child-rearing in fukuoka

�

�

This month’s National Holidays�

No.283�

May�

2008�

Enrolling in Preschool

A preschool provides care for infants

and toddlers whose parents are unable to

care for their children at home due to

work, illness, or nursing care of relatives.

Preschool children aged between 0 and 6

years old can attend a preschool. The

biggest difference between a preschool

and a kindergarten is that children can

attend a preschool for a longer duration

of time.

A preschool is distinguished as

“Accredited Preschool” or “Non-

accredited Preschool” depending on

whether or not the preschool has been

officially recognized under the Child

Welfare Law. For an accredited preschool,

factors such as equipment and facility,

floor space, and number of staff must

fulfill the standards prescribed by law, and

the form of management consists of two

types: public (municipal) and private. The

cost borne by parents/guardians is the same

for both types of preschools.

The main differences between a

preschool and a kindergarten are shown

in the chart above.

Expenses vary depending on the

family’s income and the children’s age.

If the siblings attend the same preschool,

they are applicable to receive a child care

discount. For more information, please

check with the Welfare & Nursing Care

Insurance Section of your ward office.

If you wish to enroll your children in

preschool, first of all, please confirm

with the Welfare & Nursing Care

Insurance Section of your ward office or

the preschool itself whether you meet the

necessary requirements as a guardian to

use the service. Once it is confirmed,

start collecting information about various

preschools located in the vicinity of your

home, work, etc. On the Fukuoka Child

�continued on page 7�

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��

May 3 (Sat) Kenpo-Kinen-Bi (��) Constitution Day, May 4 (Sun) Midori-no-Hi (��

��) Greenery Day, May 5 (Mon) Kodomo-no-Hi (��) Children’s Day�

Previously on Rainbow, we introduced various support systems Previously on Rainbow, we introduced various support systems

regarding pregnancy, childbirth, medical care, and childregarding pregnancy, childbirth, medical care, and child--raising in raising in

Fukuoka. This month, we’ll provide some useful childcare Fukuoka. This month, we’ll provide some useful childcare

information when your children enter playschool, kindergarten, information when your children enter playschool, kindergarten,

elementary school, etc.elementary school, etc.�

�

ChildChild--rearingrearing

in Fukuokain Fukuoka

Part IIPart IIPart II��

�

� Preschool Kindergarten

Characteristic of the

facility

Child welfare facility Educational institution before

elementary school

Eligible children 0 years old - before entering elementary

school

3 years old - before entering

elementary school

How to apply The ward office or the preschool Direct contract with the

kindergarten

Days of operation All days except for Sundays, holidays, and

year-end and New Year holidays

39 weeks or more per year

Hours 8 hours or more 4 hours

Distribution standard

for staff

0 years old: 1 staff for 3 infants

1 ��2 years old: 1 staff for 6 infants

3 years old: 1 staff for 20 children

4��5 years old: 1 staff for 30 children

40 children or less per class

Rainbow Plaza will be closed on May 20 (Tue).�

Visit Rainbow Cyber Net ! http://www.rainbowfia.or.jp

Contacts of Welfare & Nursing Care Insurance Section (Fukushi Kaigo Hoken ka)

Higashi ward: 645-1068 / Hakata ward: 419-1080 / Chuo ward: 718-1099 / Minami ward:

559-5121 / Jonan ward: 833-4102 / Sawara ward: 833-4354 / Nishi ward: 895-7063

�

�

2� May 2008�

FUKUOKA &

the WORLD�

Statistics of Fukuoka City, May, 2008

Area: 340.60 km2

(as of October 1st, ‘04), Population (February ’08) : 1,376,112, (Households:

644,211), Registered Foreigners (February ’08) : 21,155 (Households: 13,316), Consumer Price

Index (February ’08) : 99.7 (100 as of ‘05), Foreign Trade (million ¥, February ’08) : Exports -

177,116 (Hakata Port - 116,353 / Fukuoka International Airport - 60,763), Imports - 108,417

(Hakata Port - 68,654 / International Airport - 39,763) �

IC Card “nimoca” will Start on May 18, 2008�

The Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd. will launch

a new rechargeable prepaid IC card called

“nimoca” on May 18, 2008, which will be used to

pay for Nishitetsu transportation fares (buses and

trains) and shopping at member stores.

How do I use it? It’s quite simple, just place

the card close to the scanner of the automatic

ticket gates, at the exit door of buses, or at the

cashier (shopping), and the fare will be

automatically deducted.

If you wish, you can combine your train

pass with “nimoca” (nimoca-bus pass is

planned to start in 2009 FY) to extend your

transportation routes. For example, in case

you ride beyond the designated zones of your

pass, “nimoca” will automatically adjust and

deduct the additional fare.

By using “nimoca”, you can also earn

points which are redeemable as electric

money for shopping and paying bus and train

fares (1point= ¥1). Carefully read the

following information to learn more about

“nimoca” and its benefits (the information

provided here is as of April 2008).

The service area is as follows:

Train: All 61 stations of Tenjin-Omuta Line

(incl. Dazaifu and Amagi Line)

�Kaizuka Line is planned to be included in

the service in the spring of 2010.

Bus: Total of 152 buses in 7 Lines under

Nakagawa service office (mainly from

Nakagawa-machi to Hakata and Tenjin

via Ohashi)

�Fukuoka area is planned to be included in

the service from 2008 FY, as well as

Kitakyushu, Chikuho and Chikugo areas

from 2009 FY.

