Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Hakata Old Town Festival / Hakata Old Town Light-Up Walk】

Today, I'd like to share some information about an autumn event where you can experience the charm of old Hakata.

Starting this Friday, the 17th, the “Hakata Old Town Festival” will begin. It will be held in the “Hakata Old Town” area, where many temples and old streets remain. Various events will take place in this area full of history and culture until Sunday, November 9. Over the 24-day period, visitors can experience this area in a new way with town walks, kimono dressing, hands-on activities, and delicious food and drink.

Among the highlights is the “Hakata Old Town Light-Up Walk,” which will take place for four days from Friday, October 31 to Monday, November 3. Which has become an iconic autumn event in Hakata, will be held. During this period, temples and shrines that are usually closed at night will be specially opened. Their buildings and gardens will be beautifully lit, and visitors can enjoy illuminated approach paths and atmospheric grounds in a completely different ambiance than during the day. This unique event offers a rare opportunity to view temples and shrines in this special nighttime setting. This year’s lighting theme is “Forest of Light.” The night-time “Hakata Old Town Light-Up Walk” will begin on Friday, October 31 and continue through Monday, November 3, with the light-up period from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Additionally, during these four days, there will be music events where visitors can enjoy live classical and jazz performances, along with Japanese sake and other drinks, and gourmet food from kitchen cars. At the night markets and local marches, visitors can also enjoy Hakata’s food culture during both the day and evening. For more details, please search the official website.

Be sure to head out and enjoy this unique opportunity to experience the special history and culture of Hakata available only during this event

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

The 23rd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents

Come and show your support for the International residents giving speeches in Japanese for the 23rd Japanese Speech Contest. This year, on Sunday, October 19th  starting at 1 PM, the Fukuoka City International Foundation will be holding the 23rd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents. At this contest, international residents and technical interns studying Japanese at schools or classrooms in the Fukuoka area will speak on various topics, such as their experiences living in Fukuoka and their dreams for the future, all in Japanese.

The event will be held at the Science Hall of Fukuoka City Science Museum in Ropponmatsu, Chuo Ward.
Admission is free, and no reservation is required.

Please come and listen to the participants showcase the results of their hard work and language studies!

For inquiries, contact the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at the Fukuoka City International Foundation at （092-262-1744）.

The “Yarana Hiroba” Infant and Toddler Interaction Class

Moms and dads, would you like to come to a place where you and your child can have fun together?

At Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward, a monthly infant and toddler interaction class,“Yarana Hiroba”, is held for parents and children to enjoy time together.

In October, the session will be held on Tuesday, the 28th, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This month’s activity is a “Eurhythmics Class” (30 minutes) presented by Sanno Kodomo Plaza.

In this class, parents and children will move their whole bodies in rhythm with the music. It’s a special opportunity to enjoy plenty of physical closeness and bonding. Through eurhythmics, you and your child can experience the joy of music and expressing yourselves together.

For more details and information on how to register, please check the Fukuoka City International Foundation Facebook page.

【DISNEY ANIMATION IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE】

This morning, I've got a special announcement for Disney fans!

Starting October 13, the Disney Animation Immersive Experience will open at the Fukuoka City Museum — marking its very first appearance in Kyushu!
Launched in North America in 2022, this extraordinary event has captivated audiences around the world. It brings the magic of Disney Animation to life through spectacular visuals and music.

You can ride a magic carpet with Aladdin and Jasmine, or step into an enchanted house with Mirabel — just like in the movies! From early Disney classics to the latest favorites, this completely new experience will make you feel like you’re right inside the story.
The event runs from October 13, 2025, to February 1, 2026, at the Fukuoka City Museum.

And here’s something even more exciting — photography is allowed in all areas! Plus, you’ll find original merchandise available only at this event.
Step into the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios and immerse yourself in the music, artwork, and animation behind beloved films like Frozen, The Little Mermaid, and Big Hero 6.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind chance to experience Disney magic like never before!

