Life in Fukuoka "English"

【AMAZING THAILAND FEST】

This weekend, on Saturday the 30th and Sunday the 31st, Amazing Thailand Fest 2026, an event where you can fully enjoy Thailand while staying right here in Fukuoka, will be held.

Over the two days, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of content including popular Thai food and drinks, sales of Thai products and goods, tourism information, and stage performances.
At the food booths, you’ll find popular dishes such as gapao rice and pad thai, along with trendy gourmet foods and sweets. The product booths will feature Thai pants, accessories, and many Thai food products for you to buy. There will also be photo booths, workshops where you can make desserts and flower garlands, and even Thai massage booths. On the stage, there will be performances throughout the day including T-POP, jazz, and traditional Thai “Mor Lam” music. Don’t miss the prize drawing where you could win airline tickets and other luxurious prizes.

Once again, the Amazing Thailand Fest 2026 will be held this weekend, Saturday the 30th and Sunday the 31st, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The venue is the area in front of the Kihinkan Hall at Tenjin Central Park in Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City.

For anyone that loves Thailand and its culture, this is an event not to be missed. Be sure to stop by!

【Love Earth Cleanup】

To continue, have you heard of Love Earth Cleanup?
It is a community environmental beautification activity in which citizens, companies, and local government work together to clean beaches, rivers, parks, and other public spaces all at the same time. The activity also contributes to achieving the SDGs and tackling marine plastic waste.

This year, it will be held on Sunday, June 14, at six locations within the city:
the beach near the Fukuoka City Uminonakamichi Seaside Youth House in Higashi Ward, the area around Fujita Park in Hakata Ward, Fukuhama Beach in Chuo Ward, Matsuyama Central Park in Jonan Ward, the area around Momochihama at Seaside Momochi Beach Park in Sawara Ward, and Imazu Nagahama Beach in Nishi Ward.

Anyone is welcome to participate, so if you are interested, please check the details and apply through the Fukuoka City website. The event will proceed in light rain but will be canceled in the event of severe weather. Participants should bring their own drinks, hats, towels, and work gloves.

In addition, cleanup activities organized by local communities, companies, and groups will also be held in various locations both inside and outside Fukuoka City. If your schedule allows, please consider joining cleanup events in other municipalities as well.
Let’s all work together to protect Fukuoka City’s rich natural environment.

【The Hakataza Funanorikomi Boat Procession】

This year, the Hakataza “Funanorikomi” boat procession, loved as an early summer tradition of Hakata, will be held again!

“Funanorikomi” is a traditional event dating back to the Edo period, in which kabuki actors announce their arrival in the city where they will perform.

Kabuki is one of Japan’s most famous traditional stage performing arts. Every June, the “June Hakataza Grand Kabuki” is held at the Hakataza Theater in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. It is one of the largest kabuki performances in Kyushu, featuring popular productions and a star-studded cast of actors. The performers, who will be appearing in the production. board boats and travel along the Hakata River, presenting their arrival in Hakata and praying for the success of the performances in a tradition that has continued since the Edo period.

On the day of the event, the boats depart from near Seiryu Park and slowly travel along the Hakata River. Kabuki actors and Hakata geisha ride aboard the boats, creating a lively and elegant parade atmosphere. Visitors can watch the procession up close from along the riverside while enjoying a walk through the city.

As an event where people can experience the atmosphere of kabuki before the performances officially begin, “Funanorikomi” is a lively Hakata tradition that attracts many spectators every year. If you see the procession, be sure to cheer them on from along the route.

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

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 center at least two weeks in advance.  All consultations are confidential, so please feel at ease to use the service. For more information, the phone number to call is 0120-66-1799. Calls will be taken from 9am to 5:30pm on weekdays.

 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 a number of 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 MUSEUM WEEK】

In Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Museum Week will begin this Saturday, May 16, in conjunction with International Museum Day on May 18. This event aims to promote Fukuoka as a city rich in art and culture, and this year marks its 17th edition.

A total of 18 museums and art galleries across the city will participate, offering a variety of special benefits such as discounts, gifts, and exclusive events. Some venues will even offer free admission. In addition to regular exhibitions, there will also be many special programs, including lectures, workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, and gallery talks, each creatively organized by the participating facilities.

For those who already enjoy visiting museums, this is a chance to experience something a little different. For those who have rarely visited museums before, it’s a great opportunity to step inside for the first time. There are many ways to enjoy it—why not start by casually exploring art and history?

The event runs for nine days, from this Saturday, May 16, to next Sunday, May 24.
For more details, please check the Fukuoka City website.

【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 June 1st and you can make your payment at a convenience store, bank or post office.  You can even pay via smartphone apps or credit card. 

