Fukuoka Blog Guide to Japan fukuoka-tourism fukuoka japan trip

The truth about Japanese politics

2009-12-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

If you've worked in Japanese company, you know that official power and actual power are separate things. The nominal heads get the salaries and outward respect you would expect them to get. But meanwhile, other people usually run the show behind the scenes.While you wouldn't know it by reading the Economist, which treats the goings on of Japanese elected officials in the same narrative as western politicians, the same is true of Japanese politics. Most of it is just for show; the bureaucrats run the show, and the elected officials count on them to do it. They don't even really delve into their matters much unless they involve money or re-election. Which is why you see Japan's finance minister speaking drunk at a press conference. Wonder how the world's second largest economy can have such an incompetent person in power? The answer is quite simple, really: he isn't actually expected to do anything. The bureaucratic machine has essentially run Japan since 50's.Anyway, that's why I usually don't pay much attention to Japanese politics, and why I'm paying so much more now. If I had to bet, I would say the DPJ will fail at what it's trying to accomplish. But it's trying, and that's worth some attention.Press home and read what else this guy is saying. He knows of what he speaks.

Things to Do and Food to Eat in Fukuoka, Japan

2009-04-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka isn't that small of a place. Actual numbers bring the population to about the 5 million mark, with the city having roughly 1.3 million people. With that amount of people around, you know there has got to be something to do. On any day of the week if you look you will be able to find something that interests you. There are often festivals in one area or another in Fukuoka city. With a little help from a friend or the domestic foreigner magazines and information centers you will be able to find out where the festivals are being held.

The center of Fukuoka city will have to be Tenjin (though others may argue it to be Hakata). It is the shoppers' haven of the prefecture. Feel you need to do a little shopping for some nice named brands from Italy or France? head on over to Tenjin. Want to blow off some steam and hit a bar (including foreigner bars)? Tenjin is the place to be. Want to meet some new friends? Rainbow Plaza in... you guessed it, Tenjin, is the place to do just that.

Right next door to Tenjin is Nakasu. Nakasu hosts nightlife entertainment but tends to cater to the more affluent individual. However, Nakasu also has a huge shopping complex named Canal City which has so many shops that you wouldn't be able to count them all. The complex holds many restaurants, two hotels, a large cinema and in the center of Canal City is an area called Sun Plaza where it is common to find street performers doing their acts.

Of course Tenjin and Nakasu aren't the only place you can have fun. I live about 10 minutes away from Tenjin by subway in a town called Nishijin and I can do nearly as many things here as I can in Tenjin. Bowling, swimming, soccer, billiards, game centers, and even a movie theater are just a few of the things Nishijin and the nearby areas have to offer.

Yahoo Dome (formerly Fukuoka Dome) is located in Momochi which boarders the sea. Yahoo Dome is home to the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. The Hawks are a strong baseball team, beloved by the city and its residents. In fact, there are only two teams in Japan's professional baseball league who attract more than one million fans to their home games per year, and the Hawks are one of them. When the Hawks don't have a home game you can sometimes find other activities occurring in the Dome. Yahoo Dome hosts various flea markets and concerts throughout the year.

Food, food, food!

As far as I'm concerned, Fukuoka has the best food to offer in all of Japan (though I hear food in Sapporo is quite good). Fukuoka has its own well known dishes and of course the chefs here are well capable of recreating dishes found throughout the world.

Yatai When night begins to fall on Fukuoka city you may suddenly notice many little street vendors (usually operating out of their vans) popping up all over the sidewalks. These vendors serve a variety of foods ranging from ramen to yakiniku to tempura. Yatais themselves are really a site to see.

Hard Rock Cafe Fukuoka On the occasions when I miss American and Mexican food, I always have the option to head on over to Hard Rock Cafe right next door to Fukuoka dome in Momochi. Momochi is adjacent to Nishijin so indeed I am in luck. Hard Rock Cafe Fukuoka boasts the largest restaurant of its kind in Japan. The food is fantastic and of course the atmosphere is like all other Hard Rock Cafes out there. The staff is very friendly and since I frequent their establishment often I am treated extremely well with occasional benefits.

Izakaya Though not only found in Fukuoka, Izakaya restaurants deserve a notable mention. Izakayas offer a wide variety of food and more importantly drinks at a low price. University students as well as business men can often be found in these restaurants chatting with colleagues and drinking up a storm. All Izakayas offer a different ambiance, and with some searching you will be able to find one that suits you.

Famous Fukuoka food

Fukuoka ramen Have you ever had that cup O ramen or that freeze dried packaged ramen? bah! throw that out and try some "Tonkatsu ramen" (pork ramen) famous in Fukuoka and well know throughout all of Japan. First time I tried it I was instantly hooked and to this day try and eat it once every week or so.

Mentaiko Another famous food which Fukuoka is renowned for is mentaiko (very tiny fish eggs). To some people mentaiko may not seem very appetizing but please don't knock it till you try it. Mentaiko spaghetti, as an example, is a delicious treat around these parts. And there are of course many other recipes which have use for mentaiko.

Transportation

Unlike the nickname given to New York, Fukuoka does tend to get a little tired at night but usually not until quite late especially on weekends. One of the reasons for this in my humble opinion is the transportation shutdown at around midnight. That's right, the subway, train, and bus system all but stops once you hit the AM. Which leaves the weary and, more often than not, drunk to either take a taxi home, walk, or I have even heard the "I will just stay up until the subway starts again at 6:00 before I go home" line used by those who just aren't finished partying when its time for the transportation system's last call. This isn't just a Fukuoka special, for the shutdown happens throughout the whole of Japan.

Though the transportation system does shutdown at perhaps inconvenient times, it is a wonderful system. Perfectly clean trains, buses and subways (which are amazingly quiet) are the consequence of the shutdown for they are all cleaned during the wee hours of the morning.

Location

Fukuoka is found on the southernmost island of the four main islands in Japan. The name of the island is Kyushu. Fukuoka happens to be closer to Seoul, South Korea than it is to Tokyo. Fukuoka prefecture is located on the northern tip of Kyushu.

