Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New

‒
No.302
December
2009
Edited!and!Issued!monthly!by!FUKUOKA!INTERNATIONAL!ASSOCIATION!Rainbow!Plaza!
IMS!8F-!1-7-11!Tenjin-!Chuo-ku-!Fukuoka!City!810-0001!)Tel;092-733-2220*!)Fax;092-733-2215*!
—ȱ ‘Šȱ ŽŽ•œȱ •’”Žȱ Šȱ ‹•’—”ȱ ˜ȱ Š—ȱ Ž¢Žǰȱ ’ȱ ‘Šœȱ
‹ŽŒ˜–Žȱ‘Žȱ•Šœȱ–˜—‘ȱ˜ȱŘŖŖşǯȱŠŒ‘ȱ–˜—‘ȱ’—ȱ
‘Žȱ Š™Š—ŽœŽȱ •ž—Š›ȱ ŒŠ•Ž—Š›ȱ ‘Šœȱ Šȱ œ™ŽŒ’’Œȱ
—Š–ŽǰȱŠ—ȱ‘Žȱ Ž•‘ȱ–˜—‘ǰȱ ‘’Œ‘ȱŒŠ–Žȱ˜ȱ
Œ˜››Žœ™˜—ȱ˜ȱŽŒŽ–‹Ž›ȱ’—ȱ‘Žȱœ˜•Š›ȱŒŠ•Ž—Š›ǰȱ
’œȱ”—˜ —ȱŠœȱœ‘’ Šœžȱ˜›ȱȃ™›’Žœœȱ›ž—ȱ–˜—‘ǯȄȱ
‘Ž›Žȱ Š›Žȱ –Š—¢ȱ ‘Ž˜›’Žœȱ Šœȱ ˜ȱ ‘Žȱ ˜›’’—ȱ ˜ȱ
‘’œȱ—Š–Žǰȱ‹žȱ’ȱ’œȱžœžŠ••¢ȱœŠ’ȱ‘Šȱ’ȱŒ˜–Žœȱ
›˜–ȱ ‘Šȱ ŠŒȱ ‘Šȱ ™›’Žœœȱ Š—ȱ –˜—”œȱ Š›Žȱ
‹žœ¢ȱ›ž——’—ȱŠ›˜ž—ȱž›’—ȱ‘’œȱ’–Žȱ˜ȱ¢ŽŠ›ǯȱ
—ȱ‘’œȱ–˜—‘ȱ ‘Ž—ȱŽŸŽ›¢ȱ˜ —ȱœŽŽ–œȱ˜ȱ‹Žȱ’—ȱ
Šȱ‘ž››¢ǰȱ Žȱ ’••ȱ’—›˜žŒŽȱ‘˜ ȱ‘ŽȱŽ ȱŽŠ›ȱ
’œȱ›ŽŽŽȱ’—ȱŠ™Š—ǯȱ
Kadomatsu
Kagamimochi
Hatsumode
Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New:
Shimekazari
Preparations for seeing
the Old Year out
Nengajo (New Year’s
greeting card)
The Japanese send these
greeting cards not only to Shimekazari
people whom they meet or
communicate with on a regular basis, but also to old
acquaintances and people who have helped them in the
past. According to the Japan Post Service, over four billion
nengajo were printed for the New Year of
2009, clearly showing that this is an
established tradition to the Japanese people.
From December 15th, post boxes are equipped ࠰᝶
with slots specifically for nengajo. The Post
Service has made arrangements so that all
SAMPLE
mail with ࠰᝶ (“New Year’s celebration”)
written in red below the stamp and posted by
December 25th will be delivered on New
Year’s Day.
Major Cleaning and Wrapping up Work
The end of the year means it is the season for a thorough
cleaning. By clearing out the dirt from typically hard-to-reach
places, you can greet the New Year in good spirits. On the last
work day of the year, known as shigoto-osame or “work
Where to ring joya-no-kane on P3!
Zoni recipe on P7!
This month’s National Holidays
closing,” offices hold their own
major cleaning, as well as a wrapup ceremony. On the other hand,
the first day of the New Year on
which work resumes is called
Otoshi-dama shigoto-hajime.
New Year’s Decorations
Since long ago, it has been thought that January 1st, known
as ganjitsu, is the day on which the gods who protect the crops
visit each home. Some related customs that carry through to
this day include decorating with New Year’s pine, or
kadomatsu, rice straw ropes called shimekazari, and mirrorshaped rice cakes known as kagami-mochi. The kadomatsu,
made with pine and bamboo, and the shimekazari, made of
straw, are thought to be guiding markers for the gods, and so
they are placed in various locations around the house. The
kagami-mochi, bitter oranges, fern leaves, dried konbu kelp,
and dried skewered persimmons are also set out as offerings to
the gods, and each has the following specific meaning:
㨪continued on page 3
Rainbow Plaza will be closed
from December 29 (Tue) to January 3 (Sun).
December 23 (Wed) Tennō tanjō-bi (‫ټ‬႐ᛓဃଐ)
Emperor’s Birthday
Visit our new website !
www.rainbowfia.or.jp
‒
2‒
December 2009
FUKUOKA &
the WORLD
b-cycle Initiative Has Commenced
Hakata-ku has the greatest number of
illegally-parked bicycles of any of the city’s
wards. In April of this year, the Hakata Ward
Office established a Bicycle Utilization
Section for promoting the counter-measures
against the increasing number of these
unattended bicycles, and in September it
began the b-cycle Initiative in cooperation
with a career college and young volunteers.
Every Friday, members distribute maps of
bicycle parking locations and clean up
garbage around Hakata Station. The “b” of bcycle stands for bicycles, buddies, and
beauty. To participate, all you need to do is
wear comfortable clothing and show up in
front of EX-SIDE HAKATA near the
Chikushi Exit of Hakata Station at 7:30 a.m.
(ends at 8:30 a.m.) on any Friday morning
(canceled in the case of rain). For more
information about the b-cycle Initiative and
to access the map of bicycle parking locations
around Hakata Station, check out the
following website: http://b-cycle.info/
“Baby Stations” are Established
As part of a plan to
support households
raising
children
throughout
the
regional community,
Fukuoka City has
begun
registering
facilities with free
spaces for nursing
and changing diapers
as “Baby Stations”.
