Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Start Using a Reusable Water Bottle】

July is Heatstroke Prevention Awareness Month.
Heatstroke occurs when your body can no longer regulate its temperature due to intense heat or physical activity, leading to an imbalance of fluids and salts. Infants and toddlers are particularly at risk because their temperature regulation is still developing and symptoms can appear in a short time, so extra care is needed.

To prevent heatstroke, it’s important to avoid extreme heat, stay well-hydrated with both fluids and salts, and monitor your physical condition. A daily intake of about 1.2 liters of fluids (roughly 6 cups) is recommended. It’s important to drink regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty. Don’t forget to replenish salts too—sports drinks or salted candies can help.

To help residents stay hydrated while out and about, Fukuoka City has installed “My Bottle Refill Stations” at ward offices, community centers, gyms, parks, and other public facilities, where you can refill your bottle with chilled Fukuoka tap water.

In addition, around 90 participating businesses in the city are registered as My Bottle Partner Shops and will refill your bottle with water or coffee.
A list of refill locations can be found on Fukuoka City’s website—just search for “Fukuoka City My Bottle” in English. The first result should be the right one!

Let’s all make use of reusable bottles and refill services to stay hydrated during outings this summer!

 🔎Fukuoka city Let's start My Bottle! (Water Supply Spot, My Bottle Cooperating Shops)

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Parent-Child Interaction Class “Yarana Hiroba”

Looking for a place to enjoy fun activities with your child?
Narayaya Community Center in Hakata Ward holds a monthly interactive class for infants and toddlers called Yarana Hiroba, where parents and children can enjoy time together. The next session will be held on Tuesday, July 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This month’s session will feature a lecture by Chiho Horii, a school social worker and counselor, titled: “Thank You for Being Born — How Early Childhood and Adolescence Are Connected.”
Ms. Horii has appeared on NHK TV programs.

Everyone is welcome to attend but be aware that the lecture will be conducted in Japanese. 

For details on how to register, please check the Fukuoka City International Foundation’s Facebook page.

 🔎福岡市国際会館／あったか福岡 | Fukuoka-shi Fukuoka | Facebook

You Can Now Call for Help via LINE Call!

You can now make inquiries about general consultations and free expert consultation appointments through LINE Call on the Fukuoka City International Foundation’s official LINE account. Phone interpreting is available, so you can receive support in multiple languages.

You can also receive notifications about upcoming events and useful information for foreign residents.
Please add the Fukuoka City International Foundation as a friend from their official website!
Please be aware that the service does not support chat messages.
If you would like to send a written inquiry, please use the contact form on the foundation’s website.

 🔎FCIF LINE Official Account｜Fukuoka City International Foundation

【Fukuoka City Subway – Available Coin Locker Search Service】

With the growing number of international visitors to downtown Fukuoka areas like Tenjin and Hakata, more and more people are using coin lockers to store their luggage. To help reduce the hassle of walking around with bags while looking for an available locker, Fukuoka City Subway has introduced a new service for coin lockers located inside Tenjin and Hakata stations which will allow you to check the real-time availability of lockers at a glance.

Touchscreen panels have been installed near two ticket gates at each station, where you can search for available lockers by size and location. These panels are multilingual, supporting English, Chinese, and Korean. Additionally, for lockers that don’t have a touchscreen, a QR code system is available, allowing users to search locker availability using their smartphones.

Alongside this service, the number of large-sized lockers—big enough to fit carry-on suitcases—has been doubled at each station, making it even more convenient to use.

With summer holidays just around the corner, be sure to take advantage of this service when traveling or shopping to enjoy your time in Fukuoka more comfortably.

 🔎ロッカーコンシェルジュ｜富士アイティ株式会社

【Fukuoka City ／ Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Warnings about Heatstroke

Now that the hot days of summer are here, I’d like to share some tips to help you prevent heatstroke this season.

Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature properly due to high temperatures or intense physical activity. This leads to an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.

If you experience these symptoms and are unable to drink water on your own, or if cooling your body and rehydrating with fluids and electrolytes doesn’t lead to improvement, please call emergency services at 119 and request an ambulance.

Particularly from July onwards, as the temperatures start to rise after the end of the rainy season, the number of heatstroke related emergency calls increases rapidly. During this time, be especially careful, as high humidity and the body’s lack of acclimatization to the heat can raise the risk. Keep in mind that heatstroke can occur not only outdoors but also indoors. 

