Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Sora-mame or Broad Beans】

Sora-mame, translated as broad beans but also called Sky beans, which sounds nicer anyway, are grown all across Japan. They have a long harvest season from March until June and for that reason in different regions of the country, are also called Shigatsu-mame, Gogatsu-mame and Natsu-mame or April, May and Summer beans!

It's a wonderful early summer vegetable, bright green and with a fresh flavor. In Japan, boiling it with just a little salt is “the way” to eat it. It's a nice little snack that pairs well with beer. If you get really fresh sora-mame, it's absolutely delicious raw. So, if you happen upon some sora-mame at the shop, why not grab a pack, boil it up and make yourself a tasty little treat?

【Light Vehicle Tax】

Now I have some information from Fukuoka City for you. I'm sure you know this but light vehicle tax for motorized bikes and light vehicles needs to be paid from April 1^st.

So, if you have a motorized bike or light vehicle, expect to get a tax notification slip in the postbox. When it does arrive, please make your payment by May 31^st either at a convenience store, bank or post office.

If you do not pay your light vehicle tax, you may encounter some inconvenience when renewing your residence status or you may face having your property seized.

If there is anything you don't understand or if you may have difficulty paying, please contact your ward office's help desk.

Consultation by phone is available in 18 different languages. The phone number for that is 092-753-6113. Again that number is 092-753-6113. This phone number will connect you to your ward office after you speak to an interpreter. When using this number, please tell them what language you speak, the ward you live in and that you are calling about tax information. 

【Preventing the Spread of Covid-19】

And once again we are asking everyone to continue to practice basic infection prevention measures to fight against the spread of Covid-19. Wear a mask, wash your hands, gargle and avoid the 3 Cs. That means you should avoid closed rooms with poor ventilation, try not to be in crowded places and avoid close contact conversations.