Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Advice for a fresh start in life】

This week is the beginning of the year, in a sense. It's the beginning of the fiscal year and when a lot of other things start, like new radio programs. Although Life in Fukuoka has, thanks to its listeners, been going on for a few years now, let me introduce myself for any new listeners. Perhaps you've just moved to Fukuoka for a new job or school and have decided to tune into the show.
Well, my name is Colleen and I'm originally from Detroit, Michigan in the US. I originally came to Fukuoka in 2002 as an exchange student at Kyushu University and came back again in 2005 to work, but only for a year. My how time flies, it's been 18 years since then!
Currently, I work a few different jobs, as an instructor at a hotel school, a narrator and of course, as a LOVE FM DJ. Not only do I do this show, but if you tuned in yesterday morning, from 8am to 9:45 am, you would've heard me on air on my program Earth Feeling.
As for my hobbies, well, I have few, I enjoy traveling, taking photos, playing tennis and cooking. On my days off, my boyfriend and I usually try to find place to visit, whether it's just at Maizuru Park to see the flowers and walk the castle ruins, or a drive somewhere in Kyushu.
If it's your first time in Fukuoka, I recommend getting a sandwich at La Brioche bakery, near Ohori Park and taking a stroll around the park, stopping when you find a place that suits you to enjoy that sandwich It's just a nice way to spend an afternoon, especially if you've been busy with moving, meeting new people and just getting adjusted to life in a new place! Sometimes you need to just stop and take a breath.
Spring is the season of freshness and fresh starts too, I guess. I'm sure you'll find yourself facing a number of challenges as you begin life here, but don't shy away from them. Every challenge is a learning experience whether you succeed or fail. Also, don't be shy about speaking Japanese, you might mistakes as you speak, but hey, you're learning a brand new language! It's not easy! Good luck as you begin your new year here! If you have any messages you want to send or even any requests for the show, feel free to message!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Consultations for Foreign Residents

I have some information from Fukuoka City.
Is there anything worrying you as you settle into your new life here? Or maybe something you don't understand?

Well, at the Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents, you can get information on things like residence procedure, employment, medical care, welfare, childbirth, child rearing and children's education, as well as referrals to the appropriate consultation centers.

To contact the Consultation Support Center, please call 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be taken between 9am and 6pm on regular business days. The center is closed on weekends, holidays and over the new year. 21 languages are supported at that hotline.

In addition, if there's there's anything you want to know National Health Insurance, garbage or taxes, or procedures necessary for living in Fukuoka City, please call the Interpretation Center.

If you want to check the procedures of Fukuoka City, you can call the Interpretation Center and ask for help. You can also call the Interpretation Center for consultation by connecting to your local ward office. The telephone number is 092-753-6113. 18 languages are supported at that number.

 Vietnam Festival 2023 in Fukuoka

 I have some information on the Vietnam Festival 2023 in Fukuoka.

This festival commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam.The festival is being held over two days, April 15th and 16th at Fukuoka Tenjin Chuo Park.

The event will feature live performances by Vietnamese pop artists, traditional dances, ao dai shows and other stange events.There will also be food and drink booths featuring Vietnamese cuisine.

The event will be held from 10am to 8pm on the 15th and from 10am to 7pm on the 16th.It will be held rain or shine unless there is stormy weather, in which case, it will be cancelled.Admission is free so please feel free to drop by!

For more information, please look up Vietname Festival 2023 Fukuoka.

【Seasonal Ingredients-Renkon】

Today, I'd like to talk about an ingredient that we often see around this time of year.
Have you heard of the vegetable "ren-kon"?
If you haven't, well, RENKON" is the enlarged underground stem of the lotus, which looks like a root, hence the name "lotus root" in English. Maybe you've seen it, but didn't know the name. When it's cut into slices, you'll see that it has holes in it, which is supposed to be "good for the future" and "good for your future prospects” because you can see through it. If you had the New Year's dish, osechi, this year, you might have seen it. It is supposed to bring the wish for a bright new year ahead.

Honestly, I can say I haven't seen it in any kind of regular cooking in the US, but in Korea, where my mom is from, we definitely ate  it. I had it at Korean restaurants in the US as well, it was usually a side dish that came out with the kimchi and other dishes. I love it, I especially like it with seasoned mince meat sandwiched inside, which I make at home sometimes.

