Life in Fukuoka "English"

【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.