Travel Japan – Enjoy the Adventure

2009-04-28T07:27:00.001-07:00

Japan is one of the Asian cities that must be seen. It is simply breathtaking to behold in its scenery and full of fun and exciting things to experience. Many come to the Islands of Japan and find they have so much to do, it is impossible to pack it all in to one vacation. From the large amount of attractions, the rich colorful history, and the beauty of the land itself, there is something to appeal to every traveler. You can still see the past traditions mingled with the new ways of today.

There are so many cities in Japan that one might find it hard to decide on an exact destination. Each city has its own special personality to consider. Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, and Fukuoka are some of the more polar cities most world travelers have heard of. Tokyo is the most up to date city in Japan and has sites to see such as the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Disneyland Tokyo.

Other sites around Japan include the Nijo Castle, The Golden Pavillion, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and The Museum Of Kyoto. Hiroshima is, in itself a historical place as it was the area to be destroyed because of the first atomic bomb. The list continues on and on of great places to see and great things to experience while here in Japan.

For those who want a more detailed list of thing you can do, the list below should give you a pretty good idea.

· Try meditating at one of the many Buddhist Temples in the area.

· See Sumo Warriors wrestle it out in this ancient sport.

· Be a part of a tea party which is tradition in Japan.

· For the adventure seeker, a climb up Mount Fuji might be the right activity.

· Smell the Cherry blossoms on the tree.

· Fish in one of the great waters here.

· Have some authentic sushi and wash it down with real sake.

· Take part in one of the many festival through the city.

There are too many great things to do on your vacation in Japan. The best thing to do is to plan in advance. But if you’re the adventuress type, you can simply buy your tickets and set off for your own personal experience to Japan. See what you can find to do in this magnificent area of the world.

Karate pupil keen on return

2009-03-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

At just 7 years old, Anna Leat has taken on some of Japan's top regional age group karate exponents.

While she did not win against all of them, the plucky Arrowtown karate kid is keen to go back for more.

Anna and her mother Jackie Leat travelled to Japan last month as part of an invitational New Zealand team to compete in a Japanese regional tournament in Fukuoka for children aged between 7 and 15.

Anna, the youngest on the 16-strong New Zealand squad, and the only one from the South Island had earned her place when she won her age division at the New Zealand Karate Open last year.

She also earned her passage over, having busked all summer to raise money for the trip.

The tournament held a few surprises. Japan's karate style was faster and more aggressive than in New Zealand, Mrs Leat said.

"The first couple of matches was a big surprise because they [the Japanese competitors] were all aiming for her head," Mrs Leat said.

"Here, children aren't allowed to take head shots until they are at least 10, so she didn't know how to defend her head . . . and she didn't have a protective helmet."

But Anna soon adapted and after borrowing additional safety gear did better than expected against the 57 competitors in her age group.

She made the third round, a feat only equalled by two other New Zealand team members.

While the karate style was much tougher than the pair were used to, both were amazed by the warm welcome they and the other New Zealanders received.

"Everyone was so friendly . . . The children went to a local school and were treated like movie stars," Mrs Leat said.

"Everyone stood and clapped when they walked into the classroom and when they were leaving there were children waving from the windows."

One of the biggest benefits of the tournament was experiencing a new culture and way of life.

"There is a lot we could learn from Japanese people in terms of how to live next to your neighbour. They were very humble and considerate of everyone around them," Mrs Leat said.

Anna wants to learn Japanese and hopes to have another opportunity to go back to the birthplace of her chosen sport soon.

Having been inspired by training sessions with Japanese karate world champions and hanging out with four-time kata world champion Atsuko Wakai, this trip could be just a taste.

from: www.odt.co.nz

Ex-champ Ndiwa looks to bounce back to fame

2009-03-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

By Mutwiri Mutuota

After overcoming a genetic injury and severe bouts of typhoid and malaria, resurgent Mangata Ndiwa hopes the Saturday Amman World Cross will restore his international career.

In 2006, Ndiwa was on top of the world after being crowned 8km men’s race champion in Fukuoka, Japan, before his assault on the 5,000m gold medal at the World Junior Championships in Beijing fell short after he finished fourth.

It was to be the last time Ndiwa featured in an international tournament as a rare condition-hole in the ankle and a combination of typhoid and malaria ravaged his career.

"It’s been a difficult period for me but I am pleased to be competing for Kenya again. It is my desire to do the very best in Amman as a tribute to all those who have worked hard to see me through this," Ndiwa said.

At the Trials for Amman, Ndiwa ran 38:58.2 for sixth and was handed wildcard selection for the World Cross.

Finished fifth

In 2005, Ndiwa finished fifth (24:15) at the junior race during the St Galmier-St Etienne World Cross before winning silver (13:45.37) at the Africa Junior Championships in Rades, Tunisia.

The following year, Ndiwa was crowned World Cross junior champion (25:34) and led Kenya to a perfect 10 (1-2-3-4 finish) in the 8km race before he clocked 13:44.03 for fourth at the Beijing World Juniors’ 5,000m race.

But just before travelling to Beijing, Ndiwa developed swelling in the left ankle that got worse after the event which had first appeared in 2004 and was later diagnosed as a hole in the ankle.

Early retirement

It is the same injury that forced famed Dutch footballer and later national team coach, Marco van Basten’s early retirement in 1995 while playing for Serie A side, AC Milan.

"It is an injury that cannot be treated, one has to be conditioned to live with it," Ndiwa’s coach, Brother Colm O’Connell said.

Besides the inborn defect, Ndiwa suffered from a severe case of typhoid that later combined with malaria, ending his dreams of featuring at last year’s World Cross and Beijing Olympics Games.

"I was still not getting cured and I changed my doctor with the one who gave me different medication that was able to bring the typhoid and malaria under control. I have been on this medication until recently when I felt strong again."

Ndiwa roared back to action at the fourth KCC/AK National Cross meeting held at Kisii with a classy victory in the long race in 37:10.0, followed by a second finish (26:54, 8.9km) at the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run. The lanky Kenyan clocked 26:54 in the men’s 8.9km race.

"It will be very tough in Amman but I believe the Kenyan team can do something. Personally, my goal is to get a medal."

Two of his younger siblings, sister Stacy and brother Emmanuel Ndiwa have followed in his footsteps by launching their athletics careers.

from: www.eastandard.net

Double heartbreak for Young All Whites

2009-03-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

The New Zealand under-17 football team will play off for 15th place the Sanix Cup tournament in Fukuoka, Japan, after losing one game to a late goal and another in a penalty shootout on day three.

