Life in Fukuoka "English"

【What's the latest trend?】

So, today the topic I'm supposed to talk about is what is popular or trendy right now in the US. And if I'm honest, I don't really know because I don't follow the trends in the US. I still listen to classic rock and have been watching old episodes of Star Trek. Tells you how up-to-date I am! However, a little while back and then again last month, I saw some articles on how women are embracing being more natural, more specifically, not dying their hair as it goes grey and that some salons have even created hair treatments to really accentuate the color as it changes. I thought that was pretty cool, my hair has been going grey, actually white, for a few years now and the thought of using permanent dyes to maintain some kind of  hair color for 'my age', is just not something I can be bothered to do. I recently did a temporary dye for fun, it was a bright magenta that has faded over the weeks, but I am fully at ease with my normal hair color and its 'glitter' strands, as I've heard them called.  If this 'embrace the grey' is a trend that is happening in the US, I guess it's something that I can get on board with!

【Status report on the child allowance】

A child allowance is being provided to those raising children from the age of zero to the age that they finish junior high school. The amount ranges from 5000 yen to 15,000 yen per child, per month, based on the child's age and your income.

The money is paid three times per year, in June, October and February, for the 4 month period before the month of payment. In order to receive this child allowance, you must submit a yearly status report. In the first half of June, Fukuoka City sent the documents necessary to make the report to allowance recipients. Please fill the necessary information in and make sure to post the report so that it will arrive by June 30^th. Please be aware that you will not receive a payment if you do not submit the report or if there are any sections left incomplete.

If there is anything that you don't understand, please check with  your local ward office. You can also consult by phone in 18 different languages. This phone number is 092-753-6113.  Again, 092-753-6113. This phone number will connect you to the ward office after you speak with an interpreter. Please tell the interpreter which ward you live in and what you are calling about.

【Information on riding bicycles】

Did you know that last year in Fukuoka city that there were 1770 bicycle accidents and also one resulting death? It is very important to follow the rules and keep your manners while riding bicycles. So from now, I just want to cover some of the main rules in Japan.

 In Japan, in principle, bicycles are supposed to pass on the left side of the road and pedestrians have priority while on the sidewalk. When you are on the sidewalk, please pass slowly along the side closest to the road. Also, remember to turn on your headlight at night.

If you leave your bicycle parked on the road not in a designated area, it will be taken away, so always park in a designated area. Finally, riding side by side is not allowed.

Fukuoka City has introduced a cycle share service challed Charichari. There are over 250 bicycle ports throughout the city and more are to be added in the future.

Use the Charichari application to rent a bicycle. After you are finished, just return the bicycle to your nearest port. It costs 4 yen per minute and you can pay using a convenience store or a credit card. For example, going from Tenjin to Hakata station takes about 10 minutes. Using the bicycle, that will only cost you 40 yen, so definitely try it out.