Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Nakasu Jazz】

Right now we're in Fukuoka's Music Month where we can enjoy a Month of Musical Festivities in Fukuoka and during the second weekend of September, on the 14th and 15th, the Nakasu JAZZ festival will take place in Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. This free JAZZ festival transforms the streets of Nakasu into stages where live performances by top artists fill the air with music, creating a pretty awesome two-day experience.

Whether you're a die-hard music lover or someone who isn't very familiar with jazz, the festival offers a welcoming atmosphere where anyone can stop by and enjoy the music.

The performances range from jazz standards to the latest hits, and witnessing them up close is truly an overwhelming experience, filled with energy and excitement. The best part? All stages are free to attend, making it a must-visit event!

Now in its 16th year, Nakasu JAZZ is a music festival born out of the love and passion of local residents and jazz enthusiasts who volunteer to make it happen. It's a carefully curated event with the slogan "Jazz suits Nakasu," and it's an experience you won't want to miss, so head out this weekend to Nakasu.

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

September 24^th Naraya Community Center-Infant Interaction Class

For those of you with children, wouldn't you like to visit a place where you can have fun with your children? At the Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward, a parenting exchange salon takes place every month. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, they hold an infant interaction class, called Yarana Hiroba, where parents and children can have a great time together.

In September, the event will take place on the 24th, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The theme for September is a "Parenting Support Concert (Relaxation Harp & Guitar)” and at the center this month, you can listen to beautiful music while enjoying a relaxing time with your child.

For more details on how to register, please visit the Fukuoka City International  Foundation's website or Facebook page.

Legal Consultation and Personal Counseling

 The Fukuoka City International Center offers free legal consultation and personal counseling for the international residents of Fukuoka City.

Legal consultations are available from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on the first Saturday of every month, and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the third Wednesday

of the month. Each session runs for 45 minutes and is completely free.

However, you do need to make a reservation to consult with the lawyer from the Fukuoka Bar Association. Free English interpretation services are also available so if you will need an interpreter, please mention that when you make your reservation.

Personal counseling services are available every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with a Japanese clinical psychologist in English or Japanese. Reservations are necessary, so please make one if you are interested.

Both types of consultations ensure strict confidentiality, so you can feel at ease when you come to these consultations. Reservations will be taken from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays. For detailed inquiries, please contact （0120-66-1799）.

【SUNSET LIVE 2024】

September in Fukuoka is Music Month—a whole month where the city comes alive with music, and the first week of September is highlighted by the annual music event, SUNSET LIVE 2024, which will mark its 30th and final edition this year.

This outdoor music event will be held this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, September 7th and 8th, at the special stage set up at Keya Beach and Campground in Itoshima City. In this beautiful natural setting, close to the sea and mountains, you can enjoy performances by top artists, as well as enjoy delicious food and drinks from popular Fukuoka restaurants, and have some fun in the sea and on the beach with a variety of marine sports.

SUNSET LIVE is an event filled with hospitality, not only for people but also for the environment, featuring activities like beach cleanups and a daycare center. It's an event for people of all ages.

It's often said, "Fukuoka's summer ends with SUNSET," making it an essential part of September in Fukuoka. Don’t miss the chance to witness this special final stage.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Disaster Prevention Day and Stockpiling Encouragement Week

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

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

Alright, so what should be stockpiled?

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

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

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

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

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

【Direct Grape Sales】

Grapes are in season right around this time of year, and you can enjoy delicious grapes right here in Fukuoka. Did you know that the Kanatake area in Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City, is known for producing tasty grapes? The area, surrounded by nature, has soil that is ideal for grape cultivation, and grapes have been grown there for about 50 years.

This year, the direct sale of those sweet and delicious grapes has begun again. They are available for a limited time during the harvest season, which lasts until mid-September, at "CO_YARD KANATAKE" located within "Kanatake-no-Sato Park." Starting from 9:00 AM every morning, freshly harvested juicy grapes are on display, with a variety of brands available, including Shine Muscat. Sales continue in the afternoon, but they end as soon as the grapes sell out, so it's best to visit early.

So, pick up a couple bunches of grapes and savor their flavor and the nutrients you get from them to help you get throught the late summer heat!