The Young All Whites will also play the Japan under-17 national team in a friendly on Monday.

New Zealand's morning match on Saturday against Saga Higashi High School looked set to finish scoreless until the Japanese students got in behind New Zealand's defence with two minutes of the 80-minute match remaining to set up the game's only goal.

The Young All Whites picked themselves up for an afternoon match against Kagashimi Josei but again failed to score, with the Japanese side claiming a 4-3 penalty shootout win after the match finished 0-0 in normal time.

from: www.radionz.co.nz

A tour independent Aoyama Thelma from Fukuoka

2009-03-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

Aoyama Thelma of the active female college student singer who broke through very much started the first independent tour in ZEPP Fukuoka in Chuuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi on February 20 and showed を which could "reach" it of the new song last year.

Aoyama Thelma about this independent tour "practiced, and had been waiting one month". It is thanks thanks. Great applause went up from a full meeting place when I told the feeling of thanks to "and the fan who gathered.

Aoyama Thelma seems to have performed a club event in Fukuoka in December, 2007 just after the debut, and only 20 visitors did not gather then. However, tears ran it down from jam-packed 2,000 people, eyes of Aoyama Thelma this time.

There "was it near slept" as image-song of the mobile commercial, and が Aoyama Thelma whom I made a big hit and repainted the number of the downloads of each ringing melody company, and it was authorized by Guinness, and broke through very much participated in the Red and White Singing Contest at the end of the year.

from: e-japannews.com

Street fighter 4 breaks through 2,000,000 of them

2009-03-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

When street fighter 4 who appeared in the fruit of the street fighter of that popularity arcade game from Play Station 3 by a new work for the first time in 11 years was the whole world, and shipment number exceeded 2,000,000, there was announcement from Capcom of the game production company.

Street fighter 4 casts it into the Japanese market as three Play Station software by the complete new work from a way of about 11 successively for the arcades in last year on February 12, 2009 since I lined up in the series at a game arcade.

[TRANS] 090316 Fukuoka MC Diary (TVXQ/DBSK/Tohoshinki/東方神起/동방신기)

2009-03-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

THSK’s Junsu, Yoochun, Changmin had arrived at Bob! to film.

From the previous programs, such as Basketball and bowling, we had received lots of suggestion from everyone.

After going on Kohaku, the boys are now a superstar!

However, it didn’t change their image of having a great attitude.

When we ended the location, Saitou Msaru said “I think DBSK is not human like you say,” which i replied “I really mean what i said~”

This would be broadcast soon! Do enjoy it!

Fukuoka MC diary

2009-03-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

THSK, Junsu, Yoochun, Changmin
had arrived at Bob! to film.

From the previous programs
such as Basketball and bowling, we had received lots of suggestion from everyone.

after going on Kohaku, the boys are now a superstar!

However, it didn’t change their image of having a great attitude.

When we ended the location, Saitou Msaru said “I think DBSK is not human like you say,” which i replied “I really mean what i said~”

this would be broadcast soon! Do enjoy it!

Jeju to Boost Airline Industry in Bid for Tourists

2009-03-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

Jeju Island is looking to the airline industry for ways to draw in more tourists this year. Aiming to make the island more accessible for travelers from abroad, the resort island introduced a special incentive program in which an international airline that plans to establish a new route to Jeju will be given as much as W5 million (US$1=W1,488).

The island will also seek ways to chip in on surcharges for landing, which are usually about $100, if airlines run more flights to Jeju.

The move has already struck chords with major airlines from China, Japan and Taiwan that have increased their number of flights to the vacation spot.

In the case of Chinese airlines, new direct routes from Hangzhuo and Dailian have been set up, while a Gwangzuo route will open on March 27.

Taiwan is opening a flight from its largest container port city of Kaohsiung, and Japan has increased the number of flights from Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya.

Jeju is hosting the ASEAN-Korea summit this June and plans to attract as many as 60,000 tourists this year, compared to 54,000 last year.

Arirang News

Destination Amman – IAAF Cross Country Permit meeting season round-up

2009-03-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Monte-Carlo - With the 23rd edition of the Fukuoka Cross Country races taking place on Saturday 7 March, the tenth and final IAAF Cross Country Permit meeting of the 2008/09 season was concluded.

The IAAF series of races, which commenced in Oeiras, Portugal on 15 November 2008, fittingly was run off at its conclusion on a slightly modified version of the course which hosted the 2006 global championships in Fukuoka. ‘Fittingly’ because the annual IAAF Permit series is naturally focused on the overall climax to the cross country season, the World Championships.

This year we celebrate the 37th IAAF World Cross Country Championships which will be staged in Amman, Jordan, on Saturday 28 March. This is the first time in the championships’ history that they have been held in the Middle East.

Since we published our recap of the action that took place in the first half of the season (Nov 2008 to end of Jan 2009) - see 'Related Content' under the logo for previous story - the IAAF circuit has stopped at Italy’s world famous Cinque Mulini in San Vittore Olona, and then travelled to fixtures in Luxembourg, Kenya, the Algarve, as well as Japan, with the distribution of honours continuing to be spread across the world’s distance running elite.

In a season when the reigning World Cross Country champions Kenenisa Bekele and Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia have been sidelined by injury, the lack of a true stand-out King or Queen in waiting makes predications for Amman more suitable territory for a clairvoyant or an oracle than it does a sports statistician.

Throughout this season’s 10 meetings only one athlete, Florence Kiplagat (KEN) has managed to take more than one victory, with the winner in Seville (18 Jan) also taking success in Nairobi a month later, a meeting which also doubled as the Kenyan trials.

Kenya’s 2008 World Cross Country bronze medallist Linet Masai, who won the prestigious race in Edinburgh on 10 January was third behind Kiplagat at the Trials.

Moses Mosop was the men’s winner in Nairobi, a race which saw a set back to the Amman hopes of Qatar’s World Steeplechase record holder Saif Saaeed Shaheen who only three weeks before had sauntered to victory in San Vittore Olona, seemingly fully recovered from injury.

