Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Hiyashi Chuka -Cold Noodles】

You may have begun seeing signs up on restaurants this time of year saying, "Hiyashi Chūka has started!"? Have you ever wondered why "Hiyashi Chūka starts" and what it means?

Although it includes the kanji "Chūka" which means Chinese cuisine, Hiyashi Chūka means "a dish with Chinese noodles chilled in cold water" and it originated in Japan. It's said that the arrangement of noodles piled high with toppings like cucumber, ham, and tomato in a radial pattern was inspired by Mount Fuji. The dish is seasoned with a refreshing soy sauce-based or sesame based sauce, making it a perfect summer meal.

There are various theories as to the origin of the phrase 【冷やし中華(ひやしちゅうか)始めました！】or “Hiyashi Chukka has begun!” , but it is commonly believed to basically express the idea, "Since it's getting hotter, we have started serving the summer-only Hiyashi Chūka. Please come and enjoy it!"

In the hot and humid summer when your appetite tends to decrease, this cool noodle salad of sorts is a highly recommended seasonal menu that helps prevent summer fatigue!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Information about the National Health Insuranc

In Japan, to ensure that everyone can receive medical care at a low cost and with peace of mind when they are sick or injured, it is mandatory for all residents to join a public health insurance system. People who are allowed to stay in Japan for more than three months and are not covered by their company's health insurance must join the National Health Insurance. This requires procedures at the ward office of the district where you live.

Those enrolled in the Fukuoka City National Health Insurance must pay insurance premiums. These premiums are an important source of funding used for medical expenses. The insurance premiums for the period from April 2024 to March 2025 were determined in June based on the previous year's income and other factors.

For those enrolled in the National Health Insurance, payment notices were sent in mid-June in a blue envelope. Please check the amount of the insurance premium listed in the documents inside the envelope and pay the premium within the payment deadline. Failure to pay the insurance premium may result in an investigation of your assets and the seizure of your savings or salary, so please be aware.

If you have any questions, you can receive consultations over the phone in 18 different languages. The phone number is [092-753-6113] . That phone number is for a interpretation center, so after speaking to a representative you will be connected to your local ward office. Make sure you tell them which ward you live in and that you want help with the National Health Insurance. 

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

"Education and Career Consultation Fair 2024 for Children with Foreign Heritage" 

Now, I have information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation. Together with the NPO Tomoniikiru Machi Fukuoka Association and Fukuoka YWCA, the foundation will be co-hosting the " Education and Career Consultation Fair 2024 for Children with Foreign Heritage."

At this fair, education consultations will be provided for children from preschool to high school who have roots in foreign countries. Additionally, consultations on residency status with the Immigration Bureau and administrative scriveners will be available. The consultations are free of charge and available in Japanese, English, Vietnamese and Chinese. The event will take place on Saturday, July 13, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Fukuoka City International Hall in Tenyamachi, Hakata Ward.

For inquiries, please contact the Fukuoka City International Foundation. You can reach them via phone or the inquiry form on their website. The phone number is [092-262-1744].

【ride-sharing】

Have you heard about the ride-sharing service that has started here in Fukuoka? It is a service where private drivers, under the management of a taxi company, use their own cars to transport passengers for a fee.
White license plate vehicles that contract with a taxi company are now allowed to operate commercially. Just like using a regular taxi, you can arrange a ride-share through a smartphone dispatch app, where you can choose between a regular taxi or a private car taxi.
The service area includes Fukuoka City and the surrounding municipalities within the Fukuoka transportation zone. The service is primarily available from evening to night. Since the private cars do not have meters, the fare is calculated in advance when you set the pick-up and drop-off locations, and you pay that fare as long as there are no significant route changes.
This service was introduced in Kanto and other areas in April, and it has finally started here in Fukuoka. It is expected to alleviate the chronic shortage of taxis, something that I've even heard people I know talking about. With the introduction of this service, we hope Fukuoka will become an even more livable city.
That was some information for you this week on the new ride-sharing scheme, so keep it in mind the next time you are out!

【Hakata Gion Yamakasa】

Now that it's nearly July, from next week, the big event in Fukuoka in July is the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. Held from July 1 to 15, this is a traditional Hakata festival. Have you ever seen it? I've been nearly every year to see it and never get tired of it!
From the beginning of July, gorgeous and powerful "Kazariyama" which are towering, highly decorated kazariyama floats, some 10 meters high, are displayed in various places in Fukuoka City. This year, for the first time, a Kazariyama inspired by the Japanese anime "Gundam" has been created and will appear in the Kamikawabata Shopping Arcade.
On July 15, the last day of the festival, the finale, an event called "Oiyama" is held. It is the main highlight of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. The approximately 5-km timed race starts at 4:59 a.m. from Kushida Shrine in Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata Ward, to the signal of a drum. Men carry the Yamakasa, which is about 3 meters high and weighs about 1 ton, on their shoulders and run out into the town, cheering and shouting. The course from Kushida Shrine, the starting point, to Susaki Town, the goal, attracts locals and tourists from outside of the prefecture, even before dawn. The Gundam Yamakasa will also participate in the race, by the way!
The "Hakata Gion Yamakasa" festival is such a significant early summer tradition that it is said, "Summer comes after Yamakasa." It is a festival created by the united efforts of the people of Hakata. Be sure to get up early and enjoy this vibrant celebration!

