Life in Fukuoka "English"

【ART FAIR ASIA FUKUOKA】

In Fukuoka, known as the “Gateway to Asia,” an art fair with an Asian concept, ART FAIR ASIA FUKUOKA 2025, will be held next weekend. This gallery show brings together art galleries from across the region to exhibit and sell their works. Aiming to connect Asia and Japan, as well as the local and the global, the fair creates a space where diverse expressions beyond traditional frameworks meet with new talents shaping the future , a gathering filled with Asia’s energy and creativity.

This year marks the 10th anniversary, and the event will be larger than ever, featuring over 100 booths. It has also evolved into an “experiential art fair” where visitors can not only view and purchase art but also immerse themselves in interactive experiences. With a focus on artists from Asia, Kyushu, and Fukuoka, the fair collaborates with museums, universities, companies, and other art fairs both in Japan and abroad.

In the main section, carefully selected commercial galleries from Japan and overseas will showcase their collections. There will also be performance art, live shows, large-scale installations, and a special curated area introducing leading artists driving Asia’s contemporary art scene.

The event will be held at Marine Messe Fukuoka, Building B, over three days from Friday, September 26 through Sunday, September 28. Visitors can look forward to a unique, immersive art experience that will inspire creativity and imagination. Don’t miss it!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Tuberculosis Prevention Week

From September 24th to September 30th is Tuberculosis Prevention Week.

Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease caused by the tuberculosis bacteria, mainly affecting the lungs. In 2024, 176 people were newly diagnosed with tuberculosis in Fukuoka City. In recent years, there has been a growing number of cases among foreign-born residents in their 20s and 30s, and group infections have also been reported at Japanese language schools.

Common symptoms include coughing, phlegm, fever, chest pain, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss. In its early stages, TB can resemble a common cold. If you have symptoms such as a cough lasting more than two weeks, phlegm, feeling unusually tired, or sudden weight loss, please visit a medical facility as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment not only prevent the illness from becoming severe but also protect your family, friends, and coworkers from infection.

Being infected with the tuberculosis bacteria does not always mean you will develop the disease. However, if your immune system cannot control the bacteria, it can multiply over time and lead to illness. To reduce the risk, it’s important to maintain good health habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. Also, even if you are diagnosed with tuberculosis, it can be cured by taking the prescribed medication every day as instructed by your doctor.

Fukuoka City also provides a Medical Interpretation Call Center that can help you find a hospital and assist with conversations at clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies when receiving medication.

The service is available 24 hours a day, every day. The phone number is （092-733-5429）

Support is available in 20 languages, so please don’t hesitate to call if you need assistance.

【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

【[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.

【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.

【Nepal Festival Fukuoka】

With spring in the air and more beautiful days to enjoy being outside, it's the perfect time to get out and explore!

This weekend on Saturday and Sunday, the Nepal Festival Fukuoka will be held at Tenjin Central Park—a cultural exchange event that showcases the traditional arts, music, and food culture of Nepal. Visitors can enjoy delicious Nepalese cuisine and stage performances by popular artists.

Currently, over 10,000 Nepalese people live in Fukuoka City, many of them international students. Fukuoka is one of the cities in Japan with the largest Nepalese population. And this year, April 14 marks the New Year in the Bikram Sambat calendar used in Nepal.

The Nepal Festival Fukuoka has been held annually since 2010 to celebrate this New Year, making this the 12th edition of the event. Organized mainly by Nepalese students and residents living in Fukuoka, the festival offers a full program of activities that let visitors experience Nepalese culture with all five senses. You’ll find authentic food, traditional goods, folk dance and music, a musical instrument parade, opportunities to try on traditional Nepalese sarees, art exhibits, and travel information about Nepal.

The event takes place from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on April 12 and 13 (Saturday and Sunday). Admission is free, and the venue is Tenjin Central Park.

Come join this popular event and celebrate the Nepalese New Year right here in Fukuoka!

