Life in Fukuoka "English"

【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!

【Fireworks in Higashi Ward】

Golden Week begins this weekend, and many of you may have plans to go out. If you are you looking for something around the city for the first day of Golden Week, then I've got information for you for Saturday the 27th, when the "Fukuoka Higashi Ward Fireworks Festival" will be held.

The location is the sea above Kashiihama in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, at the Mishima Green Bay Walk. Starting around 7:30 pm, approximately 7000 fireworks are scheduled to be launched. It's a fireworks festival that can be viewed from 360 degrees, anywhere.

And of course, festival stalls are an important part of these kind of events, aren't they? The stall locations for the festival are divided into three areas, and the ones that are especially recommended are in the "Island City Outer Green Space" area, which is close to the fireworks and has no obstructions, and in the "Kashiihama Central Park" area, which has a free viewing area, toilets, and many stalls. 

Stalls will also be set up near the paid seating area in "Kashiihama North Park," but it's expected to be very crowded. Keep in mind though that the full view of the fireworks cannot be seen from this area due to the highway, so the other two areas are actually recommended.

For access to the venue, "JR Chihaya Station" is the way to go. The route from "JR Kashiihama Station" might be crowded as you get close to "Aeon Mall Kashiihama" area and you might have to make a long detour around it. Therefore, it's recommended to get off at "JR Chihaya Station" and head towards the free viewing areas of "Kashiihama Central Park" and "Island City Outer Green Space." One other thing to remember is that there is no parking available specifically for the event, so public transportation is probably the easiest way to go. 

So, if you are in the city, go and enjoy the first fireworks of the year in Fukuoka and the beginning of Golden Week♪

【Special discount tickets for kids during Golden Week】

 I've got some information for you about children's discount tickets available during the Golden Week period.

First on the list is from "JR Kyushu". From Saturday April 27th to Monday, May 6th,  the "Kids' Adventure Ticket" will be on sale. It's a ticket that allows unlimited rides for one day on JR Kyushu's local and rapid trains for 100 yen. If you purchase a special express ticket in addition to it, you can also use it for the Shinkansen and special express trains. This ticket must be purchased by 11pm the day before you plan to travel. It cannot be bought on the day of use. Sales are available through "JR Kyushu Internet Train Reservation" and at  ticket vending machines for reserved seats at JR Kyushu stations.

Next is for the "Fukuoka City Subway". The subway is also offering a one-day pass called the "Elementary School Student 100 Yen Pass", allowing unlimited rides on all Fukuoka City Subway lines for 100 yen for one day. This can be purchased on the day at each station's ticket counter or at a customer service center.

Finally, the discount for "Nishitetsu Bus". For this, all routes of Nishitetsu's regular buses and express buses are only 50 yen per ride, regardless of the distance. Cash or nimoca can be used, and children should say  "I'm an elementary school student" to the driver when they get off the bus to receive the discounted fare.

All three tickets are aimed at "elementary school students", so it's a great chance for families with young school age children to get out and enjoy your outings in Fukuoka♪

【BELGIAN BEER WEEKEND】

We're now in that time of year when it feels good to spend time outdoors, so I've got information about a fun event that lets you enjoy the outdoors and some good beer. The "BELGIAN BEER WEEKEND" starts this Wednesday, the 17th and goes to Sunday, the 21st, at Fukuoka City Hall, on the west side, at the Fureai Square. 

If you like beer, this is the event to check out. Belgium is a “beer heaven” with over 1600 types of beer being brewed there, so impressive that it has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. And at this event, some of those beers will be coming here to Fukuoka, saving you the price of a plane ticket!

You can enjoy 12 types of Belgian beer, including representative types like "White Beer" and "Fruit Beer," totaling 52 varieties. Along with the beer, you can enjoy traditional Belgian dishes such as tasty Belgian fried potatoes "Frites" and "Carbonade," a stewed beef dish, all of which will taste great with your beer.

IN addition, "MaxPacemaker" from Belgium will visit Fukuoka and energize the venue with a techno sound on weekend nights along with a DJ from LOVEFM who will be there to liven up the stage with talks and games!

On weekdays, the festival is from 4pm to 10 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 am to 8pm.

So this week, why not enjoy Belgian beer, food, and music in the open air on a pleasant spring weekend unique to this season?

【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 18 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. 

【Parking Services at Fukuoka Airport】

This morning I have some exciting news for travelers! Next Tuesday, April 16th, marks the grand reopening of the multistory car park for domestic flights at Fukuoka Airport. Situated right in front of the domestic terminal, the capacity of this revamped parking facility has doubled with space for 1617 vehicles.

The exterior draws inspiration from Fukuoka's traditional craft, Hakata-ori, giving it a touch of local heritage. Each floor is easily identifiable through color and illustrations, featuring designs that celebrate Fukuoka's famous products like strawberries, the prefectural flower plum, and of course, ramen. It's a nod to everything Fukuoka is cherished for.

When it comes to parking fees, the first 30 minutes are free. After that, it's 250 yen for each additional half-hour. A full day's stay will cost you the regular rate of 3500 yen, but during peak times like the New Year holidays, it goes up to 4500 yen.

Checking the availability of parking spaces now is a breeze with updates available on the official website or on social media platform “X”. And here's a bonus for international travelers: you can book your parking spot in advance through the website.

We hope this information makes your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Safe travels!

【The Fukuoka City International Foundation】

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 one week in advance.

Legal Consultation 

The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents at the Fukuoka City International Center offers free legal consultation for foreign residents twice a month.

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.

You can make reservations via the Fukuoka City International Foundation's webpage but reservations are on a first come, first serve basis, so it may be better to call the center first to check.

These consultations ensure strict confidentiality, so please feel free to consult with us. Reservation hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. For detailed inquiries, please contact (0120-66-1799). The Fukuoka City International Foundation is looking forward to hearing from you.