Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Asparagus】

Well, to start us off today, I've got a little bit about asparagus. Asparagus, you say? It may seem like a random topic but actually, May June and July are the prime season for asparagus in Japan.

I guess most of you know what vegetable I'm talking about, it's that long, thin green looking stalk type vegetable with small shoots on the end of it. It was actually first introduced to Japan during the Edo period by the Dutch but was only grown as an ornamental plant, rather than as food! It wasn't until the 1970's that it was widely cultivated as something to be eaten here.

And it is a great vegetable to eat. It's full of vitamins and minerals.

If you've ever prepared asparagus, you'll know that there are differing levels of hardness in the asparagus stalk and how the heat gets through when cooking can also vary. So, if you are planning on cooking some, first, remove the harder parts toward the bottom of the stem. You can actually just just snap it off, it's pretty simple.  Don't throw them away though, asparagus is not that cheap here!

You might want to boil those harder parts to soften them up.  As the bottom of the stalk is often quite a bit thicker than the rest of the vegetable, you can peel  the skin off before boiling to make it easier to soften them up.

In Fukuoka Prefecture, the brand grown locally is called Hakata Asparagus and you can usually find them in the supermarket.

If you do pick some asparagus up but aren't going to eat them right away, wrap them in cling film and keep them in the fridge but try to eat them at max, one or two days later. Or you could boil them, and then wrap them and keep them in the freezer to have ready anytime. They're fairly versatile and can be used in salads, stir-fries, grilled and more. I like to sautee them with a bit of butter, bacon, onion and garlic and give them a splash of lemon.

【Information From Fukuoka City】

Foreign Student Taught Language Classes

This time, it's information from the Fukuoka International Foundation about the available language classes taught by international exchange students. At the Fukuoka International Foundation, this program “The Foreign Student Taught Language Classes” is where international students hold classes and teach the language of their countries. This year, 10 languages are available with 12 classes being held from July to February of next year. It's a great chance to learn not only a new language, but also experience a different culture and cuisine.

In addition to these language classes, the Fukuoka International Foundation also provides other opportunities for international students to play an active role in various activities, such as acting as management staff for events held by the foundation. Currently, the foundation is working on a email system to get information out to international exchange students who want to participate in various activities so that all of you can enjoy exchange with the local community in Fukuoka City .

Administrative Lawyer Consultations

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. Confidentiality is guaranteed. Please feel at ease to make use of this service, no matter how simple a question you may have.

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

And to prevent the spread of Covid-19, measures are being taken so please wear a mask and disinfect your hands when you come for a consultation.

【International Family Day】

May 15^th, just under a week from now is International Day of Families. Have you heard of it?

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly decided in a resolution that 15 May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

For many of us who live here in Japan, it can be hard to get back to our home countries on a regular basis. Fortunately, these days we have the internet, and with instant messaging and video calls it is a lot easier to keep in touch with our families than it was in the past. After all, our most formative years are spent with our families and those people are likely the most important people in our lives, so they should be celebrated. Family can also be the people that are around you now, that you have chosen to let into your family unit. So let's spend time finding ways to strengthen the relationships with those people that we love, working out the difficulties that sometimes come up and taking time to talk with those in our families.

【Information From Fukuoka City】

Some important information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation to share with you.

A Free Dial Phone Service
A brand new, toll free or free dial phone service has been started. This service will connect you to the Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents for any advice and help that you need. The number for this is 0120-66-1799. Again, that number is 0120-66-1799. A number of foreign languages are supported on this line, so feel free to call when you need some help.

The Start of the Official Line Account
The Fukuoka City Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents has also set up an official Line account. Information about events at the Foundation as well as information to help you out with your daily life will be sent out via this account.
You can even 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 a number of languages is available. However, 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.
To add this Line Account to your friends' list, look up ID @111dhfna. Again, that is ID @111dhfna.

Introducing the Tutor Program
Now I have some information about the Tutor Program. This will be useful for those of you who are struggling with the Japanese language and daily life, dealing with things like letters from school, or trying to explain in Japanese why you want to return something that you bought online .