【Fukuoka City information】

Consultations for Foreign Residents

Is there anything worrying you as you settle into your new life here? Or maybe something you don't understand? 

 The Fukuoka City Comprehensive Consultation and Support Center for Foreign Residents provides guidance and information on various aspects of daily life, including residency procedures, employment, healthcare, welfare, childbirth, childcare, and education for children. If you are unsure where to ask for help, the center can introduce you to the appropriate service. 

The phone number is (0120-66-1799). Phone calls will be taken from  9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays.
. The center is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and New Year holidays
Support is available in 23 languages.

If you need to confirm procedures related to National Health Insurance, waste disposal, or taxes in Fukuoka City, you can call the Interpretation Center, which will connect you to your local ward office for consultation.

The phone number for that is (092-753-6113). Phone calls will be taken from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. That center is closed on  Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and New Year holidays
Support is available in 23 languages.

Additionally, if you need assistance finding a medical institution, speaking with a doctor, or receiving medication at a hospital or pharmacy, you can use the Fukuoka City Medical Interpretating Call Center for telephone interpretation.
Requests can be made not only by foreign residents but also by hospitals and pharmacies.

That phone number is (092-733-5429). The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Support is available in 20 languages.
The service itself is free, but the caller is responsible for telephone charges.

【Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival】

Have you seen this year’s cherry blossoms yet? Every year from late March to early April, Maizuru Park in Fukuoka City hosts the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival, coinciding with the cherry blossom season to celebrate the blossoms in full bloom.
Maizuru Park is a famous cherry blossom spot in the city, and features around 1,000 cherry trees of 19 different varieties, including Somei Yoshino and Shidarezakura or weeping cherry blossoms. This popular annual event is once again taking place this year at Maizuru Park.
One of the highlights of the festival is the variety of gourmet food stalls and food trucks, allowing visitors to enjoy spring flavors while admiring the cherry blossoms. The gourmet area features popular Fukuoka restaurants, the festival food area offers classic street food, and the tea house serves Yame tea, sweets, and sake. There’s even a BBQ area, making it easy to enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossoms.
The festival also includes performances by street entertainers, fun attractions for children, and a stamp rally, making it a great place for families to visit.
At night, the cherry blossoms and Fukuoka Castle are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical and
dreamlike atmosphere. The sight of the cherry blossom trees reflected on the moat, known as
“Sakasazakura” or upside-down cherry blossoms, adds to the wonderful scenery there, offering a different charm from the daytime.
The Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival is on until this Sunday, so if you haven’t been yet, be sure to visit!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Consultation Services for Foreign Residents

Are you facing any difficulties or uncertainties in your new life? The Fukuoka City Comprehensive
Consultation and Support Center for Foreign Residents provides guidance and information on various aspects of daily life, including residency procedures, employment, healthcare, welfare, childbirth, childcare, and education for children. If you are unsure where to ask for help, the center can introduce you to the appropriate service.

The phone number is (0120-66-1799). Phone calls will be taken from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM om weekdays.
The center is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and New Year holidays Support is available in 23 languages.
If you need to confirm procedures related to National Health Insurance, waste disposal, or taxes in Fukuoka City, you can call the Interpretation Center, which will connect you to your local ward office for consultation.
The phone number for that is (092-753-6113). Phone calls will be taken from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. That center is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and New Year holidays
Support is available in 23 languages.
Additionally, if you need assistance finding a medical institution, speaking with a doctor, or receiving
medication at a hospital or pharmacy, you can use the Fukuoka City Medical Interpretating Call Center for telephone interpretation.
Requests can be made not only by foreign residents but also by hospitals and pharmacies.
That phone number is (092-733-5429). The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Support is available in 20 languages.
The service itself is free, but the caller is responsible for telephone charges.

