Life in Fukuoka "English"

【November Grand Sumo Tournament】

Have you recently spotted any sumo wrestlers in traditional chonmage topknot hairstyles while strolling around town? If you have, it's because the 'November Grand Sumo Tournament,' a traditional Japanese sumo event, is taking place. While there are six Grand Sumo Tournaments held annually, the one in November is known as the Kyushu Basho, and Fukuoka serves as the host city.

This year, it's being held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center , or Fukuoka International Center, from November 12th to the 26th. During this period, colorful banners and flags line the area around the venue, and sumo fans from all over Kyushu gather in Fukuoka, creating a lively atmosphere every day. Additionally, during this time, sumo stables are set up around Fukuoka city and its suburbs, where you can visit and interact with sumo wrestlers.

While you can watch sumo on television, there's a unique intensity to witnessing sumo bouts live! In the venue, you'll not only witness the sumo matches but also get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes activities of the people who support sumo. It's a fascinating and entertaining opportunity to see these backstage efforts.

Why not take advantage of these two weeks and watch sumo in Fukuoka during this special event?

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents has made some changes!

This time I have some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about some changes that have been made to the The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents. The support center, which is operated by the Fukuoka City International Foundation has been renovated to make it even more accessible for consultations. This includes the addition of consultation counters and increased privacy in the consultation space.

The Consultation Support Center aims to address the questions and concerns of foreign residents. They provide consultations on various aspects of daily life, such as residence procedures, employment, healthcare, welfare, childbirth, childcare, and children's education, offering face-to-face, telephone, and email consultations. They also provide information and guidance to relevant agencies.

General consultations are available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, from Monday to Friday. Interpretation services are available in 22 languages, including English. Telephone interpretation services and tablet device translation functions are also used when necessary.

For more details, please visit their website. For inquiries, please contact them by phone at  0120-66-1799. 

Consultations for Immigration, Residency, and Nationality Matters

To continue, 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 center at least one week in advance.

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

For more information, please call  0120-66-1799.  Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

Again, that was information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

https://www.fcif.or.jp/