Life in Fukuoka "English"

【DJ recommends-Autumn Events】
Well, we are getting through August pretty quickly, very nearly at the end of it. However, that doesn't mean that the hot days are over quite yet, there are still a few left before we get to autumn. Speaking of autumn or fall, as we say in the US, I guess because of the falling leaves, what images or feelings pop up in your head? For me, it's the colors of the changing leaves, fresh apple cider and donuts at an apple mill, and the Renaissance Festival, a big festival held every year where people dress up and speak as though they are from another time in the past.
In Japan, Autumn brings to mind a few different expressions which translate to Autumn is the season of the appetite, the season of reading and the season of art. It's also a time of year when festivals are in full swing.

The most famous autumn festival in Fukuoka City is Ho-jo-ya held every September at Hakozaki-gu Shrine in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City.
Along with "Hakata Dontaku" in spring and "Hakata Gion Yamakasa" in summer, this festival is one of the three major festivals in Hakata. It is a festival to "respect all life, warn against killing, and give thanks for the harvest of autumn. I used to go every year and really enjoyed it. I didn't go last year, but I am hoping to go this year. It's pretty fun and the evening is cool enough to enjoy the time outdoors, even with the crowds. The food there is really good as well and sometimes there are things that you can only try there, I had a deepfried garlicky konnyaku snack before, I guess it's from Miyazaki, and could never get enough of it!
Hojoya is actually famous for its approximately 500 stalls, and used to be crowded with about 1 million visitors, but due to the pandemic, only the shrine rituals were held for the last two years.
This year, however, the festival will be held in a similar fashion to previous years, with stalls set up for the first time in three years, taking maximum measures against the spread of infection, such as reducing the number of seats in front of the special stage and asking visitors to wear masks and refrain from eating and walking.

Hopefully you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of Japanese culture and Japanese festivals as you sample the various stalls, such as target shooting, yo-yo fishing, and new ginger sales.
The yakimochi, a specialty of Hakozakigu Shrine with a chewy outside and sweet bean paste inside, is also highly recommended.
Hojoya will be held from Monday, September 12 to Sunday, September 18. However, if a state of emergency is declared during the period, the event may be scaled down or cancelled.
If you go out, don't forget to take precautions against the spread of infection.

Speaking of festivals, LOVE FM will also be holding a 3 day summer festival from Friday August 26th to Sunday August 28th in Tenjin's Chuo-Koen Park.
Saturday morning will start with IRIE MUSIC, a reggae program airing from 8am. There will be reggae, hip-hop and Okinawan folk music as well as booths selling food and drinks, so join us there. Grab a drink, move your body and have a great time!

This year will also be the first time in three years for "Nakasu Jazz" to be held. Nakasu Jazz has become an annual event in Fukuoka City in September. It is a jazz festival held mainly in Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, one of the busiest areas in western Japan.
One of the attractions of the festival is that all of the stage shows are free!
For the past two years, the festival has been held online, this year, however, the festival will be held at various locations in Nakasu on Saturday, September 17th and Sunday the 18 th .
IF you have a chance, come out and see the acts on stage. Whether you're a jazz lover or not, it's a great time for all. And of course, when you do go out, please remember to take basic infection prevention measures as you enjoy these autumn events.