Shopping: Tenjin and the other areas along

the Tenjin-Omuta Line

(Tenjin area) IWATAYA, Hakata Daimaru,

SOLARIA PLAZA, SOLARIA STAGE,

TENJIN CORE, INCUBE, NISHITETSU

GRAND HOTEL, SORALIA NISHITETSU

HOTEL, SOLARIA CINEMA

(Other areas) OHGA Pharmacy, FUTATA,

APETITO (ROYAL), Fugetsu, Nishitetsu

stores, Ohhashi-meitengai, Emax Kurume,

NISHITETSU INN, NISHITETSU PLAZA,

NISHITETSU TRAVEL

How to charge “nimoca” and how to use the points

You can charge your “nimoca” in increments

of ¥1,000 up to ¥20,000, redeem your

collected points from an increment of 1 point

(points expire on Dec 31st

of the following

year), check your usage history and balance

at the above purchase locations or at

SOLARIA STAGE, Ohhashi-meitengai, and

Emax Kurume.

How to get the deposit and balance back

Your card’s deposit and remaining balance

will be refunded, only if you return the card

to train ticket counters, commuter pass

counters, etc. in which ¥210 will be deducted

from the remaining balance as a commission.

For more details on “nimoca”, visit http://

www.nimoca.jp. You’re just a single card

away from experiencing a virtual convenience!

2.5 million Turnout Expected for Hakata

Dontaku Festival on May 3 & 4

Hakata Dontaku

Festival will once

again generate a

wave of exhilaration

on crowds with this

year’s theme, “Let’s

make Fukuoka

Softbank Hawks and

Avispa Fukuoka our

Champions!” during

the Golden Week of May 3rd

�and 4th

. The

pioneers of Dontaku known as “Hakata

Matsubayashi” will lead the parade with

colorful performers and music to enhance the

overflowing excitement. Celebrating the 25th

anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort, Disney

Troupe will also join and march on the 1.3km

Meiji-dori Ave. walkway from Gofuku-machi

intersection to Fukuoka City Office. Since the

days are set on the weekend, approximately

2.5 million turnouts are expected for this

year’s grand festival. Come join the

traditional festivity!

Please refer to http://

www.hakatadontaku.jp/ for more details.�

Type nimoca star nimoca credit nimoca

Feature Registration not required.

Points can be earned only from

the use of trains or buses.

Registration required.

Points can be earned from riding on trains and buses,

as well as shopping.

If you are using nimoca-commuter pass, points can be earned only outside the

designated zones of your pass.

Extra points earned

through credit card

transactions.

Auto-charge function can

be set from increments of

¥1,000 (max. ¥10,000 per

day & ¥50,000 per month.)

Reissuance Lost cards (nimoca with a commuter pass, star nimoca, and credit nimoca) can be

reissued with the remaining credits and points by paying a ¥500 reissuing fee and a

deposit, which is included in the price of the new card.

Price ¥2,000 (incl. ¥500 deposit*1 and ¥1,500 credit)�

or ¥500 (deposit only) at the

designated commercial stores*2

Where and

how to get

“nimoca”?

At 15 train pass counters and at designated commercial stores*2� Fill out the application form

and mail it to one of the

following credit companies:

JCB, SAISON, VISA, or

NICOS. The card will be

sent by mail.�

At 56 stations (must be

staffed) of Tenjin-Omuta Line

or on the 152 buses operated

under the Nakagawa service

office as well as at Nakagawa

service office and Tenjin bus

center.

�nimoca for children under

junor high is available at half the

price of adult fares, but

registration is required at the

commuter pass ticket counters.)

�your nimoca can be

upgraded to star nimoca

with registration.

�star nimoca for

children is also available.

¥0 (no deposit)

Must be charged before

use.

nimoca star nimoca -commuter pass

star nimoca credit nimoca

*1 The deposit will be refunded when you return the card.

*2 SOLARIA PLAZA counter (B1F), TENJIN CORE counter (4F), and Nishitetsu stores

(“nimoca” member stores only)

�

�

3�May 2008�

News for Living

Schedule for Getting Polio

Vaccination

Polio vaccinations for children are available

(free) from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the

following places shown on the chart below.

You will need your “Maternal and Child

Health Handbook” to receive this medical

service.

Your children must be between 3 months and

7 years and 5 months old to receive the service

and must be after completing their checkup on

the fourth month. Otherwise, they will need to

get a BCG vaccination (free if inoculated within

6 months after birth) before coming in. If this is

their second time, you must make sure that it

has been at least 41 days since their first

inoculation. If you have any concerns or

questions about your children’s health condition

prior to the inoculation, please consult with the

doctor first.

Please also be advised that children with

the following symptoms/conditions are not

the candidates for polio vaccination.

diarrhea or fever

viral diseases such as roseola infantum, or

within the four week period since recovery

(period varies depending on the type of

disease)

within 27 days since getting BCG or

Measles vaccination

within 6 days since getting DPT

vaccination

etc.

*Please seek the

medical institution

indicated under your

school zone and on

the corresponding date

as much as possible,

for the alternative

days are exclusive to children who are not

able to attend on the above dates due to

illness, poor health condition, etc.

This month, we’ll introduce two kotoba starting with “I”

which are commonly used in Chikuzen—the eastern part

of Fukuoka Prefecture.

Isagiyo ��

Meaning: very, quite

Etymology: originates from the standard Japanese

word “isagiyoshi” or “isagiyoi” colloquially. First,

the prefix “isa” is commonly believed to have been

derived from the word “ita” or “ito”, which means

“most certainly” (though its pronunciation slightly

differs from that of original). Another theory provides that it probably

stemmed from the word “isamu (�), which means “brave and

respectable nature”. Secondly, the suffix, “giyoshi”, is the sequential

voicing of “kiyoshi (� )” and translates as “the pristine state of nature

and its scenery”. Thus, assimilating both the prefix and suffix give us

the integrated meanings of “magnificent”, “immaculate”, “innocent”,

“pure”, etc. A strong emphasis was placed on the first definition, and it

eventually became attached as one of the Hakata dialects as “isagiyo”,

meaning “very” or “quite”.�

(Example)��

Anoko ha isagiyo genkina ko yanaa

(Standard language)�� !

