Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Seasonal Foods-Enoki mushrooms】

Autumn and winter are great seasons for so many ingredients and one of them happens to be Enoki mushrooms. These mushrooms are those thin white ones all in a bunch. They are crunchy and have a mild flavor that goes well with any seasoning. It is an ingredient that can be found in supermarkets all year round, but its actual season is fall and winter! Low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, it is a good food for people on a diet. Their white, thin appearance may make you wonder if they are nutritious but despite what you think, they are full of nutrients including vitamin B group, potassium, iron, and other nutrients.

Fukuoka Prefecture produces a brand called "hakata-enoki", and ranks first in western Japan in terms of production volume. The best way to eat them is to cook them without washing them. Washing with water is not recommended, as the aroma, flavor, and nutrients of the mushrooms will be washed away. They are delicious stir-fried with meat, in soups, or even cooked up by themselves.

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but freezing is recommended. Cut them into bite-size pieces, place in a storage bag, and freeze. The key is not to thaw them before using them. Heat them while frozen. Why freeze them in the first place? Freezing will break down the cell walls of the mushrooms, increasing the absorption of nutrients and flavor.

 【Fukuoka City Information】

Now, I have some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about a new service they are offering.

The Fukuoka City International Foundation does have an official LINE account

From the Foundation's official LINE account, you can make an appointment for consultations on daily life or free professional consultation using the LINE call feature. Telephone consultations are available in 22 languages, so please feel free to contact them. In addition, the Voom function of LINE is used to send out information on the Foundation's events and announcements from Fukuoka City. Please add the Foundation's official LINE account to your friends' list from the Fukuoka City International Foundation website. The foundation will not accept consultations via LINE talk, but you can use the inquiry form on the foundation's website.

Also, the Fukuoka City International Foundation will be closed for a period of 6 days, from Thursday, December 29^th  to Tuesday, January 3^rd . It will reopen on Wednesday, January 4^th 2023 at 9 am.

The first session in 2023 for the free legal advice service for foreigners will be held will be on Saturday, January 7^th.  You do need an appointment before you go, so please call to make an appointment as soon as you can.

For more information please call 092-262-1799. Again, that number is 092-262-1799. The call is free to make. You can also check the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website for information.

The staff members at the Fukuoka City International Foundation hope to continue being an

antenna to gather and provide a wealth of information and support to you, the foreign

residents of Fukuoka, in order to make life here in the city even more comfortable in 2023!

【The Nobel Prize】
On December 10, the Nobel Prize Ceremony will be held.
On 27 November 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament, giving the largest share of his fortune to a series of prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace to "those who have made the greatest contribution to mankind.– the Nobel Prizes.
In 1968, Sweden’s central bank established a Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel and currently there are now are six prizes given out.
Each year, up to three people can be awarded in each field.
The winners receive a cash prize, a certificate, and a medal.
This year's Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a human rights activist from Belarus, a former Soviet republic, and to human rights organizations in Russia and Ukraine, respectively, that have worked for many years to protect the fundamental human rights of citizens and their right to criticize power.
Currently, 615 prizes have been awarded to 989 laureates.
By country, the United States is in first place, the United Kingdom in second, and Germany in third. In terms of Asian countries other than Japan, India is in first place, followed by China and Taiwan in second place with the same number of entries. Who do you think will be awarded this year? It's something to keep an eye on!

【Fukuoka City Information】

World Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City about World Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week. Human rights" refers to the right to "live like a human being" that each individual has from birth.
December 10 is World Human Rights Day, a day to think about "human rights" not only in Japan but also in other parts of the world.
December 4 to 10 is Human Rights Week, and Fukuoka City also observes "Respect for Human Rights Week," which aims to make Fukuoka City a better place to live, where human rights are respected, and there is no discrimination.

While you are irreplaceable, others are also irreplaceable. This is an important week to know that each of us is important.

In order to realize a society where "no one is left behind" as stated in the SDGs, it is important to eliminate discrimination and prejudice against women, children, the elderly, foreigners, and people with disabilities, and to respect each other's human rights.

It's a good time to reflect upon what compassion and irreplaceable life means.

Information about Covid Vaccinations　　

Now, I have some information for you from Fukuoka City about Covid-19 vaccinations.

Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.