【Fukuoka's Ariake Seaweed】

Now in season, Fukuoka proudly offers one of Japan's highest quality laver seaweeds, Fukuoka's Ariake Seaweed. The Ariake Sea, located in the southern part of the prefecture, is one of Japan's three major seaweed production areas. This seaweed is known for its rich aroma, delicate texture, and umami that melts on the tongue From rice balls to toppings for various dishes, seaweed has long been an essential ingredient on Japanese dining tables. It's also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, iron, calcium, dietary fiber, and more. Despite being low in calories, seaweed is a natural food that is rich in flavor.
The flavor and texture of seaweed vary depending on its place of origin, season, and grade. What makes Fukuoka's Ariake Seaweed so delicious is the abundant nutrients and moderate salinity brought by the rivers flowing into the Ariake Sea, as well as the unique tidal flats exposed during low tide. This combination of natural blessings and expert techniques results in an exceptional product. The seaweed season in Fukuoka's Ariake Sea runs from mid-October to early April. During this time, you can enjoy the fresh aroma unique to seaweed at its peak.
However, even the finest seaweed can lose its flavor if not stored properly. The greatest enemy of seaweed is moisture. To maintain its quality, store dried seaweed in an airtight container with a desiccant, in a dark place away from direct sunlight. While it can be kept at room temperature, storing it in the refrigerator is also recommended. Just before eating, lightly toast the seaweed over an open flame or heat it in the microwave to remove moisture and restore its crisp texture.
Now is the perfect season to savor Fukuoka's Ariake Seaweed. Pair it with rice and experience the authentic taste of Fukuoka!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Lifestyle Disease Prevention Month

February is Life-style related disease prevention month.
These are diseases that develop due to, as you may have guessed, our life-style habits.
Life-style related diseases include diabetes, hypertension, CKD or chronic kidney disease and heart attacks and are caused by a lack of regular exercise and by nutritionally imbalanced diets. Smoking, excessive drinking and stress can also cause life-style related diseases.
To maintain a healthy life-style, balanced and appropriately portioned meals, three times a day at regular times, is key. Constantly eating nutritionally unbalanced foods, like instant meals or greasy foods, can cause obesity and diabetes. They also say that chewing your food properly is important in a healthy diet as it will reduce the burden on your digestive system and strengthen the muscles around the mouth. Taking your time to eat, spending at least 20 minutes enjoying your meal, is suggested.
Regular exercise is also important as the loss of muscle mass due to a lack of exercise will affect your basal metabolic rate, which is the number of calories you burn as your body performs basic life-sustaining functions. If this rate decreases, it's more likely you'll gain weight. So make time to exercise to maintain your muscle strength and mass. For those who do not have many opportunities to exercise, walk when shopping, use the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, or take other short breaks in your daily life to get about 10 minutes more physical activity than you do now. It will go a long way toward your health.
Sleep is also essential to your health. It plays an important role in our health as it allows us to get rid of mental and physical fatigue and boosts our immunity. But to maintain our immunity, it's important that we are getting enough sleep and that our sleep is good quality sleep. Avoid using your smartphone, watching TV, or consuming caffeine or alcohol before going to bed, as these will reduce the quality of your sleep. Instead, find another way to relax, perhaps by taking a bath before bed, or doing whatever is it you like to do to relax. It's important to live a stress-free life. Perhaps this is a chance to take another look at your own daily life-style.

【Mandatory Helmet Use for Bicycle Commuting at Fukuoka Prefectural Schools】

The Fukuoka Prefectural Board of Education announced that starting this April, all students commuting by bicycle to prefectural schools in Fukuoka will be required to wear helmets. Currently, the helmet usage rate in Fukuoka Prefecture remains low, with high school students having the lowest rate of usage. Experiments measuring the impact on the head have shown that the force of an impact is approximately four times greater when a helmet is not worn compared to when one is used.

Approximately 60% of students at prefectural high schools commute by bicycle. Beginning with the new school term in April, school rules will include helmet use as a condition for allowing students to commute by bicycle. 

Promoting awareness of the importance of wearing helmets while cycling is directly tied to protecting lives. When selecting a helmet, choose one with the "SG Mark," which indicates that it meets Japan's safety standards.