Here are some tips for preventing heatstroke:

Stay hydrated by drinking fluids regularly. Water and barley tea are recommended for daily hydration. During exercise or physical activity, oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks are ideal.

Replenish both fluids and salt after sweating.

Wear a hat or use a parasol to avoid direct sunlight.

Use air conditioning and fans efficiently to keep the room temperature below 28°C.

Use cooling items such as cooling sheets or ice pillows.

Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and take care of your overall health.

Take care of yourself and remember to stay cool and safe throughout the summer months.

 🔎Fukuoka city Prevent heat stroke and Enjoy Summer!

New Employment Consultation Service for International Students!

A free employment consultation service is now available for international students who wish to find a job in Fukuoka City. At the consultation desk, employment specialists provide continuous support, including information on obtaining the appropriate visa status for employment and advice on interview preparation.

The service is available at the Fukuoka City International Foundation in Tenya-machi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. Online consultations are also available.

For the consultation schedule and to make a reservation, please visit the Global Community Fukuoka Facebook page.

🔎Global Community Fukuoka | Facebook

➖guest interview ➖

【Joshua Galyean】

from California, living in ItOSHIMA

Photographer (freelance) / Musician (J-Rock)

【[Fukuoka Marathon 2025] Volunteer Recruitment】

The Fukuoka Marathon will once again be held this year on November 9. Runners from Japan and around the world will take on a scenic and dynamic 42.195 km course stretching from Tenjin in Chuo Ward to Itoshima, blending urban energy with natural beauty.

To support this event, the organizers are currently recruiting 3,500 volunteers. The encouragement and support of volunteers are a powerful source of motivation for the approximately 15,000 runners taking part.

Volunteer activities include registration, course setup, baggage check services, aid stations, guidance and direction, and language support for international participants.

Volunteers can choose to participate on one or more days from November 6 to 9.
Individual volunteers must be 15 years or older, excluding junior high school students, and group or organizational participation is also welcome.

To participate, volunteers must be able to read and write in Japanese and attend a mandatory orientation session either online or in person in advance.

Whether you're a returning volunteer or joining for the first time, everyone is welcome to be part of the excitement and help make the event a success.
In addition, volunteers will have a chance to receive a guaranteed race entry spot in the next Fukuoka Marathon through the “Volunteer Entry Program.”

For more details and to apply, please visit the official Fukuoka Marathon website.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Notice from Fukuoka City National Health Insurance

In Japan, all residents are required to enroll in a public health insurance system, so that they can receive medical treatment at a low cost and with peace of mind when they are sick or injured. If you are permitted to stay in Japan for more than three months and are not enrolled in employee health insurance through a company, you are required to join National Health Insurance. You must complete the procedures at the ward office of the area where you live.

If you are enrolled in Fukuoka City National Health Insurance, you are required to pay insurance premiums. These premiums are an important source of funding used to cover medical expenses for everyone.

The premium amount for the period April 2025 to March 2026 was determined based on your income from the previous year, and notification letters were sent in mid-June in blue envelopes to those who need to pay. Please be sure to open the envelope and check the amount listed. Be sure to pay your premiums by the due date.

If you do not pay your insurance premiums, the city may investigate your assets and seize your savings or salary, so please be aware of this.

If there is anything you do not understand, you can get help in 23 languages by phone.
The phone number is (092-753-6113.)
You will first be connected to the interpreting center, and then to your ward office.
Please tell the interpreter your ward and that you are calling about National Health Insurance.

【Food Education Month】

Every year, the month of June is designated as Shokuiku Month, or Food Education Month, and June 19 is Shokuiku Day. A healthy body is built through a balanced diet. So, let’s take this opportunity to review our daily eating habits and aim for better nutrition.

This season also marks the rainy season (tsuyu), when the risk of natural disasters caused by heavy rain increases. During disasters, it may become difficult to obtain food from supermarkets or convenience stores, and water or gas supplies may be cut off. To prepare for such emergencies, it’s important to stockpile food.

In case transportation and lifeline services are disrupted, it may take more than three days for recovery. Therefore, it’s recommended to store at least "three days’ worth of food per family member.