Anoko ha totemo genkina ko desune

(English) He’s a very energetic boy!�

Iboru ��

Meaning: get stuck in the mud

Etymology: although a clear etymology for this word is unknown, “i”

has been historically used as a prefix to correct the tone of certain verbs

in Japan. This can be referred from the examples of “i-iku (to go)” and

“i-wataru (to cross)” written in Kojiki ("#�) or “A Record of

Ancient Matters” in 710 and Manyoshu ($%&) or “The Anthology of

Myriad Leaves” in 750. From this understanding, it seems that “iboru”

bears a strong resemblance to the word “i-horu (to dig)”, and its

pronunciation eventually became read as the former over time. In fact,

this expression seems to give a better idea to Hakata people that

“something is sinking into slimy mud” than other comparative standard

synonyms such as “nukarumu” or “merikomu”.�

(Example)'�()*+�,-./��0)�1234561

Ame no futta ato yaken michi no ibotte kara aruki nikuka

(Standard language)

'7()*+812./791:-�3456�

Ame ga futta ato dakara michi ga nukarun de aruki nikui

(English) It is difficult to walk on this muddy road after the rain.

Vol.11

BANGKOK ¥43,000~

SOUTH EAST ASIA

INDIAN SUBCONTI.

AUSTRALIA/EUROPE

MID.EAST/AFRICA

¥50,000~

¥74,000~

¥60,000~

¥70,000~

For more information, Please contact

Thai Airways International PCL.Fukuoka

092-734-6409 www.thaiair.co.jp

Date� Institution� School Zone�

Higashi-ku Kenko-ka Tel. 645-1078�

1 (Thu)� Health & Welfare

Center�

Shirohama, Tatara,

Higashi-hakozaki�

8 (Thu)� Hatta, Matsushima�

9 (Fri)� Aoba, Chihaya,

Chihaya-nishi�

13 (Tue)� Comi-cen Wajiro� Saitozaki, Miwadai,

Wajiro-higashi�

15 (Thu)� Wajiro Kominkan� Mitoma, Wajiro�


Center�

Alternative day*�

Hakata-ku Kenko-ka Tel. 419-1091�

1 (Thu)� Southern-pia

Hakata�

Naka-minami,

Sanchiku�

13 (Tue)� Health & Welfare

Center�

Yoshizuka, Higashi-

yoshizuka, Toko�

15 (Thu)� Naka�

22 (Thu)� Alternative day*�

Chuo-ku Kenko-ka Tel. 761-7328�


Center�

Minami-tonin,

Haruyoshi�

9 (Fri)� Kusagae, Takamiya,

Fukuhama�

15 (Thu)� Alternative day*�

Minami-ku Kenko-ka Tel. 559-5116�


Center�

Tamagawa, Yanaga,

Nagazumi�

8 (Thu)� Takagi, Hanahata, Roji�

9 (Fri)� Ogusu, Higashi-

hanahata,

Chikushigaoka�

16 (Fri)� Alternative day*�

Date� Institution� School Zone�

Jonan-ku Kenko-ka Tel. 831-4261�


Center�

Jonan, Tsutsumigaoka�

8 (Thu)� Befu, Nishi-nagazumi�

13 (Tue)� Alternative day*�

Sawara-ku Kenko-ka Tel. 851-6012�


Center�

Takatori, Kamo,

Momochihama�

8 (Thu)� Arita, Kotabe, Arizumi�

14 (Wed)� Muromi, Ikura-chuo,

Nishijin�

21 (Wed)� Alternative day*�

Nishi-ku Kenko-ka Tel. 895-7073�

1 (Thu)� Imajuku Branch

Office�

Susenji, Imazu�

8 (Thu)� Motooka, Genyo �

13 (Tue)� Health & Welfare

Center�

Meinohama, Meihoku,

Seiryo, Noko�

15 (Thu)� Uchihama, Kanatake,

Genkai�

21 (Wed)� Alternative day*�

**Please note that some school zones have

already delivered the inoculation service.

�

�

4� May 2008�

CONCERTS:

LALAH HATHAWAY

May 7 (Wed) 6:30p.m., 9:30p.m.

Billboard Live

¥8,000

ASIA

May 8 (Thu) 7:00p.m.

Fukuoka Shimin Kaikan

S¥8,500 A¥7,500

ORCHESTRE NATIONAL BORDEAUX

AQUITAINE

May 8 (Thu) 7:00p.m.

ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall

S¥9,000 A¥7,000 B¥5,000 C¥3,000

RITA COOLIDGE

May 15 (Thu) 6:30p.m., 9:30p.m.

Billboard Live

¥8,000

SUMIKO YOSEYAMA JAZZ LIVE

May 17 (Sat) 6:30p.m.

SKALA ESPACIO

¥6,000

BOYZ ��MEN

May 18 (Sun) 5:00p.m.

Fukuoka Sunpalace Hotel & Hall

S¥8,500 A¥7,000

BRUNO LEONARDO GELBER PIANO

RECITAL

May 19 (Mon) 6:45p.m.


S¥6,000 A¥5,000 B¥4,000

RICHARD CLAYDERMAN

May 21 (Wed) 7:00p.m.

Fukuoka Kokusai Kaigijo Main Hall

¥6,500

ALBAN BERG QUARTETT

May 21 (Wed) 7:00p.m.


S¥7,000 A¥5,000 B¥3,000

WIENER SANGERKNABEN

May 27 (Tue) 7:00p.m.