That race in Italy saw Antrim race winner (3 Jan) Stephanie Twell of Britain - who was fourth in the Edinburgh race - bettered by Hungary’s Aniko Kalovics, whose own attempt to take a second IAAF permit race this season was scuppered at the start of March. Latvia’s New York marathon winner Yelena Prokopchuka beat Kalovics by six seconds in the Almond Blossom Cross Country in the Algarve on 1 March.

Titus Masai, the winner of the opening permit meeting in Oeiras in mid November also came close to a second win losing out to compatriot Wilson Kiprop in Diekirch, Luxemburg, but doesn’t make the Kenyan squad for Amman in any case. The same also goes for another high profile winner of an IAAF permit race Abebe Dinkesa who demolished much of the world’s best in Edinburgh but is not listed in the Ethiopian line-up for the World XC.

from: iaaf.org

Singapore Airlines to park 17 aircraft, announces massive global capacity cuts, India services hit hard

2009-02-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

Singapore Airlines to park 17 aircraft, announces massive global capacity cuts, India services hit hard
Singapore Airlines (SIA) on the most profitable airlines in the world, announced today further route adjustments as part of the 11 per cent reduction of capacity from April 2009 to March 2010.

While Bangalore remains unaffected, for now, most other gateways of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad have already been or are being affected by this latest announcement.

I cannot help but compare the withdrawal of services by most international carriers to the massive ramp-up by Emirates and other middle-east airlines in India.

When I visited the airport yesterday, during discussions with various friends, I was informed that the two of the three Emirates flights were going full, and the third was also respectable.

A number of changes have already been announced and some effected, including the withdrawal of service to Amritsar (from Feb 09) and Vancouver (from Apr 09), lower frequency of flights to India, as well as a cutback on the non-stop flights between Singapore and the USA.

A whopping 17 aircraft will be decommissioned from the operating fleet, up from an earlier forecast of four aircraft to be phased out.

The new changes shown below will be in effect from March 29 to October 24, unless specified otherwise:

Europe

For the London route, one of the three daily flights will be replaced with a B777-300ER plane from end-March.

The change in aircraft from the B747-400 will result in a seat count reduction of 97, a minus 7.5 per cent difference a day.

Flights to Manchester will be at three times weekly from May, down from the present five times weekly.

Australia

The frequency of service to Sydney will be reduced from four to three times daily till July.

North Asia

Services to Seoul will be reduced to twice-daily, from its already-reduced schedule of 17 times weekly. One flight will continue on to San Francisco.

Japan, the Singapore-Bangkok-Tokyo service will reduce from six to five flights per week.

China, flights to Beijing will decrease from 21 to 17 weekly. Guangzhou and Nanjing services will reduce to five and two per week respectively.

Flights to Hong Kong will be reduced from a weekly 42 to 35.

West Asia

Aside from already announced changes affecting Indian gateways (see details below), Colombo and Male will each be served by five flights per week, down from seven.

Southeast Asia

In the region, the Jakarta route will see a reduction from 56 to 49 a week, while Bangkok flights will be cut from 41 to 33 per week.

Other routes, such as Brisbane, Perth, Fukuoka, Nagoya and Rome will now be operated with variable frequencies depending on the season.

---

Flights to India

Hyderabad-Singapore services, SQ439 and SQ438, will be reduced from four to three times weekly, with the suspension of the Saturday service from February 21.

SQ405 and SQ406, between New Delhi and Singapore, will be reduced from a six times weekly service, to five times weekly service. Changes will apply from March 10 to 24, as flights on Tuesdays during that period will be suspended.

For Mumbai and Singapore, services SQ421 and SQ422 will be progressively reduced from five to four times weekly services, starting February 27. Flights on Fridays will be suspended.

Morning flights to Chennai will be cut.

Seven arrested over child porn

2009-02-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

FUKUOKA —

Seven men and women have been arrested in Fukuoka for allegedly violating the child pornography law, police said Tuesday. Investigators in Fukuoka and Tokyo confiscated hundreds of computer hard drives and other equipment the seven allegedly used to sell illegal video clips on the Internet, police said.

Ken Morimoto, 41, president of a Fukuoka-based company that operates a website featuring child pornography, and his six employees were taken into custody. Morimoto’s web servers are in Hong Kong, and customers are directed to servers in the U.S. before they download video files from the Hong Kong servers, police said. But police said they discovered the same files in Morimoto’s computers as those in his severs overseas, leading to the arrests.

Since Morimoto started his website in September 2007, its membership to more than 6,000 and his company has raked in an estimated 200 million yen, police said
from: http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/seven-arrested-over-child-porn

Web-site seven in child porn bust

2009-02-18T07:13:00.000-08:00

Web-site seven in child porn bust

FUKUOKA (Kyodo) Seven men and women have been arrested in Fukuoka for allegedly violating the law on child pornography, police said Tuesday.

A joint investigative team of Fukuoka and Tokyo police confiscated hundreds of computer hard drives and other equipment the seven allegedly used to sell illegal video clips on the Internet, the police said.

Ken Morimoto, 41, president of a Fukuoka-based company that operates a Web site featuring child pornography, and his six employees were taken into custody for allegedly possessing child-porn videos for business purposes, the police said.

Police crackdowns on Internet child pornography usually reach dead ends when they learn the Web servers are based abroad. In such cases, arrests require coordination with police overseas.

Morimoto’s Web servers are based in Hong Kong, and customers are directed to servers in the U.S. before they download video files from the Hong Kong servers, the police said.

But the police said they discovered the same files in Morimoto’s computers in Fukuoka as those in his servers overseas, leading to the arrests.

Since Morimoto started his Web site in September 2007, its membership has expanded to more than 6,000 and his company has raked in an estimated ¥200 million, the police said

Fukuoka - Kumamoto, Aso

2009-02-17T12:10:00.000-08:00

Steve and Kaori hired a car today, and we went for a drive in the country. We left Fukuoka about 9:30, and went first to Kumamoto, where there is a big castle.

The upper section is not original, but has been rebuilt to the original design. We climbed up inside with hundreds of others,

then went off to Restaurant Joyfull for some hamburger lunch.
Then we went to Mt Aso, which is an active volcano complex within a huge caldera, the biggest in the world.

It has exploded several times in the last 30yrs, killing tourists. It was just smoking today, but that was very impressive for the foreign tourists.

We drove the 2hrs back to Fukuoka (at least Kaori drove - all day because Steve doesn't), returned the car, and had tea in another of Steve's favourite fast food restaurants.

