Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Shichigosan Festival】

As we enter November, you can feel the season shifting from autumn to winter. It's during this time, if you visit a shrine, that you’ll often see families dressed in traditional attire. This is for Shichigosan, a Japanese celebration of children’s growth. Shichigosan takes place annually on November 15 and celebrates children who are three, five, or seven years old. Dressed in vibrant traditional clothes, families visit shrines to express gratitude for their children’s healthy growth and to pray for their continued well-being.

Shichigosan has its roots in a time when infant mortality was high in Japan, and reaching the age of seven was considered a significant milestone. It is believed that this festival originated from the desire to pray for further health and well-being for children who reached these ages. Over time, the custom evolved into today’s style, where children wear beautiful traditional outfits and visit shrines with their families.

During Shichigosan, children are also given Chitose Ame (thousand-year candy), a long, red and white stick candy symbolizing health and longevity.

The sight of children walking carefully in their zouri sandals, wearing bright and colorful clothes, with their hair done up is absolutely adorable. If you see families in traditional attire around town, give them a word of congratulations!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Student Recruitment for Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School

Last month I mentioned some information about Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School in our broadcast, if you remember. Currently, the school is recruiting students for the next school year, so I want to share some more detailed information today.

Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School is a public night school created by Fukuoka City for individuals who couldn’t complete compulsory education due to various circumstances, including truancy. Enrollment is open regardless of nationality.

The school offers all the subjects taught in daytime junior high schools, and for those concerned about their Japanese skills, Japanese language teachers provide instruction from basic levels. Graduates receive an official junior high school diploma.

Classes are held from 5:50 PM to 9:15 PM on weekdays on the 4th floor of the Fukuoka City Education Center in Momochi, Sawara Ward. It’s conveniently located, just a 10-minute walk from the subway and bus terminal.

 Tuition and textbooks are free, and financial assistance, such as travel expenses, may be available for students in need.

Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School is now accepting applications for students who wish to enroll in April next year. Eligible applicants must have been born before April 1, 2010, be registered residents of Fukuoka City, and either did not graduate from junior high school or were unable to fully attend classes due to various reasons.

For more information, please refer to the application guide available on the school’s website by searching for "Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School Student Recruitment." Brochures are also available at city and ward offices, with translations in multiple languages including English.

If you’re interested in applying, please contact the school by January 31 of next year via phone or email. The phone number is 092-400-0751. You can call on weekdays between 2:00 PM and 9:15 PM. The email address is provided on the school’s website so feel free to send questions or inquiries via email in your preferred language, as they offer support in multiple languages, including English.

HP https://sites.google.com/fuku-c.ed.jp/fukuokakibou/admissions/info