S¥5,000 A¥4,000 B¥3,000

THE MANHATTANS

Jun. 3 (Tue), 4 (Wed) 6:30p.m., 9:30p.m.

Billboard Live

¥8,500

GEORGE WINSTON

“A SOLO PIANO CONCERT”

Jun. 10 (Tue) 7:00p.m.

Fukuoka Kokusai Kaigijo Hall

¥5,800

NEW YORK VOICES

Jun. 11 (Wed) 6:30p.m., 9:30p.m.

Billboard Live

¥7,500

TOMOMI NISHIMOTO WITH MONTE

CARLO ORCHESTRE PHILHARMONIQUE

Jun. 20 (Fri) 7:00p.m.


GS ¥13,000 S ¥12,000 A ¥10,000 B ¥8,000

C¥5,000

DRESDNER PHILHARMONIE

Jun. 26 (Thu) 7::00p.m.


GS ¥13,000 S ¥12,000 A ¥10,000 B ¥8,000

C¥6,000

EVENTS:

LEE BYUNG HUN FILM TOUR

May 16 (Fri) 11:30a.m., 2:00p.m.


¥2,000

FUKUOKA ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2008

PRE-EVENT SCREENING

“KIM KI-DUK CINEASTE OF THE

CONVULSIVE BEAUTY”

May 17 (Sat) 12:00p.m., 2:00p.m., 4:00p.m.

French-Japanese Institute of Kyushu 5F Hall�

¥1,300

TAO

May 19 (Mon) 7:00p.m.


¥6,000

GEKIDAN SHIKI “LION KING”

Thru. May 31 (Sat) *Time varies by date

Fukuoka Shiki Theater

S¥11,550 A¥9,450 B¥6,300 C¥3,150

Weekday Matinee

S¥10,500 A¥8,400 B¥5,250 C¥2,100

PEKIN OPERA “HUA MU LAN”

Jun. 10 (Tue) 7:00p.m.


S¥8,500 A¥7,500

“DRALION” CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Thru. Jun. 15 (Sun)

*Time varies by date

Fukuoka New Big Top

(Outer Garden of the Hakozaki Shrine)

Adult SS¥11,500 S¥9,000 A¥5,500

Children SS¥7,500 S¥5,500 A¥3,500

LE BALLETS

TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO

Jun. 16 (Mon) 7:00p.m.


S¥8,000 A¥7,000 B¥6,000

RIVERDANCE

Jul. 1(Tue), 2(Wed) 7:00p.m.

3(Thu) 2:00p.m.

Fukuoka Sunpalace Hotel & Hall

S¥11,000 A¥9,000

1-5 Ohori-Koen Park, Chuo-ku

Open 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

(Closed Mondays) Tel��092-715-2155

http://www.ohori-nougaku.jp/index.cgi

*Free unless specified

KANZE SCHOOL

Shofu kai Haru no kai

(SUUTAI, SHIMAI, MAIBAYASHI,

RENGIN)

May 3 (Sat/holiday) 9:00a.m.

KITA SCHOOL

Fukuoka Jishu Koen Noh

(NOH, KYOGEN, MAIBAYASHI, SHIMAI)

May 4 (Sun) 12:00p.m.

A¥9,000, ¥8,000 B¥7,000 Student¥3,000

KANZE SCHOOL

Soyo kai

(NOH, SUUTAI, MAIBAYASHI)

May 11 (Sun) 10:30a.m.

Fukuoka Kanzekai Teiki Noh

(NOH, KYOGEN, SHIMAI)

May 17 (Sat) 1:00p.m.

¥7,000

HOSHO SCHOOL

Domon Rengo Taikai

(NOH, MAIBAYASHI, SUUTAI, SHIMAI)

May 18 (Sun) 9:00a.m.

UMEWAKA

Rokuyo kai Enno kai

(SHIMAI, NOH, HAKAMANOH,

KYOGEN, SHIMAI)

May 25 (Sun) 1st stage 11:00a.m. Free

2nd stage 12:50p.m. Reserved ¥8,000

Non-reserved ¥7,000 Student ¥3,000

EXHIBITIONS:

3-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara-ku

Open 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.


http://museum.city.fukuoka.jp

SPECIAL EXHIBITION

THE�THREE GREAT CIVILIZATIONS

OF MESOAMERIA & THE CENTRAL

ANDES: THE WORLD OF MAYA,

AZTEC AND INCA

Thru. Jun. 8 (Sun)

Adult ¥1,300 Univ. & H.S. Student ¥900

J.H.S. and Elem. Student Free

1-6 Ohori-koen Park, Chuo-ku

Open 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.


http://www.fukuoka-art-museum.jp

JAPANESE-STYLE PAINTINGS AND

CRAFTS GALLERY

TOMITA KEISEN EXHIBITION

Thru. May 18 (Sun)

Adult ¥200 Univ. & H.S. Students ¥150

J.H.S. and Elem. S. Students Free

7 & 8 F, Riverain Center Bldg., 3-1

Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku

Open 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

(Closed Wednesdays) Tel��092-263-1100

http://faam.city.fukuoka.jp

EXHIBITION GALLERY

GANDHARA ART & BAMIYAN SITE

Thru. May 18 (Sun)

Adult ¥1,100 Univ. & H.S. Students ¥800

J.H.S. Students and under Free

Ohori Koen Noh Theater�

Fukuoka City Museum�

Fukuoka Art Museum�

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum�

Coming Soon !�

�The prices quoted here may or may

not include a 5% consumption tax.�

“Jade-mosaic mask”

“Head of Buddha”

Gandhara, Pakistan, Stucco,

4th-5th century,

Private Collection

�

�

5�May 2008�

5-2-1�Tenjin��Chuo-ku, Fukuoka�

Open 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.