Fukuoka to Kyoto

2009-02-17T12:08:00.000-08:00

We got up early, and had a taxi take us all to Hakata station. There was plenty of time, so we had coffee first. Then we said goodbye to Steve and Kaori, and off we went.
First we took a Shinkansen to ShinYamaguchi, then changed to a two carriage diesel which chugged along to Yanago. There was some snow as we moved through Kyushu,

but on Honshu we went through the mountains, and had snow falling all the way to the coast at Hamada.

Even along the coast, there were snow showers, and drifts in sheltered corners. The scenery was similar to the north-west coast, rocky outcrops, tiny harbours and gardens squashed between the sea and the road.

At Yanago we picked up a second two-car diesel, which took us to Tottori, where we bought bowls of ramen soup from a kiosk on the station, then had to try to carry them onto the train. This was a third diesel, but this one had a great big front window.
Then we went through the mountains again, past the town of Ohara (thinking of Ros and Tony),

and suddenly there was no snow, and not long after we arrived in Himeji. I didn't know which route the train took, so it was a surprise to see the coast again.
From Himeji to Kyoto is wall to wall civilization - tiny houses squashed in between blocks of apartments and huge high rises. Not our sort of environment.

We got to Kyoto at about 18:00, took a cab to the hostel, then went for a walk to find somewhere for tea. We chatted online to Steve and Tim, and now it's nearly bed-time.

A day’s experience in Fukuoka, Japan.

2009-02-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

apan Trip
On Monday morning, I had to go for a day trip to Japan, which they call a
visa run, which saw me go by hovercraft to Fukuoka city and I would return
back after thirty hours. After my pickup came early and failed me for having
breakfast, brother jumped on board hungry, but managing...I met another
Australian, not your usual optimist, but wasn't to bad. Was difficult to make
conversation with him at first when I asked him where he lived in Australia
and he said the south side...and I said "where, Logan, Sunnybank?" And all
he would say i "South side" Whilst waiting for the boat, I noticed a some
students eager to talk to me, so I said hello, how are you....next thing, 20
people surround m and are trying to have a conversation with me and then
they start taking photo's...got me feeling like Kanye west....testify...come
up iin the spot lookin extra fly...til he day I die...I'ma touch the
sky...Then on the boat, met an american guy named Lopez....we got to know
each other sitting in the same seat area...then he just started talking all
this rubbish that I didnt want to hear...you know when that happens to
you...stuck in a situation for a certian amount of time and you can't hange
the settings. So he thought alot of himself and kept on wanting us to spend
more money on taxi's, but me being to Japan before...and the weakness of the
Australian dollar, I knew things weren't so viable for a brotha at that
present time....we headed to the embssy and then filled out the visa
application forms to be met by a the cutest immigration lady we have ever
seen. Lopez decides he's gonna vibe her...but she can't speak english....so
it was an interesting scenario nonetheless. I tried to speak my Japanese
and somehow, my proficiency has improved to another level that I could liase
between 2 languages...It felt like a magnificent achievement. Next, we tried
to find our hotel.

We decided to organise ourselves as a team. 3 australians, one eglishman,
one american and one canadian. We had decided to catch the bus and after
getti g on several of the wrong buses, we finally managed to get onto one
that was headed towards our hotel. we got of at the stop only to realise
that we were at the wrong stop. I saw two foreigners walking towards us in
the distance...finally...another person who could speak english...I go up o
them.."excuse me"...can you beleive...they looked and then dissed a
brotha....then I'm there standing like" what just happened" I told the guys
and they just laughed it ver..but finally anothe Japanese lady was able to
help withh directions to the hotel. we caught the bus and then made it to
the hotel. a very nice hotel and a brotha was getting a free breakfast too.
We decided we would go and explore a little later in town..so I went to have
a rest to find a little kimono thing in their...brotha got changed and
started doing some bruce lee action fighting movie scene...felt good..then i
took a rest for half an hour.

Unfortunately, 90% of the time we were in Fukuoka, it was raining and I
didn't have an umbrella and I wasnt going to buy one fo 500
yen....(yeah....bit stubborn....but japan ain't cheap neither...plus they
didnt give me my allowance yet)So I walked alongside eveyone else as we
headed towars town. We stopped by a shrine and then went to starbucks where
I met another African American and just got talkin for a while and then left
him with his 2 girls to ...handle his biz-ness. We continued walking up
through the upmarket stores and by the time we got out, it was time to eat.
We had a look around and the others decided to go to a place where it cost
2000Yen for a meal each...so I bounced to a place called Yoshinoya and got
the same meal for Australian Budget...was good yo...and got to use more of
my Japanese so I was feeling really good. I later went to meet up with them
and I was standing ouside waiting for them. An older japanese guy that could
speak english started talking with me, asked \me what i was doing? I told
him that I was waiting fo my friends. He asked me if I had eaten, and I said
yes, I'll just wait for them to finish..then we started having a
conversation and I found out that he was a business owner and had a business
in new york and that he was with his young wife...or most probably,
girlfriend..he later insisted that I come inside with him and eat with him
and he said he'll pay...afte asking me three times, I went in and we
continud talking. Then he bought me sake...told me to drink....and he begged
again...so I tried it....it was alright...strong though....the food was good
and he let me try some good chicken. mmmmm...tasty.Then he was asking me
where i am from...started saying i was cool ang he liked his girl...then
asked me if i liked girls...then came the awkward part of the
conversation....he said" I think you are bi-sexual...you like
men?"...dammmmmmn...I could here the record scratch right down man...like
everything just stopped at that point in time...then I notice the look in
his and his girls eye and then I felt my loss of appetite for chicken and
was hoping his generosity was purely for his kindness and not for his or his
girls ambitions. Then my friends decided to go so I thanked them for their
kindness and we continued our night in Fukuoka.

After walking for 10 minutes, we came to a place like an old English pub,
but walking inside and they were playing classic reggae music. We sat down
and ordered drinks, mine strictly orange juice and we continud talking and
sharing stories about where we all came from. I wanted to check out the
Fukuoka club scene before I left, even though it was a Monday night. As we
left the pub, the worker gave me instructions on how to get there and they
also gave me a free pink umbrella because they saw how much it was raining.
It was so kind of them. I later split from the group and made my way to the
club.