The “Tutor Program” is a one on one service that will match you with a tutor, registered with the Foundation, that you can contact online. You'll be able to ask this tutor to give you simple translations or ask them for advice on daily living.
If you are a foreign resident of Fukuoka City and think you will be able to communicate with a tutor online, then you are eligible for the program. The program is free to you.
For more information and details on the program, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or call the Foundation. The number to call is 0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm
on weekdays. Definitely check it out!

【Fish Restaurants】

Although Fukuoka is a big metropolitan city, the sea and mountains are right in our backyard. We're pretty lucky to have them, especially as they provide so many delicious ingredients. Fukuoka is famous nationally for its ramen and udon. You've had some, right?

However, I think even more than those two dishes, Fukuoka City has some amazing fish.

It seems the number of fish restaurants per 100,000 people in Fukuoka City is the highest percentage in the nation.

In Fukuoka, you'll find the Nagahama Fish Market where fish caught locally are sent all across Japan. At this market, there are also some restaurants, including sushi and tempura shops where you can enjoy what we could call “Japanese Cuisine”. If you don't like the raw fish of sashimi dishes, then definitely check out the tempura places. I've mentioned it before, but I love goma saba. If you can still get it, definitely eat it! As for tempura, I have to say one of my favorite fish to have as tempura is Kisu or Japanese Whiting. They're so light and easy to eat, if I were any good at fishing or making tempura, I'd probably stuff myself silly with them. I guess it's a blessing in disguise that I'm not good at either.

【Information from Fukuoka City】

Covid-19 Vaccinations
Alright, moving on to some important information from Fukuoka City.
Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.
In Fukuoka City, inoculations for the third dose of the vaccine have begun. Residents who are over the age of 12 and have received the previous two inoculations will receive the vaccination coupon for the third dose in the mail.
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 roughly 6 months after your second dose, please phone the call center. Vaccinations for children between the ages of 5 and 11 have also begun.
For questions regarding vaccinations or to make a reservation, 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.

Temporary Special Benefits
Due to the prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has put
together a temporary special benefit to give support to households which are
exempt from levy of the resident tax. The support benefit is 100,000 yen per household.
Eligible households will be sent a letter explaining the benefits and the request to confirm some details. You do need to follow a procedure to receive the benefits so please read the letter, fill in the necessary details and send that information back within three months of the letter’s date of issue.
If you need any help with these temporary special benefits, please contact the call center where they can help you. The phone number is 0120-018-092. Again, that number is 0120-018-092. Calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and a number of foreign languages are supported, including English, Spanish, Portuguese and others.

【Means of Transportation in Fukuoka city】

Well, we are already into the second week of April and I wonder how everyone is getting along. For those of you who just moved to Fukuoka, how are things? Are you used to life here or still getting used to it?

As you explore the different areas of Fukuoka, what kind of transportation do use?

Bicycles are cheap and convenient, I commute nearly everywhere in the city on my bicycle and definitely recommend one, but make sure you do get off and push your bicycle through the parts of the city where there are a lot of people out walking. Also, park your bicycle in a designated parking area, don't just leave it parked out anywhere.

If cycling isn't for you, then using Nishitetsu Bus and the subway are the two best options for getting around the city. There are bus stops everywhere in the city and the subway has a good number of stations throughout the city. Both options are relatively inexpensive and you don't have to worry about finding a place to park your bicycle.

Naturally, there are also taxis all around the city, good if you've got a fair amount of luggage to carry around.

And, of course, there's always walking. You don't need any cash and it's great for your health. Plus, Fukuoka is a very walkable city! If you want to explore the city a bit more on foot, there are walking maps available at the information centers at Hakata and Tenjin Stations.

 【Info from Fukuoka city】

Some information for you from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

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 us at least one week in advance.

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.

Legal Consultations

The Fukuoka City International Foundation also offers free legal consultation 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. Reservations are first come, first serve, so calling in advance to make a reservation is recommended.