【Cinema Night Fukuoka】

Next up, I want to introduce a movie event to you this week. It's called "Cinema Night Fukuoka." and it is an outdoor movie-watching event held at the resort hotel "The Luigans Spa & Resort" located in Uminonakamichi, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City.

This popular event allows you to relax and watch movies while spread out on a picnic blanket in front of a giant screen, all while enjoying the night breeze by the beach during the summer.

It takes place every Wednesday and Saturday night until September, and the best part is that entry and movie screenings are completely free! The films shown range from the latest releases to timeless classics, as well as kid-friendly animated movies.

In addition, food trucks are available on-site, so you can enjoy snacks and drinks, including alcohol, while watching the movies.

The event begins with a view of the sunset over the grassy area near the beach, and continues with a leisurely movie under the night sky. If you're lucky, you might even catch some fireworks while you're out there!

If you’re interested, check out the official website for the movie schedule and to make your reservation.

This is the perfect event for a summer night!

【There's an Elephant back at the Zoo!】

Four elephants, the new stars of the zoo, have arrived at Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden from Myanmar! After a taming period of about three months, they are scheduled to be unveiled to the public around autumn.

The new arrivals include one male and three female Asian elephants. All four are in good health, with no medical issues, and are currently resting comfortably. Visitors to the zoo can check out the latest updates on the elephants through videos and photos.

And, until August 31st, the zoo is accepting name suggestions from the public for the four elephants.

In addition, right now, the popular summer event "Night at the Zoo" is being held every Saturday until September 14th. This event offers visitors a rare chance to observe the behavior of nocturnal animals and you can even watch the animals during feeding time. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Fukuoka City Zoo during this special season!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Eliminating Drunk Driving

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

This year marks 18 years since that drunk driving accident which killed three children on the Umino-nakamichi-ohashi Bridge in the Higashi Ward.

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

However, drunk driving has not disappeared.

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

Driving under the influence of alcohol lowers your attention and judgment, which can delay your ability to detect danger, lead to excessive speeding, and increase the risk of traffic accidents.

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

The Fukuoka Prize

To continue, I have some information about the Fukuoka Prize. Every year, Fukuoka City presents the "Fukuoka Prize" to individuals who have contributed to academic research, arts, and culture in Asia, honoring their achievements. The recipients of the 34th Fukuoka  Prizes are :

Daito Manabe with the Grand Prize, an active figure in the field of media art.

Historian Sunil Amrith receiving the Academic Research Prize.

Artist Kimsooja being awarded the Arts and Culture Prize.

The award ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 26, and public lectures will take place on Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28. On Friday, September 27, the Grand Prize winner, Daito Manabe, will give his lecture. The next day, Saturday, September 28, there will be a lecture by the Academic Research Prize winner, Sunil Amrith, at noon, followed by a lecture by the Arts and Culture Prize winner, Kimsooja, in the evening.

All events are free to attend. To register, search for "Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize" or "Fukuoka Prize" and apply through the official website. The registration deadline is Thursday, September 5, for the award ceremony, and two days before each public lecture event.

【ISLA DE SALSA】

This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the annual outdoor world beat and dance festival, ISLA DE SALSA!  The event will be held on the weekend of August 31 and September 1 at Nokonoshima Camp Village. This festival features Japan’s leading salsa band "Orquesta De La Luz," along with top musicians and dancers from both Japan and abroad. Attendees can dance together to the rhythm, relax on the beach, enjoy BBQ and giant paella, and have fun in so many ways. This event is for everyone, regardless of age or gender, so come and experience salsa in a corner of Fukuoka that will feel like you're in the Caribbean.

【information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

August 27 Naraya Community Center-Infant Interaction Class

For those of you with children, wouldn't you like to visit a place where you can have fun with your children? At the Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward, a parenting exchange salon takes place every month. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, they hold an infant interaction class, called Yarana Hiroba, where parents and children can have a great time together.

In August, the event will take place on the 27th from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. This month's activities include "English Storytelling & Free Space," where parents and children can enjoy picture books, English songs, and hand games. For more information on how to apply and other details, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or Facebook page.

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

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

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

There are English and Chinese interpreters present, and so, consultation in English, Chinese and Japanese does not require a reservation. For other languages, please consult with the foundation at least two weeks 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). Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 5:30pm on weekdays.

【Hakata and Tenjin Summer Festivals】

The Hakata Summer Festival and the Tenjin Summer Festival are now being held livening up the summer in Fukuoka even more. 

