Life in Fukuoka "English"

【（koromo-gae）Changing out the Wardrobe】
Koromo-gae is “the changing of the clothes” or “changing out the wardrobe” in English and it's the custom of changing your wardrobe from winter clothes to summer clothes around the 1st of June. So why did koromo-gae start in the first place here?
Well, it was a practice apparently introduced from China during the Heian period. In the palace, it became an event of sorts and wardrobes were changed out twice a year. From the Edo period, the samurai society changed out their wardrobes 4 times a year to suit the seasons as the variety of kimonos increased. The custom then spread to the general public. In the Meiji period, western clothes were becoming the fashion and since officials and military personnel typically wore uniforms, the change in wardrobe once again happened twice a year, once for summer clothes and once for winter clothes. This was also influenced by the change in the use of calendars when Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar in order to adopt western systems modeled around western calendar days.
The custom became pervasive throughout Japan and you can see it's influence in schools and their uniforms and in regular family homes even today.
It's a good custom as there's usually not enough space in the closet or drawers to keep all of the winter and summer clothes together. Also, at least in my case, if I don't change out my wardrobe, my drawers get kind of messy, and when I'm looking for a t-shirt, I pull out a wool turtleneck, which is just somehow a terrible feeling even on the hands on a hot day! I have yet to change things out though, when I do, I think I'll also do a big clear out of things I haven't worn in a while!

【Information From Fukuoka City】

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 11:50 am and the first program will be aired on June 3rd. 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 skill but also pick up some new, useful vocabulary. So, tune in on June 3rd !

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 21 new HIV infections and 18 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.