You can make a reservation for this service on the Fukuoka City International Foundation homepage.

If you choose to use these services, please know that confidentiality is guaranteed.

And to prevent the spread of Covid-19, measures are being taken so please wear a mask and disinfect your hands when you come for a consultation.

For more information, please call the toll free number0120-66-1799. Again that number is 0120-66-1799. Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.

【Info from Fukuoka city】

Vaccination information
Well, enough about me, I have some important information from Fukuoka City to share with you now. Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.
In Fukuoka City, inoculations for the third dose of the vaccine have begun. Residents who are over the age of 18 and have received the previous two inoculations will receive the vaccination coupon for the third dose in the mail. If you haven't received that coupon roughly 6 months after your second dose, please phone the call center. Vaccinations for children between the ages of 5 and 11 have also begun. Those inoculation coupons will be sent by post starting in order from children who are 11 years old.
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.
For questions regarding vaccinations or to make a reservation, 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.

Temporary Special Benefits

Due to the prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has puttogether a temporary special benefit to give support to households which areexempt from levy of the resident tax. The support benefit is 100,000 yen per household.Eligible households will be sent a letter  explaining the benefits and the request to confirm some details. You do need to follow a procedure to receive the benefits so please read the letter, fill in the necessary details and send that information back within three months of the letter’s date of issue.If you need any help with these temporary special benefits, please contact the call center where they can help you. The phone number is 0120-018-092. Again, that number is 0120-018-092. Calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and a number of foreign languages are supported, including English, Spanish, Portuguese and others.

【Bamboo Shoots】

Seasonal foods are something that I really love to take advantage of in my cooking. And, this season, we've got one of my favorites, Takenoko. Takenoko are the little shoots that grow underground beneath the bamboo stalks, and are just called bamboo shoots in English. They're an ingredient best eaten as fresh as possible so you should cook them soon after buying them. Freshly dug bamboo shoots can be eaten raw, but generally you need to boil them after digging them up.

The bamboo shoots sold at the supermarket have already been heat-treated so they're ready to turn into a delicious dish as soon as you're ready to whip something up. They can be used for a whole variety of dishes, like simmered dishes, stir fries and tempura. They've got a nice texture and really absorb the flavors of what you are cooking. The thicker bit at the bottom is harder but if you slice it up into thin strips or chop it up finely, it's great to steam with your rice!

Fukuoka Prefecture actually is the largest producer of bamboo shoots in Japan as well as the largest production area with a long delivery period from December to May. The bamboo shoots from Ouma, Kokuraminami-ku in Kitakyushu City are considered a top-class ingredient, nationwide. You can actually dig up bamboo shoots yourself if you want through some of the bamboo farms in the area. If you want to try those famous Ouma bamboo shoots, check out http://www.ouma-takenoko.jp/ for information on joining a dig. The season runs until April 17^th and digs are on weekends and holidays. I think I might join one myself, because as I said, I love takenoko!

【Legal Consultation and Personal Counseling】

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

The Fukuoka City International Foundation offers free legal consultation and personal counseling 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.

Personal counseling services are available every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with a Japanese clinical psychologist in English or Japanese.

If you choose to use these services, please know that confidentiality is guaranteed.

And to prevent the spread of Covid-19, measures are being taken so please wear a mask and disinfect your hands when you come for a consultation.

【Information on the Mail Magazine】

Now, I want to share a little information about Fukuoka City International Foundation's monthly mail magazine. The magazine, published in English and Japanese, shares news and information about international exchange events and cooperation and is available to everyone!  Just search for FCIF in your web browser and sign up on the Foundation's website to receive that valuable information!

For notices from the Fukuoka City International Foundation, or if you have any questions or need to make a reservation, you can contact them during the week between 9am and 6pm at 092-262-1799. Again, the phone number is 092-262-1799.

【White Day】

The 14th of February, as you may know is Valentine’s Day. In Japan, women typically give

chocolate to the guys they love or to people who help them out in daily life. Seems a bit

one-sided, doesn’t it? Fortunately, in March, on White Day which happens to be the 14^th of the month, it’s the guys’ turn to repay the favors they received. Valentine’s Day is more or less a global thing but White Day is still only celebrated in a few countries such as Japan, Korea and China.