【Hakataori】

Do you know about Hakataori, the traditional craft of Fukuoka and Hakata? Hakataori is a type of silk fabric primarily produced in the Hakata area of Fukuoka City. It is one of Japan's traditional crafts, taking several months to half a year to complete, through multiple processes and the hands of skilled artisans.
When people think of Hakataori, they think of Hakata obi. These obis are popular as kimono belts due to their sturdy fabric that is resistant to damage even when pulled tightly. They are also favored by sumo wrestlers because the obi doesn't loosen easily and can be firmly fastened, characterized by the distinctive "squeak" of the silk when tightened.
There are several patterns in Hakataori, but the representative "Kenjogara" pattern has been incorporated as a symbol in various parts of Fukuoka, such as at JR Hakata Station and Fukuoka Airport. Currently, an exhibition of Hakataori items for everyday use is being held at the Hakata Traditional Craft Center in Momochihama, Sawara Ward. The exhibition and sale include about 200 items, such as stationery like ballpoint pens and pen cases, small items like wallets, pouches, and business card holders, which are recommended for use in business for your self or as gifts for friends and family. The exhibition runs until this Sunday, the 23rd.
The Hakata Traditional Craft Center is a free facility that exhibits and introduces excellent works of traditional crafts associated with Fukuoka and Hakata. On the first, second, and third Sundays of each month, they also offer traditional craft experience classes.
It's a great opportunity to casually experience Hakata's culture, so please visit when you have the chance. For more details, please check the Hakata Traditional Craft Center's website.

[https://hakata-dentou-kougeikan.jp/news/]

【Fukuoka City Information】

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. The phone number for this 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.

【Plum Juice】

Plum season has come. You may have noticed packs of them at the store already. Actually, the peak season for plums is from May to July, so they are at their best right now. Plums are great for you. They can help stimulate appetite and aid in recovering from fatigue, making them perfect for the hotter days coming up when you might feel a bit tired out from the heat of summer.
There are two types of plums: green plums and ripe plums. Green plums are characterized by their acidity and refreshing aroma. They aren't good for eating raw due to their hardness and strong acidity, but when you do something with them, that acidity transforms into delicious drinks and condiments. As plum wine, plum syrup or even crunchy pickled plums, they are delicious.
Ripe plums, on the other hand, are yellow and have a sweet, fruity aroma. Because they absorb flavors well, they are suitable for making pickled plums (umeboshi) and plum juice. If you make umeboshi with green plums, they will have a crunchy texture, whereas using ripe plums will result in a soft texture.
Today, I'll share with you a recipe for plum juice. The only ingredients you need are green plums and rock sugar in equal amounts. First, wash the green plums well and soak them in water for about two hours to remove any bitterness. Then, wipe off the water, remove the stems, put them the plums in a bag, and freeze them overnight. The next day, layer the plums and rock sugar in a sterilized jar and store it at room temperature. You'll see the juice coming out of the plums and it will be ready in about a week to drink. Mix the plum juice with soda water or water, and enjoy! Both green plums and rock sugar are readily available at supermarkets, so give it a try!

【Fukuoka City information】

Rainy season and heavy rains

In Japan, June to July is rainy season and is called "tsuyu" in Japanese. It is a period of frequent rainfall and is also a time to be cautious as it is also a season when heavy rain disasters can occur.
In recent years, Fukuoka Prefecture has experienced significant damage due to record-breaking heavy rainfalls during the rainy season. When it is raining heavily, please avoid going near places that can become dangerous during these rainstorms, such as rivers, coastlines, and mountainsides. It is also important to take action to protect yourself during this time. One thing you can do is to check hazard maps and disaster prevention information on the Fukuoka City website. It is advisable to familiarize yourself in advance with the risks and evacuation procedures specific to your residential area. For more details, search for "Fukuoka City Multilingual Portal" and refer to the "Disaster" page. Important information from Fukuoka City is also shared in multiple languages on the official Facebook page "Global Community Fukuoka" and the Fukuoka City International Foundation Facebook page "Fukuoka City International Center/ Attaka Fukuoka." Follow these pages to stay updated on important information.

【Father's Day】

It's a few weeks away, but the third Sunday of June is Father's Day. This year, that day is June 16th. 