For helmets to provide maximum safety, they must be worn correctly. Make sure the helmet sits evenly on the head at the correct angle, and adjust the chin strap so there is just enough space for one finger to fit under it. 

Not only high school students but everyone should wear a helmet while cycling, follow traffic rules, and prioritize safe driving to prevent accidents.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Beware of Norovirus

As you may know, winter is the season when it's very easy to get infectious gastroenteritis and food poisoning due to the Norovirus. It's a strong virus and even a tiny amount entering the body can lead to infection.

The virus can spread through contaminated hands, food, or inhalation of airborne particles from vomiting or diarrhea. You can also get it from foods that have been cooked by somebody infected by the virus. It can also be transmitted by eating shellfish, like oysters, that haven't been cooked thoroughly and are carrying the virus. 

Severe vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. So if you think you have caught the virus, get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. You'll recover in a few days but the virus can hang around for a week to a month, even in your stools, and so it is possible to infect others, something we need to be careful about. 

We can take measures to prevent the spread of infection, however. Be sure to wash your hands with soap before preparing meals, before eating and after using the toilet. Make sure you wash your utensils and cooking tools thoroughly after each use and disinfect them with bleach or boiling water. Alcohol disinfectants aren't that effective against the Norovirus, but heat is. Heat food to an internal temperature of 85–90°C for at least 90 seconds to kill the virus. So, make sure that when you cook, things are cooked thoroughly and that you wash any fruits and veggies that you don't cook. And, of course, if you don't feel well, try to stay away from  doing too much in the kitchen. 

If you feel unwell and need to visit a hospital, Fukuoka City offers a Medical Interpretation Call Center. It can assist with communication during hospital visits, including discussions with doctors or when you need to get a prescription. The service can also help you find an appropriate hospital if you’re not sure where to go.

The hotline number is (092-733-5429). It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, supports 20 languages, and is a valuable resource in times of need.

【Indian Consulate General】

A new Indian Consulate General will soon be established here in Fukuoka. Currently, the only Indian consulate in Japan is in Osaka, making Fukuoka the second location. Fukuoka already hosts consulates from the United States, China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. With the expectation of more Indian nationals and companies working in Kyushu, the consulate is set to open in December.

The new consulate will issue visas, ensure the safety and support of Indian residents, and serve as a center for sharing information on India’s economy and culture. Fukuoka, the vibrant gateway city to Asia is about to get even livelier!

【Fukuoka City Information】

 World Aids Day

First is about World Aids Day on December 1st. Every year around the 1st of December, around the world, various events and activities take place, to deepen awareness and understanding of AIDS.

Even after being infected by HIV, definitive symptoms may not appear for a period of several years sometimes and so it is believed that there are a number of people who have been infected but will not be diagnosed until the onset of AIDS. By detecting HIV infection early and receiving the appropriate health care and treatment, the onset of AIDS can be delayed. 

Since there can be a period of several years without any noticeable symptoms even after infection, it’s important to get tested early, if you think you are at risk. At the health and welfare centers of each ward, HIV screening is offered. This screening is free of charge and anonymous. Screening is only on certain days so make sure you check which days before you go.

And, I don't know if you know this but the red ribbon is a symbol that shows awareness and solidarity with those affected by AIDS. The red ribbon announces to others that you have no prejudice against people affected by AIDS and gives that message that we will not discriminate against those living with AIDS. The red ribbon days are from the 1st to 7th of December and over this period, the Hakata Port Tower and the Fukuoka Red Brick Culture Museum will be lit up in red in support. So for World AIDS Day, let's all take the time to learn the correct information about AIDS and how to prevent it.

Illegal dumping of garbage or Fly-tipping

I hope this doesn't really need to be said, but dumping oversized garbage and household waste in the mountains, forests, by the seaside, by rivers, on the road, or in parks is illegal.

In Fukuoka City, at the end of the year, many people do a big house clean and a lot of garbage is produced. As such, December has been designated as “Illegal Dumping Prevention Reinforcement Month”. Activities will be undertaken to strengthen measures to prevent the illegal dumping of waste.