The Tenjin festival is at Fureai Plaza on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall and will be held every day from tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6th until Sunday, August 18th. The Hakata Festival is being held in the square right in front of JR Hakata Station, again, every day from tomorrow to Thursday, August 22nd.  

There are stalls selling shaved ice, yakisoba, and Hakata gourmet foods, as well as traditional festival games like yo-yo fishing and shooting galleries. There's also a live music stage at each venue.

You'll have a chance to join in the Bon Odori dance performed there, forming a circle around the "yagura" tower and dancing to the music. Even if you've never danced the Bon Odori dance before, you'll no doubt have fun experiencing this uniquely Japanese festival. Be sure to visit and enjoy the treats of summer!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese learning site-Tsunagaru, Hirgaru, Life with Japanese

Today, I'd like to share some information about the Japanese language learning site "Tsunagaru Hirogaru Nihongo de no Kurashi" created by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. This site is designed for foreigners to learn Japanese on their own, and it aims to help learners acquire the Japanese necessary for communication and daily life.

The site supports 18 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Nepali, and Vietnamese.

The site offers three levels of study, from Level 1 to Level 3, allowing you to study at your level of proficiency. There is also a Japanese proficiency check to help you determine which level is appropriate for you.  

There are a variety of lessons dealing with everyday situations. For example, you can learn Japanese used for "shopping," "going to the hospital," and "raising children" through videos. You can study the meaning and practice your pronunciation by watching these videos which have subtitles in Japanese, romaji, or a foreign language of your choice. The dialogues for each of the videos are also available to see on the site for easy review. 

As Japanese has many types of written characters, which might seem difficult at first, the site also introduces tips for reading and writing in daily life, such as how to write names and fill out common documents. There are also videos on systems like "tax" and "medical care," as well as informational columns with tips for daily life in Japan, making it a very useful site.

Search for “Tsunahiro”, that's TSUNAHIRO, and start learning Japanese from the scenarios that interest you or are most relevant to you right now. You can also find a link to the site on the Fukuoka City website under "Support for Foreign Residents."

If you want to learn from a teacher, face to face, Fukuoka City does offer many Japanese classes taught by volunteer teachers at community centers and other locations. Information about the levels, participation fees, and contents of each class is available on the "Nihongo Class Map." You can find beginner classes for slow-paced learning, kanji practice classes, classes to learn about Japanese culture, and classes that allow you to enjoy interacting with locals while studying Japanese.

Search for "Fukuoka City Nihongo Class Map" to find nearby Japanese classes.

【Fukuoka International Airport Tourist Information Center – The Yatai Concierge】

One of Fukuoka's famous tourist attractions is Yatai. Have you ever experienced an evening in one of these food stalls? The streets of Tenjin, Nakasu, and Nagahama are lined with these stalls at night and from Hakata cuisine to international dishes, there are various types of stalls, which makes it hard to decide sometimes which one to choose. If you have lived in Fukuoka for a long time, you have probably been asked at least once for a recommendation on which yatai to visit, I know I have!

Good news for you if you can never come up with a place on the spot. Now, Fukuoka, the city of yatai, has introduced the nation's first Yatai Concierge!

Made to help all of us-residents trying to make recommendations, first-time yatai users and tourists looking for a good place to eat, the Yatai Concierge has opened at the tourist information center in the international terminal of Fukuoka Airport. The concierge provides yatai recommendations, explains a bit about how to dine at them as well as how to enjoy them, sharing the charm of these local food stalls.

It operates year-round from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

So, be sure to share this information with those visiting Fukuoka to help them experience this city's yatai culture!

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Legal Consultation and Personal Counseling

The Fukuoka City International Center offers free legal consultation and personal counseling for the international residents of Fukuoka City. 

Legal consultations are available from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on the first Saturday of every month, and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the third Wednesday of the month. Each session runs for 45 minutes and is completely free.

However, you do need to make a reservation to consult with the lawyer. Free English interpretation services are also available so if you will need an interpreter, please mention that when you make your reservation. 

Personal counseling services are available every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with a Japanese clinical psychologist in English or Japanese. Reservations are necessary, so please make one if you are interested.

Both types of consultations ensure strict confidentiality, so you can feel at ease when you come these consultations. Reservations will be taken from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays. For detailed inquiries, please contact (0120-66-1799).