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Come and Listen to the 23^rd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents

The 23rd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents will be held this year on Sunday, October 19th, beginning at 1:00 PM.

In this contest, international residents studying Japanese at language schools and classrooms in the Fukuoka metropolitan area will give speeches in Japanese on a variety of topics, including their experiences living in Fukuoka and their dreams for the future.

The event will be held at the Science Hall of the Fukuoka City Science Museum, located in Ropponmatsu, Chuo Ward.

Admission is free, and no reservation is required.

Come and hear the participants showcase the results of their dedicated Japanese language studies!

For inquiries, contact the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at the Fukuoka City International Foundation.
The phone number is （092-262-1744）.

Introducing the Volunteer Bank – Supporting International Exchange Through Language and Heart

The Fukuoka City International Foundation has been operating the Foreign Language Volunteer Bank since 2021. The aim of this initiative is to help create a multicultural society where local Japanese residents and foreign residents in the region can better understand one another and live together comfortably.

This program is open to anyone who is a high school student or older and either lives, works, or studies in the Fukuoka metropolitan area. Volunteers participate in interpretation and translation activities — from Japanese to other languages, and vice versa.

Taking part as a volunteer not only helps improve your language skills, but also deepens your understanding of the local community. Your language ability can become a powerful tool in supporting international exchange!

If you're interested or thinking about participating, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation website for more information and to learn how to apply.

If you have any questions, feel free to call them at （092-262-1744）.

【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.

【Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka】

Even if you don't play, I'm sure most of you have heard about Pokémon GO? If you don't know what it is, well, it's a smartphone game app where you can catch Pokémon that appear on your screen and then battle them against others. Loved both in Japan and internationally, it has been downloaded over 1 billion times and is so popular that events are held all over the world.
The first Pokémon GO event in Kyushu, "Pokémon GO Wild Area: Fukuoka," will be held in Fukuoka City on Saturday, November 16th, and Sunday, November 17th.
The main venue will be Maizuru Park, where you’ll be able to find popular Pokémon characters throughout the city. Besides encountering rare Pokémon within the park, you can also participate in an exciting event where you can catch Pokémon while exploring 10 official courses set around sightseeing spots in the city. It's a fun opportunity to discover both Pokémon and the attractions of Fukuoka City.
Tickets are required to participate in this event. For more details, search for Pokémon GO Fukuoka.

【Fukuoka City and Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

The Japanese Chatting Event in Tenjin

Have you been studying Japanese but would like an opportunity to chat more with Japanese people in Japanese? The Fukuoka City International Foundation is hosting an event where international residents and Japanese can enjoy conversations together. The event will take place on November 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Acros Fukuoka in Tenjin, Chuo Ward.
Participants will form two circles, with international participants and Japanese participants facing each other.
You will chat one-on-one about various themes for one minute. After each round, participants will switch seats and chat with the next person.
The event will be facilitated by Shintaro Fukae, a Regional Japanese Language Education Advisor from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It’s a great opportunity to engage in conversation with many different people.
Participation is free, but registration is required, and the event is limited to the first 30 participants. Please search for "Nihongo Shaberiba In Tenjin" to register.
Enjoy the conversations and create connections that transcend borders!

"Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School" Information Session
Have you heard about Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School? It’s a public night school established by Fukuoka City for people who couldn’t receive compulsory education for various reasons or who couldn't attend school due to issues like truancy. Enrollment is open regardless of nationality.
At this school, you can study the same nine subjects as in regular junior high school, and if you are worried about your Japanese skills, you can also receive Japanese language instruction. Graduating from the school grants you a junior high school diploma.
Classes are held on weekdays from 5:50 PM to 9:20 PM, and the school is located in Momochi, Sawara Ward. There are no fees for tuition or textbooks.
If you would like to know more, there will be a school information session on November 10th at 2:00 PM. To participate, please register by Wednesday, November 6th via phone or the web. You can call 092-400-0751 between 2:00 PM and 9:15 PM on weekdays. For web registration,search for "Fukuoka Kibou Junior High School Student Recruitment."
If you have questions or need advice, you can contact them via email in your own language using the address provided on their website.

