate drunk driving!

【High School Baseball's Anniversary】

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

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

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

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters

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

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

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

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

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

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

Japanese Chatting Salon

I've also got some information for any international students who are studying in Fukuoka. Do you about the monthly Japanese Chatting Salon? Using Zoom, international students and Japanese volunteers meet one on one or in small groups to talk about topics that interest them. The next session is on August 31^st, so if you are looking for a chance to use daily Japanese as well as practice the Japanese you've learned in class, or just want to chat with a native Japanese speaker, then definitely join in! The sessions are free but you do need a reservation.

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