At the club, I was outside when a young man came outside to greet me. He
could speak a little English and with my little Japanese, somehow, we were
striving to have a conversation with each other and he was explaining to me
what time people go to the club and that they had sean paul perform at their
club only 2 weeks ago. I went inside and joined him and then I met his DJ
friend and he bought me a drink. We shared stories and then another guy
about 40 years old was insisting on having me dance...so I later said
ok...and we went and busted a couple moves out on the floor.....he moved
really bad...but you know...I was keeping things optimisitic, so I was like
in Japanese..yeah man that was tight , yo...that was cool. After our dance
session, he bought me a drink and then he and his friend left the club. I
continued talking with the dj and the staff behind the bar in Japanese cos
only one person could speak a little english and everyone was having an
awesome time while they were busting out some old school classics. Then at
one, I was too tired so I went to go home and the guys gave me instructions
and took me to the street where I could find my hotel. Then my night came to
a close and I was looking forward to a free buffet the next morning.

The next day, I woke up expecting to find my new friends down at the buffet
as i woke up late, but to no avail. So I helpe myself to a big breakfast and
then I later saw them come down one by one and we all shared our stories of
the previous night. We then went to pick up our visa's...somhow, Lopez
managed to score the immigration chicks email..and then started boasting
about getting some erotic magazines...that just killed our vibe with
him....we went back to the ship port and was chilling there. While waiting,
I said hello and started talking with another young korean male and then
next thing, everyones taking photo's and aking questions and treating me like
a rock star.."testify...." u know how it goes. Then I'm walking through the
ship port and they are all folowing me too. ahh....this is quite
interesting. Arriving back in Korea was alright. We caught the train then
bus and parted ways...ad an embarrasing experience almost walking into the
wrong toilet, but in the end, a brotha succeeded. After the bus, I caught
the taxi and tried to have a conversation with the driver (to no avail) and
then I went home. The start of a new day...working in Korea.

Feminist cleric plans 3 days of events

2009-02-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

As a feminist theologian and Christian writer, the Rev. Rita Nakashima Brock is committed to certain ideals, including respect for all people regardless of gender, race, nationality, sexual orientation or education.
Brock plans to share her ideas on how to create more just communities and a more peaceful world in a series of talks at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church beginning Friday.
Brock, 58, is the founding director of Faith Voices for the Common Good and is a visiting scholar at the Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, Calif. She was a professor of religion and women's studies for 20 years at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.
She has lectured worldwide and is a member of the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians, a global organization of liberation theologians. Brock's latest book is titled "Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of This World for Crucifixion and Empire."
Here are excerpts from a recent interview with Brock:
Tell us a few things about yourself. Did you grow up in a religious home? Are your beliefs a reflection of what your family taught you?
I was raised in a Jodo Shinshyu Buddhist family in Fukuoka, Japan, until I was 6. My mother, Ayako, was trained as a nurse by the (American) Red Cross after World War II and met my Puerto Rican father, Clemente Morales, who was a U.S. soldier. He was sent to Korea when I was 6 months old, so I did not know he existed until I was 33. My mother married another soldier, Roy Brock, when I was 3. He brought us to the U.S. when I was 6, where I learned English and dropped my mother tongue.
My mother was baptized a Christian when I was in college. Roy was from rural Mississippi and raised Southern Baptist, though he rebelled and became more generally mainline Protestant because of the military chaplains we knew. I was baptized when I was 16 by a conservative Baptist minister, though I never accepted his fundamentalist kind of Christianity — I liked and believed in evolution. I also refused to think my Japanese family was "lost."
While English is now the one language I speak fluently, my thinking brain was shaped by the structures and worldview of Japanese, a language I have studied and forgotten twice. I think it, and my immersion in a Buddhist family, have shaped the way I orient to reality and think.
What inspired you to become a Christian scholar? An author?
In college at Chapman University, I was an anti-racism activist. The student leaders I most admired all told me to take a class called Literature of the Old Testament. I was skeptical, but it turned out to be the best class I had in college. It gave me an intellectual, inquiring — and deeply inspiring — alternative to the fundamentalism I rejected in high school.
Throughout my education and my career as a professor, I maintained my activist interests in justice and peace work, since they had inspired my study of religion. When I became a charter subscriber to Ms. Magazine and immersed myself in feminist ideas, the patriarchy of virtually all religions became a major focus of my work. I originally thought I would do a feminist study of Buddhist-Christian dialogue but decided, because I am a Christian, my greatest contribution would be working deeply in my own tradition to transform its patriarchy.
Please tell us a bit about your latest book, "Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of This World for Crucifixion and Empire."
It shows how, for four millennia, the idea of paradise, as the best human life on Earth can be, has inspired counterimperial strategies that resist injustice, war and destruction of life-sustaining powers. My co-author, Rebecca Parker, and I focus especially on the visual images and the biblical, theological and liturgical traditions of the first millennium of Christianity, which believed salvation was baptism into paradise in this life, most fully realized in the church. We demonstrate that the idea that Jesus' crucifixion saved the world is a second millennium idea of European Christianity. It emerged to support imperial conquest and became war propaganda.
Our intent in writing the book was to show that Christianity was once a life-affirming, this-worldly tradition. We can reclaim this truth for a time that needs a new value system that affirms love of beauty and the Earth, a commitment to the common good, and joy in the simple pleasures of a sustainable, decent life for all.
What are the greatest challenges people face today in terms of spirituality?
I think the two greatest challenges are the use of religion to justify violence and war, and the false notion that individual salvation — or personal spirituality without a community — is possible. We are all in this together.
How do you define Jesus? Do you see Jesus as a revolutionary figure?
I believe Jesus was the incarnation of the spirit of God in human flesh in this way: Jesus, a Jew, followed the paradise-based justice-and-mercy traditions of the prophets, who condemned imperial oppressions and wars. In being faithful to God as the core goodness of his tradition and his life, Jesus revealed to others the spiritual power in him that no human political system could destroy. Using that power, he organized a non-violent movement of resistance to imperial oppression, which is why the Romans crucified him.
His movement followed a value system whose God cared for the poor and condemned unjust rulers. Jesus revealed how communities united together in love incarnate God in human flesh. Communities gathered to remember him draw courage from the same spiritual power that was in him to resist systems of injustice and violence, and continue his work of justice, healing and mercy.
from:http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/280512

SIA cuts more services

2009-02-17T12:04:00.001-08:00

Faced with a rapidly-shrinking travel market, SIA, which had earlier announced route cuts to India, the United States and Vancouver, has added to the list Australia and Britain, as well as other points in Asia. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

SINGAPORE Airlines on Tuesday unveiled more route cuts, a day after it said it would reduce capacity by 11 per cent and ground 17 jets in this financial year.

