Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Water supply spot/My bottle cooperation store】

This morning, I've got some great information for you, especially as it gets warmer in the city. In
Fukuoka City, as part of an effort to reduce plastic usage, water dispensers called "My Bottle
Water Refill Spots" have been installed in public facilities throughout the city. To promote the use
of personal bottles, chilled, safe, and delicious tap water from Fukuoka is available for free.
Citizens can refill their bottles anytime at ward offices, community centers, gymnasiums, parks,
and other public facilities.
Additionally, in Fukuoka City, shops working in cooperation with this Fukuoka City My Bottle
effort, will directly fill your personal bottle with the beverage you order, such as water or coffee.
Some shops offer discounts on coffee orders, if you bring your own bottle, but this varies from
store to store.
The locations of the "My Bottle Water Refill Spots" and the shops cooperating with the
"Fukuoka City My Bottle” effort are available on the "Fukuoka City Web Map". So definitely take
advatage of this service and these facilities to help reduce plastic waste. Small efforts add up to
helping the global environment in big ways.

https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/kankyo/jigyokeigomi/hp/FukuokaCityMyBottle_1.html

【Fukuoka City Information】

Light vehicle tax

People who are in possession of a motorized bike or a light vehicle, as of April 1st, must pay a
light vehicle tax.
If you do have a motorized bike or light vehicle, you will receive a tax payment notification in the
post, so make sure you take a look inside. Payment is due by the 31st of May and you can
make your payment at a convenience store, bank or post office. You can even pay via
smartphone apps now.
If you do not pay your taxes, like the light vehicle taxes, you may run into difficulties when it
comes time to renew your residency visa and you may face having your assets seized.
If there is anything you don't understand or if you are finding it difficult to pay your tax, please
contact your ward office for consultation. If you contact them by phone for consultation, 18
different languages are supported. That phone number is (092-753-6113). This phone number will connect to the Multilingual Interpretation Center. After
registering with them, you will be connected to your ward office. When you call, make sure that
you tell them which language you need to use, the ward in which you live and that you are
calling in regards to paying your taxes.

【Spring Rose Garden】

This coming Sunday, the 12th, is "Mother's Day." In Japan, Mother's Day is celebrated every second Sunday of May, like in the US, as a day to express gratitude to mothers. It is customary to say "thank you" and to give mothers flowers on this day.

Around this time, the spring roses and many other flowers in Fukuoka are in full bloom. As part of the "One Person, One Flower" campaign in Fukuoka City, many flowers have been planted in flower beds around the city, so you might see quite the colorful display while walking around town .

Speaking of flowers around town and a great day out, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, features about 1,200 rose plants of approximately 220 varieties in two areas of the park. And as you might have guessed with all those flowers, it is also a popular spot for photography.

Another place, the Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Garden in Chuo Ward, has about 1,800 rose plants of approximately 280 varieties. The spring rose garden is rather spectacular due to the large size and number of flowers. I go nearly every year to enjoy the view and the scent of all of those roses.

If you haven't been yet, then get out and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the "spring roses" blooming in Fukuoka City for yourself!

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

Now, I have some 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.  

The consultations are held on the 4th floor of the Fukuoka City International Center, which is located in Hakata Ward's Tenya-machi. 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.  The phone number to call is 0120-66-1799. Again, that is (0120-66-1799).

Get Consultations through LINE CALL

If you are connected to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's official Line Account, you can use Line Call to contact 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 22 different languages is available.

You can also sign up to get information on events or useful information for foreign residents of the city, so if you aren't already connected on Line, just go to the Fukuoka City International Foundation's homepage and click on Add Friend to get connected.

However, be aware that 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.