Chikuzen-ni, a local dish of Fukuoka Prefecture, also uses lotus root, and is loved by the locals. Chikuzen-ni is a kind of simmered dish and I think it's a pretty standard household recipe. In saying that, although lotus root is a familiar ingredient that can be found in supermarkets, it is difficult to cook and eat chikuzen-ni by yourself, as you usually need to make a big old pot of it!

These days, it is sold at even convenience stores as a side dish that can be eaten just by heating it up, so if you don't plan on making a huge pot all for yourself, then pick up a pack and give this traditional Fukuoka dish a try!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Fukuoka was Chosen by the Lonely Planet!

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City.

I don't know if you've heard, I saw this information on twitter, but in the "Best in Travel 2023" which announces the best destinations to visit in 2023 according to The Lonely Planet, Fukuoka was selected and it was the only selection in Japan!
Fukuoka was selected for the "Food" category, Lonely Planet which, if you've never used it, is a travel guidebook that boasts the world's largest market share and is read mainly in Europe and the United States. Every year, in the autumn, this guidebook announces its choices for the next year.
Naturally, all of us who live here know that Fukuoka has great food, but Fukuoka is attracting attention internationally for its rich variety of food culture, from yatai (food stalls) and ramen to trendy bars and coffee shops.
If you are interested in which shops were listed, just Search "Best in Travel 2023" . Maybe one of your regular haunts is on the list!

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/kyushu/fukuoka

【Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Week】
In Japan, January 15 through January 21 is recognized as "Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Week," which was established after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that rocked Japan on January 17, 1995. Because the damage was so great, there was a limit to the amount of help that could be provided by the government alone. It is said that the earthquake made people realize the importance of helping each other in the community and neighborhoods and also taking measure to protect oneself.

In light of this, "Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Day" on January 17 and " Volunteer Week" from January 15-21 were established to remind people of the importance of disaster preparedness and of voluntary disaster prevention and of volunteer activities in the event of a disaster. So, take some time today to think about how you need to prepare in case of disaster in line with Disaster Prevention and Volunteer Week.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Now I have some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

The Japanese Chatting Salon

Today's information is for any international students who are studying in Fukuoka. Do you know about the monthly Japanese Chatting Salon? It's an event where international students and Japanese volunteers can have a casual conversation. It takes place once a month and the next time it is happening is on Tuesday, January 31^st.

Using Zoom, international students and Japanese volunteers meet one on one or in small groups to talk about topics that interest them. If you are looking for a chance to use daily Japanese as well as practice the Japanese you've learned in class, or just want to chat with a native Japanese speaker, then definitely join in! The sessions are free but you do need to apply in advance. 

To apply for this event, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or the Facebook page. The Foundation's website is www.fcif.or.jp. If there is anything that you don't understand, just contact the Foundation and speak to someone in the Fukuoka International Student Support Association. The number to call is 092-262-1744. Again that number is 092-262-1744. They are looking forward to hearing from you!

The Winter Issue of FCIF and the End of Publication

And, the Fukuoka City Foundation also wants to let you know that the winter issue of FCIF, the foreign-language information paper about things like life in Fukuoka City and Japanese culture, has been published.

The theme of this issue is "Hakata's Winter Food Culture.

It includes interviews with foreign residents living in Fukuoka, procedures for enrolling in municipal elementary and junior high schools, and useful information on the My Number Card and other issues in daily life, so make sure you take a look.

You can get the paper at places such as your ward office, the Information Plaza at City Hall, and the Fukuoka International Student Housing.

You can also view it on the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website at www.fcif.or.jp.

Please note that with this winter issue, the publication  of "FCIF" will come to an end.

In order to provide timely and flexible information, the Foundation will continue to provide useful information through their website and social media.

【Looking back on 2022 and Resolutions for the New Year】

Well, we've got less than week left before we ring in 2023, now that Christmas is over. How was your year? What did you get up to? I hope it wasn't all work and no play!

