Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Grand Sumo November Tournament】

Once again this year, one of Japan’s biggest sumo events, the Grand Sumo November Tournament, is about to begin. Grand sumo tournaments are held six times a year, and every November, Fukuoka hosts what is known as the Kyushu Tournament.

It is an important official tournament that brings the sumo year to a close. With the season drawing to an end, key bouts can affect the year’s most wins, promotions and retirements, as well as the rankings for the following year.

This year, the tournament will be held for 15 days, from November 8th through November 22nd, at the Fukuoka International Center. Over those 15 days, the area around the venue is filled with colourful nobori banners, and sumo fans gather in large numbers, creating a lively atmosphere every day.

During this period, temporary sumo stables are also set up around Fukuoka City and the surrounding area. Some of them offer opportunities for visitors to watch training sessions or take part in community events.

Of course, you can watch grand sumo on television, but seeing a bout live is a completely different experience. The power and impact are much more impressive in person.

At the venue, it is also interesting to see more than just the matches themselves. You can catch glimpses of the many people working behind the scenes to support the tournament and keep everything running smoothly.

Since the Kyushu Tournament is held right here in Fukuoka, why not take the opportunity to experience sumo live?

【Information from the Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Legal Consultation and Personal Counseling

 The Fukuoka City International Center 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 from the Fukuoka Bar Association. 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. Reservations are necessary, so please make one if you are interested.

Both types of consultations ensure strict confidentiality, so you can feel at ease when you come to these consultations. Reservations will be taken from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays. For detailed inquiries, please contact (0120-66-1799).

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 foundation 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). Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 5:30pm on weekdays.