Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Conserving Electricity】
Well, it's the season in which we all see our electricity bills jump as we all try to survive the heat of summer. This year though, the government has issued a request asking the residents of the country to try and conserve energy and balance out its use.
Basically, what they are asking is for each household to reduce the amount of energy used, within a reasonable range. Of course cutting energy use will cut costs, so take a look at where you can reduce your energy use and save a little money while you're at it. Unplugging appliances that aren't being used will help. In English, some appliance are referred to as Vampire appliances as they will continue to suck energy even when they seem to be off, but their little clocks or even standby mode will use energy. Computers and related equipment, video game consoles, tablet and cell phone chargers and household items with clocks like microwaves and DVD players all suck energy.
Another suggestion is to setting the air conditioner at about 28 degrees, that's the eco-mode on my machine, or using a room fan to keep air circulating to avoid having to blast the air conditioner. Also try not to overload your fridge, it heats up as it tries to keep things cool and don't spend too long with its doors open as you look for an afternoon snack or try to figure out what to cook for dinner. I'm guilty of that.
Turn off lights when you aren't in the room and try to use the outside light during the day if you can. Be careful though, on hot days, it is possible to get heat stroke, even if you are indoors, elderly people and young children are especially susceptible. So,reduce what energy you can within a reasonable amount, but don't forget to take care of your and your family's well-being and health.

【Info From Fukuoka City】

Covid-19 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.

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.

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 have also begun.

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.

【DJ Recommendations Summer Getaways】
It's summer vacation season, especially for students as classes are out until the fall term. So, this week, I'll introduce a few things to do over the summer holidays. With your friends or family, there are loads of places to go and events to enjoy this summer.

Uminonakamichi's Sunshine Pool, open after 3 seasons!
First, Uminonakamichi's Sunshine Pool located in the Higashi Ward of Fukuoka City inside of the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park. It's finally open after being closed for the last two summer vacations. Last year and the year before, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to prevent the spread of infection, the decision was made not to open the pool. However, this year, it is open again. But things have changed a little. You have to make a reservation to get in before going and you need to tell them if you are bringing any flotation devices or if you are planning on renting some. At the gate, you have to have your temperature checked. These are all measures to help prevent the further spread of infection.
And during pool operating hours, various events will be held in line with infection prevention measures, including things like underwater exercise. At Sunshine Pool, in addition to the pool fun, when you're hungry, you can find delicious menu items such as Hakata Tonkotsu ramen, Curry Rice, Sasebo Burgers and there will also be booths set up where you can enjoy your meals in the pool it seems!
I last went to Sunshine pool in 2019 and had an absolute blast. I'm hoping to go again this year, but I'll have to be sure to make that reservation so that I don't miss my chance!

The Picture Book Museum (July 19th-August 28)
Next, an event perfect for families with little kids. The NTT Nishi Nihon Special Oide-yo! Picture Book Museum. This event will be held at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum and will go from Tuesday, July 19th to Sunday, August 28th.
This is the 16th time it has been held and the theme this time is Dai Suki or I love it! Growing up surrounded by love as children navigate their daily lives and growth helps to foster the power and potential within. At this exhibition, you'll find traditional books that can be held in the hands and read as well as an exhibition of digital contents that utilize cutting edge technology. That world view that is very much a part of picture books will let you enjoy communication through them in a place that has been set up to with your peace in mind.
I know that when I was a child, I loved reading books and having books read to me. An event like this when I was a kid would have been so much fun.

Maizuru Park BBQ Garden

Finally, on the list of recommendations is the Maizuru Park BBQ Garden, easily accessible from the Ohori Garden Subway stop. From quite reasonable menu plans to indulgent A5 grade meat and seafood luxury plans, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the grill.

There are also all-you-can-drink plans, so it's like going to a outdoor beer garden as well.
It's the perfect place to escape the city despite being in the center of it all. You'll have nature around you and can really enjoy the outdoors. Everything is set up and cleaned up for you by the staff so it's a really easy way to enjoy a delicious BBQ.
I have never been to the BBQ garden but have passed by plenty of times. I often BBQ at home but the clean-up is what kills me, so this Maizuru Park plan is pretty tempting!
Think you might try it out?

As for me, I've actually got a few things planned. I'm mostly trying to escape the heat and have a trip to Kamikochi in Nagano, up in the mountains planned, as well as a trip to Hokkaido to visit the islands of Rebun and Rishiri. I'll also do a bit of camping around Kyushu, if I can, it all really depends on the weather. Camping in the rain isn't fun, I do prefer dry weather.

What do you think you'll get up to this summer? If you aren't sure of what to look up, or you're thinking “I just want to make some awesome summer memories!”but don't know where to go, you can always take advantage of Fukuoka City's official City Guide, Yokanavi. Take a look at it online, there's a lot of information for you there. Yokanavi is Fukuoka City's tourist information website for tourist spots, events and food. Just type Yokanavi into your search bar and it should pop up.

Whatever you get up to, have a wonderful summer full of great memories!