My year was pretty good. I was busy with work but I still had plenty of time to travel to the places I wanted to visit in Japan this year. In the beginning of this year, I went to Hokkaido to see the drift ice in the Abashiri area. I was very lucky and did see it but also got stuck in Hokkaido for two extra days due to heavy snow. It wasn't too bad, both my partner and I had our computers with us so we could work from the hotel!

Over sakura season, we went to Okayama where I met my online Japanese teacher for hanami and also drove up to Tottori to see the sand dunes. On the way back to Okayama city we stopped in the Hiruzen Highlands for Hiruzen yakisoba. If you are ever in that area, definitely try it! During Golden Week, I saw the huge wisteria in Ashikaga park in Tochigi and bought natto in Mito, Ibaraki! There was some camping and onsen time in Kuju and a big camping van trip in Hokkaido where we saw so many beautiful flowers and learned to make cheese. We saw the night view in Hakodate and had some of the best sushi I've ever had in Japan. That is saying something, Fukuoka has great seafood, but I think Hakodate is the winner.

In August, we escaped the heat by heading for Kamikochi in Nagano. Unfortunately it was a bit wet during our visit, so we didn't camp or hike as planned, but made up for it by enjoying the area all around with a visit to Hida-Takayama and Matsuyama. I also passed a patissier course, added another cat to the house and just generally enjoyed my year. I didn't get quite as fit as I had planned to in the beginning of the year, but that seems to be the same story every year. My resolution next year definitely involves another attempt at getting six pack abs....

Although Covid is still around and affecting us, we are gradually getting back to our normal every day lives. In 2022, a huge and shocking event was the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It has no doubt caused many people to think about the impact of war and why we need to value peace. It has also shocked many people into realizing the importance of and how much we rely on electric and gas at home. I know people are trying to be more careful with how much energy they're using now as energy prices have increased and we're all trying to save money. 

In 2023, I hope we can have a world where everyone spends more time than not with a smile on their face. 

What are your plans for 2023? I guess as we wrap up the end of 2022, it's a good time to think about the things we want to change or even try doing. Like I said before, I'm hoping to get fitter in 2023, but that is all about the effort I put in. I've got to make a more consistent workout schedule, spend less time on my phone and also less time sitting at a desk. I'd like to take another cooking course, if I have the chance. There was a baking course being offered at the school I went to that I really wanted to join but the days didn't work out. I might have better luck in 2023. I also want to travel overseas again, I think. I'm a bit apprehensive about having to deal with international airports and the whole process involved with international travel, but there are still so many places around the world I'd like to go and so many foods I'd love to try. I'm pretty sure I'll go to the US to see family this year, finally. Oh, and hopefully I'll have my driver's license after 17 years of putting it off here...I'm scheduled for my driving test in just a few weeks. Fingers crossed that the practice I've been doing will pay off!

I'm sure that many of you have a whole list of things you'd love to do or are planning to do in 2023. Good luck with it all!

【The End of the Year and the New Year】

We are coming up toward the end of the year and during this time, as well as over the New Year's holidays, at Christmas parties and New Year's celebrations, we tend to eat and drink way too much. Too much stress on the stomach and intestines can lead to stomachaches and bloating. So, when you are out, try to not consume too much meat, coffee, alcohol, strong spices, or strong black or green teas, as they can really do a number on the stomach by  increasing the production of stomach acid.

It goes without saying, but I'll say it here: One of the simplest ways to maintain good health is to eat a regular, nutritionally balanced diet. This is important not only for maintaining a healthy digestive system, but also for enhancing the body's immune system and which will keep you from getting sick easily.

Although it may be difficult during the year-end and New Year's holiday season with all the bonenkai invitations and chances to meet up with friends and family, try to at least eat at home for dinner. When you are at home, keep it simple with meals like nabe or udon which are easy to digest, and try to keep your eating schedule fairly regular.

Let's all welcome the new year with a fresh start while maintaining a healthy diet and a happy belly.

【Fukuoka City information】

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

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 and the Health and Welfare Center, please be aware that these places will be closed from Thursday the 29^th of December to Tuesday 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 Saturday the 31^st of December to Tuesday the 3^rd of January, please do not put your garbage out for pick up. Burnable garbage can only be put out on your area's scheduled garbage day up to Friday the 30^th of December and then after Wednesday the 4^th of January. For nonburnable garbage and glass and pet bottles, if Sunday January 1^st  is your regular day to put them out, instead they can be put out beforehand on Thursday, December 29th.