In Fukuoka City, vaccination tickets for the Omicron variant for those who will receive their third, fourth or fifth doses of the vaccine are being sent out. The vaccination for the omicron variant will be limited to one time per person. Vaccination vouchers are being sent out to those were vaccinated at least three months before.

When the inoculation coupon arrives, please visit the reservation site or call the vaccine call center to make a reservation. Please wait until that coupon does arrive.

If you haven't received that coupon, please phone the call center to have it issued again.

People who have recently relocated to Fukuoka City from overseas and who hope to get vaccinated need to fill out an application to receive the inoculation tickets.

For questions regarding vaccinations, to make a reservation or to apply for the inoculation ticket, you can call 092-260-8405. Again, that number is 092-260-8405. Calls will be taken between 8:30 am and 5:30pm every day. 7 languages are available at that number, including English, Chinese and Korean.

Also, as winter approaches, the spread of influenza or the flu always becomes more prevalent.  And with Covid spreading at the same time, it is possible to get sick with both.

To reduce the risk of ending up with a bad case of the flu, getting an influenza vaccination is strongly recommended.

 In fact, both the Covid vaccine and influenza vaccine can be given at the same time, if that is something you are worried about!

【Getting Through December】

In Japan, the months of the year have two names. One is the number of the month, the way we normally refer to the month. December is juu-ni gatsu, juu-ni meaning 12. However the other name for December is "shiwasu. The Chinese characters for the name are teacher or master and run, and so, the popular theory is that this name originates from "the busy month when master monks run around from east to west to give sutra chantings.
In the old days, the 13th of December was considered the "start of the New Year," and people would do susuharai, which was cleaning the house of dirt that had accumulated over the year as well as prepare pine trees for kadomatsu or the pine tree decorations you see at people's gates and entrances during the new year. All of this is now just called O-Soji or the Big Clean Up.

From the 22^nd, the winter solstice which is called Toji in Japanese and the shortest day of the year, the days start to get really cold.  Yuzu comes into season at this time and there's a tradition of taking a bath with this citrus fruit floating in it. It is supposed to keep you healthy throughout the winter and help to prevent you from catching a cold. 

2022 will be at an end soon, despite just being at the start of December. How should we get everything done so that we can greet the new year relaxed and in good health?
Well, plan ahead and imagine the order in which you want to get everything done. It's also a good idea to make a shopping list and a to-do list with dates on the calendar marked to motivate you to get things done. If you've got a lot on your plate to finish up before the end of 2022, it'll be important to stay organized. In saying that, make sure you enjoy the holiday season as well, don't get caught up work too much!

【Info from Fukuoka City】

World Aids Day

Now I have a few announcements from Fukuoka City.

First is about World Aids Day on December 1st. Every year around the 1st of December, around the world, various events and activities take place, to deepen awareness and understanding of AIDS.

Even after being infected by HIV, definitive symptoms may not appear for a period of time and so it is believed that there are a number of people who have been infected but will not be diagnosed until the onset of AIDS. By detecting HIV infection early and receiving the appropriate health care and treatment, the onset of AIDS can be delayed.

At the health and welfare centers of each ward, HIV screening is offered. This screening is free of charge and anonymous. So, if you think you may be at risk, get checked as soon as possible. Screening is only on certain days so make sure you check which days before you go.

And, I don't know if you know this but the red ribbon is a symbol that shows awareness and solidarity with those affected by AIDS. The red ribbon announces to others that you have no prejudice against people affected by AIDS and gives that message that we will not discriminate against those living with AIDS. The red ribbon days are from the 1^st to 7^th of December and over this period, the Hakata Port Tower and the Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum will be lit up in red in support. So for World AIDS Day, let's all take the time to learn the correct information about AIDS and how to prevent it.

Illegal dumping of garbage or Fly-tipping

I hope this doesn't really need to be said, but dumping oversized garbage and household waste in the mountains, forests, by the seaside, by rivers, on the road, or in parks is illegal.

In Fukuoka City, at the end of the year, many people do a big house clean and a lot of garbage is produced. As such, December has been designated as “Illegal Dumping Prevention Reinforcement Month”. Activities will be undertaken to strengthen measures to prevent the illegal dumping of waste.

Fukuoka City has, in cooperation with the police, installed surveillance cameras and warning signs in places where illegal dumping is common and will carry out patrols of those areas. Home appliances like TV's, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines and dryers, air conditioners and the like, are all subject to the Home Appliance Recycling Law and there is a set way to dispose of them. If you are buying replacement appliances, the shop will pick up your old appliance. In Fukuoka City, you can speak with Yamada Denki for help with this.