Faced with a rapidly-shrinking travel market, SIA, which had earlier announced route cuts to India, the United States and Vancouver, has added to the list Australia and Britain, as well as other points in Asia.

On the Australia routes, the frequency of service to Sydney will reduce to three times daily till July.

The airline's three times daily service to London will be maintained but the Boeing 747-400 service will be replaced with a B777-300ER from end-March. This will result in 97 fewer seats a day, or a drop of 7.5 per cent.

Flights to Manchester will be at three times weekly from May, down from the present five-weekly. Service to Seoul will be reduced to twice-daily, from its already-reduced schedule of 17 times weekly.

One flight will continue on to San Francisco. To Japan, the Singapore-Bangkok-Tokyo service will reduce from six to five flights per week. Services to China will also change.

Flights to Beijing will decrease from 21 to 17 weekly. Guangzhou and Nanjing services will reduce to five and two per week respectively.

In West Asia, Colombo and Male will each be served by five flights per week, down from seven. Other routes, such as Brisbane, Perth, Fukuoka, Nagoya and Rome will now be operated with variable frequencies depending on the season.

SIA said in a statement on Tuesday: 'The drop in demand owing to the global economic slowdown is the driver of the reduction in capacity. Going forward, Singapore Airlines will continue to monitor demand patterns and will make changes to its network when necessary.'

Rainbow Plaza

2009-02-12T15:13:00.000-08:00

Rainbow Plaza

1-7-11 Tenjin , IMS8F, Chuo-Ku
Fukuoka, Japan

phone: +81 92 733 2220

fax: +82 92 733 2215

email: http://www.rainbowfia.or.jp/english/association/no05.htm

Go to website

Rainbow is a convenient information plaza operated by the city. Dozens of pamphlets are available in several languages for free, while other books, magazines, and literature is lined along shelves for your perusal. A bulletin board posts a variety of messages, from those looking for jobs or offering jobs, to individuals or groups looking for friends and members. The friendly staff of Rainbow has a wealth of information about almost everything related to the city, so do not hesitate to ask if you need some sort of assistance. Their free monthly publication is also a great source of handy information.
from: http://72.14.235.132/search?q=cache:AoknPjuAkQUJ:travel.aol.com/travel-guide/Rainbow%2BPlaza-Fukuoka-attractions--Japan:201:166449+rainbow+plaza+fukuoka&hl=th&ct=clnk&cd=8&gl=th&client=firefox-a

rainbow plaza fukuoka

2009-02-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

Rainbow Plaza is operated by the Fukuoka International Association, a city government sponsored body, to provide, amongst other duties, assistance to foreigners.

It has a small library of English and other language books. It also publishes several books of its own, including the excellent "Living in Fukuoka" and a free monthly magazine "Rainbow". It also coordinates free counselling, legal and other services for foreigners. In general it is a good place to start if you are seeking information from the city government although its self-imposed limitations can sometimes be galling. They have numerous leaflets. Fukuoka International Association also runs a homestay and home visit program.

Of particular interest to foreigners are the noticeboards operated by Rainbow Plaza. Through them you can advertise for students or teachers, buy and sell second hand goods (as long as they relate to daily living) and even meet "study partners"... Again, the restrictions can sometimes be galling.

If you should visit Rainbow Plaza, we urge you very strongly to be courteous to the staff. At the same time, Rainbow Plaza is one of the "international faces" of the city and we feel sure that they would be delighted to hear your politely expressed opinions of the services they offer.

fukuoka university of education

2009-02-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

Fukuoka University of Education

Fukuoka University of Education (福岡教育大学 Fukuoka kyōiku daigaku^?) is a national university in Munakata, Fukuoka, Japan. The predecessor of the school was founded in 1876, and it was chartered as a university in 1949. The present name was adopted in 1966.

Natural Farming Pioneer Fukuoka Masanobu Dies, 95 Years Old

2009-02-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

Fukuoka Masanobu, Japan's great-grandfather of natural farming, has passed away on August 16. He became 95 years old. Many people are probably familiar with his books, that were translated to English, Spanish and many other languages. One-Straw Farming is perhaps the best known of Fukuoka-sensei's many works. In 1988 Fukuoka received the Deshikottam Award, India's most prestigious award, and the Philippines' Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service. In 1997 he received the Earth Council Award, which honors politicians, businesspersons, scholars, and non-governmental organizations for their contributions to sustainable development.

Fukuoka explains natural farming in his writings: "We can make healthy rice, healthy and rich soil that requires no fertilizer, and have productive soil without tilling if we just accept the fact that such excessive efforts-tilling, application of either organic, chemical fertilizers, or pesticides-has never been necessary A farming method that develops the conditions under which people do not have to do anything--this is what I have been pursuing. After thirty years I finally came to the point where my natural farm could yield, without any effort, virtually as much rice and wheat as typical scientific farms."

Japan For Sustainability: Japanese Farmer-Philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka: Natural Farming Greening the Deserts

Over at Permaculture.com, Larry Korn describes how Fukuoka visited a Permaculture Convergence in Olympia, Washington and met Bill Mollison:

There were nearly one thousand people there. He was overwhelmed and heartened by the number and sincerity of the like-thinking people he met. He thanked Mollison for "creating this network of bright, energetic people working to help save the planet." "Now," he said, "for the first time in my life I have hope for the future."
In turn, permaculture has adopted many things from Fukuoka. Besides the many agricultural techniques, such as continuous no-tillage grain growing and growing vegetables like wild plants, permaculture has also learned an important new approach for devising practical strategies. Most importantly, the philosophy of natural farming has given permaculture a truly spiritual basis lacking in its earlier teachings.

