Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Valentine's Day】

So, as many of you probably know, February 14 is "Valentine's Day. There are differnent ways of celebrating
the holiday in different countries, but one that has been gaining momentum in Fukuoka over the past few
years is the "Flower Valentine," in which people send flowers to their loved ones on the day as a token of their
appreciation and love.
Fukuoka Prefecture actually grows a number of different flowers such as roses, carnations, and gerberas. And
you may have noticed, as you've passed flowerbeds in Fukuoka City, signs with "Hitori Hitohana (One person,
one flower)" or "FLOWER CITY FUKUOKA", written on them.
This "Hitori Hitohana (One person, one flower) Movement," is something Fukuoka City is doing with the aim of
creating "Flower City Fukuoka" by encouraging citizens, businesses, and government officials to grow flowers
in parks, sidewalks, offices, homes, and other places in Fukuoka City to increase the amount of flowers and
greenery.
Around the city, starting from today and going until the 14th, during this Flower Valentine event, flowers will be
displayed in various places around Fukuoka City, and on Valentine's day, at JR Hakata Station, Kokura
Station, Kurume Station, and Shin-Iizuka Station, flowers will be handed out to people passing by. The event
really will bring flowers and love throughout the city.
It's easy to get involved, just send flowers with your feelings to your loved ones and have a wonderful
Valentine's Day!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Fukuoka City Child-Rearing Exchange Salons

Have you heard of the Fukuoka City Child Rearing Exchange Salon? Child-rearing exchange salons are
places where parents with children between the ages of 0 and 6 can freely spend time together at community
centers and other familiar venues in the city. Parents and childen have a chance to get together with others
and have a refreshing day out spending time playing. There is no charge for the event and childcare
supporters are also there to help watch over and help out with the event.
The next child-rearing exchange salon is happening at the Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward. It will
be on Tuesday, February 13th from 10:30 to 11:30am. Activities like making handprint and footprint stamps
and story telling will be held. It's a wonderful chance to make a memorable keepsake of your child's
handprints and footprints. Make sure you wear clothes that are okay to get dirty, if you decide to join the
event. Everyone is welcome and Japanese language skills are not necessary.
Any parent and child living in Fukuoka City can participate. For more information, including how to apply,
please check the Fukuoka City International Center's website or call 092-262-1744. Phone calls will be accepted on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00.
There's definitely a child-rearing exchange salon near you, so make sure you check the Fukuoka City
homepage to find out where and when!

Get Consultations Through Line Call!

I've got one more bit of information to share with you from the International Foundation. This is about their
Line Call service. If you are connected to the Foundation's official Line Account, you can use Line Call to ring
the center for advice on life here as well as to make reservations for the free professional consultation
services that the Foundation provides. Interpretation over the phone for 22 different languages is available.
You can also sign up to get information on events or useful information for foreign residents of the city, so if
you aren't already connected on Line, just go to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage and
click on Add Friend to get connected.

However, be aware that you cannot send messages through the chat function. If you want to send a message
regarding getting advice, then please look up the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage on the
internet and fill out the help request form on their website.