When disposing of these items, recycling fees or collection and transportation fees are necessary.

Traders who advertise “Free pick-up for items you don't need” through flyers and the internet, are illegal collectors who have not received permission from Fukuoka City. Please do not use these unauthorized collectors as problems such as illegal dumping, high fees and improper processing of waste may occur.

【DJ Recommended～Christmas events and lightups～】

In Japan, as you may have noticed, the moment Halloween is over, Christmas starts taking over. Personally, I don't think it should start until late November, but there really aren't any big holidays in November in Japan to stop the Christmas creep. In the US, we've got Thanksgiving to look forward to before Christmas. Of course, even in the US, the Christmas stuff starts early though.

I do like Christmas however and really look forward to it. I usually hold a Christmas dinner and gift exchange at my house for my friends, something I'll probably do again this year. We like to do it pot luck style, so everyone brings a dish to share, and I usually make a main dish. In the past I've done roast chicken, roast pork, beef wellington, ham...I haven't decided on the dish this year though. Any recommendations? I've still got plenty of time to plan my menu.

Christmas Illuminations

Of course, with Christmas here, you've also got loads of lights up around the city, from Tenjin to Hakata, on shops and in the parks, a big old Christmas tree and all the decorations up, making for a pretty beautiful sight.

This year, I'm planning to go to the illuminations at the Across Building. It's a new set up, it seems, and I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Speaking of all these illuminations and everything else Christmas, we've also got the Fukuoka Christmas Market, something that you don't want to miss.

Christmas Market

The Fukuoka Christmas Market is held every year from November to December, up until Christmas day, in the Hakata and Tenjin areas. It's Fukuoka's winter story, you could say. In Japan, it is the biggest Christmas market and at each of the venues there are a whole load of shops, Christmas lights and decorations. With hot wine, hot chocolate, delicious food and everything else, it's a cozy, fun event to be at.

This year's theme is Light and Hope. The market venues are located at the Hakata Station plaza and in Tenjin at the City Hall's Fureai Hiroba and the Passage at Daimaru. There are different things to see and buy at each venue and the mugs made for the event every year are one of the most popular souvenirs to get. I like to go for the atmosphere, at the Hakata venue, there is often live music, which is always enjoyable.

Also, in the Nakasu area and at Tenjin Chuo Park, from 5pm to midnight, you'll see a variety of illuminations set up, Fukuoka's newest illumination spot. We've got about one month left until Christmas, so get out and enjoy these wonderful events. Make great memories and enjoy Fukuoka's Christmas to the fullest.

【Seasonal Vegetables-Hakusai or Chinese Cabbage】

As it gets colder, nabe is something that you start to want to eat. If you're new to Japan, nabe is a kind of hot-pot with loads of veggies, meat and whatever else you want to put in. And Hakusai or Chinese Cabbage is one of those things that you definitely want to add to that hot-pot. It comes into season around October or November, which means it is in season now and its peak is over the winter. You'll see it everywhere in supermarkets and greengrocers around town.

Hakusai in this season is tender and flavorful. And while it's great in hot-pots and in other simmered dishes, it can also been eaten raw in salads.

So, what kind of nutrients does it have? Well, it has a lot of potassium which is good for removing salt from the body, great for helping to prevent high blood pressure.

It also contains vitamin C, making it a good food for preventing colds.

And the great thing about hot-pots is that you can eat them with friends and family, or even by yourself. It's an inexpensive way of getting your vegetables in and enjoying a nice hot meal on a chilly day. If getting vegetables and doing all the prep, like peeling and cutting is just too much of a pain, there are actually convenient one-pot packs at the supermarket with everything pre-cut that just need to be heated up.
I like a simple hot-pot soup base with plenty of ponzu and sesame sauces on the side for dipping. What kind of hot-pot will you make this winter?

【Fukuoka City Information】

Legal Consulatations

Now, I have some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about legal consultations. The Fukuoka City International Foundation, at the Fukuoka City International Center, offers free legal consultation twice a month for the international residents of Fukuoka City.

Legal consultations are available from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on the first Saturday of every month, and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the third Wednesday of the month. Each session runs for 45 minutes and is completely free. However, you do need to make a reservation to consult with the lawyer. Free English interpretation services are also available so if you will need an interpreter, please mention that when you make your reservation.