As of October 5th, around 172 public and
private facilities in the city including the
seven ward offices, community centers and
municipal subway stations have been
registered. You can use these spaces freely,
so look for locations marked with this symbol
when you go out with your infant.
The Birth of Itoshima City
On January 1st of 2010, Maebaru City, Nijo
Town, and Shima Town of Fukuoka
Prefecture will be unified to form “Itoshima
City.” The Itoshima Peninsula, with its
wealth of natural beauty, has many charming
points. The 64 meters-high, ten meters-wide
and 90 meters-deep Keya no oto (“Great Gate
of Keya”) lies in Shima Town, while Nijo
Town is famous for the “weeping sand”
beaches of Anego no hama, and Maebaru
Statistics of Fukuoka City, December, 2009
Area: 340.60 km2 (as of October 1st, ‘04), Population (September ’09) : 1,394,017
(Households: 662,040), Registered Foreigners (September ’09) : 22,943 (Households: 14,850),
Consumer Price Index (September ’09) : 99.8 (100 as of ‘05), Foreign Trade (million ¥,
September ’09) : Exports - 170,099 (Hakata Port - 114,024 / Fukuoka International Airport 56,075), Imports - 88,785 (Hakata Port - 58,166 / International Airport - 30,619) City is represented by Shiraito no taki, a
waterfall that flows from a height of 24
meters. A population of approximately
100,000 people, including 480 registered
foreigners, will observe the birth of their new
city.
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park’s
Amusement Rides to be Replaced
In November, eight of the aging rides,
including the rollercoaster, in the amusement
park located in the center of the governmentrun Uminonakamichi Seaside Park were
permanently shut down. There is deliberation
over whether to create a green space or
admission-free amusement facilities after the
demolition.㩷
Fukuoka Marché
This fall, the Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries-subsidized “Marché
Japan Project” started in several locations
across the country. In Fukuoka, there is one
“Fukuoka Marché” located in Island City
Chuo Koen Park and another in Fureai
Hiroba next to City Hall, which will be open
until March of next year. Admission is free.
The project is an opportunity for Kyushu
producers to sell their vegetables, fruits, and
processed goods directly to consumers. By
connecting the people who make the products
to those who eat them, the project aims to
raise awareness of local agricultural produce
and to encourage Japanese farmers. Please
check the website for the latest schedule.
http://www.marche-japon.org/area/4001/
News for Living
Fukuoka City Housing Allowance
Information Center Opens
Fukuoka City has begun a project to offer a
housing allowance to people who, despite the
ability and desire to work, have been laid off
and lost their housing or are at risk of losing
their housing. The Information Center is now
open on the 7th floor of the Elgala Office,
Chuo-ku, Tenjin 1-chome. In order to use this
service, you must attend job consultation at
Hello Work at least once and have an
interview with a work aid at the
aforementioned Information Desk at least
twice each month during the housing
allowance period.
who are at risk of losing their housing
‫܆‬In general, those who have no source of
income (in the case of temporary income or
cohabiter’s income, the individual monthly
income must not exceed 84,000 yen and the
total monthly household income must not
exceed 172,000 yen)
‫܆‬Those with no assets (individual savings
not exceeding 500,000 yen, total household
savings not exceeding 1,000,000 yen)
‫܆‬Those without Supplemental Security
Income or a similar income from a national
or local government
Allowance:
Individual: 37,000 yen monthly
Household: 48,000 yen monthly
* The same amount as a housing allowance
from Fukuoka City Supplemental Security
Income
Allowance Period: Not to exceed 6 months
(allowance begins the month following
application)
Allowance Method: The city will transfer
the money directly to your landlord or
managing company
Inquiries: Fukuoka City Housing Allowance
Information Center 0120-976-353 or 092791-7175
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(excluding
New
Year’s
holidays,
Sundays, and national
holidays;
Saturdays
are
limited
to
telephone calls) 㩷
Information from Fukuoka
International Association
The Fukuoka International Association’s
online handbook for foreign residents,
“Living in Fukuoka”, has been revised as
of the end of September 2009. The
website is also now available in
Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
Please come visit our website at
www.rainbowfia.or.jp.
Eligibility: Individuals to whom all of the
following conditions apply
‫܆‬Those who have lost their job within the
past two years and have lost their housing or
As of November 30th, use of the
“EXCHANGE”
message
board
at
Rainbow Plaza will be discontinued due
to issues regarding its improper use and
trouble amongst its users.
‒
December 2009
3‒
㨪continued from page 1
‫ܖ‬Bitter
orange (daidai): Its fruit does not fall to the ground,
but instead grows attached to the branch, and so it represents
the hope that a family will prosper for many generations
(also daidai).
‫ܖ‬Fern leaves: The back sides of these leaves are white, which
is a symbol of being morally upright and living a long life
until one’s hair turns white, and the green leaves that grow
without falling off of the branch are symbolic of the hope for
a family’s long prosperity.
‫ܖ‬Konbu: This is supposed to inspire happiness (yoro
“kobu”=to be happy) and encourage the birth of healthy
children (‫܇‬ဃۡ).
‫ܖ‬Dried skewered persimmons: The fruit represents the good
luck of the long-lived persimmon tree.
To put these decorations out on the 29th or later is considered
negligence to the gods, therefore it is best to set them out before
the 28th. The kodamatsu and shimekazari are kept up during
what is called matsu-no-uchi, which lasts from around seven
days to as long as the Lunar New Year on the 15th. It is believed
that during this period of time the gods are still present in the
house. Around January 11th, the kagami-biraki takes place,
when the mirror-shaped rice cakes are broken and eaten in a
sweet red-bean soup. For this occasion, do not cut the cakes
with a knife, as it is believed to be bad luck.