That was information from Fukuoka City.

◇https://sites.google.com/fuku-c.ed.jp/fukuokakibou/admissions/info

【The Nakasu Festival】

Have you ever heard of "Nakasu Matsuri"? It could be described as a dazzling festival, held in Kyushu's largest entertainment district, Nakasu and this festival is held to express gratitude to the customers who visit Nakasu throughout the year.

This year, it will take place next weekend, on the Friday and Saturday nights of October 25th and 26th.

Nakasu's main street will be transformed into a pedestrian paradise, lined with around 60 food and drink stalls. One of the highlights is the "Nakasu Kunihiro Onna Mikoshi," where a total of 500 women carry mikoshi or portable shrines and parade through Nakasu. Another must-see is the "Oiran Dochu", where elegantly dressed oiran  or courtesans gracefully stroll through the streets in splendid costumes. These are sights that can only be experienced at this event.

Additionally, there will be stage events including shows and live performances to enjoy.

Why not take a trip to experience an enchanting night in Nakasu, at an event that only happens once a year?

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

The Japanese Chatting Event in Tenjin

Have you been studying Japanese but would like an opportunity to chat more with Japanese people in Japanese? The Fukuoka City International Foundation is hosting an event where international residents and Japanese can enjoy conversations together. The event will take place on November 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Acros Fukuoka in Tenjin, Chuo Ward.

Participants will form two circles, with international participants and Japanese participants facing each other. You will chat one-on-one about various themes for one minute. After each round, participants will switch seats and chat with the next person.

The event will be facilitated by Shintaro Fukae, a Regional Japanese Language Education Advisor from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It’s a great opportunity to engage in conversation with many different people.

Participation is free, but registration is required, and the event is limited to the first 30 participants. Please search for "Nihongo Shaberiba In Tenjin" to register.

Enjoy the conversations and create connections that transcend borders!

Come and Listen to the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents

On Sunday, October 27th, starting at 12:30 PM, the Fukuoka City International Foundation will be holding the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest by International Residents. In this contest, international residents and technical interns studying Japanese at schools or classrooms in the Fukuoka area will speak on various topics, such as their experiences living in Fukuoka and their dreams for the future, all in Japanese.

The event will be held at the Science Hall of Fukuoka City Science Museum in Ropponmatsu, Chuo Ward.
Admission is free, and no reservation is required.

Please come and listen to the participants showcase the results of their hard work and language studies!

For inquiries, contact the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at the Fukuoka City International Foundation at 092-262-1744 . Again, that number is (092-262-1744).

【Hakata and Tenjin Summer Festivals】

The Hakata Summer Festival and the Tenjin Summer Festival are now being held livening up the summer in Fukuoka even more. 

The Tenjin festival is at Fureai Plaza on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall and will be held every day from tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6th until Sunday, August 18th. The Hakata Festival is being held in the square right in front of JR Hakata Station, again, every day from tomorrow to Thursday, August 22nd.  

There are stalls selling shaved ice, yakisoba, and Hakata gourmet foods, as well as traditional festival games like yo-yo fishing and shooting galleries. There's also a live music stage at each venue.

You'll have a chance to join in the Bon Odori dance performed there, forming a circle around the "yagura" tower and dancing to the music. Even if you've never danced the Bon Odori dance before, you'll no doubt have fun experiencing this uniquely Japanese festival. Be sure to visit and enjoy the treats of summer!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese learning site-Tsunagaru, Hirgaru, Life with Japanese

Today, I'd like to share some information about the Japanese language learning site "Tsunagaru Hirogaru Nihongo de no Kurashi" created by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. This site is designed for foreigners to learn Japanese on their own, and it aims to help learners acquire the Japanese necessary for communication and daily life.