In Japan, carnations are usually given to mom on Mother's day, but for Father's day, the flower is a yellow rose, or so they say.   Yellow roses symbolize "devotion" and "refreshment." in the language of flowers. But, you could also give another flower. Since Father's Day falls in early summer, sunflowers, which give a lively impression, are often chosen. Many people also give practical gifts for the business scene, such as ties, or their father's favorite items like alcohol and snacks. My dad loves pies, so I send them to him.

Father's Day is a perfect opportunity to express the gratitude to dad that is hard to convey on a daily basis. Spend some quality time with your father or give him a present, and make it a wonderful day together.

【Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Foreign Student Taught Language Classes-Recruiting for Classes

This information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation is about the language classes being taught this year by international exchange students.  The classes offer the opportunity to learn languages from various countries, such as Chinese, Korean,  Vietnamese, Spanish and German. Through interactions with international student instructors, you will not only learn the language but also gain insights into their native cuisines and cultures. 

The venue for the classes is Fukuoka City International Center, which is just a 5-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station or Kushida Shrine station on the Fukuoka City Subway lines.

The courses run from July 2024 to February 2025, with a total of 26 or 27 lessons. The total tuition fee for each course is 33,000 yen.

For more detailed information regarding the languages offered, schedule, and other information, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation. You can search for "Foreign Language Classes Taught by International Students" on a search engine to access the page you need.

The application deadline is June 20th. They're looking forward to getting your applications!

You can consult using LINE call !

If you are connected to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's official Line Account, you can use Line Call to contact the center for advice on life here as well as to make reservations for the free professional consultation services that the Foundation provides.  Interpretation over the phone for 22 different languages is available. 

You can also sign up to get information on events or useful information for foreign residents of the city, so if you aren't already connected on Line, just go to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage and click on Add Friend to get connected. 

However, be aware that you cannot send messages through the chat function. If you want to send a message regarding getting advice, then please look up the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage on the internet and fill out the help request form on their website. 

【Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival】

For the wine lovers this morning, the "Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival" is currently being held
at the Fureai Hiroba on the West side of Fukuoka City Hall. This festival marks the 35th
anniversary of the sister city relationship between Fukuoka and Bordeaux and the festival itself
is celebrating 7 years.
At the festival, you can enjoy over 100 different types of Bordeaux wines, along with delicious
local cuisine from Fukuoka. Additionally, the venue features authentic opera performances and
other stage shows. It's a popular event, attracting many visitors each year and the atmosphere
is lively and fun. It is a must-do event for wine enthusiasts. The festival is open from 5 PM on
weekdays and from noon to 10 PM on weekends and will go on until June 2nd. Be sure to check
it out!

https://bordeaux-fukuoka.com/

【Fukuoka City Information】

Easy Japanese Radio

Have you heard
about this program? This radio 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 is on every Friday from 9:54am. 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 skills but also pick up some new, useful vocabulary. So, tune in every
Friday!

HIV Testing Week

June 1st to the 7th is
HIV testing week.
Just last year, medical institutions in Fukuoka City reported 34 new HIV infections and 7 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.

【Water supply spot/My bottle cooperation store】

This morning, I've got some great information for you, especially as it gets warmer in the city. In
Fukuoka City, as part of an effort to reduce plastic usage, water dispensers called "My Bottle
Water Refill Spots" have been installed in public facilities throughout the city. To promote the use
of personal bottles, chilled, safe, and delicious tap water from Fukuoka is available for free.
Citizens can refill their bottles anytime at ward offices, community centers, gymnasiums, parks,
and other public facilities.
Additionally, in Fukuoka City, shops working in cooperation with this Fukuoka City My Bottle
effort, will directly fill your personal bottle with the beverage you order, such as water or coffee.
Some shops offer discounts on coffee orders, if you bring your own bottle, but this varies from
store to store.
The locations of the "My Bottle Water Refill Spots" and the shops cooperating with the
"Fukuoka City My Bottle” effort are available on the "Fukuoka City Web Map". So definitely take
advatage of this service and these facilities to help reduce plastic waste. Small efforts add up to
helping the global environment in big ways.

https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/kankyo/jigyokeigomi/hp/FukuokaCityMyBottle_1.html

【Fukuoka City Information】

Light vehicle tax

People who are in possession of a motorized bike or a light vehicle, as of April 1st, must pay a
light vehicle tax.
If you do have a motorized bike or light vehicle, you will receive a tax payment notification in the
post, so make sure you take a look inside. Payment is due by the 31st of May and you can
make your payment at a convenience store, bank or post office. You can even pay via
smartphone apps now.
If you do not pay your taxes, like the light vehicle taxes, you may run into difficulties when it
comes time to renew your residency visa and you may face having your assets seized.
If there is anything you don't understand or if you are finding it difficult to pay your tax, please
contact your ward office for consultation. If you contact them by phone for consultation, 18
different languages are supported. That phone number is (092-753-6113). This phone number will connect to the Multilingual Interpretation Center. After
registering with them, you will be connected to your ward office. When you call, make sure that
you tell them which language you need to use, the ward in which you live and that you are
calling in regards to paying your taxes.

