Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Fukuoka Marathon】

This Sunday, November 9, the Fukuoka Marathon 2025 will be held.
This citizen-participation marathon has been held every November since 2014. The course covers 42.195 kilometers, connecting Fukuoka City and Itoshima City. The starting point is Tenjin, the heart of Fukuoka! From there, 15,000 runners will start all at once. It’s not every day that you get the chance to run through the center of a major city.

Runners make their way toward the goal in Itoshima while taking in beautiful views of the sea and mountains. It's an enjoyable course offering  a refreshing transition from cityscape to nature.

Along the way, runners are treated to local specialties, sweets, and dishes made with regional ingredients from Fukuoka. The medals awarded to top finishers feature ribbons made of Hakata-ori, a traditional Fukuoka craft. It’s truly a marathon packed with the unique charm of Fukuoka, don't you think?

In addition to the full marathon (42.195 km), a 5.2 km fun run for those who want to enjoy running at a relaxed pace and a wheelchair race will also be held.

Please note that on the day of the event, traffic restrictions will be enforced on roads along the course, and crossing the course on foot or by bicycle will be limited during the race.

The Fukuoka Marathon 2025 is a major local event with many spectators lining the course to cheer on the runners, so on Sunday, November 9, let’s all send warm support to help the runners reach the finish line!

【Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Infant and Toddler Playgroup (“Yarana Hiroba”)

Would you like to come to a place where you can have fun together with your child?

At the Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward, an infant and toddler playgroup, commonly called “Yarana Hiroba,” is held every month. It’s a space where parents and children can spend enjoyable time together.

In November, it will be held on Tuesday, November 11.
The time is from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The theme will be “Outreach Children's Center”.
The Chuo Children’s Hall “Aikuru” will come to the Naraya Community Center.

Through various activities and reading picture books, parents and children can enjoy quality time together. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to interact and connect with one another.

They are looking forward to seeing your there!

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

Call for Participants: Children’s Workshop “Beyond Language – Let’s Create One World Together!”

To continue, the Fukuoka City International Foundation, in collaboration with JICA Kyushu, will hold a hands-on workshop for children.

The target group is 1st to 6th grade elementary school students.
It will be held on Sunday, November 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m and the venue is Meeting Room 1 on the 4th floor of the Fukuoka City International Center.

Children can participate in any language.

In this workshop, participants will draw pictures together while using various languages and learn about each other’s cultures. Even if they speak different languages, children will experience the joy of helping and cooperating with one another.

Participation is free, but advance registration is required.

For more details, please visit the foundation’s website: 【www.fcif.or.jp 】and check their Latest News page.