New Year’s Eve
Toshi-koshi soba (Year-crossing soba)
When it becomes the last day of the year, there will be
nothing left to do but count down to the opening of the New
Year. In Japan, it is typical to eat soba noodles before ringing in
the New Year. This custom began in the Edo Period (16031867), and while there are various beliefs as to why it came
about, it is widely accepted that the Japanese eat soba to pray
for a long, frugal life, like the noodles themselves. In some
places, udon noodles are eaten, and the prayer changes to one
for a bountiful, long life. Because soba is easy to cut, it is also
said that when you eat the noodles you also pray that all the
past year’s troubles will be cut away and not brought into the
New Year. In any case, doesn’t it sound nice to give thanks for
safely finishing another year with your loved ones all sitting
around the table? They say it is bad luck to pass from one year
to another while dining, so be sure to finish your meal before
the date changes!
Joya no kane (Bell-ringing on New Year’s Eve)
From just before
midnight
on New
Year’s Eve into New
Year’s Day, many of
Japan’s temples ring
their bells 108 times. In
Buddhism,
this
corresponds to the
number of worldly
desires that plague
mankind, and it is said
that each ring of the
bell is a prayer to
eradicate one of them.
The custom is to ring the bell 107 times on the last day of the
year, with the final ring falling at midnight, at the beginning of
the New Year. You can bid the old year goodbye while
listening to the chiming from nearby temples or you can
experience ringing a bell yourself at the following locations:
Myotokuji Temple 23:45~
‫ݷ‬Address: Higashi-ku, Midashi 5-36-5
‫ݷ‬Access: Approx. four minute walk from “Hakozaki-Miyamae”
subway station exit No. 1
Tochoji Temple 23:30-24:30 *Numbered tickets will be distributed
‫ݷ‬Address: Hakata-ku, Gokusho-machi 2-4
‫ݷ‬Access: Just beyond “Gion” subway station exit No.1
Ankokuji Temple 24:00~
‫ݷ‬Address: Chuo-ku, Tenjin 3-14-4
‫ݷ‬Access: Approx. four minute walk from “Tenjin” subway station
exit No. 4
Shoryuji Temple 23:45~
‫ݷ‬Address: Chuo-ku, Tenjin 4-1-5
‫ݷ‬Access: Approx. six minute walk from “Tenjin” subway station
exit No.12
Senryuji Temple 23:00~
‫ݷ‬Address: Chuo-ku, Watanabe-dori 5-7-26
‫ݷ‬Access: Approx. five minute walk from “Tenjin-minami” subway
station exit No.6
Hongyoin Temple 24:00~
‫ݷ‬Address: Minami-ku, Ijiri 4-23-27
‫ݷ‬Access: Approx. five minute walk from Nishitetsu “Ijiri” Station
east exit
Aburayama Kannon Shogakuji Temple 23:20~
‫ݷ‬Address: Jonan-ku, Higashi Aburayama 508
‫ݷ‬Access: Approx. 22 minute walk from “Aburayama danchi-guchi”
Nishitetsu bus stop
Kotokuji Temple 24:00~
‫ݷ‬Address: Nishi-ku, Meinohama 5-23-1
‫ݷ‬Access: Approx. 10 minute walk from “Meinohama” subway
station north exit
Saionji Temple 23:45~ *Numbered tickets will be distributed
‫ݷ‬Address: Sawara-ku, Nishi Irube 4-3-6
‫ݷ‬Access: Approx. nine minute walk from “Nishi-irube 5-chome”
Nishitetsu bus stop
Tokushoji Temple 23:15~24:30
‫ݷ‬Address: Nishi-ku, Imajuku 3-4-10
‫ݷ‬Access: Approx. 10 minute walk from JR “Imajuku” Station
Shinkyoji Temple 24:00~ *Sweet red-bean soup will be served
‫ݷ‬Address: Nishi-ku, Senri 527-1
‫ݷ‬Access: Approx. 18 minute walk from JR “Susenji” Station
New Year’s Day
Seasonal Traditions
The first visit of the year to a temple or shrine is known as
hatsumode. Those who attend the New Year’s bell-ringing
often make that their first visit, although going to a shrine or
temple before the third day of the month, or even through the
month of January is also considered to be hatsumode. Visitors
purchase o-mamori protection charms, amulets to ward of evil
such as ceremonial arrows called hayama or pinwheels known
as kazaguruma, and bamboo rakes called kumade that are said
to rake in good luck. They also write wishes on wooden ema
boards and draw o-mikuji, or written fortunes. It is believed that
drinking the sacred sake provided at one of these locations can
ward off evil for the coming year. Daizaifu Tenmangu Shrine in
Daizaifu City receives the greatest number of people—around
two million each year—of any shrine or temple in Kyushu for
hatsumode.
Another tradition is to go somewhere to view the first
sunrise of the New Year on New Year’s Day. Of course the sun
rises every day, but on this day in particular a large number of
people venture to places with clear ocean or mountain views.
㨪continued on page 7
‒
4‒
December 2009
Coming Soon !
The prices quoted here may or may
not include a 5% consumption tax.
CONCERTS:
GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA
Dec. 1 (Tue) 6:30p.m.
ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall
S¥6,000 A¥5,000 B¥4,000
HAKASE TARO CONCERT TOUR 2009
MY FAVORITE SONGS
Dec. 2 (Wed) 6:30p.m.
ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall
¥6,500
HAYDN YEAR SERIES III
THE AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN HAYDN
PHILHARMONIC
Dec. 6 (Sun) 3:00p.m.
ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall
S¥7,000 A¥5,000 B¥3,000
THE KING OF TANGO KOMATSU
RYOTA
Dec. 9 (Wed) 7:00p.m.
ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall
S¥4,500 A¥3,500 B¥3,000
THE STATE MOSCOW CHORUS ARTS
ACADEMY CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Dec. 15 (Tue) 7:00p.m.
ACROS Fukuoka㩷Symphony Hall
S¥5,000 A¥4,000 B¥3,000
EARTH, WIND AND FIRE
Dec. 16 (Wed) 7:00p.m.
Fukuoka Shimin Kaikan
SS¥12,600 S¥10,500
DISNEY ON CLASSIC: A MAGICAL
NIGHT 2009
Dec. 17 (Thu) 7:00p.m.
ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall
S¥8,000 A¥6,500 B¥5,000
THE
KASUGA
SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS CONCERT
2009
Dec. 20 (Sun) 2:00p.m.
Spring Hall, Kasuga City Fureai Bunka Center
¥1,200
KYUKAN POPS CONCERT VOL. 4
LET’S SWING! CHRISTMAS
Dec. 20 (Sun) 3:00p.m.
Munakata Yurix Event Hall
Adult ¥3,000 H.S. & Univ. Student ¥2,000
J.H.S. & Elem. S. Student ¥1,500
THE KYUSHU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
THE NIGHT OF NINTH SYMPHONY
Dec. 23 (Wed/holiday) 3:00
Fukuoka Sun Palace Hall
S¥5,000 A¥4,000 B¥3,500
C¥3,000 (Student¥1,500)
Dec. 24 (Thu) 7:00p.m.
ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall
S¥5,000 A¥4,000
B¥3,500 (Student¥1,500)
WINTER FANTASIA 2009
Dec. 29 (Tue) 5:00p.m.
Marinemesse Fukuoka
¥6,800
THE KYUSHU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
NEW YEAR CONCERT
Jan. 10 (Sun) 3:00p.m.
ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall
S¥5,000 A¥4,000
EVENTS:
GEKIDAN SHIKI
“SONG & DANCE 55 STEPS”
Thru. Jan. 3 (Sun) *Time varies by date
Fukuoka City Gekijo
S¥9,000 A¥7,000 B¥5,000 C¥3,000
THE 18TH HAKATA ODORI
Dec. 4 (Fri), 5 (Sat) 11:00a.m., 2:30p.m.
Hakataza
S¥7,000 A¥5,000 B¥3,000 C¥2,000
FUKUOKA MOTOR SHOW ‘09
Dec. 11 (Fri) - 14 (Mon) 9:30a.m.-6:00p.m.
Fukuoka Kokusai Kaigijo, Marinemesse
Fukuoka, Fukuoka Kokusai Center
Adult ¥1,300 H.S. Student ¥800
ACROS LUNCH TIME CONCERT
VOL.19 NUTCRACKER WITH JAZZ &
TAP
Dec. 16 (Wed) 12:00p.m.
ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall
¥1,000
TAO (TAIKO DRUMS PERFORMANCE)
Dec. 16 (Wed) 7:00p.m.
Fukuoka Sunpalace Hotel & Hall
S¥6,000 A¥4,000
HAKATAZA BUNRAKU PUPPET SHOW
Dec. 21 (Mon), 22 (Tue), 23 (Wed/holiday)
Hakataza
A¥6,800 SB¥5,500 B¥2,000
BALLET FESTIVAL 2009
Dec. 27 (Sun) 1:00p.m.
ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall
¥5,000
PET EXHIBITION 2010
Jan. 9 (Sat), 10 (Sun) 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Fukuoka Kokusai Center
Adult ¥1,200 4 - 12yrs old ¥800
CIRQUE DE SOLEIL “CORTEO”
Feb. 11 (Thu/holiday) - Apr. 4 (Sun)
WEEKDAYS SS¥12,000 S¥9,500 A¥6,000
WEEKENDS/HOLIDAYS
S¥13,000 S¥10,500 A¥7,000
THE 11TH HANA NO KAI
(NOH, KYOGEN, ICCHO, DOKUGIN, etc.)
Dec. 20 (Sun) 12:00p.m., 3:00p.m.
S¥13,000 A¥10,000 B¥6,000
CHRISTMAS NOH
(NOH, KYOGEN, MAIBAYASHI,
SHIMAI)
Dec. 23 (Wed/holiday) 2:00p.m.
Adult ¥3,000 Student ¥1,000
KODOMO NOHGAKU KYOSHITSU
PEROFORMANCE SHOW
(SUUTAI, MAIBAYASHI, SHIMAI)
Dec. 28 (Mon) 2:00p.m.
EXHIBITIONS:
Fukuoka City Museum
3-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara-ku
Open 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Mondays) Tel092-845-5011
http://museum.city.fukuoka.jp
Closed Dec. 28 - Jan. 4
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
THE 22ND NEW COLLECTION: HISTORY
AND CULTURE OF FUKUOKA
Thru. Dec. 13 (Sun)
Adult ¥200 Univ. & H.S. Student ¥150
J.H.S. Student and under Free
The portrait of MIYAMOTO
Musashi by FUTAGAWA
Sukechika
Ohori Koen Noh Theater
1-5 Ohori-Koen Park, Chuo-ku
Open 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
(Closed Mondays) Tel092-715-2155
http://www.ohori-nougaku.jp/index.cgi
*Free unless specified
MIYAZAWA KAZUSHI YORIMICHI 2009
(LIVE MUSIC)
Dec. 3 (Thu) 6:30p.m.
¥4,500
FUKUOKA KANZE KAI TEIKI NOH
SUUTAI KAI
(SUUTAI, SHIMAI, RENGIN)
Dec. 5 (Sat) 1:00p.m.
¥7,000
TOCHOKAI
(HAYASHI, MAIBAYASHI)
Dec. 6 (Sun) 9:00a.m.
SHUKA NO KAI
(NOH, KYOGEN, ICCHO, MAIBAYASHI)
Dec. 12 (Sat) 1:00p.m.
SS¥13,000 S¥11,000 A¥10,000 B¥9,000
CHIKUSHI GAKUSO KOEN
“GAGAKU”
(GAGAKU)
Dec. 13 (Sun) 2:00p.m.