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

Now, I have some other information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about 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 foundation at least one week in advance.

Your confidentiality is guaranteed, so please feel at ease to use this services.

For more information, please call the toll free number 0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

【Beaujolais Nouveau 2022】

The middle of November is the season in which the french wine, Beaujolais Nouveau makes its appearance. It is a wine made from the "gamay" grape harvested that year in the Beaujolais region of Burgundy in southern France. You might wonder what a French wine has to do with Fukuoka or even Japan. Well, Japan is actually the number one export market for Beaujolais. It seems Japan really loves this wine.

Beaujolais Nouveau is said to have originated as a festival held to celebrate the autumn harvest in the region. There is a bit of ceremony around this wine as the opening of Beaujolais Nouveau is set for midnight on the third Thursday of November each year.

This year, 2022, it will be November 17 (Thursday). In Japan, due to the date line, it is possible to enjoy it approximately eight hours earlier than in France, where it is originally produced.

Beaujolais Nouveau goes well not only with cheese, a classic wine snack, and pasta with tomato sauce, but also with typical Japanese foods like niku-jaga, yakitori and other sweet and spicy flavors.

Why not pick up a bottle and enjoy this once-a-year event celebrating the harvest with the flavors of autumn?

【Fukuoka City Information】

Fukuoka Prize (Art and Culture Prize) Awardee Shahzia Sikander

Fukuoka City honors those who have contributed to academic research, art, and culture in Asia by presenting the "Fukuoka Prize. This year's recipient of the 32nd Art and Culture Prize is Pakistani artist Shahzia SIKANDER, who is internationally active and highly acclaimed.

To commemorate the award, an exhibition of Ms. Sikander's work will be held in the galleries of the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum and the Artist Café located in the former Maizuru Junior High School.

Ms. Sikander's works are all spectacular, combining the traditional world of miniature painting with the latest digital technology.

The works will be on display until November 27 (Sun.) and can be viewed free of charge. So, definitely take this chance to go and see them.

For details of the exhibited works, please search for "Fukuoka Prize" and visit the News & Topics page on the official website of the Fukuoka Prize.　

https://fukuoka-prize.org/en/

Mongolian National Symphony Orchestra Matouquin Performance at Hakata Za Theater- The Winds of Mongolia 2022

Also got some information about a performance from the Mongolian National Symphony Orchestra. 　

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Japan, the Mongolian National Symphony Orchestra will perform "Winds of Mongolia 2022" at Hakataza Theater on December 13.

This performance will be a fusion of music and stage effects using video images and a ger, or yurt, a traditional nomadic mobile dwelling, to allow the audience to experience the world of Mongolia. This is a performance using the Matouqin or Morin Khuur, a traditional Mongolian bowed string instrument, which will allow the audience to experience the world of Mongolia.

This a wonderful opportunity to see an amazing performance. Tickets for the performance need to be purchased in advance and are on sale now. For more information, please check the Hakata-za theater website or call the Hakata-za theater reservations center at 092-263-5555. Again, that number is 092-263-5555.

https://www.hakataza.co.jp/lineup/202212/mongoru/index.php

【Things to be careful about as the season changes】

Well, we are now in November and it's the time of year when that cold of winter creeps in. And although the weather in this month of seasonal change is relatively pleasant, it's also a time when people tend to feel a bit under the weather. The main reason is due to the difference in temperature messing with your nervous system. The temperature difference between day and night is pretty big during this time and your body has to work hard adjusting your body temperature and perspiration rate at a dizzying pace which throwns your nervous system off balance.
As a result, symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, stiff shoulders, rough skin, and lethargy start to show up. Some people say it's at this time of the year when shoulders tend to stiffen the most.
To get through this time of year in good health, we should take better care of our bodies than usual by eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, taking a bath to promote blood circulation, and listening to music to relax. That doesn't sound so terrible, does it?! Also be careful of the dry air and the sudden drops in temperature over the season, and try not to catch a cold as it is cold season. I wish the best of health to you all through the winter!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Information about Covid Vaccinations　

Now, I have some information for you from Fukuoka City about Covid-19 vaccinations.

Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.

In Fukuoka City, vaccination tickets for the Omicron variant for those who will receive their third or fourth doses of the vaccine have started being sent out. Currently, tickets for the fourth dose are being sent out.