http://fpmahs1.fpart-unet.ocn.ne.jp

EXHIBITION GALLERY

PERMANENT COLLECTION I :

JAPANESE STYLE PAINTING IN

FUKUOKA

Thru. Jul. 13 (Sun)

Adults ¥210 Univ. & H.S. Students ¥140

J.H.S. & Elem. Students ¥60

4-7-2�Ishizaka��Dazaifu�

Open 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


http://www.kyuhaku.com/pr/

SPECIAL EXHIBITION GALLERY

NATIONAL TREASURES EMAKI

FROM KYOTO NATIONAL MUSEUM

Thru. Jun. 1 (Sun)

Adult ¥1,300 Univ. & H.S. Students ¥1,000

J.H.S. and Elem. School Students ¥60

IMS 8F, 1-7-11 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka

Open 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tel��092-733-2050

http://www.nishinippon.co.jp/jigyou/artium/index.php

MAKOTO TANIJIRI EXHIBITION

THE DESIGN CONCEPT OF “PICKING

OUT” IN ARCHITECTURE

Thru. Jun. 8 (Sun)

Adult ¥400 J.H.S. & H.S. Student ¥300

SPORTS:

<BASEBALL>

FUKUOKA SOFTBANK HAWKS

HOME GAMES

vs. Orix Buffaloes

May 2 (Fri) 6:00p.m., 3 (Sat) 2:00p.m.

4 (Sun) 1:00p.m.

vs. Saitama Seibu Lions

May 14 (Wed), 15 (Thu) 6:00p.m.

vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

May 16 (Fri), 17 (Sat) 6:00p.m.,

18 (Sun) 1:00p.m.

vs. Hiroshima Toyo Carp

May 20 (Tue), 21 (Wed) 6:00p.m.

vs. Hanshin Tigers

May 23 (Fri) 6:00p.m., 24 (Sat) 2:00p.m.

vs. Yomiuri Giants

May 31 (Sat), Jun. 1 (Sun) 6:00p.m.

vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows

Jun. 3 (Tue), 4 (Wed) 6:00p.m.

vs. Chunichi Dragons

Jun. 11 (Wed), 12 (Thu) 6:00p.m.

vs. Yokohama Bay Stars

Jun. 14 (Sat) 6:00p.m., 15 (Sun) 1:00p.m.

Tickets: ¥1,000-¥8,500

Venue: FUKUOKA YAHOO! DOME

Tickets/Inquiry: Fukuoka Soft Bank Hawks

TEL: 092-847-1536

<FOOTBALL>

AVISPA FUKUOKA

HOME GAMES

vs. Roasso Kumamoto

May 6 (Tue/holiday) 1:00p.m.

vs. Sanfrecce Hiroshima

May 11 (Sun) 1:00p.m.

vs. Vegalta Sendai

May 25 (Sun) 1:00p.m.

Tickets: ¥1,000-¥3,500

Venue: Level Five Stadium (Hakata-no Mori)

Tickets/Inquiry: Avispa Fukuoka

TEL: 092-674-3020

<TENNIS>

FUKUOKA INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S

TENNIS 2008

May 4 (Sun) - 11 (Sun)

Tickets: Adult ¥1,000, Student ¥300

Venue: Hakata no Mori Tennis Stadium

Inquiry: Kyushu Tennis Association

TEL: 092-722-1605

MOVIES:

*Movies are designated by the following codes:

�A�-Arabic, (B)-Burmese, (C)-Chinese, (D)-Dari,

(E)-English, (F)-French, (G)-German,

(H)-Hebrew, (I)-Italian, (J)-Japanese, (K)-Korean,

(P)-Polish, (R)-Russian, (SC)-Serbo-Croatian,

(SL)- Slovak, (SW)-Swedish, (T)-Thai etc.

The schedule is subject to change without notice.

NAKASU TAIYO

(��291-4058)

SCHEDULED FOR MAY

“CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER” (C)

“10,000 B.C.” (E) “NEXT” (E)

“THE BUCKET LIST” (E)

“THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE

CASPIAN” (E)

MET LIVE VIEWING

“TRISTAN UND ISOLDE”

“LA FIGLIA DEL REGGIMENTO”

TENJIN�TOHO

(��762-6666)

SCHEDULED FOR MAY

“MICHAEL CLAYTON” (E)

“LIONS FOR LAMBS” (E)

“THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES” (E)

“CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR” (E)(D)(A)(R)

“RAMBO” (E)(B)(T)


CASPIAN” (E)

CINETERRIE TENJIN

(� �� 781-5508)

SCHEDULED FOR MAY

“THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE” (E)

“OUR DAILY BREAD” (G)(P)

“THERE WILL BE BLOOD” (E)

SOLARIA CINEMA

(�� 733-7375)

SCHEDULED FOR MAY

“HANA-KAGE” (J)

“ANO SORA WO OBOETERU” (J)

“MAY 18” (K) (PG-12)

RERUN

“SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF

FLEET STREET” (E)

“BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA” (E)

UNITED CINEMAS CANAL CITY 13

(�� !�"��#13�272-2222)

SCHEDULED FOR MAY

“HITMAN” (E)(R)(SC) (PG-12)

“MICHAEL CLAYTON” (E)

“UNTRACEABLE” (E) (R-15)

“CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER” (C)

“LIONS FOR LAMBS” (E) “88 MINUTES” (E)

“THE BLACK HOUSE” (K) (R-15)


“10,000 B.C.” (E) “NEXT” (E)


“THE HUNTING PARTY” (E)(SC)

“THE MIST” (E)(R-15)


“GOOD LUCK CHUCK” (E)(R-15)


CASPIAN” (E)