¥3,000
Fukuoka Art Museum
1-6 Ohori-koen Park, Chuo-ku
Open 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Mondays) Tel092-714-6051
http://www.fukuoka-art-museum.jp
Closed Dec. 28 - Jan. 4
PRINTS AND DRAWING GALLERY
PRINTS OF CHRISTO
JAPANESE-STYLE PAINTINGS AND
CRAFTS GALLERY
KIMONO BEAUTIES
Dec. 1 (Tue.) -Jan. 31 (Sun)
Adult ¥200 Univ. & H.S. Student ¥150
J.H.S. Student and under Free
Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
7 & 8 F, Riverain Center Bldg., 3-1
Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku
Open 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
(Closed Wednesdays) Tel092-263-1100
http://faam.city.fukuoka.jp
Closed Dec. 26 - Jan. 1
December 2009
ASIA GALLERY A
ON LIFE AND DEATH
Dec. 10 (Thu)- Mar. 30 (Tue)
ASIA GALLERY B
NEW YEAR ZODIAC ANIMALS IN FAAM
Dec. 10 (Thu)- Feb. 2 (Tue)
Adult ¥200 Univ. & H.S. Student ¥150
J.H.S. student and under Free
5‒
ARCHTECTURE OF THE FUTURE‒
FROM JAPAN TO AUSTRIA
Thru. Jan. 11 (Mon/holiday)
Adult ¥400 Student ¥300
Hiroshi Hara/Discrete City Photo by Tomio Ohashi
SPORTS:
Ragini Upadhyay Grela (Nepal) “Apple on the Mouth of pig”
Fukuoka Pref. Museum of Art
5-2-1TenjinChuo-ku, Fukuoka
Open 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
(Closed Mondays) Tel092-715-3551
http://fpmahs1.fpart-unet.ocn.ne.jp
Closed Dec. 28 - Jan. 4
EXHIBITION GALLERY
COLLECTION EXHIBITION Υ
TAKASHIMA YAJURO: BLISSFUL
ENCOUNTER
Thru. Dec. 6 (Sun)
Adult ¥210 Univ. & H.S. Student ¥140
J.H.S. & Elem. Student ¥60
SPECIAL EXHIBITION “WALKING
IN HAKATA, FINDING HAKATA
CRAFTS”
Dec. 12 (Sat) - Jan. 31 (Sun)
Adult ¥300 Univ. & H.S. Student ¥140
J.H.S. & Elem. Student ¥60
<MARATHON>
THE
63RD
FUKUOKA
INTERNATIONAL
OPEN
MARATHON
CHAMPIONSHIP
Dec. 6 (Sun) 12:10p.m. Start
Start/Finish: Heiwadai Track and Field Stadium
Inquiry: Fukuoka International Open
Marathon Championship Organizing Office
Tel: 092-481-8252
<RUGBY FOOTBALL>
TOP LEAGUE
Venue: Level Five Stadium
Dec. 19 (Sat) 1:00p.m.
Kyuden Voltex vs. Toshiba Brave Lupas
Dec. 27 (Sun) 12:00p.m.
Fukuoka Sanix Blues vs. RICOH Black
Rams
2:00p.m.
Kyuden Voltex vs. TOYOTA Verblitz
Jan. 9 (Sat)12:00p.m.
Coca Cola West Red Sparks vs. Honda
HEAT
2:00p.m.
Kyuden Voltex vs. Kubota Spears
Tickets: ¥2,500, ¥1,500, ¥500
Inquiry: Kyushu Rugby Football Union
TEL: 092-715-8172
Obi, Old Textile Kenjo Hakata
Kyushu National Museum
4-7-2IshizakaDazaifu
Open 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(Closed Mondays) Tel092-918-2807
http://www.kyuhaku.com/pr/
Closed Dec. 25 - 31
MAIN EXHIBITION ROOM
OCEAN WAYS, ASIAN PATHS
Adult ¥420 College Student ¥130
Artium
Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
IMS 8F, 1-7-11
Open 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tel092-733-2050 http://artium.jp/
Closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1
<BASKETBALL>
RIZING FUKUOKA
HOME GAMES
vs. Ryukyu Kings
Dec. 26 (Sat) 7:00p.m., 27 (Sun) 2:00p.m.
Venue: Kyuden Kinen Taiikukan
vs. Sendai Eighty Niners
Jan. 4 (Sat) 7:00p.m., 5 (Sun) 6:00p.m.
Tickets: ¥2,500-5,500
Inquiry: Fukuoka Probasketball Club
Tel: 092-771-6675
MOVIES:
*Movies are designated by the following codes:
A-Albanian, (C)-Chinese, (CZ)- Czech,
(E)-English, (F)-French, (G)-German, (I)-Italian,
(J)-Japanese, (K)-Korean, (P)-Polish, (S-Spanish, etc.
The schedule is subject to change without notice.
NAKASU TAIYO
(ਛᵮᄢᵗ291-4058)
“DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL” (E)
“2012” (E)
“THE REBOUND” (E) (PG12)
“THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON” (E)
“MET LIVE VIEWING: AIDA” (I)
“THE FOURTH KIND” (E)
CINEMA KABUKI ENCORE
“NEZUMIKOZOU NODAVERSION” (J)
“FURU AMERICA NI SODE WA NURASAJI ” (J)
“NINJOBANASHI BUNSHICHI MOTOYUI” (J)
TENJINTOHO
(ᄤ␹᧲ቲ762-6666)
“DRAG ME TO HELL” (E)(S)(H)(CZ)
“INGLORIOUS BASTARDS” (E)(G)(F)(I) (R15)
“2012” (E) “UP” (E)
“PUBLIC ENEMIES” (E)
“AVATAR” (E)
SOLARIA CINEMA
(࠰࡜࡝ࠕࠪࡀࡑ733-7375)
“I VICERE” (I)
“YE MING (ROAD TO DAWN)” (C)
“THE NAKED KITCHEN” (K)
“JULIE AND JULIA” (E)(F)
“THE YOUNG VICTORIA” (E)(G)
“LA DANSE– LE BALLET DE L’OPERA DE
PARIS-” (F)
<RERUN>
“NANKYOKU RYOURI NIN” (J)
“COCO AVANT CHANEL” (F)
UNITED CINEMAS CANAL CITY 13
(㩟㩏㨼㩍㨹㩎㩨㨯㩆㩒㩙㩁㨶㩏㩣㩆㩍㨲13272-2222)
“DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL” (E)
“INGLORIOUS BASTARDS” (E)(G)(F)(I) (R15)
“2012” (E)
“THE REBOUND” (E) (R12)
“THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON” (E)
“UP” (E)
“THE INFORMANT!” (E)
“PUBLIC ENEMIES” (E)
“THE FOURTH KIND” (E)
“AVATAR” (E)
“TINKER BELL AND THE LOST TREASURE” ()
UNITED CINEMAS FUKUOKA
(㩟㩏㨼㩍㨹㩎㩨㨯㩆㩒㩙⑔ጟ 844-5645 844-5644)
“DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL” (J-DUBBED)
“INGLORIOUS BASTARDS” (E)(G)(F)(I) (R15)
“2012” (E)
“THE REBOUND” (E) (R12)
“THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON” (E)
“UP” (E)
“PUBLIC ENEMIES” (E)
“AVATAR” (E)
“THE FOURTH KIND” (E)
KBC CINEMA
(KBCࠪࡀࡑ751-4268)
“EL POLLO, EL PEZ Y EL CANGREJO
REAL” (S)
“CZTERY NOCE Z ANNA” (P)
“LES PLAGES D’AGNES” (F)
“OUT OF ROSENHEIM” (E)(G)
“PUBLIC ENEMY NO.1” (F)
“HAI-KAK CHHIT-HO” (C)(J)(E)
CINE LIBRE HAKATA STATION
(ࠪࡀ㨯࡝࡯ࡉ࡞ඳᄙ㚞434-3691)
“DEATH SENTENCE” (E) (R15)
“THE PRESENT” (E)
“HIGHWATER” (E)
“SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK” (E)(G)
“THE DECENT: PART 2” (E)
“ASSAULT GIRLS” (J)
“FLAMMEN & CITRONEN” (D)(G)
“ZASIE DANS LE METRO” (F)
‒
6‒
December 2009
Rainbow Plaza
Corner
Other Information
For more information: Rainbow Plaza Tel: 733-2220
FREE COUNSELING
*Your PRIVACY is guaranteed.