It was around the end of Showa 40 or the late 1960’s into the 70’s that the idea of White

Day began to spread and, according to legend as they say, it was due to the sales promotions of one particular, long-established confectionary company.

In fact, this company is located in Fukuoka. The company, Ishimura Manseido, came up with the idea of Marshmallow Day. At first, most people bought confectioneries like white

chocolate, candy and marshmallows to celebrate the day, but nowadays, it’s an 'any kind of

sweets' kind of event.

There are often special sales events held and products  made especially for the day, so go

out and treat yourself!

【Vaccination information】

Now, I have some important information from Fukuoka City to share with you. Fukuoka City has been working toward making sure everyone who hopes to be vaccinated can do so with peace of mind.

In Fukuoka City, inoculations for the third dose of the vaccine have begun. Residents of Fukuoka City, who are over the age of 18 and have received the previous two inoculations will receive the vaccination coupon for the third dose in the mail. If you haven't received that coupon roughly 7 months after your second dose, please phone the call center.

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.

For questions regarding vaccinations or to make a reservation, 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, Nepali, Vietnamese and Korean.

 【Temporary special benefit to help give some support to households】

Due to the prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has put

together a temporary special benefit to help give some support to households which are

exempt from levy of the resident tax. The support benefit is 100,000 yen per household.

Households where all members are exempted from resident tax and other eligible

households will be sent a letter with the details of the benefits and the request to confirm

other details. You do need to follow a procedure to receive the benefits so please read the

letter, fill in the necessary details and send that information back within three months of the

letter’s date of issue.

If you need any help with these temporary special benefits, please contact the call center where they can help you. The phone number is 0120-018-092. Again, that number is 0120-018-092. Calls will be accepted from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and a number of foreign languages are supported, including English, Spanish, Portuguese and others.

【Cat Day!】
Finally, a day for my feline friends. Did you know that in Japan, February 22nd is Neko no Hi, or Cat day? It was established in 1987 as a day to appreciate the happiness that comes from living together with cats and the joy they bring to our lives. And every year on Cat Day, there are actually a number of different cat-themed events and campaigns that take place, as well as activities to raise awareness about cats. So, are you wondering why February 22nd was chosen as Cat Day? Well, it comes from the sound that cats are said to make in Japanese which is nyan, nyan, nyan which sounds like ni ni ni or two two two in Japanese. Actually, there are other Cat Days around the world, in many countries in Europe, World Cat Day is on February 17th, in Russia it's March 1st and in the US it's on October 29th. I've got two cats at home, so I guess I'll have to celebrate Cat Day with them on the 22nd. They're pretty full of themselves though, I think they expect to be celebrated everyday!

【Strawberry】

Well, you know it's coming up on the holidays here when you start to see strawberries in the supermarket. Actually, they start showing up as early as mid November in some places but as we really start feeling the holiday spirit and head into December, it's nearly impossible to miss those rows of red, shiny fruits. The actual season for strawberries that are grown outside is from April to June. During the cold winter months, the strawberries are dormant and as the temperature rises in the spring, they wake up and begin to bear fruit from spring to early summer. However, the technology to create a spring-like environment in greenhouses has become widespread making it possible to harvest strawberries in November and December.

It seems this all was thought up in order to be able to harvest high quality strawberries in the winter season in line with Christmas, when the demand for strawberries skyrockets.

In Fukuoka Prefecture, a strawberry called Amaou has become rather famous. The name comes from the beginning of the Japanese words Amai, Marui, Ookii, Umai, which mean Sweet, Round, Big, and Delicious. In English that would sound like Swrobide...I guess. Amaou is a much better name for sure and it's actually an original Fukuoka Prefecture strawberry. One fruit is about twice the size of a regular strawberry and has an exceptional flavor. It's cute round shape and it's rich taste are the secrets behind its popularity.