A good strategy is to buy slightly more of your usual food, use items close to their expiration dates first, and replace them as you go. This method is easy to manage and helps keep your stock fresh.

During emergencies, meals often consist mostly of carbohydrates like rice and bread, which can lead to shortages of protein, vitamins, and dietary fiber. We recommend keeping canned fish, meat, or beans, and long-lasting vegetables like carrots and onions in your stockpile.

When choosing emergency food supplies, opt for items that are nutritionally balanced, shelf-stable, and suitable for long-term storage at room temperature.

Let’s all stay prepared with a mindful approach to disaster readiness, and take simple steps we can manage in our daily lives.

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Parent-Child Interaction Class “Yarana Hiroba

Looking for a fun place to spend time with your child?
The Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward holds a monthly parent-child interaction class called “Yarana Hiroba”, where parents and children can enjoy time together.

For June, the session will be held on Tuesday, June 24 and goes from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

This month’s theme is “Parent-Child Play.”
You’ll sing songs while holding your baby, read picture books, and enjoy playful interaction with your child. It’s a chance to experience fun and engaging activities in a spacious environment that’s different from home.

For registration details and more information, please check the Fukuoka City International Foundation’s Facebook page.

Schooling and Career Guidance Session 2025 for Children with Foreign Roots

The Fukuoka City International Foundation, in cooperation with NPO Tomoniikiru Machi Fukuoka Association, Fukuoka YWCA, and the Fukuoka International Citizens Association, will host the  Education and Career Consultation Fair 2025 for Children with Foreign Roots.

This session is for families with children from preschool age to high school students who have foreign backgrounds. You can receive advice about education and career options. There will also be a booth for residence status consultations with immigration officers and administrative scriveners.

Participation is free, but advance reservation is required.
Consultation is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Nepali.

This event will be held on Saturday, July 12, from 1:00 PM at the Fukuoka City International Center in Tenyamachi, Hakata Ward.

For reservations and inquiries, please visit the website of NPO Tomoniikiru Machi Fukuoka no Kai in Japanese.

【Fukuoka Civic Orchestra】

Do you enjoy classical music?

This Sunday, June 15th, the Fukuoka Civic Orchestra will hold its regular concert at the ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall in Tenjin, Fukuoka City. 

Founded in 1972, the Fukuoka Civic Orchestra is an amateur ensemble that has continued vibrant performance activities with the aim of becoming an "orchestra loved by the citizens." The orchestra consists of around 100 members, mainly working adults, but also includes students, homemakers, and people from various walks of life. They rehearse every Saturday and focus on holding two regular concerts a year, along with other performances throughout the year.

The program for this concert includes:

Spring Song, a symphonic poem by Jean Sibelius

Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major by Jean Sibelius

Selections from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61 by Felix Mendelssohn

Before the main performance, there will also be a lobby concert and a pre-talk by the conductor.

The concert takes place on Sunday, June 15th. Doors open at 1:00 PM, and the performance begins at 2:00 PM.

All seats are non-reserved. Tickets are 1,500 yen for general admission, and 500 yen for students from elementary through university level.

We hope you’ll take this opportunity to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of classical music!

【Fukuoka City Information】

About Taxes

If you live in Fukuoka City and earned more than 1 million yen in the previous year from January 1 to December 31, you may be required to pay residential taxes, those are municipal and prefectural taxes. 

A tax payment notice will be sent to you around June 15.
Please make sure to open the envelope, as it contains important information about how much you owe and the payment deadline.

You can pay your taxes at convenience stores, banks, or post offices.
Payment is also possible using a smartphone payment app or credit card.

If you are employed by a company, these taxes may be automatically deducted from your salary.

If you do not pay your taxes, you may face property seizure or experience difficulties when renewing your residence status.

If you are unsure about anything or have trouble paying, please consult your local ward office. You can also get help over the phone in 23 different languages.

The phone number is (092-753-6113). 
This number connects you to an interpretation center, which will then connect you to the appropriate ward office. Please tell the interpreter which language you speak, which ward you live in, and that you are calling about taxes.

【Hakozaki Hydrangea Festival】

As the seasons shift from spring to summer, the rainy season—tsuyu—brings many cloudy and rainy days. In Fukuoka, the tsuyu typically begins in early June and ends in mid-July. One of the joys of this season is appreciating the flowers of the moment,  hydrangeas or ajisai in Japanese.