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, 23 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.

【The Flea Market at Gokoku Shrine】

At Gokoku Shrine located in Ropponmatsu in Fukuoka's Chuo Ward, a flea market is held on a regular basis on the grounds and pathway leading up to the shrine. 

This time it will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 16th and 17th. It starts at 9am and ends at 4pm, and will be held rain or shine. 

Around 250 shops from across Kyushu will gather over the two days, offering a wide range of items including antiques, vintage goods, tableware, accessories, and clothing. One of the attractions is the variety, from everyday usable items to one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s a popular event where you can enjoy chatting with vendors while finding your favorite items.

Food and drink vendors will also be there, bringing together popular shops from different areas, each with their own unique style and flavors to enjoy.

In the calm atmosphere of the shrine grounds, you can enjoy a relaxed space where people and objects naturally come together. It’s a great place to stop by for a stroll or lunch. You might just come across something special and make a memorable discovery.

People from Fukuoka and all over Kyushu head to this lively market, so why not join them for a wonderful, treasure seeking weekend?

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Bicycle “Blue Ticket” System

In Japan, bicycles are treated as vehicles, and riders are required to follow traffic rules.
From April 2026, a penalty system known as the “blue ticket” has been applied to traffic violations committed by cyclists aged 16 and over.

A total of 113 types of violations are subject to penalties. In particular, please be careful of the following:

• Ignoring traffic signals 

• Riding while using a smartphone 

• Riding without lights at night 

• Riding against traffic 

• Riding on sidewalks 

• Riding side by side 

• Using earphones or headphones while riding 

• Riding with an umbrella 

• Riding on the right side of the road 

• Entering restricted areas 

• Failing to stop at stop signs 

Also, never ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol.
Violations can lead to accidents and injuries.
To use bicycles safely and comfortably, please follow traffic rules and avoid violations.

【"Live@Museum" Fukuoka Asian Art Museum】

What are you doing on Friday night? Why not enjoy live music at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum this  season?

This year's  Live@Museum has started again. Every Friday night from 6:30 p.m. through March 2027, mini live performances will be held at the Art Café on the 7th floor of the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, featuring a variety of genres including Asian and Japanese music, dance, and traditional performing arts.

At the museum café inside the venue, you can enjoy original blend coffee as well as alcoholic drinks such as craft beer, so you can watch the performances with a drink in hand. Set in an open space with high ceilings and surrounded by art, you can enjoy a truly unique live music experience. 

In addition, on Friday nights the museum is open until 8:00 p.m., so after enjoying the live performance, it’s also recommended to spend time in the gallery and immerse yourself in art.

Once again, Live@Museum takes place every Friday from 6:30 p.m. at the Art Café on the 7th floor of the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, with free live music performances, so be sure  to stop by and enjoy a wonderful night out.

【"The Great Dinosaur Exhibition" Fukuoka City Museum】

To continue, I'd like to introduce the special exhibition currently being held at the Fukuoka City Museum, “The Great Dinosaur Exhibition – Exploring the Evolution of Theropods from Fukui.”

This special exhibition is organized with the full cooperation of the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, known as one of the world’s three major dinosaur museums and a popular destination for dinosaur fans from across Japan.

The theme focuses on theropods, some of the most popular dinosaurs, including Fukuiraptor and Fukui Venator, as well as the Spinosauridae family, which still holds many mysteries. The exhibition traces their evolutionary lineages based on the latest research findings.

In addition, a life-size Spinosaurus robot, approximately 15 meters in length, is on display, recreating a dynamic swimming pose. Its realistic movements—eyes, mouth, and neck—make it seem as if the dinosaur is alive.

During the exhibition period, there are also talk events, painting workshops, figure scooping activities, and dinosaur merchandise available.

The special exhibition “The Great Dinosaur Exhibition – Exploring the Evolution of Theropods from Fukui” is currently being held at the Fukuoka City Museum until June 28.
This is a rare opportunity to see dinosaur exhibits that are usually only available in Fukui, right here in Fukuoka. If you love dinosaurs, be sure to check it out!

【Hakata Dontaku Port Festival】

And finally, let me introduce the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival. When it comes to Golden Week in Fukuoka, this is the festival for Fukuoka residents. As one of the city’s largest events, where you can feel Hakata’s history, culture, and vibrant energy, it attracts not only locals but also many visitors from across Japan and overseas, drawing more than two million people each year.

With a history of over 840 years, this festival features lively parades where participants dressed in colorful costumes dance through the streets while carrying “shamoji” rice paddles. Another highlight is the “hana-jidosha,” large vehicles decorated with characters and elaborate designs. In the finale, spectators can even join in, dancing and clapping their shamoji together, as the entire city comes alive in a festive atmosphere.