A. Appointment required
(Rainbow Plaza Tel: 733-2220)
1) Legal Counseling
Dates: Every 1st and 3rd Saturday (2nd and
3rd Saturday in January, 2010)
<Date: Jul. to Sep.>
Dec. 5 & 19, Jan. 9 & 16, Feb. 6 & 20
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
*45 minutes / person
*An interpreter is available upon request.
*Tenjin Attorney’s Center of Fukuoka Prefectural Bar
Association also offers free legal consultation for nonJapanese residents every 2nd and 4th Friday. Appointment is
necessary (092-737-7555; in Japanese only).
2) Personal (Psychological) Counseling
Dates:(Mon) 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
(Thurs) 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
(1st, 3rd Sat) 4:15 - 7:00 p.m.
(other Sat) 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
*An English-speaking professional is available.
*Timetable is subject to change.
B. Appointment NOT required
(Come directly to Rainbow Plaza.)
1) Free Counseling
on Immigration, Residency, and Nationality
Dates: Every 2nd Sunday
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
*Interpreters (English & Chinese) are available.
2) Health Consultation
Dates: Every Wednesday
Time: 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
*An English-speaking volunteer doctor is available.
*No medical treatments or prescriptions provided.
SECOND-HAND FURNITURE
<Application Dates>
Dec. 11 (Fri) 10a.m. ~ 13 (Sun) 4p.m.
*Fill out an application form at Rainbow Plaza.
*All foreign students are applicable including pre-college
“Shugakusei” students, who are residing or studying within the
Fukuoka metropolitan Area.
*Student ID required.
*If two or more people are applying for the same item, then
a draw will be held.
*Application will be extended until Dec. 20 (Sun) 4p.m.
in case of any left over items. (Extended application will be
held on “first-come and first-served” basis.)
<ITEMS OF THE MONTH>
ԘPlastic Chest of Drawers
ԙCooktop with drawers
ԚBook Shelf
ԛTelephone Stand
ԜTV & Video Stand ԝCD Rack
ԞPlastic Chest of Drawers 2
ԟSteel Rack
ԠArmchair with casters
ԡGlass Coffee Table
ԛTelephone Stand
ԠArmchair
1) FUKUOKA CITY CHILDREN’S
PLAZAS
The Fukuoka City Children’s Plazas
welcome parents and infants anytime to have
fun together. Children’s Plazas support
parenting by providing consultation and
information exchange.
Open: 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. daily
Closed: Dec. 29-Jan. 3
*Please contact your desired plaza for more
information.
In addition, meetings for foreign parents are
held once a month at the following plazas:
Foreign Mom’s Meeting
Date/time: every first Saturday 10:30 a.m.
Venue: Higashi Ward Children’s Plaza
International Day
Date/time: every first Thursday 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Sawara Ward Children’s Plaza
Inquiry:
Higashi Ward Children’s Plaza
Tel/Fax: 092-663-3263
Sawara Ward Children’s Plaza
Tel: 092-846-9207 Fax: 092-846-9208
Hakata Ward Children’s Plaza
Tel/Fax: 092-472-6006
Chuo Ward Children’s Plaza
Tel: 092-741-3564
Minami Ward Children’s Plaza
Tel/Fax: 092-511-3561
Jonan Ward Children’s Plaza
Tel/Fax: 092-831-4212
Nishi Ward Children’s Plaza
Tel: 092-882-7532
Flea Market
Hakozakigu Dai Kotto Ichi
Date: Dec. 20 (Sun)
Time: 9:00a.m.-3:00p.m.
Place: Hakozaki-gu Sando
Subway: Hakozaki-miya mae
------------------------------------------------Inquiry: Modern Lovers
Tel: 070-5693-2221
Dazaifu Tenjin Omoshiro Ichi
Date: Dec. 5 (Sat), 6 (Sun)
Time: 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Place: Tenjin Hiroba, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Station: Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station
------------------------------------------------Inquiry: Dazaifu Tenjin Omoshiro Ichi Office
Tel: 092-922-9955
2) WINTER SPORTS FESTA 2009
The winter sports season has come! Come
have fun with your family and friends!
Date/time: Dec. 5 (Sat.) 9:00a.m. start
Venue: Papio Ice Arena
(1-15-30 Chiyo, Hakataku, Fukuoka)
Attendance fee: Free
*400 yen to rent a pair of skates.