Hydrangeas begin with pale colors and deepen in hue as they bloom over time. Interestingly, the color of the flowers can also vary depending on the acidity of the soil. With their vibrant shades of white, blue, pink, and purple, hydrangeas brighten streets and gardens, lifting our spirits even during damp, dreary weather.

There are many famous hydrangea spots in Fukuoka City. Close to Tenjin, Maizuru Park is especially recommended for a stroll. You'll see hydrangea if you look for the wooded area behind the Fukuoka Art Museum and near the entrance of the peony and Chinese peony garden.

At the Fukuoka City Botanical Garden, you can admire not only hydrangeas but also a wide variety of plants in the greenhouse, making it a great rainy-day destination.

You can also enjoy hydrangeas on a grand scale at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Higashi Ward and Nokonoshima Island Park in Nishi Ward, where wide-open spaces showcase colorful blooms in abundance.

Another highlight is the Hakozaki Shrine Hydrangea Festival, held throughout June. In the shrine’s vast 1,700-tsubo Ajisai Garden, around 3,500 hydrangea plants from 100 varieties bloom beautifully. Don’t miss the hydrangeas displayed in the water basin used for purifying hands and mouth before prayer. They’re one of the festival’s special sights.

Let the beauty of hydrangeas soothe your soul during Japan’s rainy season.

【Fukuoka City information】

Rainy season and heavy rains

 In Japan, June to July is rainy season and is called "tsuyu" in Japanese. It is a period of frequent rainfall and is also a time to be cautious as it is also a season when heavy rain disasters can occur.  

In recent years, Fukuoka Prefecture has experienced significant damage due to record-breaking heavy rainfalls during the rainy season. When it is raining heavily, please avoid going near places that can become dangerous during these rainstorms, such as rivers, coastlines, and mountainsides. It is also important to take action to protect yourself during this time.

One thing you can do is to check hazard maps and disaster prevention information on the Fukuoka City website. It is advisable to familiarize yourself in advance with the risks and evacuation procedures specific to your residential area. For more details, search for "Fukuoka City Multilingual Portal" and refer to the "Disaster" page.

Important information from Fukuoka City is also shared in multiple languages on the official Facebook page "Global Community Fukuoka" and the Fukuoka City International  Foundation Facebook page "Fukuoka City International Center/ Attaka Fukuoka." Follow these pages to stay updated on important information.

【Asian Market Festa 2025】

Enjoy the atmosphere of an Asian market and night bazaar right here in Fukuoka! The Asian Market Festa is a lively event filled with Asian cuisine, goods, travel information, and even local Fukuoka and Kyushu gourmet specialties. It will be held for six days, from Tuesday, May 27 to Sunday, June 1, at Tenjin Chuo Park in front of the Kihinkan (Guest House).

There will be around 30 food stalls at the festival, offering famous dishes from countries such as Taiwan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Hong Kong. You can enjoy the feeling of being at an Asian street market or night market and sample those countries' treats from street food classics to local favorites. There will also be a wide variety of Asian beers and sweets.

This year, special attention is also given to visitors from outside the region, with a selection of gourmet foods from Fukuoka and Kyushu, including local specialties and popular restaurants. There will also be stage performances, including music, dance, martial arts, and more making it feel like you've taken a trip overseas without ever leaving the ground. 

What's even better is that admission is free! On weekdays, the event starts at 5pm and ends at 10pm. On Saturday, it starts at 12pm and ends at 10pm and on Sunday, it starts at 12pm but ends a little earlier at 9pm.

It's impossible to try everything in one day, so you'll definitely want to visit this delicious gourmet street again and again!

【Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival 2025】

Now I've got some information on another another outdoor event that is currently underway in Tenjin. Just a short walk from Tenjin Chuo Park, the Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival is being held at the Fureai Plaza on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall.

Fukuoka City is a sister city with Bordeaux, France and this wine celebration has been held every year since 2017. Now in its 8th edition, the festival features around 100 varieties of Bordeaux wine, along with French-inspired dishes prepared by popular local restaurants using Kyushu-sourced ingredients.

In addition to wine and gourmet food, the event offers a cultural experience, with live performances of ballet, opera, and jazz taking place on stage throughout the day.

