Life in Fukuoka "English"

【DJ Talk】

We're already halfway through the year, aren't we! How has your life in Fukuoka gone these past 6 months? With this warmer weather, there are tons of events that will take place-music festivals, food festivals, local crafts and good events, the list really goes on. There's a lot to enjoy here in Fukuoka.

Recently, it's been pretty nice weather for hiking and just getting out in general. A couple of weeks ago, I hiked Ibarayama and then about a week ago, went to Shiraito Falls in Itoshima to enjoy the somen nagashi, where the somen noodles go down a chute and you have to catch them to eat them. Of course, once it gets too hot, I won't hike but you'll probably find me at the beach. Fukuoka has some beautiful beaches, and at many of them there are good facilities to make a full day at the beach comfortable. Momochi beach is convenient to the city, but if you want to get away from the city, you can catch a bus out to Itoshima, it stops near the Meoto-Iwa, or wedded rocks, and feels like a proper little beach area with loads of different restaurants dotted around. If you want to head east, then Shingu beach is pretty popular. The facilities are a little more basic, there are paid toilets and showers, but it's a pretty easy trip and it's the last station on the train line that way. You can also pay to bbq there, or bring your own cooler and snacks and just hang out and enjoy the sea.

There really is a lot to do over the summer here, if you have any ideas you'd like to share, then just send me an email and give me your suggestions. The email is 761@lovefm.co.jp. I'm always looking for new and interesting things to do! Looking forward to July, as we head into the second half of the year.

【Hakata Gion Yamakasa】

Speaking of July, the big event in Fukuoka in July is the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. Held from July 1 to 15, this Hakata festival has continued for more than 700 years. Have you ever seen it? I've been nearly every year to see it and never get tired of it!
The festival attracts not only locals but also many tourists from outside the prefecture, and is a big hit.

On July 1, gorgeous and powerful "Kazariyama" which are towering, highly decorated kazariyama floats, some 10 meters high, are displayed in various places in Fukuoka City.
The themes of the decorations on the front and back are different, featuring scenes from 

history and mythology. In addition, works inspired by TV and movie heroes and heroines are created by Hakata doll craftsmen, and they are beloved by people of all ages, from children to the elderly.

On July 15, the last day of the festival, the finale, an event called "Oiyama" is held. It is the main highlight of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. The approximately 5-km timed race starts at 4:59 a.m. from Kushida Shrine in Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata Ward, to the signal of a drum. Men carry the Yamakasa, which is about 3 meters high and weighs about 1 ton, on their shoulders and run out into the town, cheering and shouting. The course from Kushida Shrine, the starting point, to Susaki Town, the goal, attracts many spectators even before dawn. You can experience the tension, impressive bravery, and excitement of these men, if you go out to see it.
You can see them running through the streets from July 10 to 14 rehearsing for the last day of the festival, if you don't want to go out in the early morning.

There is a phrase that goes, "It's not Hakata because of Yamakasa, but Yamakasa exists because of Hakata." This highlights the unity of Hakata residents in creating the festival and I encourage you to enjoy this festival along with them.

※飾り山（かざりやま）＝The towering, highly-decorated Kazariyama