YOKA NAVI
https://area-gate.biz/fukuokayokanavi/activity

【Sunflowers】

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

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

【Information from Fukuoka City】

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

Legal Consultation

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

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

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

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

Multi-lingual FCIF Newsletter Summer Edition

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

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

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

【駅弁記念日（Anniversary of the Train Station Lunch Box)】

This morning, we are talking about Eki-ben Kinenbi or the anniversary of train station lunch boxes. In Japan, there are anniversary days for so many things and July the 16^th happens to be the one for Ekiben. Ekiben comes from lunch boxes or bento being sold at train stations, or eki and they're one of those “must-haves” for train journeys.

It was way back when on July 16^th 1885 at Utsunomiya station on the current Tohoku Honsen that Japan's very first Ekiben was sold. A local inn wrapped two riceballs and some takuan pickles in bamboo skin and sold them for what would be about 1000 yen now. From there, the ekiben concept spread across the country.

Here in Fukuoka, Kashiwa-meshi, a kind of rice with chicken and other toppings, is famous at Orio Station up towards Kitakyushu. And of course, in Hakata Station there are a huge number of bento to choose from, if you want something to snack upon as you embark upon your train journey. Why not pick one up with some green tea, something to enjoy as you view the scenery from your seat on the train?

If you do get one, don't forget to take your garbage with you. Don't leave it on the train! Fortunately, on the Shinkansen, there are a number of bins between the carriages, so it's easy to keep things clean!

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Anniversary of the Sister Cities
Speaking of anniversaries, Fukuoka has a couple of pretty big anniversaries coming up. I don't know if you know this, but Fukuoka is sister cities with 8 other cities around the world and with each of them share special connections and exchanges. This year, Fukuoka is celebrating 60 years as a sister city with Oakland in the US and 40 years with Bordeaux in France.
To commemorate these big anniversaries, each city is putting on events and sending delegations to visit.
For more information on these events and to learn more about the kind of exchanges Fukuoka does with each of these cities, just look up 【 fukuoka8 】to go to the home page of the Fukuoka City Sister City website.

Asian-Pacific City Summit
I also have information about the Asian-Pacific City Summit which will take place here in July. Representatives of cities from the Asia-Pacific region will connect online to discuss familiar urban problems and work on coming up with solutions.
This year's theme is New Values – New Cities. It will be an opportunity to look at the shared urban problems that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss new urban development with new values.
If you register in advance, anyone is allowed to view the discussion as it takes place. For more information on that, please look up “APCS13th” in your search bar. You should be directed to the 13th Asian-Pacific City Summit's website.

【Infomation From Fukuoka City】

Covid-19 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.
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.
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 have also begun.
For questions regarding vaccinations or to make a reservation, you can call 092-260-8405. Again, that number is 092-260-8405. Calls will be taken between 8:30 am and 5:30pm every day. 7 languages are available at that number, including English.

【Asparagus】

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

【Information From Fukuoka City】

Foreign Student Taught Language Classes

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

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

Administrative Lawyer Consultations

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

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

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

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

【Cleaning Out The Fridge】

Well, rain is definitely on the mind, basically because June more or less equals rainy season. And after this season comes summer in all it's blazing glory..in a sense. It's definitely hot, not sure that it's glorious. But with this hot weather comes something that we need to be careful about and that's actually food poisoning. Yikes...

So, to make sure that you don't do that to yourself, you should clean out your fridge on a regular basis and of course, check expiration dates.

You'll also want to make sure you're cleaning your cutting boards, sponges, around the sink and the counter well, because this hot season is a time when bacteria can really multiply.

For cleaning the inside of your fridge, use a weak alkaline solution like water with baking soda dissolved in it, and wipe down your shelves and walls. Then, spray everything down with kitchen alcohol to kill the bacteria. For your sponges and cutting boards, you can soak them in a bleach and water solution or pour boiling water at 90 degrees Celsius on them to kill bacteria.

【Information From Fukuoka City】

Child Support Allowance

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City for you.

In Fukuoka City, families raising children can receive a support allowance up until each child finishes junior high school.

The amount per child varies from 5000 yen to 15,000 yen depending on the age of the

child and the household income. The allowance is paid three times in four month installments, once in June, then October and again in February.

The child allowance system has had some changes made to it that will go into effect after the October payment. An income limit will be set in regards to benefits and depending on the amount of a household's income, the allowance may no longer be paid. In principle, it is also no longer necessary to submit an annual status report. However, if your marital status changes, you do need to send in a document to update your status.

A letter outlining the changes to the child support allowance was sent out on May 10th to those who receive the allowance, so make sure you take a look at that notice.

Taxes

If you live in Fukuoka City, and have earned more than 1 million yen the previous year, from

January 1st to December 31st, you may need to pay taxes. You will receive a tax payment notification around the 15th of June. Please make sure you open that envelope, it has information on when you need to pay and how much will be due. You can pay at convenience stores, the bank or even the post office. If you are a regular company employee, these taxes may be taken out from your salary by your company.