Activities
࡮Skating and speed skating classes
10:40a.m., 12:40p.m.
࡮Figure skating class for elementary and
junior high school students
4:30p.m. *first 30 applicants/numbered tickets to be distributed from 3:25p.m.
࡮Athletic games on ice (participate with
sneakers or sports shoes)
࡮Ice hockey game 2:10p.m.
*first 52 people/numbered tickets to be
distributed from 12:45p.m.
࡮Curling game 2:50p.m.
*first 52 people/numbered tickets to be
distributed from 1:45p.m.
࡮Obstacle race 5:50p.m.
*first 40 people/numbered tickets to be
distributed from 3:25p.m.
࡮Snowball fight 5:15p.m.
Note: Please wear gloves when skating
Inquiry: Winter Sports Festa Managing
office (coFukuoka City Sports Promotion
Foundation)
Tel: 092-717-8032
Email: rujust-2@siren.ocn.ne.jp
Minami Ward Office
Date: Dec. 5 (Sat), 19 (Sat), Jan. 16 (Sat)
Time: 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.
Place: Minami Ward Office Parking Lot
Station: Nishitetsu Ohashi Station
Best Denki New Ito Waiwai Garage Sale
Date: Dec. 12 (Sat), Jan. 9 (Sat), Feb. 13 (Sat)
Time: 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.
Place: Best Denki New Ito
Station: JR Kyudai gakken toshi
-----------------------------------------------Inquiry: Nishinihon Citizen’s Recycle Movement
Tel: 092-752-7761 FAX: 092-752-7766
URL: http://www.kurukuru.net/nishi-02.html
(in Japanese)
3 Day Ski trip in
NISEKO!
¥41,000㨪 (price per person)
ܲFour-person room, no meals included
ܲIndulge yourself in skiing in Hokkaido
TNC, Momochihama
Date: Dec. 12(Sat), 13(Sun), 19(Sat), 26(Sat),
27(Sun), Jan. 9(Sat), 10(Sun), 23(Sat), 24(Sun)
Time: 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.
Place: Next to the TNC Building
Bus stop: Fukuoka Tower South Exit
this winter! Soothe your body and mind
in the open-air hot spring.
ALL DESTINATIONS AVAILABLE.
PLEASE CALL US NOW!!
LEISURE PLAN CO., LTD.
ACROS Fukuoka BLDG. 3F. 092-725-9090
http://www.ontheday.co.jp/
Email: info@ontheday.co.jp
~ OPEN 365 DAYS! ~
‒
December 2009
7‒
<Items of osechi-ryori and its meaning>
㨪continued from page 3
While soaking up the first light of the
New Year, it is refreshing to pray for a
year of good health, good fortune, and
the achievement of all your goals.
Although today we have readily
available water supplies, in the past,
Japanese people would draw the first
water of the year from their well, known
as wakamizu or “young water,” which is
said to drive out bad fortune and invite in
good luck. It is used as an offering to the
gods, as a drink for
the hope of a family’s
lasting health, or to
make zoni, a New
Year’s
soup
of
vegetables and rice
cakes. In another
tradition,
people
write
their
first
calligraphy of the
year, which is known
as kakizome, with ink made of wakamizu.
For children, the most exciting thing
about the New Year is receiving otoshidama, a small envelope containing
money given by parents, relatives, and
older family friends.
Osechi-ryori
Special food eaten to celebrate the
New Year is known as osechi-ryori.
Foods that keep well are made by the end
of the year, so as not to require the use of
a cooking fire during the New Year,
when each family is busy receiving the
gods into their home. Even though many
people forego making their own osechiryori and instead purchase it at
department stores, the act of packing
foods into the tiered lacquered jubako
boxes is symbolic of accumulating good
fortune. Menus vary among families and
regions, but each item in typical osechiryori has a festive meaning as above:
On New Year’s morning, after
preparing the celebration meal, a family
will gather around the table, exchanging
well-wishes and praying for another year
of good health by drinking otoso, or
herbed medicinal sake. The belief that “If
one person drinks this, their whole
family will suffer no illness, and if one
family drinks this, there will be no illness
for the whole neighborhood” came from
China in the Heian Period (794-1185)
and became a New Year’s practice of the
imperial court. In the Edo Period, this
tradition spread to the common people.
In those days, many families prepared
their own otoso from herbal plants.
The customs involving otoso vary
among regions and individual families,
however it is common for each person to
Name
Kuromame
Explanation
Black beans
Kazu no ko
Herring roe
Tazukuri
Sweet boiled sardines
Kinton
Mashed sweet potatoes
with chestnuts
Rolled omelet made
with white fish paste
Datemaki
Broiled fish
Shrimp
Sea Bream (tai)
Yellowtail
Boiled
vegetables
Lotus Root
Taro
Burdock
Red and white
namasu
A salad of thinly
sliced daikon and
carrots in vinegar
Meaning
Black is said to ward off evil, and the word mame,
which means “bean” in Japanese, can also mean
“hard work” and “good health”
The many eggs symbolize prosperity through many
offspring
Sardines were once used as fertilizer in fields, thus
representing an abundant harvest
Its golden color symbolizes wealth
Date carries the meaning of “elegant,” and the rolled
shape, like makimono (i.e. scrolls), symbolize great
knowledge and culture
The curved body of a shrimp is like that of a longlived person, thus representing longevity
Eaten because it sounds like medetai, which means
“auspicious”
Representative of a group of fish who have different
names in Japanese at different stages of growth, thus
symbolizing promotion and success
The lotus root’s holes represent an unobstructed
view into the future
This abundant little root represents the blessings that
are children
The far-spreading roots of this plant are symbolic of
the strong foundation of a family
This dish is modeled on the lucky red and white
paper strings used to wrap gifts
drink a small cup of the sake a total of
three times, starting with the top of the
special tiered sake cups and proceeding
down to the bottom. Otoso is drunk from
the youngest family member to the
elders, which is the opposite order from a
typical Japanese banquet. It is said that
by beginning with the youngest person,
they can pass their vitality on to their
elders. After this morning celebration,
otoso will be offered to visitors for the
first three days of the New Year when
exchanging New Year’s greetings.