“SHOOT’EM UP” (E)(I)(R-15)

“FOOL’S GOLD” (E) “21” (E)

“27DRESSES” (E)

UNITED CINEMAS FUKUOKA

(��$% 844-5645 & 771-8600)

SCHEDULED FOR MAY

“HITMAN” (E)(R)(SC) (PG-12)

“UNTRACEABLE” (E) (R-15)

“LIONS FOR LAMBS” (E)


“10,000 B.C.” (E) “NEXT” (E)




CASPIAN” (E)


“SHOOT’EM UP” (E)(I)(R-15) “21” (E)

KBC CINEMA

(KBC� ��751-4268)

SCHEDULED FOR MAY

“ATONEMENT” (E)(F) “SLEUTH” (E)

“PARANOID PARK” (E)(PG-12)

“MISTER LONELY” (E)

“CONTROL” (E) (PG-12)

“LE PREMIER CRI” (F) (PG-12)

“I’M NOT THERE” (E) (PG-12)

CINE LIBRE HAKATA STATION

(� �'()*+,�434-3691)

SCHEDULED FOR MAY

“TUYA’S MARRIAGE” (C)

“FACTORY GIRL” (E)(SL)(F) (R-15)

“IN THE REALM OF THE UNREAL: THE

MYSTERY OF HENRY DARGER” (E)

“HADASHI NO GIBON” (K) (PG-12)

“THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB” (E)

“2 DAYS IN PARIS” (E)(F) (PG-12)

“MEDUZOT” (H)(F)

Fukuoka Pref. Museum of Art�

Kyushu National Museum�

Artium�

TOMITA Keisen “Late Fall in Toganoo” 1934

“Life of Priest Uisang” from the Patriarchs of the Kegon

Sect (Kegon-shū soshi eden, Gishō e) Kōsan-ji Temple,

Kyoto

“float” (2003)

�

�

TNC, Momochihama

Date: May 3(Sat), 4(Sun), 10(Sat), 11(Sun),

17(Sat), 18(Sun), 24(Sat), 25(Sun), 31(Sat)

Jun. 7(Sat), 8(Sun), 21(Sat), 22(Sun)

Time: 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.

Place: Next to the TNC Building

Bus stop: Fukuoka Tower South Exit

Minami Ward Office

Date: May 10 (Sat), 24 (Sat), Jun. 14 (Sat), 28 (Sat)

Time: 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.

Place: Minami Ward Office Parking Lot

Station: Nishitetsu Ohashi Station

Evergreen Marinoa

Date: May 18 (Sun), Jun. 15 (Sun)

Time: 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.

Place: Marinoa City near the Ferris wheel

Bus Stop: Marinoa City

Flea Market in Bayside Place

Date: Jun. 1 (Sun)

Time: 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.

Place: Bayside Place Hakata Futo

Bus Stop: Bayside Place Hakata Futo

------------------------------------------------

Inquiry: Nishinihon Citizen’s Recycle Movement

TEL: 092-752-7761 FAX: 092-752-7766

Email: [email protected]

Dazaifu Tenjin Omoshiro Ichi

Date: May 24 (Sat), 25 (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

6� May 2008�

GET FREE NURSERY GOODS

Fukuoka city encourages citizens to actively

participate in recycling unused items at the

following facilities (noted below) to reduce

city wastes. There, you will find some

nursery items, so please check the Dream

Gallery section of the Seibu Recycle Plaza at

http://www.fukuoka-seibuplaza.com/ to

browse the list of items available.�

1) Recycle Boutique

Approximately 800 items for men, women

and children are available. One person can

take home up to 5 clothing items per day.

Venue: Seibu Recycle Plaza 2F Hall

(Clean Park Seibu, 1043-2 Imajuku Aoki,

Nishi-ku)

TEL: 092-882-3190

Mini Recycle Plaza

(2-9, Sanchiku, Hakata-ku)

TEL: 092-585-0598

2) Furniture and home appliances

The items are given away by a draw. You can

apply via the Internet or at the facilities.

a) Internet Dream Gallery

Eligibility: those who are above 20 years old

residing in Fukuoka City

How to register: fill in the user registration

form and submit it on the above website.

User ID number will be sent to your by mail.

How to apply: find the item you want on the

above website and apply with your ID

number and password. One person can apply

one item per month.

Drawing : drawings will be held at 2:30p.m.

of the every 3rd Sunday. Winner’s ID

number will be announced on the website and

notified by e-mail.

How to receive: please pick up the item(s) at

Mini Recycle Plaza by the next Sunday

following the drawing day or have it

delivered to your address by a designated

carrier, which will cost ¥1,995 within

Fukuoka City only.

b) Apply at the facilities

How to apply: apply at the site and not on

the phone. One person can apply only one

item per month.

Drawing :

Seibu Recycle Plaza: drawing will be held at

2:30p.m. of the every 3rd Sunday

Mini Recycle Plaza: drawings will be held at

2:30p.m. of the every 4th Sunday.

How to receive: pick up the item(s) at the

Seibu Recycle Plaza or the Mini Recycle

Plaza where you applied, by 5:00p.m. on the

day of drawing or make it deliver to your

address by a designated carrier which will

cost ¥1,995 within Fukuoka City only.

��Hanger�Rack� ��Desk��Chair�

For more information: Rainbow Plaza Tel: 733-2220

*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 May)

<Date: May to Jul.>

May 10 & 17, Jun. 7 & 21, Jul. 5 & 19

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

*45 minutes / person

*An interpreter provided upon request.

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 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.

