Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Bonenkai-Year End Parties】

The end of the year is approaching and we are right in the middle of the Bonenkai, or "year-end party" season. How is it for you? I'm sure you've heard that word, Bonenkai kicking around quite a lot!  In Japan, December is the time for people at work, in the community, and among friends to shake off everything that was hard or felt like it was dragging them down in the past year, and instead welcome the New Year with a fresh outlook! In Japan, we have the bonenkai or  "Year-End Party," an event to help us do that. It is also a chance to get together to appreciate each other's efforts, so it is common for whole work teams or groups of friends to go out to dinner, and have a drink all together." Everyone toasts to "good work done for the year~" and usually enjoys a nice meal and a good time. 

The Japanese phrase that is often said at these gatherings is "Kyou ha bureikou” and it basically means to enjoy the time without worrying about your position or title. In sum, relax, kick back and have fun. This phrase does seem to express a very Japanese cultural situation as people do often hesitate in situations because of what they think their position or title in a situation is, especially among seniors at a company  It's important to relax every now and then and you should, but don't get too carried away. I wonder if it's difficult to find that balance sometimes. Also, don't drink too much and forget everything about that evening when you are out enjoying a Bonenkai party!

It's a little early, but I'll say thank you for all of your hard work this year! 

【Fukuoka City Information】

Ward office consultation and putting out the garbage over the New Year Holidays

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City. Over the New Year's holidays, there are a few changes to ward office consultation hours and the days on which you can put out the garbage. For ward offices, please be aware that these places will be closed from Friday the 29^thof December to Wednesday the 3^rd of January.  In the days before and after the new year holidays, the ward office consultation counters will be busy so make sure you give yourself plenty of time when you go there.

Also, from Sunday the 31^st of December to Wednesday the 3^rd of January, please do not put your garbage out for pick up. The last day to put out burnable garbage for scheduled pick up is Saturday the 30^th of December. Scheduled garbarge pick-up will resume on Thursday the 4^th of January. If the regularly scheduled garbage days in your area are Wednesday and Sunday, you may put your garbage out on Saturday, the 30^th of December for pick up. For nonburnable garbage and glass and pet bottles, if Monday January 1^st  is your regular day to put them out, instead they can be put out beforehand on Friday, December 22^nd. If Tuesday January 2^nd is the regular day, put the nonburnables out on Friday, December 29^th. For areas where Wednesday, January 3^rd is a regular pickup day, nonburnables will be picked up instead on Friday, January 5^th.

Also, applications and pickup for oversized garbage will be stopped between Friday, December 29^th to Wednesday, January 3rd, so please be aware of that.

Spend the New Year's Holiday safely

Fukuoka City wants you to enjoy your winter holidays safely and enjoyably and has a few tips to share.

From the end of the year to the start of the new year, there are a lot of opportunities to drink alcohol. So, make sure, 100%, that you don't drink and drive, don't make others drink and drive, never allow someone to drink and drive and don't ignore someone who would drink and drive. Even cycling after drinking is against the law.

And it's important to remember that even the next day you might have some alcohol in your system or will be hungover. In that case, even if you think you only have a little bit of alcohol left in your system, it doesn't mean you should drive, because you shouldn't.

Also, every year, the end of the year sees more and more traffic accidents. If you are out late at night, make sure you are wearing bright or reflective clothes that are easy for drivers to notice. And if you are driving, make sure you turn your headlights on earlier in the evening.

Next, we have a warning for you about bag snatching incidents. There have been a number of these crimes from the evening to midnight in places where there are few people around. A lot of these incidents have occurred with the criminals riding motorbikes and snatching bags as they pass by. To avoid being involved in such an incident, make you carry your bag on the side opposite to the road and pay attention to your surroundings, making sure you look back behind you if you sense signs of people or hear a motorbike.

Protect yourself and the things that are important to you and have a safe and enjoyable winter holiday.