Hopefully I can get my hands on some Amaou at a reasonable price this season, I've been taking baking classes and have promised Christmas cakes to a few people this year!!!

【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 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 Wednesday the 29th of December to Monday the 3rd of January. The last day they will be open in 2021 is Tuesday the 28th of December. They will reopen in the new year on Tuesday the 4th 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 the Friday the 31st of December to Monday the 3rd 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 Thursday the 30th of December and then after Tuesday the 4th of January. For nonburnable garbage and glass and pet bottles, if Sunday January 2nd is your regular day to put them out, instead they can be put out beforehand on Thursday, December 30th.
For areas where Monday, January 3rd is a regular pickup day, garbage will be picked up instead on Friday, January 7th.

Also, applications and pickup for oversized garbage will be stopped between Wednesday, December 29th to Monday, 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.

【Telephone Establishment Day】

I've got a little bit of history for you today. Apparently, December 16^th is Telephone Establishment Day. A slightly awkward title for the day, but it was on this day in 1890 that Japan's first telephone service began. Now, there are phones all over the country and it's convenient and easy to even call people anywhere in the world, but at the time the first service was established, phones calls could only be made from Tokyo to Yokohama. And there were only 200 households that were subscribed to the service, a minuscule number compared to how connected we are today!

To make a call in those days, you had to connect to a telephone operator who would patch you through via a telephone exchange. It was a very analog process. The caller would first tell the operator the number of the person they wanted to call. They would then hang up and wait for the phone to ring again to connect. Now, 130 years later, we've all got our own personal phones. And, they're not even just for talking, if you've got internet on your phone, you can connect to anything you want across the world!

So, a little bit of trivia for you about phone calls now. The frequency of telephones ranges from .3 to 3.4 Kilohertz which is the range in which people can hear voices well. In other words, you can't hear things that are outside of this frequency over the phone. So sounds made by cicadas, crickets and wind chimes can't be heard as their frequency is too high. So if you want to share these sounds with friends, it's better to take a recording and send it....over your smartphone!

Announcements from the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

【Call for Applications for International Student Housing: Family Rooms】

Currently, there are some student housing family rooms open to applications for international students enrolled at Universities in Fukuoka City or the Fukuoka Metropolitan area.

To be considered, applicants must be enrolled in a University and also be willing to participate enthusiastically in projects conducted by the Fukuoka City International Foundation. The lease period is for 2 years and single tenants will also be considered.

For more information about the application and other requirements, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage or send an email to dorm@fcif.or.jp with any questions you may have.

【Why don't you “Come and Enjoy the Charms of Thailand”!】

On January 8^th, you can feel like you've taken a quick trip to Thailand at the “Come and Enjoy the Charms of Thailand” event. At this event, Thai students studying in Fukuoka will teach you useful Thai expressions that you can use when traveling as well as hear about everything Thailand has to offer from the Fukuoka Branch of the Thai Tourism Authority. 

It's a great chance to prepare for when we can all travel freely again. You do need to apply in advance to participate in this event, so please check the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage for application information and event details. Whether you just love all things Thai or you're thinking of going someday, definitely check out this event.

【Fukuoka City International Foundation End and Start of Year Holiday Closure】

Finally, the Fukuoka City International Foundation will be closed for a period of 6 days, from Wednesday, December 29^th  to Monday, January 3^rd . It will reopen on Tuesday, January 4^th at 8:45 am.

The appointment-based free legal advice service for foreigners will not be available on

Saturday, January 1^st , the next time it will be held will be on Wednesday, January 19^th.

The consultation services with the Gyousei-shoshi or administrative lawyer for matters

related to immigration, residency and nationality that don't require an appointment will

resume on Sunday, January 9^th.  For more information please call 092-262-1799. Again,

that number is 092-262-1799. You can also check the Fukuoka City International

Foundation's website for information.

The staff members at the Fukuoka City International Foundation hope to continue being an

antenna to gather and provide a wealth of information and support to you, the foreign

residents of Fukuoka, in order to make life here in the city even more comfortable in 2022!