If you do not pay your taxes, you may risk facing difficulty when it comes time to renew your residence status or risk being subject to seizure of property.

If there is anything you don't understand, or if you may have difficulty making payments, please consult with your local ward office. You can also consult by phone in 18 different languages. This phone number is 092-753-6113. Again, this phone number is 092-753-6113. This phone number will connect you to the ward office after you speak with an interpreter. Please tell the interpreter which ward you live in and that you are calling about taxes.

【Umbrella Day】

So it seems that June 11^th is “Umbrella Day” or Kasa no Hi in Japan. It seems to be a reminder that June is when most of the country is hit by rainy season, so before it gets too wet, makes sure you've got a sturdy umbrella ready to handle the weather!

If you've got a good umbrella at home, do you know the right way to take care of it to make sure it lasts a good few years?

It's pretty simple for the most part. If you have to use your umbrella, after you get home, you should wipe it down to get most of the moisture off and then leave it open to dry in an area where you get some air flow. Although in the US, we have a superstition that it's bad luck to open an umbrella inside, it might actually be bad luck if you don't. The metal joints in the umbrella will rust if they stay wet and your umbrella won't last as long as it should.

I'm sure quite a few people have the clear umbrellas they sell at convenience stores, but as they all look exactly alike, it's pretty easy to accidentally take someone else's or have yours taken. To prevent that, put a sticker or some kind of charm on it. It's a pretty easy solution for a common problem.

By the way, if your umbrella does break, make sure you throw them out in the blue garbage bag. If the handle sticks out of the bag, it's fine. It's also okay if the cloth or vinyl is still on the frame when you throw it out.

If you get suddenly get caught in the rain without an umbrella, fear not, there's an umbrella share service in the city called I-KASA and you can get more information about that and how to sign up if you check out their website www.i-kasa.com. Good luck staying dry this rainy season.

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Covid-19 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.
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.
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 have also begun.
For questions regarding vaccinations or to make a reservation, you can call 092-260-8405. Again, that number is 092-260-8405. Calls will be taken between 8:30 am and 5:30pm every day. 7 languages are available at that number, including English.

【（koromo-gae）Changing out the Wardrobe】
Koromo-gae is “the changing of the clothes” or “changing out the wardrobe” in English and it's the custom of changing your wardrobe from winter clothes to summer clothes around the 1st of June. So why did koromo-gae start in the first place here?
Well, it was a practice apparently introduced from China during the Heian period. In the palace, it became an event of sorts and wardrobes were changed out twice a year. From the Edo period, the samurai society changed out their wardrobes 4 times a year to suit the seasons as the variety of kimonos increased. The custom then spread to the general public. In the Meiji period, western clothes were becoming the fashion and since officials and military personnel typically wore uniforms, the change in wardrobe once again happened twice a year, once for summer clothes and once for winter clothes. This was also influenced by the change in the use of calendars when Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar in order to adopt western systems modeled around western calendar days.
The custom became pervasive throughout Japan and you can see it's influence in schools and their uniforms and in regular family homes even today.
It's a good custom as there's usually not enough space in the closet or drawers to keep all of the winter and summer clothes together. Also, at least in my case, if I don't change out my wardrobe, my drawers get kind of messy, and when I'm looking for a t-shirt, I pull out a wool turtleneck, which is just somehow a terrible feeling even on the hands on a hot day! I have yet to change things out though, when I do, I think I'll also do a big clear out of things I haven't worn in a while!

【Information From Fukuoka City】

Easy Japanese Radio

Now I have some information from Fukuoka City about Easy Japanese Radio. From June, a new program, Yasashi Nihongo Rajio Kouza or the Easy Japanese Radio Course will start airing. This program is for international residents who are still working on their Japanese skills and is a chance to listen to easy Japanese spoken at an easy pace. Information international residents will find useful in regards to living in Fukuoka will be shared.

The program will be on every Friday from 11:50 am and the first program will be aired on June 3rd. If you can't understand everything, or miss what what was said, don't worry! You will be able to see the script for the program on Love FM's website and also listen to the podcast as many times as you want. It's a great chance to practice not only your listening skill but also pick up some new, useful vocabulary. So, tune in on June 3rd !

HIV Testing Week

Alright, I have some more important information to share with you here. June 1st to the 7th is HIV testing week.
Just last year, medical institutions in Fukuoka City reported 21 new HIV infections and 18 AIDS patients.

To prevent the spread of HIV, the earlier it is discovered, the faster it can be treated.

Even if someone is infected with HIV, few symptoms appear, which is why testing is necessary to know if someone is actually infected.
Free, anonymous HIV screenings will be held at the health and welfare centers of each ward.
Screenings are on a specified day, so please visit the homepage of your local health and welfare center before you go.

If an HIV diagnosis is made in the early stages, with proper health management and treatment, the onset of AIDS can be delayed. So if you think you may be at risk, please get checked as soon as possible.