If it is Monday, January 2^nd , put your nonburnables out on Friday, December 30^th.

For areas where Tuesday, January 3^rd is a regular pickup day, garbage will be picked up instead on Friday, January 6^th.

Also, applications and pickup for oversized garbage will be stopped between Thursday, December 29^th to Tuesday, 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, at 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.

【The Nobel Prize】
On December 10, the Nobel Prize Ceremony will be held.
On 27 November 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament, giving the largest share of his fortune to a series of prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace to "those who have made the greatest contribution to mankind.– the Nobel Prizes.
In 1968, Sweden’s central bank established a Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel and currently there are now are six prizes given out.
Each year, up to three people can be awarded in each field.
The winners receive a cash prize, a certificate, and a medal.
This year's Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a human rights activist from Belarus, a former Soviet republic, and to human rights organizations in Russia and Ukraine, respectively, that have worked for many years to protect the fundamental human rights of citizens and their right to criticize power.
Currently, 615 prizes have been awarded to 989 laureates.
By country, the United States is in first place, the United Kingdom in second, and Germany in third. In terms of Asian countries other than Japan, India is in first place, followed by China and Taiwan in second place with the same number of entries. Who do you think will be awarded this year? It's something to keep an eye on!

【Fukuoka City Information】

World Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week

Now, I have some information from Fukuoka City about World Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week. Human rights" refers to the right to "live like a human being" that each individual has from birth.
December 10 is World Human Rights Day, a day to think about "human rights" not only in Japan but also in other parts of the world.
December 4 to 10 is Human Rights Week, and Fukuoka City also observes "Respect for Human Rights Week," which aims to make Fukuoka City a better place to live, where human rights are respected, and there is no discrimination.

While you are irreplaceable, others are also irreplaceable. This is an important week to know that each of us is important.

In order to realize a society where "no one is left behind" as stated in the SDGs, it is important to eliminate discrimination and prejudice against women, children, the elderly, foreigners, and people with disabilities, and to respect each other's human rights.

It's a good time to reflect upon what compassion and irreplaceable life means.

Information about Covid Vaccinations　　

Now, I have some information for you from Fukuoka City about Covid-19 vaccinations.

Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.

In Fukuoka City, vaccination tickets for the Omicron variant for those who will receive their third, fourth or fifth doses of the vaccine are being sent out. The vaccination for the omicron variant will be limited to one time per person. Vaccination vouchers are being sent out to those were vaccinated at least three months before.

When the inoculation coupon arrives, please visit the reservation site or call the vaccine call center to make a reservation. Please wait until that coupon does arrive.

If you haven't received that coupon, please phone the call center to have it issued again.

People who have recently relocated to Fukuoka City from overseas and who hope to get vaccinated need to fill out an application to receive the inoculation tickets.

For questions regarding vaccinations, to make a reservation or to apply for the inoculation ticket, you can call 092-260-8405. Again, that number is 092-260-8405. Calls will be taken between 8:30 am and 5:30pm every day. 7 languages are available at that number, including English, Chinese and Korean.

Also, as winter approaches, the spread of influenza or the flu always becomes more prevalent.  And with Covid spreading at the same time, it is possible to get sick with both.

To reduce the risk of ending up with a bad case of the flu, getting an influenza vaccination is strongly recommended.

 In fact, both the Covid vaccine and influenza vaccine can be given at the same time, if that is something you are worried about!

【Seasonal Vegetables-Hakusai or Chinese Cabbage】

As it gets colder, nabe is something that you start to want to eat. If you're new to Japan, nabe is a kind of hot-pot with loads of veggies, meat and whatever else you want to put in. And Hakusai or Chinese Cabbage is one of those things that you definitely want to add to that hot-pot. It comes into season around October or November, which means it is in season now and its peak is over the winter. You'll see it everywhere in supermarkets and greengrocers around town.

Hakusai in this season is tender and flavorful. And while it's great in hot-pots and in other simmered dishes, it can also been eaten raw in salads.

So, what kind of nutrients does it have? Well, it has a lot of potassium which is good for removing salt from the body, great for helping to prevent high blood pressure.

