Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Sing! HAKATA】

 I've mentioned it before, but September in Fukuoka is Music Month, a time when the city comes alive with music for the entire month. This week, I’d like to tell you about a citizen-participation music event, "Sing! HAKATA," which will be held this weekend at JR Hakata Station Square.

For the past 10 years, the Kyushu Gospel Festival in Hakata has been held, but it has now evolved into Sing! HAKATA, adding new genres such as choir and a cappella, alongside gospel.

The event will feature guest performances by famous artists and collaboration stages with radio programs. There will also be a general participation stage with three sections: gospel, choir, and a cappella. Attendees can experience the joy of singing together across a wide range of music, from classical to pop.

Sing! HAKATA will take place over the two days of this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, from 10 AM to 8 PM at JR Hakata Station Square. Be sure to drop by and join in the singing!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Tuberculosis Prevention Week

Tuberculosis Prevention Week is from September 24 to September 30. 

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by the tuberculosis bacteria, primarily affecting the lungs. It is an infectious disease that spreads from person to person. In 2023, 140 new cases of tuberculosis were diagnosed in Fukuoka City. In recent years, there have been cases of group infections occurring in places such as Japanese language education institutions.

Symptoms of tuberculosis include coughing, sputum, fever, blood in the sputum, chest pain, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss. The initial symptoms are similar to a cold. If you experience symptoms such as "a cough lasting more than two weeks," "sputum production," "feeling tired," or "sudden weight loss," please see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection and early treatment are important not only to prevent the disease from becoming severe but also to protect your family, friends, and workplace from infection.

Although contracting TB does not always lead to the disease developing, if the body's immune system cannot suppress the bacteria, it can multiply over time and cause the disease.

To prevent infection and disease onset, maintaining good health through sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise is effective.

Even if you are diagnosed with tuberculosis, you can recover by following the doctor's instructions and taking the prescribed medication daily.

Fukuoka City has a Medical Interpretation Call Center, where you can get help finding a hospital. You can also use it when speaking to a doctor or receiving medication at the hospital or pharmacy. This service is available 24/7, every day. The phone number is (092-733-5429). The service supports 20 languages, so please feel free to consult them if needed.