【Spring Rose Garden】

This coming Sunday, the 12th, is "Mother's Day." In Japan, Mother's Day is celebrated every second Sunday of May, like in the US, as a day to express gratitude to mothers. It is customary to say "thank you" and to give mothers flowers on this day.

Around this time, the spring roses and many other flowers in Fukuoka are in full bloom. As part of the "One Person, One Flower" campaign in Fukuoka City, many flowers have been planted in flower beds around the city, so you might see quite the colorful display while walking around town .

Speaking of flowers around town and a great day out, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, features about 1,200 rose plants of approximately 220 varieties in two areas of the park. And as you might have guessed with all those flowers, it is also a popular spot for photography.

Another place, the Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden in Chuo Ward, has about 1,800 rose plants of approximately 280 varieties. The spring rose garden is rather spectacular due to the large size and number of flowers. I go nearly every year to enjoy the view and the scent of all of those roses.

If you haven't been yet, then get out and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the "spring roses" blooming in Fukuoka City for yourself!

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

Now, I have some 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.  

The consultations are held on the 4th floor of the Fukuoka City International Center, which is located in Hakata Ward's Tenya-machi. 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 center at least two weeks in advance.  The phone number to call is 0120-66-1799. Again, that is (0120-66-1799).

Get Consultations through LINE CALL

If you are connected to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's official Line Account, you can use Line Call to contact the center for advice on life here as well as to make reservations for the free professional consultation services that the Foundation provides.  Interpretation over the phone for 22 different languages is available.

You can also sign up to get information on events or useful information for foreign residents of the city, so if you aren't already connected on Line, just go to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage and click on Add Friend to get connected.

However, be aware that you cannot send messages through the chat function. If you want to send a message regarding getting advice, then please look up the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage on the internet and fill out the help request form on their website.

【Hakata Dontaku Port Festival】

Coming up in just about a week is the "Hakata Dontaku Port Festival" , a traditional festival that livens up the Golden Week even more in Fukuoka! Known as the "festival for the citizens of Fukuoka," this year it will be held over two days on May 3rd and 4th.

 This festival, which has a history of over 840 years, originates from Hakata's traditional performance art called "Matsubayashi." It is famous for its unique parade where people dressed in vibrant costumes dance and march through the town holding a "shamoji" or rice paddle that they use in their dance.

In addition to the parade, various events are held throughout the city, including performances of traditional arts, live artist shows, and food stalls that operate all day, offering Fukuoka specialties like Umegae Mochi.

The "Hakata Dontaku Port Festival" attracts many tourists from both Japan and abroad, bustling with over 2 million people each year. It's an excellent opportunity to experience the history, culture, and vitality of Hakata. So, if you are here in Fukuoka over the Golden Week, definitely go and check it out.

【Fukuoka City Information】

I guess like me, many of you probably ride bicycles on a regular basis.
If you are new here, do you know the rules and manners around riding bicycles here in Japan?
 
In Japan, bicycles, as a rule, are supposed to ride on the left side of the roadway.
Pedestrians have priority on sidewalks, so when riding on sidewalks, please ride slowly on the side of the road.
All bicyclists should wear helmets and you need to make sure you have a bicycle light to turn on at night.

Two people riding on one bicycle or riding side by side is prohibited. It is also important to never drink alcohol and then ride a bicycle.

One more thing is to make sure you don't ride a bicycle while holding an umbrella, using a cell phone or even listening to headphones as doing any of these things while riding is dangerous. 

If you need to park your bicycle, make sure it is parked in a bicycle parking lot.
Bicycles parked in areas other than bicycle parking lots, like on streets or in parks , are considered to be obstructive or a nuisance to pedestrians and end up being considered abandoned bicycles and can be subject to removal.
　 Fukuoka City charges a fee of 2,500 yen to have a removed bicycle returned, and if it is not picked up within a certain period of time, it will be disposed of.
Fortunately, to keep your bicycle safe, there are a number of parking areas near shopping malls and stations that offer free parking for a set period of time.

Another thing to know about cycling here is that, anyone who rides a bicycle in Fukuoka City must purchase bicycle insurance.
If you have an accident on your bicycle, you may have to pay a lot of money to the other party involved in the accident. If you have bicycle insurance, for example, if you injure someone while riding your bicycle, the insurance will pay for medical treatment and other expenses instead of you. So, make sure you have bicycle insurance in case of an accident.

Bicycles are a great way to get around and are environmentally friendly, but it's important to know the rules and manners as well to have a safe ride around the city!