*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 May 18 (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>

��Slipper Rack ��Side Table

��TV Stand ��Coat Hanger

��Metal Rack ��Book Shelf

�Cupboard �Shelf

��Computer Desk ��Single Cabinet

FREE COUNSELING�

SECOND-HAND FURNITURE�

Rainbow Plaza

Corner� Other Information

<Application Dates>

May 9 (Fri) 10a.m. ~ 11 (Sun) 4p.m.

Flea Market�

HARAZURU ONSENHARAZURU ONSENHARAZURU ONSEN

at TAISENKAKUat TAISENKAKUat TAISENKAKU

¥9,200¥9,200¥9,200��

�Four or Five person Room)

�ALL DESTINATIONS AVAILABLE.

PLEASE CALL US NOW!!

LEISURE PLAN CO., LTD.

ACROS Fukuoka BLDG. 3F. 092-725-9090

http://www.ontheday.co.jp/

Email: [email protected]

~~~ OPEN 365 DAYS! OPEN 365 DAYS! OPEN 365 DAYS! ~~~��

How about a hot spring trip

on your weekend? Call Today!!

��Side Table ��Single Cabinet�

�

�

7�May 2008�

Care Association (Fukuoka-shi Hoiku Kyoukai) website http://

www.hoiku.or.jp/ (Japanese only), you can view each

preschool’s location, services, and availability. For more

information, contact the desired preschool or pay a visit before

enrolling.

To apply, you will need an application form from the

preschool or the Welfare & Nursing Care Insurance Section of

your ward office, as well as an official certificate of the Alien

Registration Card, a proof of income (withholding tax

statement, etc.), and a proof that you cannot provide care for

your child (proof of employment, doctor’s statement etc.).

Daycare Center for Sick Children

In case you have sick or convalescent children (aged

between 0 and third grade) and are facing difficulties taking

care of them at home due to work, etc., the following

institutions will temporarily look after your child. The fee is

2,000 yen per day; lunch, snacks, etc. are not included in the

cost.

You can download the application form from the following

website: http://www.city.fukuoka.jp/kodomo/seido/dl/

daycareroom_touroku.pdf (Japanese only). �

�The highlighted information is also posted on the “Hospital

Guide in Fukuoka” section of the Fukuoka International

Association’s website (consultations are available in English).�

Kindergarten Enrollment

There are two types of kindergartens: public (municipal) and

private. Regarding procedures for enrollment, municipal

kindergartens will distribute application guidelines in

November for the upcoming fiscal year; private kindergartens

will open registration for enrollment in November. For more

details, please contact your desired kindergarten.

For information regarding each kindergarten, please refer to

the Fukuoka City Board of Education website at http://

www.city.fukuoka.jp/kyouiku/gakkoichiran.html � for

municipal kindergartens and the Fukuoka-City Private

Kindergarten Federation website at http://www.fyr.or.jp/

seach.html (Japanese only) for private kindergartens.

As for expenses, according to the actual record for the 2007

fiscal year, the cost for a municipal kindergarten was 5,550 yen

for enrollment and 7,500 yen/month for child care. Besides

these, picture book fees, PTA membership fees, etc. varied

depending on the kindergarten. For private kindergartens, the

enrollment fee and the child care fee are set by each

kindergarten, but are close to the standard education fee (65,000

yen for enrollment, 25,500 yen for child care) calculated by

experts. In addition, facility expenses, fees for course materials

and uniforms, etc. are required.

There are only seven municipal kindergartens in the city and

parents whose children are enrolled there are responsible for

dropping them off and picking them up as well as preparing their

lunch for the day. On the other hand, over 90 percent of the city’s

private kindergartens have their own pickup buses, and many of

them provide lunch for children (charged); thus, each family needs

to decide on a type of kindergarten that meets their respective

location and convenience.

In an effort to ease the financial burden for parents whose

children are enrolled in private kindergartens, Fukuoka City

provides an encouragement subsidy assistance, which remits

kindergartens on the amount that they have incurred as a result

of exempting certain amount of enrollment and daycare fees

from each household. The exemption amount varies depending

on the family’s total municipal taxes paid and the presence or

absence of siblings. Fukuoka Prefecture also provides a

childcare subsidy for enrollment (new kindergarteners only)

and daycare fees. The procedures for receiving these assistances

are carried out at a kindergarten, so contact your respective

kindergarten for more details.

Third Child-Preference Project

In Fukuoka City, there is a project which aims to reduce the

economic burden of households who nurture over three children

under 18 (until the end of the fiscal year of turning 18) and

during the three years when their third and subsequent children

are aged between 4 and 6 (i.e. from the fiscal year of turning 4

and until the end of the fiscal year of turning 6). Please note

that the terms of assistance (exemption of childcare fee,

issuance of allowance, etc.) vary depending on where your third

and subsequent children are nurtured such as at a preschool,

kindergarten, institutions for physically and mentally disabled

children, etc. Please contact your respective childcare facility

for more details. (In case you are raising children at home or

utilizing other facilities, contact Welfare & Nursing Care

Insurance Section.)��

Elementary School and Junior High School

The enrollment procedures for entering Japanese elementary

and junior high schools are offered in English and six other

languages on the Ministry of� Education, Culture, Sports,

Science and Technology website � http://www.mext.go.jp/

a_menu/shotou/clarinet/003/001/009.pdf.�

Some Fukuoka City’s public schools are currently engaging

in special curriculums called “Japanese language class” and

“dispatched Japanese counselors” to better accommodate the

needs of foreign students.

This Japanese language class has been established at four

elementary schools (Kashiihama Elementary School, Koryo

Elementary School, Shirohama Elementary School, and

Ikihigashi Elementary School) and both orientation and

languages classes are carried out there respectively. Not only do

the transferred students study Japanese all day, but they also