The festival will be held over two days, on Sunday, May 3, and Monday, May 4.
This Golden Week, be sure to experience the culture and energy of Fukuoka at the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival

【Ramen Stadium】

Ramen Stadium has returned to Canal City Hakata, a large commercial complex in Fukuoka City.
Originally opened in 2001 as a collection of popular ramen shops from across Japan, Ramen Stadium was temporarily closed last year. With this renewal reopening, eight shops from Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Akita, and Osaka have joined, including some making their Kyushu debut and some returning brands. A wide variety of ramen is available, including tonkotsu, soy sauce, and miso.

In addition, so that you can enjoy different flavors, each shop offers mini ramen options, smaller than the regular size, making it easy to try and compare dishes from multiple shops.

Ramen Stadium is open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. It is located on the 5th floor of Center Walk in Canal City Hakata. The newly redesigned storefronts are inspired by ramen bowls, and as you pass through the noren curtains, you can enjoy the steam, the sounds, and the appetizing aromas—engaging all five senses for a truly satisfying bowl.
Be sure to check it out!

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

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 a number of foreign 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. 

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. Please note that the legal consultation on Saturday, May 2, 2026, will not be held. 

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).

【NEPAL FESTIVAL FUKUOKA】

This weekend, on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, the multicultural exchange festival Nepal Festival Fukuoka 2026 will be held—connecting Fukuoka with the world.

Fukuoka City is one of the regions in Japan with a large Nepalese population. April 14 marks the Nepali New Year according to the Bikram calendar, and this festival is held to celebrate that occasion. It has become a popular annual event in Fukuoka.

There will be a variety of booths, including restaurant booths where you can enjoy authentic Nepalese and South Asian cuisine, stalls selling Nepalese goods and traditional clothing, and experience booths where you can try wearing a sari.
In addition, companies supporting foreign residents will also have PR booths.

On the main stage, there will be performances by famous Nepalese singers, as well as Hawaiian dance performances by a hula studio.

Once again, Nepal Festival Fukuoka 2026 will be held this weekend on April 18 and 19 at Tenjin Central Park. Admission is free. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days.

Come and enjoy two days of experiencing Nepalese culture right here in Fukuoka, and celebrate the Nepali New Year together! 

【Fukuoka City Information】

Rules about putting out the garbage

There are a lot of people who are starting a new chapter in their lives this month and that does typically mean buying new things or getting rid of old things. Which brings us to garbage and the rules around garbage here. 

In Fukuoka City, garbage is separated into three types. There is burnable, nonburnable and plastic pet bottles and glass garbage. You can buy the bags for each type of garbage at convenience stores and supermarkets, so make sure you use the Fukuoka City garbage bags for throwing things out. 

The red bag is for burnable garbage. This is used for garbage like paper waste, food scraps, clothes and plastics. 

The blue bag is for nonburnable garbage which includes things like empty cans and glass or ceramics. 

And the yellow bag is for plastic pet bottles and glass bottles. 

The day on which garbage is picked up is specific to your neighborhood. Burnable garbage is picked up twice a week and nonburnable and glass bottles and plastic pet bottles are picked up once a month. 

Garbage is picked up late at night so garbage should be put out between sunset and midnight on your collection day in the designated location. 

If you need to find out when garbage is picked up in your neighborhood, you can do so by adding the official Fukuoka City LINE account to your friend's list. Set your location when you add the account and you will get notifications for the pickup day. 

And, if you type in the name of the garbage you want to throw out, the account will tell you which bag you should put it in, so it's a pretty handy service. 

If you can't fit something you want to throw out in one bag because it is too big, it is considered over-sized garbage and needs to be thrown out through a different process. For over-sized garbage, pick-up can be arranged if you contact the Fukuoka City Oversized Garbage center, or Sodai Gomi Uketsuke in Japanese, by phone, on the internet or through LINE. They will tell you how much it will cost to throw away the item, where to put it and on what day and time they will pick it up. 

If you decide to call the Oversized Garbage Center, you can call (092-731-1153). They have support for 23 different languages. There is also a QR code service that provides information on garbage disposal rules in 10 different languages. Just check the Fukuoka City website for that QR code. 

【Namaste Fukuoka】

This weekend, over two days on April 11 and 12, an event where you can experience Indian culture right here in Fukuoka, Namaste Fukuoka, will be held.

One of the largest festivals of its kind in Kyushu, Namaste Fukuoka introduces Indian culture through music, dance, and food. This year marks its 10th anniversary, making it a special edition with even more to enjoy.

The stage program will feature over 30 performances, including traditional Indian classical dance, Bollywood dance often seen in Indian films, performances on the traditional string instrument sitar, and live shows.