When the inoculation coupon arrives, please visit the reservation site or call the vaccine call center to make a reservation. Please wait until that coupon does arrive.

If you haven't received that coupon, please phone the call center to have it issued again. 

People who have recently relocated to Fukuoka City from overseas and who hope to get vaccinated need to fill out an application to receive the inoculation tickets.

For questions regarding vaccinations, to make a reservation or to apply for the inoculation ticket, you can call 092-260-8405. Again, that number is 092-260-8405. Calls will be taken between 8:30 am and 5:30pm every day. 7 languages are available at that number, including English.

Covid and Influenza Prevention　

Also, as winter approaches, the spread of influenza or the flu always becomes more prevalent.

And with Covid spreading at the same time, it is possible to get sick with both.

So, in order to prevent that, keep doing what you've been doing to prevent the spread of Covid. Meaning that you should keep washing your hands, wearing a mask and maintaining distance from others. By doing all of this, you can also help to prevent the spread of the flu. Getting an influenza vaccination is also recommended to help prevent the sickness from becoming too heavy if you do get sick. In fact, both the Covid vaccine and influenza vaccine can be given at the same time, if that is something you are worried about!

【Mandarin Oranges】
I don't know if you've noticed them in the supermarket and at the vegetable shops yet, but mikan, or mandarin oranges have started appearing in pretty large numbers. Actually mikan season varies by the type of mandarin, but in the winter, when shipments are at their largest nationwide, it's generally considered to be the main season.
The term mikan in Japan actually refers mostly to Unshu mikan and these account for about 70% of the the citrus harvested in Japan.
In Fukuoka Prefecture, Miyama City, Omuta City, Yame City , and Chikugo City are the main production areas for Unshu mikan.
Another variety, the golden yellow "Fukuoka Mikan" is delicious just to look at. Once its delicate morsels are peeled and popped into your mouth, you'll find the juicy pulp overflows with juice, while the sweet, moderately sour, and refreshing flavor fills the mouth.
This seasonal delicacy can be enjoyed only from late September to late March every year. So, take a look at your local green grocer or supermarket and sample this season's fruit.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Environmental Festival 2022

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City about Environmental Festival 2022. At the end of this week, on Saturday the 29^th and Sunday the 30^th, the Kankyo Festival, or Environmental Festival 2022 will be held at the Fureai Hiroba on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall.

The festival will be on from 10am to 4 pm over those two days and is being put on by the Environmental Festival Fukuoka Executive Committee, made up of the City of Fukuoka and other organizations, with the aim of encouraging people to learn about environmental issues and change the way they do things in a fun manner. Admission is free and there's lots to do. There will be an "ECO Experiment Stage" featuring environmental issues, storytelling by picture book authors, and a stamp rally using a black light to experience "botanical light," which generates electricity with the power of plants.

There will also be a book exchange, a next-generation car exhibition and test-ride event, and a "buy what you want, buy as much as you want" event, the “hakari-uri marche”. At this market, you buy what you want like nuts, coffee beans or other things by weight, and take them home in containers you've already brought from home. It's a great way to reduce
waste, be kind to the environment, and is easy on your wallet!

So, this Saturday and Sunday, enjoy getting in touch with a more eco-friendly life at the "Environmental Festival Fukuoka!"

This year, the festival will be held as an in-person event and an online event.

During the online event, the Fukuoka City SDGs Student Supporters, made up of student members who have a desire to "learn about the environment" and "think about what we can do", will share a whole ton of information on the environment! So make sure you check that out as well!

【Autumn Flowers “Kiku” The Chrysanthemum】

This morning's topic is the Chrysanthemum, an autumn flower here in Japan. It's actually one of the symbolic flowers of Japan, and is even used as a symbol of the imperial family. It is also the birth flower for the month of November, traditionally considered a symbol of wisdom and nobility.

Interestingly, Fukuoka Prefecture is the third largest producer of chrysanthemums in Japan.

From October to November, when chrysanthemums are in full bloom, "kikka-ten"

or chrysanthemum exhibitions are held in gardens and botanical gardens throughout Fukuoka. Dazaifu Tenmangu holds an exhibition from November 1 to November 25, and Munakata Taisha has theirs from November 1 to November 22. This Kikka-ten is one of the largest exhibitions of chrysanthemums in western Japan, so why not come and see these magnificent blossoms?