The festival is open daily until Sunday, June 15 on Weekdays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

At the Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival, wine, gourmet food, and culture come together in a special setting where you can fully experience the charm of both Bordeaux and Fukuoka. With a carefully curated selection of fine wines from around the world, the festival is a must-visit for wine lovers. A wide range of wines are available, making it a perfect opportunity to discover your personal favorite. Don’t miss this wonderful event—make your way to Tenjin and enjoy! 

【Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan】

Have you ever visited one of Hakata’s well-known sightseeing spots, the Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan?

Located in Reisenmachi, Hakata Ward, near Kushida Shrine, this facility lets you observe and experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of old Hakata. It includes a building designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by Fukuoka City, a souvenir shop offering goods related to Fukuoka and Hakata, and interactive exhibits where you can view displays on Hakata’s history and culture, watch demonstrations by skilled artisans, and even try your hand at making traditional crafts.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan, and to celebrate, the souvenir shop was renovated and reopened in April with a newly added café.

The new café and retail space, called hakatakara, offers traditional crafts from Hakata, popular Fukuoka-themed items, locally made sweets, and exclusive products you won’t find anywhere else—perfect for souvenirs. The café serves Japanese tea and traditional sweets. Additionally, a new tourist information and exchange space has been created to welcome international visitors.

This is a great new spot where you can experience Hakata’s traditional culture firsthand—so I highly recommend a visit!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Easy Japanese Radio

 Have you heard about Easy Japanese Radio? This radio program is for international residents who are still working on their Japanese skills and is a chance to listen to easy Japanese spoken at an easy pace. Information international residents will find useful in regards to living in Fukuoka will be shared. 

The program is on every Friday from 9:54am. If you can't understand everything, or miss what what was said, don't worry! You will be able to see the script for the program on Love FM's website and also listen to the podcast as many times as you want. It's a great chance to practice not only your listening skills but also pick up some new, useful vocabulary. So, tune in every Friday!

HIV Testing Week

Alright, I have some more important information to share with you here. June 1st to the 7th is HIV testing week.

Just last year, medical institutions in Fukuoka City reported 27 new HIV infections and 15 AIDS patients.

To prevent the spread of HIV, the earlier it is discovered, the faster it can be treated.

Even if someone is infected with HIV, few symptoms appear, which is why testing is necessary to know if someone is actually infected.

Free, anonymous HIV screenings will be held at the health and welfare centers of each ward. The test is simple and only requires a blood sample 

Please note that testing is only available on certain days, so be sure to check the schedule on the Fukuoka City website in advance. 

If an HIV diagnosis is made in the early stages, with proper health management and treatment, the onset of AIDS can be delayed. So if you think you may be at risk, please get checked as soon as possible.

【Outdoor Music Festival “CIRCLE ’25”】

Fukuoka’s popular outdoor music festival CIRCLE ’25 is happening again this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, at the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park Outdoor Theater.

CIRCLE is a major music event that represents Fukuoka each May.  Set in the lush greenery of Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, the festival features a full day of live performances from a diverse lineup of Japanese artists across multiple genres.

Originally launched in 2007, this year marks the 12th edition of CIRCLE. Over 20 unique artists will perform, ranging from rising stars to seasoned veterans of the Japanese music scene.

Visitors can relax in the open-air venue, pitch a tent, and enjoy gourmet food from select restaurants across Kyushu. Whether you come solo, with friends, or as a family with children, CIRCLE offers something for everyone.

The festival begins at 11:00 AM on both Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th and takes place at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park’s Outdoor Theater in Fukuoka.

Why not soak in the music and fresh air for a perfect spring weekend?

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Announcement for May 27 – Naraya Community Center Parent & Child Class

Looking for a fun place to spend time with your child?

The Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward holds a monthly class for infants and toddlers and their parents, called Yarana Hiroba. It’s a great chance for families to enjoy time together.

In May, the session will be held on Tuesday, May 27, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

This month’s theme is “Let’s play together!” Parents and children will enjoy dancing and moving their bodies freely with a licensed childcare worker.

For details on how to apply and other information, please visit the website or Facebook page of the Fukuoka City International Foundation.

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

To continue, 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 center at least two weeks 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 5:30pm on weekdays.