The site supports 18 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Nepali, and Vietnamese.

The site offers three levels of study, from Level 1 to Level 3, allowing you to study at your level of proficiency. There is also a Japanese proficiency check to help you determine which level is appropriate for you.  

There are a variety of lessons dealing with everyday situations. For example, you can learn Japanese used for "shopping," "going to the hospital," and "raising children" through videos. You can study the meaning and practice your pronunciation by watching these videos which have subtitles in Japanese, romaji, or a foreign language of your choice. The dialogues for each of the videos are also available to see on the site for easy review. 

As Japanese has many types of written characters, which might seem difficult at first, the site also introduces tips for reading and writing in daily life, such as how to write names and fill out common documents. There are also videos on systems like "tax" and "medical care," as well as informational columns with tips for daily life in Japan, making it a very useful site.

Search for “Tsunahiro”, that's TSUNAHIRO, and start learning Japanese from the scenarios that interest you or are most relevant to you right now. You can also find a link to the site on the Fukuoka City website under "Support for Foreign Residents."

If you want to learn from a teacher, face to face, Fukuoka City does offer many Japanese classes taught by volunteer teachers at community centers and other locations. Information about the levels, participation fees, and contents of each class is available on the "Nihongo Class Map." You can find beginner classes for slow-paced learning, kanji practice classes, classes to learn about Japanese culture, and classes that allow you to enjoy interacting with locals while studying Japanese.

Search for "Fukuoka City Nihongo Class Map" to find nearby Japanese classes.

【Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival】

For the wine lovers this morning, the "Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival" is currently being held
at the Fureai Hiroba on the West side of Fukuoka City Hall. This festival marks the 35th
anniversary of the sister city relationship between Fukuoka and Bordeaux and the festival itself
is celebrating 7 years.
At the festival, you can enjoy over 100 different types of Bordeaux wines, along with delicious
local cuisine from Fukuoka. Additionally, the venue features authentic opera performances and
other stage shows. It's a popular event, attracting many visitors each year and the atmosphere
is lively and fun. It is a must-do event for wine enthusiasts. The festival is open from 5 PM on
weekdays and from noon to 10 PM on weekends and will go on until June 2nd. Be sure to check
it out!

https://bordeaux-fukuoka.com/

【Fukuoka City Information】

Easy Japanese Radio

Have you heard
about this program? 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

June 1st to the 7th is
HIV testing week.
Just last year, medical institutions in Fukuoka City reported 34 new HIV infections and 7 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.
Screenings are on a specified day, so please visit the homepage of your local health and welfare
center before you go.
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.

【Nanakusa-gayu】

Happy New year! Thank you for starting the year off with me. I hope you have a wonderful 2024 filled with good food, fun and friends.

How did you spend your New Year's eve? What's the plan for today?

I hope you have a chance to enjoy the food, customs, and atmosphere around the city that are unique to the New Year.

I don't know if you know this, but on January 7, the last day of the New Year week, people eat "Nanakusa porridge," a traditional food containing seven kinds of seasonal medicinal herbs, for breakfast, to pray for good health and good fortune throughout the year. It is also meant to help the stomach and intestines, which may be tired and overworked from the rich foods and alcohol consumed during the New Year's holiday. The porridge is usually seasoned simply with salt. You can find these seven herbs as a set, sold at supermarkets and other places, so you don't have to worry about trying to gather all of these ingredients together.

Once again, I wish you all a happy and healthy year in 2024!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Japanese Chatting Salon

The first topic is about their Japanese chatting salon which might be useful for any international students who are studying in Fukuoka. Do you know about the monthly Japanese Chatting Salon? Using Zoom, international students and Japanese volunteers meet one on one or in small groups to talk about topics that interest them. If you are looking for a chance to use daily Japanese as well as practice the Japanese you've learned in class, or just want to chat with a native Japanese speaker, then definitely join in! The sessions are free and the next session will be held online on January 31st.  You do need to make a reservation to join this event though.