I went to the Dazaifu one a few years back and was surprised at the variety and the size of some of the chrysanthemums on display. It was a pretty impressive exhibition and it was also right in time for the fall foliage around the area. Not to mention that the weather was great, not too hot or too cold. Both Dazaifu and Munakata make great days out, so I would definitely recommend checking out one or both of these Kikka-ten.

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Creators 2022

Now, I have some information for you from Fukuoka City about an event happening next weekend called The Creators 2022.

The Creators 2022, is an event for experiencing creativity and entertainment and will be held on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23. It will be held at Fureai Plaza on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall, Fukuoka City Science Museum, Fukuoka City Art Museum, and other locations.

There will also be online streaming available for those who can't make it to any of the venues. It's a way to enjoy the event even if you can't be there in person.

At the main venue, the Fureai Plaza on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall, there will be a music stage with dynamic lighting and screens, talk sessions with creators, and interactive booths by creativity-related companies.

In addition, there will be a digital art exhibition at the Fukuoka City Science Museum where you can play with sounds and images, as well as screening of a number of video works at the Fukuoka City Museum of Art, and many other events over the two day event.

You won't want to miss this fun and interactive event!

You can get more information if you look at the website //the-creator.jp/

【Moving Day】

Did you know that the 13^th of October is Moving Day? I had no idea. It seems that it was  created to commemorate the arrival of Emperor Meiji from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868.

At that time, the Emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo with thousands of people in tow. He distributed gifts and money to the people along the way in a a pretty spectacular manner. By doing this, he moved the capital of Japan from Kyoto to Tokyo.

 To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this move, Japan's first "eki-den" (relay race) was held. This was a long-distance relay race that started at Kyoto’s Sanjō Bridge and stretched the roughly 500 kilometers to Tokyo, concluding after three days at the banks of Ueno’s Shinobazu Pond. The sport has proliferated since, and Japan now boasts some 100 competitions, but it was originally born as a result of Emperor Meiji's big move. I can't say I've had such impressive moves to any of my homes, can you? I've moved quite a few times around the city though and can give you a bit of advice if you are planning a move. First, plan in advance. Sometimes it's hard with apartment contracts ending and the time you have to get out of the old place and into a new place, but if you can reserve a moving company well in advance, it'll save you from some headaches. Call up a few places and negotiate for a good price, I've had friends that were able to get much lower prices than their original quotes. If you need to box things up yourself, you can get pretty sturdy boxes at the supermarket, just ask the staff where they put their discarded boxes. They're free to take.  I've also cycled between old and new places, carrying things a bit at a time, but that was during my last move. I was able to move in at any time to the new place, so I could work out the closing of the old place at my own pace. I didn't carry everything by bicycle of course, but getting the smaller things out really made a difference at the end when we just needed to get a few big items.

Moving can be stressful, so if you are making a move, I hope it is stress free and quick!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese Speech Contest

Now, I have information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

Have you heard of the International Japanese Speech Contest that they hold every year?

Well, this year, the International Speech Contest will take place on Saturday, October 29^th from 1pm in the Science Hall  at the Fukuoka City Science Museum.  Speeches are given by students from Japanese classes and from Japanese language schools in the Fukuoka Metropolitan area. The topic of the speech is up to the participant and ranges from their experiences living in Fukuoka City to their dreams for the future, of course, delivered in Japanese. If you have a chance, come and support these students and listen to the fruits of their language study labor!  If you are planning to attend the contest, you do need to make a reservation. Reservations can be made through the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website.

For more information you can also call the Fukuoka City International Foundation and speak to the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at 092-262-1744.

Foreign Language Newletter FCIF Autumn Edition Release

"FCIF", a foreign-language information paper on daily life, Japanese culture, events and more, is published every three months in English, Chinese, and Korean for the foreign residents living and working in Fukuoka.
The theme of the autumn issue of FCIF, which was published this month, is "Let's Enjoy the Arts in Fukuoka.”
In addition to introducing spots and events where you can enjoy the arts in Fukuoka, the paper also has interviews with foreign residents living in Fukuoka and other useful information for your daily life. So, definitely pick it up and take a look at it!
You can get the newsletter at your ward office, the Information Plaza at City Hall, and Fukuoka International House.
You can also visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation website at www.fcif.or.jp to see this newsletter.