Fukuoka City has, in cooperation with the police, installed surveillance cameras and warning signs in places where illegal dumping is common and will carry out patrols of those areas. 

Home appliances like TV's, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines and dryers, air conditioners and the like, are all subject to the Home Appliance Recycling Law and there is a set way to dispose of them. If you are buying replacement appliances, the shop will pick up your old appliance. If the shop will not take the old appliance, ask your local Yamada Denki to pick them up, or request collection from Renet Japan Recycle or SG Moving, disposal companies which have an agreement with the city. Please keep in mind that you will have to cover recycling fees and collection and transportation fees with these companies.
Also, when getting rid of your pc, please ask the manufacturer or contact Renet Japan Recycle to collect your PCs.

When making a request for the collection of unwanted items from your home, be sure to contact a licensed waste collection and transportation company. Using unlicensed companies can lead to issues such as illegal dumping or unexpectedly high fees, so please avoid using their services. 

【November Holidays】

As we enter November, let’s talk about some holidays dedicated to expressing gratitude. Japan is known for having many special commemorative days, and two of them in November stand out: Good Couple Day and Labor Thanksgiving Day. 

Good Couple Day on November 22 was created from a Japanese wordplay on the numbers (11= “ii,” meaning good, and 22= “fufu,” meaning couple). This day is dedicated to cherishing time together as a couple. It’s a wonderful opportunity to express appreciation and share thoughts that may be hard to say in everyday life. Many people celebrate it not only with their partners but also with their parents, married children, or friends who are couples. The day has become so popular that some couples even choose it as their wedding anniversary. There are also events, such as the “Nice Couple Award,” which is presented to famous couples who stood out that year. 

Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23 is the last national holiday of the year. As the name suggests, it’s a day to express gratitude to workers. Originally, it was a harvest festival where people thanked the gods for the year’s crops and prayed for a good harvest in the coming year. Today, Labor Thanksgiving Day encourages the appreciation of work and the efforts of others. While there are no specific customs for the day, people often take time to rest, unwind, and share gratitude with family, friends, coworkers, and others who work hard around them. 

Both of these days are also a reminder to show appreciation not only to others but to yourself. Take a moment to recognize your efforts and give yourself some well-deserved praise for all the hard work you do! 

【Oyster Huts】

Next up, I have information on a popular winter tradition in Fukuoka. These are the oyster huts in Itoshima which have opened for the season! Each year around this time, local fishermen set up huts and vinyl houses where visitors can enjoy oysters, often called "the milk of the sea." They are rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and packed with high-quality protein and nutrients that boost immunity, combat fatigue, prevent lifestyle diseases, and are beneficial for skin and hair. 

Itoshima’s oysters are known for being fresh, safe, affordable, large, and delicious, making them a favorite not only among locals but also among visitors from outside the prefecture. They are even available for purchase online, so you can enjoy fresh Itoshima oysters at home.

How do you like your oysters prepared? Raw, grilled, or steamed with just a squeeze of lemon or soy sauce is always a classic choice. They’re also delicious sautéed in butter and garlic or served as an ajillo.

In the past, when I've visited the oyster huts, I often brought a few seasonings with me. Some huts let you bring them. I think my favorite way to eat them was with garlic and butter, but we also found that adding some parmesan cheese on them was pretty good too!

In Japan, fried oysters (kaki-fry) are also very popular, and many restaurants offer this dish during the season. Be sure to try it if you haven’t—it's delicious! Be careful though, they're really hot when they come out and stay hot for a while, so when you bite into them, you might burn your tongue! Oysters add great flavor to soups and hot pots, making them perfect for warming up on chilly days. 

I can't say I often use oysters in my own cooking, I tend to eat them at restaurants during the oyster season as I trust the cooks there to cook them just right and bring out the best of their flavors. 

But, if you have any delicious oyster recipes, please share them with us! I'm always interested in trying new dishes!