To learn more about this event or to make a reservation, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation's website or their Facebook page. The website for the Fukuoka City International Foundation is www.fcif.or.jp. Again that website is www.fcif.or.jp.  You can also call the Foundation to get details at  (092-262-1799). They're looking forward to hearing from you, so check it out.

Consultations for 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 one week in advance.

Your confidentiality is guaranteed, so please feel at ease to use these services.

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

【Fukuoka Oktoberfest 2023】

Well, it's that time of year again when the beer festival 'Fukuoka Oktoberfest,' featuring direct imports of beer from Germany, will be held here in Fukuoka. It will be over 10 days from Friday, October 20th to Sunday, October 29th.

You can enjoy a variety of German draft beers, beer cocktails, sausages, and other traditional German home-cooked dishes. And while you enjoy your food and drink, you can also experience the ambiance of Bavarian traditional music.

The event will take place at Reisen Park, just a 3-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station. Admission is free, and the beer is available on a deposit system.

Under the refreshing autumn sky, spend 10 days singing and dancing with a beer in hand. Soft drinks, non-alcoholic beer, and wine will also be available for purchase, so everyone can enjoy this festival.

We encourage you to come and experience the atmosphere for yourself by visiting.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Have you heard of the International Japanese Speech Contest?

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

Have you heard of the International Japanese Speech Contest that they hold every year?

Well, this year, the 21st  International Speech Contest will take place on the national holiday on Friday, November 3rd from 1pm. Speeches are given by students from Japanese classes and from Japanese language schools in the Fukuoka Metropolitan area. The topic of the speech is up to the participant and ranges from their experiences living in Fukuoka City to their dreams for the future, of course, delivered in Japanese. The contest will be held in the Science Hall  at the Fukuoka City Science Museum in Ropponmatsu.

If you are planning to attend the contest, you do not need to make a reservation.

If you have a chance, come and support these students and listen to the fruits of their language study labor!

For more information you can call the Fukuoka City International Foundation and speak to the Japanese Speech Contest Executive Committee at 092-262-1744. 

"Consultations for 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 one week in advance.

Your confidentiality is guaranteed, so please feel at ease to use these services.

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

【Rainy Season】

Well, for those of you who have been here for awhile, you know that in Japan, there is a seasonal phenomenon known as the "rainy season or tsuyu," during which time we see many rainy and cloudy days over about a month as the seasons change from spring to summer. If this is your first year here, well hopefully, you like the rain. 
Although heavy rains can sometimes cause natural disasters, they are also a blessing as they give us water for what can be a long dry season over the summer. 
In Fukuoka, the rainy season usually begins in early June and ends in mid-July.
Since landslides and floods are more likely to occur, it is advisable to reconfirm evacuation methods and evacuation sites in your area. Also, check your weather forecast every day so that you know what to wear when going out and when is best for drying your laundry outside. I'm sure neither you or your clothes care to be caught in a rain shower unprepared! 

It's not all bad though. As I mentioned before, rainfall during the rainy season is essential for making sure we have enough water , which is vital for daily life and the growth of crops.
This season is also the time to enjoy the seasonal flowers, hydrangeas. They are at their most beautiful in the rain and bring a lot of color to otherwise dreary days. 
Make the most of the rainy season by spending time at home to relax and enjoy the soothing sound of the rain.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Easy Japanese Radio

Now I have some information from Fukuoka City about Easy Japanese Radio. From June, a new program, Yasashi Nihongo Rajio Kouza or the Easy Japanese Radio Course will start airing. This 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 will be on every Friday from 9:54am and the first program will be aired on June 2^nd . 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 on June 2^nd!

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 37 new HIV infections and 11 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.

Screenings are on a specified day, so please visit the homepage of your local health and welfare center before you go.

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.