Life in Fukuoka "English"

【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!

【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.