Zoni
This New Year’s dish can be summed
up by the expression, “If I don’t eat zoni,
I don’t feel like I’ve welcomed the New
Year.” While it is considered a
traditional food, there are so many
variations, depending on the region and
individual family, in terms of the shape
of the mochi, the broth, and the other
ingredients, that many Japanese people
claim “I have never eaten anything other
than my own family’s zoni.” It is
sometimes said that zoni originated in the
New Year’s practice of setting out
offerings of mochi and vegetables to the
gods in thanks for the past year’s harvest
and safety, praying for another abundant
harvest and prosperity within the family,
then taking down the offerings from the
kamidana Shinto altar and making them
into a dish.
In general, people from Eastern Japan
and Kyushu make their zoni with a clear
broth, while those in Kansai use a white
miso base. With the exception of
Hokkaido, most people in Eastern Japan
use angled mochi cakes in their zoni,
while people in Western Japan use round
mochi. Below is an example of a Hakata
zoni recipe, so this New Year, why don’t
you try the challenge of making some
yourself!
Ingredients:
* Dashi broth: Roasted ago (flying
fish), konbu kelp, dried bonito flakes,
dried shiitake mushrooms, thin soy
sauce, sake rice wine, salt
* Other ingredients: round mochi
cakes, yellowtail fish, chicken meat,
katsuona (a type of leaf mustard native
to Hakata), kamaboko fish paste,
daikon radish, carrots, taro root, and
burdock root, plus mitsuba leaves
(honeywort) and yuzu peel for
fragrance
Directions:
‫܃‬Soak the roasted ago, konbu kelp, and
dried shiitake mushrooms in water the
previous day. Turn on the heat, and just
before the broth is boiling, add the
dried bonito flakes. When it comes to a
full boil, turn off the heat and remove
the konbu. When the bonito flakes sink
to the bottom, strain the broth.
‫܃‬You will use the shiitake mushrooms
in the dish, so remove the stems. After
removing the skin of the taro root,
wash it thoroughly in salt water. Cut
the remaining vegetables into round
㨪continued on page 8
‒
8‒
December 2009
Osechi-ryori
Otoso and Zoni
㨪continued from page 7
slices and boil until soft. Quickly boil
the katsuona with salt and cut into
edible lengths. Cut the chicken and
yellowtail into bite-size pieces and
blanch them.
‫܃‬Simmer the broth and add the thin soy
sauce and salt to taste, then add the
other cooked ingredients. Put the
mochi, which should be boiled in a
separate pot, into a bowl and pour the
broth and its contents over it. If you
first put some of the vegetables under
the mochi, the cakes will not stick to
the bottom of the bowl. Rearrange the
ingredients to your liking, garnish with
mitsuba leaves and yuzu peel, and then
you’re done!
When New Year’s is over
We hope this has been an informative
glimpse into how the New Year is
celebrated in Japan, and what the beliefs
are behind the circumstances. Even when
the New Year ends, the celebration
continues for a little while. The dream
you have on the first night of the New
Year, or the first dream you have since
the New Year begins, is known as
hatsuyume and is said to foretell your
fortune for the year. Since long ago, it is
believed to be auspicious if you have a
Mochi-pounding
dream in which you see
1) Mount Fuji, 2) a
hawk,
or
3) an
eggplant. In order to
conjure
up such a dream, you are
supposed to put a picture
of the Seven Gods of Good
Fortune riding in their boat
beneath your pillow.
On the seventh of January, the
Japanese have a tradition of chopping up
seven kinds of herbs and eating them in a
“Seven Herbs Rice Porridge.” This is an
old bit of wisdom from a time when the
Japanese diet in wintertime lacked
nutritious vegetables, and is beneficial in
giving rest to a stomach pained by
gorging over the New Year. Nowadays,
most grocery stores sell “Seven Herbs
Rice Porridge” sets, so you can easily try
tasting this dish.
January 15th is the Lunar New Year.
During the period when Japan adhered to
the lunar calendar, the New Year was
always celebrated on the day of the full
moon of the first month. Even in this age
when the solar calendar has taken
precedence, traces of that time remain in
many events. One of the main traditions
is to collect all the New Year’s
decorations and the kakizome
calligraphy writing and
burn them within the
Seven Herbs:
Water dropwort (seri), Shepherd’s purse
(nazuna), Cudweed (gogyo), Chickweed
(hakobera),
Nipplewort
(hotokenoza),
Turnip (suzuna), Daikon (suzushiro)
grounds of temples or shrines, in what is
known as dondo-yaki or sagicho. It is
said that if you eat mochi roasted over
that fire, you will have a year of sound
health, and if the fire grows higher when
you throw in your kakizome work, your
handwriting will improve.
ᵵᶃᴾᶆᶍᶎᶃᴾᶒᶆᵿᶒᴾᵐᵎᵏᵎᴾᶇᶑᴾᵿᴾ
ᶕᶍᶌᶂᶃᶐᶄᶓᶊᴾᶗᶃᵿᶐᴾᶄᶍᶐᴾᶃᶔᶃᶐᶗᶍᶌᶃᴿ
“Refugees from the North Pole”
This annual presentation of the long-established tradition of mochipounding will be held at the Hakata-Machiya Folk Museum, a restored
merchant’s house from the Meiji and Taisho Periods (late 19th century
to early 20th century). Enjoy the accompaniment of shamisen and taiko
instruments while steaming mochi over a large charcoal stove and
pounding it into rice cakes. The first 100 visitors will receive their rice
cakes as a gift, so be sure to come and check this out!
Time/Date: Feb. 14th (Sun.), starts at 12 a.m. (lasts about two hours)
Address: Hakata-ku, Reisen-machi 6-10 (In front of the main gate of
Kushida Shrine)
Access: Approx. five minute walk from “Gion” subway station exit
No. 2
Inquiries: 092-281-7761
Entrance fee for the exhibition hall: 200 yen for adult, free for
Elem. and J.H. student
Seigo Sakai