It also contains vitamin C, making it a good food for preventing colds.

And the great thing about hot-pots is that you can eat them with friends and family, or even by yourself. It's an inexpensive way of getting your vegetables in and enjoying a nice hot meal on a chilly day. If getting vegetables and doing all the prep, like peeling and cutting is just too much of a pain, there are actually convenient one-pot packs at the supermarket with everything pre-cut that just need to be heated up.
I like a simple hot-pot soup base with plenty of ponzu and sesame sauces on the side for dipping. What kind of hot-pot will you make this winter?

【Fukuoka City Information】

Legal Consulatations

Now, I have some information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about legal consultations. The Fukuoka City International Foundation, at the Fukuoka City International Center, offers free legal consultation twice a month for the international residents of Fukuoka City.

Legal consultations are available from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on the first Saturday of every month, and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the third Wednesday of the month. Each session runs for 45 minutes and is completely free. However, you do need to make a reservation to consult with the lawyer. Free English interpretation services are also available so if you will need an interpreter, please mention that when you make your reservation.

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

Now, I have some other information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation about consultations on immigration, residency and nationality matters.

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 foundation at least one week in advance.

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

For more information, please call the toll free number 0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

【Moving Day】

Did you know that the 13^th of October is Moving Day? I had no idea. It seems that it was  created to commemorate the arrival of Emperor Meiji from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868.

At that time, the Emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo with thousands of people in tow. He distributed gifts and money to the people along the way in a a pretty spectacular manner. By doing this, he moved the capital of Japan from Kyoto to Tokyo.

 To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this move, Japan's first "eki-den" (relay race) was held. This was a long-distance relay race that started at Kyoto’s Sanjō Bridge and stretched the roughly 500 kilometers to Tokyo, concluding after three days at the banks of Ueno’s Shinobazu Pond. The sport has proliferated since, and Japan now boasts some 100 competitions, but it was originally born as a result of Emperor Meiji's big move. I can't say I've had such impressive moves to any of my homes, can you? I've moved quite a few times around the city though and can give you a bit of advice if you are planning a move. First, plan in advance. Sometimes it's hard with apartment contracts ending and the time you have to get out of the old place and into a new place, but if you can reserve a moving company well in advance, it'll save you from some headaches. Call up a few places and negotiate for a good price, I've had friends that were able to get much lower prices than their original quotes. If you need to box things up yourself, you can get pretty sturdy boxes at the supermarket, just ask the staff where they put their discarded boxes. They're free to take.  I've also cycled between old and new places, carrying things a bit at a time, but that was during my last move. I was able to move in at any time to the new place, so I could work out the closing of the old place at my own pace. I didn't carry everything by bicycle of course, but getting the smaller things out really made a difference at the end when we just needed to get a few big items.

Moving can be stressful, so if you are making a move, I hope it is stress free and quick!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese Speech Contest

Now, I have information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

Have you heard of the International Japanese Speech Contest that they hold every year?

Well, this year, the International Speech Contest will take place on Saturday, October 29^th from 1pm in the Science Hall  at the Fukuoka City Science Museum.  Speeches are given by students from Japanese classes and from Japanese language schools in the Fukuoka Metropolitan area. The topic of the speech is up to the participant and ranges from their experiences living in Fukuoka City to their dreams for the future, of course, delivered in Japanese. If you have a chance, come and support these students and listen to the fruits of their language study labor!  If you are planning to attend the contest, you do need to make a reservation. Reservations can be made through the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website.

For more information you can also call the Fukuoka City International Foundation and speak to the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at 092-262-1744.

Foreign Language Newletter FCIF Autumn Edition Release

"FCIF", a foreign-language information paper on daily life, Japanese culture, events and more, is published every three months in English, Chinese, and Korean for the foreign residents living and working in Fukuoka.
The theme of the autumn issue of FCIF, which was published this month, is "Let's Enjoy the Arts in Fukuoka.”
In addition to introducing spots and events where you can enjoy the arts in Fukuoka, the paper also has interviews with foreign residents living in Fukuoka and other useful information for your daily life. So, definitely pick it up and take a look at it!
You can get the newsletter at your ward office, the Information Plaza at City Hall, and Fukuoka International House.
You can also visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation website at www.fcif.or.jp to see this newsletter.