【interview】

Piano and English Teacher　ーBenjamin Stringerー

From Texas, USA

Piano class taught in English　ーEUPHONYー

@ 4-10-2-2 Odo, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City　〒819-0001

HP　https://www.euphony.jp/　　X／instagram 　@euphony_ep

【The Day of the Ox in the Midsummer】

In Japan, there is day on which the season changes called "Doyo no Ushi no Hi" , or The Day of the Ox in the Midsummer. On this day, there is a tradition of eating eel. The reason is that during this time, as we transition from the end of the rainy season to the full swing of summer, people feel like they want to shake off the fatigue the rainy season and heat bring and boost their appetite. Eel is supposed to have these benefits, so it's great for helping our bodies get a nutrition and energy boost.
People typically eat eel as "Kabayaki," which is grilled eel with a sauce made from soy sauce and sugar, or "Shirayaki," which is simply grilled over charcoal without any sauce. In addition to eel, foods starting with the letter "u". or rather the Japanese character for "u", are considered lucky to eat on the Day of the Ox. These include "udon" (thick wheat noodles), "umeboshi" (pickled plums), and "uri" which are gourds like cucumber and watermelon.
This year, the Day of the Ox falls on July 24th and August 5th. As we head into the height of summer, let's stay healthy by eating nutritious and delicious foods!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide Site Information

Today, I'd like to give you a little information about the Fukuoka City International Tourist Guide, the global site for sightseeing in Fukuoka. This website shares information about the attractions of Fukuoka, including tourist facilities, events, area sightseeing, and gourmet food, effectively using videos and photos in four languages (English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese) to really show what is so great about this city. You can search by categories such as gourmet, history and culture, nature and outdoor activities, or by specific areas, making it easy to find recommended information about the area you want to visit.
The site is packed with useful information not only for tourists but also for residents of Fukuoka to enjoy and get to know the city better.
Search for "Fukuoka City Official Tourist Guide" online to discover something new about the city!

Fukuoka City Child-Rearing Exchange Salons

To continue, I've got some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about a child-rearing exhange salon.
For those of you with children, wouldn't you like to visit a place where you can have fun with your children? At the Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward, a monthly parenting exchange salon has begun. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, they hold an infant interaction class there where parents and children can have a great time together.
In July, the event will take place on the 23rd from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The theme for July is "Parent-Child Exercise." A childcare worker will come and lead the parents and children in fun activities like dancing and other physical exercises.
For more information on how to apply and other details, please visit the Fukuoka City International
Foundation's website or Facebook page.

【Beaches】

Summer is just around the corner here in Japan, so here are some recommended beaches in Fukuoka City to visit if you're looking for somewhere to swim.

First, we have Seaside Momochi Beach Park in Sawara Ward: This beach is well-maintained for safety and comfort, offering not only swimming but also marine sports. Besides beach houses, there are restaurants and shops along the beach and the Jigyohama area sometimes hosts events such as music festivals.

There is also Shikanoshima Beach in Higashi Ward: Shikanoshima is connected to the mainland, making it great for a drive as the area is quite beautiful. The water is very clear, and the white sandy beach is stunning. The northern tip of Shikanoshima, Shirose, is the only diving spot in Fukuoka City, offering breathtaking underwater views.

Of course there's also Nokonoshima Beach in Nishi Ward: This island is rich in nature, featuring a campsite, accommodation facilities, restaurants, and shops. There are also playground equipment, an athletic field, and a zoo, providing plenty of activities besides swimming. The island's seasonal flowers are beautiful, especially the summer sunflower fields.

And finally, Ohara Beach in Nishi Ward: Known for its long stretch of beach, Ohara is one of Fukuoka's finest. With no obstacles, you can enjoy a relaxing swim. The beach houses are well-equipped, and you can enjoy marine leisure activities such as BBQ and banana boats.

So, even within Fukuoka City, you can enjoy nature and a resort-like atmosphere without having to travel too far! Have a great summer!

【Fukuoka City Information 】

Warnings about Heatstroke

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

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

Heatstroke can happen not only outdoors but also indoors, so caution is necessary. Here are some tips for preventing heatstroke:

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

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

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

Use cooling items such as cooling sheets or ice pillows.

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

Stay safe and cool this summer.