There will also be cultural experience programs where you can try morning yoga, henna art, and even experience wearing traditional Indian clothing such as a sari. And of course, one of the highlights is authentic Indian cuisine, with a wide variety of spice-rich dishes from both northern and southern India.

Once again, this event will take place this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12, with the venue opening at 10:00 a.m. on both days.
It will be held at Tenjin Central Park, and admission is free.

Be sure to visit Namaste Fukuoka and enjoy this unique experience of Indian culture, food, and music all in one place!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Consultation Services for Foreign Residents

Are you experiencing any difficulties or have questions as you begin your new life?
At the Fukuoka City Foreign Residents General Consultation Support Center, you can receive guidance and information on a wide range of daily life matters, including residence procedures, employment, medical care, welfare, childbirth and childcare, and children’s education. If you’re not sure where to ask, they will help connect you to the appropriate service.

The phone number is (0120-66-1799).
Reception hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the service is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays.
Support is available in 24 languages.

If you would like to check procedures related to Fukuoka City—such as National Health Insurance, garbage disposal, or taxes—you can call the interpretation center and be connected to your local ward office for consultation.

The phone number is (092-753-6113).
Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the service is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays.
Support is available for that in 23 languages.

In addition, when looking for medical institutions, speaking with a doctor at a hospital, or receiving medication at a hospital or pharmacy, you can use telephone interpreting services through the Fukuoka City Medical Interpreting Call Center.
Requests can be made not only by foreign residents but also by hospitals and pharmacies.

The phone number is (092-733-5429).
This service is available 24 hours a day, every day, and supports 20 languages.

【Nishitetsu Bus New Route Service Begins】

Starting in two days, Wednesday, April 1, a new express bus service connecting the Fukuoka Airport International Terminal and Tenjin in Fukuoka will begin, operating non-stop between the two locations.
The newly established route is the “Express Tenjin–Fukuoka Airport Line.” It connects the Nishitetsu Tenjin Highway Bus Terminal directly with the Fukuoka Airport International Terminal.

The travel time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes, with 17 round trips per day.
The fare is 500 yen if paying in cash, or 480 yen when using a transportation IC card.

Discounts for cashless payments will also be introduced on some existing routes, particularly those frequently used by inbound travelers.
On routes between Hakata Station and the Fukuoka Airport International Terminal, as well as between Hakata Station and the Dazaifu area, passengers will receive a 20-yen discount when using a transportation IC card.

In addition, the open-top double-decker sightseeing bus, the “FUKUOKA OPEN TOP BUS,” which tours major sightseeing spots in Fukuoka City, has launched a new “Dazaifu Course” connecting Tenjin and Dazaifu.
This is a 60-minute route linking the Tenjin Highway Bus Terminal and the Dazaifu area.

The highlight of this course is the moment when the bus passes close to Fukuoka Airport on the Fukuoka Urban Expressway. From the open-top bus, passengers can experience the excitement of airplanes taking off and landing just overhead. The route then continues past the historic scenery around the Dazaifu Government Office Ruins before arriving at Dazaifu Station.

Also worth noting is the bus’s wrapping design, which incorporates elements of Japanese and Fukuoka culture, such as cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and Hakata-ori patterns.
The fare is 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children. Multilingual audio guides in English, Korean, and Chinese are available on all routes.

Be sure to take advantage of these services and head out to discover the many attractions of Fukuoka!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Consultation Services for Foreign Residents

Are you having any difficulties or questions as you start your new life?
At the Fukuoka City Foreign Residents General Consultation Support Center, you can receive guidance and information on a wide range of daily life matters, including residence procedures, employment, medical care, welfare, childbirth and childcare, and children’s education. If you’re not sure where to ask, they will help connect you to the appropriate service.

The phone number is (0120-66-1799).
Reception hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the service is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays.
Support is available in 24 languages.

If you would like to confirm procedures related to Fukuoka City—such as National Health Insurance, garbage disposal, or taxes—you can call the interpretation center and be connected to your local ward office for consultation.

The phone number is (092-753-6113).
Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the service is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays.
Support is available in 23 languages.

In addition, when looking for medical institutions, speaking with a doctor at a hospital, or receiving medication at a hospital or pharmacy, you can use telephone interpretation services through the Fukuoka City Medical Interpreting Call Center.
Requests can be made not only by foreign residents but also by hospitals and pharmacies.

The phone number is (092-733-5429).
This service is available 24 hours a day, every day, and supports 20 languages.

【Guest Interview】
➖Christian➖
An Australian making videos based out of Fukuoka, Japan!

https://www.youtube.com/@hangswithchristian

instagram:@hangswithchristian