【High School Baseball's Anniversary】

I wonder if baseball fans even know this. I guess highschool baseball fans must know this bit of trivia, but just in case....Did you know that August 18^th is the anniversary of high school baseball? Baseball, as many know, is extraordinarily popular in Japan. And it was on August 18^th in 1915, on a field in Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan's first national junior high school championship baseball tournament took place. 10 junior high school students who had won the district qualifiers participated. The final match was between junior high schools in Kyoto and Akita, with Kyoto winning 2-1. From the 10^th tournament, Koshien Stadium became the official venue and from 1948 it became the national high school baseball championship.

These days, people refer to it as Summer Koshien or The Summer High School Baseball Championship. This year is the 104^th time it has been held and will be held from August 6^th to the 22^nd.

The young athletes who play an active part in this tournament often attract the attention of professional baseball teams and it is from this championship that many stars have been born.

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters

Now, I have information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

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 foundation at least one week in advance.

Your confidentiality is guaranteed, so please feel at ease to use this service.

For more information, please call the toll free number 0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

Japanese Chatting Salon

I've also got some information for any international students who are studying in Fukuoka. Do you about the monthly Japanese Chatting Salon? Using Zoom, international students and Japanese volunteers meet one on one or in small groups to talk about topics that interest them. The next session is on August 31^st, so if you are looking for a chance to use daily Japanese as well as practice the Japanese you've learned in class, or just want to chat with a native Japanese speaker, then definitely join in! The sessions are free but you do need a reservation.

To make a reservation, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or its Facebook page. The web address is www.fcif.or.jp. If there is anything that you don't understand feel free to contact the Fukuoka International Student Support Association at 092-262-1744. Again that number is 092-262-1744. Phone calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm on weekdays. Definitely check it out! They're looking forward to hearing from you!

【Sunflowers】

In the summer, the flower that seems to represent the season is probably the sunflower, standing tall and proud among the other flowers, looking like a big ole sun on its own. And although sunflowers seem to be mostly know for having really long stems and just being tall in general, there are actually quite a few varieties that have been bred for planters and stand around 10 centimeters tall. Sunflowers are a hardy plant and will grow in different kinds of soil. Whether you've got fertilizer or not, they'll grow.

If you think you want to grow some, then just remember that potted sunflowers need to have decent drainage and flowers growing in a flower bed should be in soil with decent drainage but also moderate water retention. If you just want to go see some and a whole lot of them at that, then you might check out Nokonoshima's Island Park in Nishi-ku or the Yanagawa Himawari En, or Sunflower Park in Yanagawa City. Sunflowers as far as the eye can see would be a pretty spectacular sight. On a date and a drive or even with friends, seeing the flowers of the season is a wonderful way to spend a day.

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Now, I've got information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

Legal Consultation

The Fukuoka City International Foundation, at the Fukuoka City International Center, offers free legal consultation twice a month for the international residents of Fukuoka City.

Legal consultations are available from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on the first Saturday of every month, and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the third Wednesday of the month. Each session runs for 45 minutes and is completely free. However, you do need to make a reservation to consult with the lawyer. Free English interpretation services are also available so if you will need an interpreter, please mention that when you make your reservation.

If you choose to use this service, please know that confidentiality is guaranteed.

For more information, please call 0120-66-1799. Again, that number is 0120-66-1799. Calls will be taken between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

Multi-lingual FCIF Newsletter Summer Edition

I also have information about FCIF the multi-lingual newsletter for international residents. It comes out every three months and has information in English, Chinese and Korean about things like staying and living in Fukuoka, tips on living here, Japanese culture and other events.

The summer edition was published this July with the theme of “Summer Fun in Fukuoka”. This summer edition has information for you about summer events and places to go in Fukuoka and things to watch out for when you are out or at the beach.

And from this year, a column with interviews from the international residents of Fukuoka has been added. You'll have a chance to learn why others have come to live in this great city and also how their lives are going here, so pick up a copy or read it on the website. For paper copies, you can find them at the ward offices, the information plaza at City Hall or at the Fukuoka City International Center. Or just go to www.fcif.or.jp which is the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website and read it online.