spend time with their fellow classmates learning and eating

lunch together. Thus, as the students acquire proficient

Japanese over time, less and less time will be spent in the

language class.

On the other hand, Japanese language counselors are

dispatched upon request to elementary schools for a maximum of

44 hours (extension of another 22 hours is possible). They visit the

students in the classrooms periodically and educate them on one-

on-one with fundamental reading and writing knowledge required

for studying and carrying out a daily conversation.

�continued on page 8�

�continued from page 1�

Ward� Institution� Address Tel.

Higashi �

Ueyama Shonika Iin� 5-20-8 Wakamiya 681-4515

Narazaki Syonika� 5-7-15 Wajiro 605-7377

Hakata �

Umeno Shonika Naika

Iin�

1-33-2 Chiyo 651-1577

Fukuoka Nyujiin� 1-1-14 Nishiharu-

machi

573-7760

Chuo� Matsuo Shonika Iin� 3-11-8 Yakuin 521-7277

Minami� Yanai Shonika Clinic� 7-4-21 Nagazumi 551-6337

Jonan� Shindo Shonika Iin� 3-22-28 Shinshoji 865-7100

Sawara� Matsumoto Shonika Iin� 4-8-16 Nishijin 821-6335

Takasaki Shonika Iin� 4-14-33 Shimoyamato 891-3105

Shimomura Syonika Iin� 4-19-25 Meinohama 883-5547

Nishi �

�

�

8� May 2008�

Other Information

(Children’s play areas)

In effort to ensure a safe and free playing

areas for children and support their

independent activities, the Child

Development Section of the Child

Affairs Bureau of Fukuoka City is

conducting various childcare programs

which include opening elementary

schools’ playgrounds during holidays

and after school hours, establishing a

children’s society at each school zone

(for those children whose parents are

working and not at home, etc.)

(Consultation)

Kodomo (Children’s) Hotline 24

The Fukuoka Education Office provides

consultations regarding children’s school

life to any individual in person or over

the phone for free; your confidentiality is

protected.

TEL: 641-9999

(This is not a toll-free service)

Office hours: Everyday except for the

year-end and New Year holidays from

9:00a.m.- � 5:00p.m. (phone

consultation until midnight).

Location: 13-50, Yoshizuka-honmachi,

Hakata-ku, Yoshizuka Amalgamated

Pref. Govt. Office 3rd

floor (3min.

walk from JR Yoshizuka Sta.)

Children’s Human Rights 110

At the Fukuoka Prefectural Bar

Association, lawyers belonging to the

association provide free consultations to

children. There, general inquiries about

legal procedures are thoroughly discussed

and your confidentiality is protected.

TEL: 752-1331

(This is not a toll-free service)

Office hours: Every Saturday afternoon

(0:30p.m.- 3:30p.m.) except for the

year-end and New Year holidays,

Golden Week, and Bon Festival period.

(Useful Information)

We love Tenjin Kyogikai “MAMA &

PAPA MAP in TENJIN”

The “We love Tenjin Kyogikai” has put

together opinions from dads and moms to

create a new parental guide known as

“MAMA & PAPA MAP in TENJIN”,

which shows hints and ways in which

parents can spend a cozy time with their

small children in the heart of busy

downtown Tenjin. Starting with access to

baby strollers and suckling rooms, this

handout is complete with useful

information and distributed at various

commercial service areas in Tenjin. For

more information, launch to their

website: http://tenjinsite.jp/we_love/.�

�continued from page 7�

“Triple seater”�

Seigo Sakai�

Message from Children’s Advisory Center “Egao-kan”

Children’s Advisory Center, “Egao-kan”,

provides comprehensive and specialized

consultations to troubled parents and their

children under 20 years old through health,

welfare and educational perspectives.

From school truancy, bullying, social

withdrawal, delinquency, domestic

violence, etc, many children are faced with

various and challenging problems. On the

other hand, parents also experience stress

over anxiety, burden over child-rearing, child abuse, etc, and there are in fact many families

who require educational and welfare assistances for their mentally and physically disabled

children. If you are seeking our support, please contact us.

We provide consultations on the following matters:

�Baby’s breast-feeding, meals, excretion, and sleeping

�Children’s growth and developmental delays

�Personality and behavior problems associated with domestic violence

�Admission procedures (for specialized institution) for mentally and physically disabled children

�Children with physical and sexual distress or concerns

�Children who are not willing to go out from home

�Difficulties facing the children whose parents/guardians are sick, have passed away, have left, etc.

�Placing children with a foster family or becoming a foster parent

�Children who are hanging out till late in the evening, shoplifting, stealing money from home,

or inhaling thinners

�Reporting of children’s abuse in your neighborhood or families with special attention

�Victimization by sex crime or sexual relations

�Truancy

�Bullying problems at school

Access: 15min. walk from Subway Tojinmachi Sta. or 5min.

walk from Yahoo Dome-mae bus stop

Address: 2-1-28 Jugyo-hanma, Chuo-ku

Tel: 833-3000 24 hrs. except for the year-end and New Year

holidays. Call 833-3001 for female specialists during 9:00

a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

FUKUOKA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The Fukuoka International School which is located in

Momochi, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City, was established in

1972, and more than 200 students from kindergarten to senior

high school attend this school.

The school is accredited by the Western Association of

Schools and Colleges (WASC), which is the official

accrediting body for American overseas school in the East

Asia and Pacific Region. In addition, it is accredited by the

Japanese Ministry of Education as a School Juridical Body

“Gakko Hojin.” Moreover, it has been an International

Baccalaureate (IB) World School since April 2007, and is

authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme, which

qualifies students for entrance examinations to world’s leading universities.

For details regarding procedures for entering the school and more, please contact

the school by phone at 841-7601, or refer to their website http://www.fis.ed.jp/ .�

child-rearing in fukuoka

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