Masanobu Fukuoka

2009-02-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

Masanobu Fukuoka (福岡正信 Fukuoka Masanobu February 2, 1913 – August 16, 2008) author of The One-Straw Revolution, The Road Back to Nature and The Natural Way Of Farming, was one of the pioneers of no-till grain cultivation. His system is referred to as "natural farming", Fukuoka Farming, or the Fukuoka Method.

Background

Trained as a microbiologist in his native Japan, he began his career as a soil scientist specializing in plant pathology. At age 25, he began to doubt the wisdom of modern agricultural science. He eventually quit his job as a research scientist, and returned to his family's farm on the island of Shikoku in Southern Japan to grow organic mikans. From that point on he devoted his life to developing a unique small scale organic farming system that does not require weeding, pesticide or fertilizer applications, or tilling.

The timing and circumstances of Fukuoka's conversion from Western agricultural science, parallels the new movement in the 1940s to organic farming and gardening in Europe and the US, led by pioneers like Lady Eve Balfour, Sir Albert Howard, and J.I. Rodale (founder of Rodale Press). However Fukuoka himself believed that he was going a step further than organic farming:

"The problem, however, is that most people do not yet understand the distinction between organic gardening and natural farming. Both scientific agriculture and organic farming are basically scientific in their approach. The boundary between the two is not clear." (The Road Back to Nature page 363)

At age 92, Fukuoka still managed to lecture when he could, such as at the Expo 2005 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Technique

Fukuoka practices a system of farming he refers to as "natural farming." Although some of his practices are specific to Japan, the governing philosophy of his method has successfully been applied around the world. In India, natural farming is often referred to as "Rishi Kheti."

The essence of Fukuoka's method is to reproduce natural conditions as closely as possible. There is no plowing, as the seed germinates quite happily on the surface if the right conditions are provided. There is also considerable emphasis on maintaining diversity. A ground cover of white clover grows under the grain plants to provide nitrogen. Weeds (and Daikons) are also considered part of the ecosystem, periodically cut and allowed to lie on the surface so the nutrients they contain are returned to the soil. Ducks are let into the grain plot, and specific insectivorous carp into the rice paddy at certain times of the year to eat slugs and other pests.

The ground is always covered. As well as the clover and weeds, there is the straw from the previous crop, which is used as mulch, and each grain crop is sown before the previous one is harvested. This is done by broadcasting the seed among the standing crop. Also he re-introduced the ancient technique of seed balls (粘土団子,土団子,土だんご,Tsuchi Dango (Earth Dumpling). The seed for next season's crop is mixed with clay, compost, and sometimes manure, and formed into small balls. The result is a denser crop of smaller but highly productive and stronger plants.

Fukuoka's method and philosophy is about small scale farming, yet he claims "With this kind of farming, which uses no machines, no prepared fertilizer and no chemicals, it is possible to attain a harvest equal to or greater than that of the average Japanese farm." (The one-straw revolution page 3).

Quotes

"If we throw mother nature out the window, she comes back in the door with a pitchfork."

"When a decision is made to cope with the symptoms of a problem, it is generally assumed that the corrective measures will solve the problem itself. They seldom do. Engineers cannot seem to get this through their heads. These countermeasures are all based on too narrow a definition of what is wrong. Human measures and countermeasures proceed from limited scientific truth and judgment. A true solution can never come about in this way."

"Natural farming is not just for growing crops, it is for the cultivation and perfection of human beings.

"Giving up your ego is the shortest way to unification with nature."

.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masanobu_Fukuoka+masanobu

Fukuoka is a modern city

2009-02-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

Fukuoka is a modern city; most of its buildings are new. Historically, it was divided into Hakata (博多) and Fukuoka (福岡), two separate cities divided by the central river, and the main railway station and port are still known as Hakata Station and Hakata Port.

The city really has two centres: one in Hakata and one in Tenjin. There's also a Tourist Information Centre in Tenjin, on the ground floor in front of Mitsukoshi under the Nishitetsu Fukuoka station. They have English speakers (and other languages) available. A lot of English information for residents (and some for travellers) is available on the 8th floor of the IMS building from Rainbow Plaza, just a couple of minutes walk to the east of Nishitetsu Fukuoka station. In the middle of Hakata JR train station there is a Tourist Information counter (sometimes with English speakers) with brochures in English, Japanese and other languages. They can help with transport information and making bookings. You can also check out the ACROS building near Nakasu for some English information, on the third floor.

The surrounding cities and towns make up the prefecture of Fukuoka.

Fukuoka is a good starting point to begin a vacation to Japan for first-timers. While still a big modern city, it's not hard to get around. A subway connects most of the city's main attractions, taking in Hakata, Tenjin, Fukuoka International Airport, Meinohama (where Asia's 2nd largest ferris wheel is located) and Nishijin (where you can find Fukuoka Tower and the baseball ground of the Softbank Hawks: Fukuoka Yahoo! Dome). The main station in Hakata also marks the terminus of the famous Shinkansen bullet train. (Kyushu shinkansen line, currently under construction, will link the existing Sanyo line directly with Kagoshima, near the southern tip of Kyushu.)

Hakata Ramen fukuoka japan

2008-12-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

Hakata Ramen or Tonkotsu Ramen is one of the most famous foods in Fukuoka, Japan. It is a ramen noodle dish that is served in a pork bone based broth. If you go to a good ramen shop the broth will have been cooking for many hours so the flavor is just unbelieveable. Hakata Ramen is also served with toppings that include sliced pork, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, and pickled greens.

There are many places to eat Hakata Ramen around the city from Ramen Stadium in Canal City to a street vendor at one of the Yatai’s. If you ask a Fukuoka local where their favorite ramen shop is you will probably get many different answers, so try a few until you find your own favorite.

If you have a favorite Ramen Shop let us know and we will add it to our recommended shops!

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

2008-12-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

Link
The Fukuoka Asian Art Museum is located in the RiverRain Building near Hakata Station. The museum focuses on Modern and Contemporary Asian Art from around the Region. They have a very comprehensive website so have a look and get all the information you need.

Hours:
10:00-20:00
Closed on Wednesdays (or the following day if Wednesday is a national holiday)
New Years Days (26 Dec - 1 Jan)

Address:
7 & 8th floor, Riverain Center Building
3-1 Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City

Tel: 092 263 1100
Fax: 092 263 1105

Fukuoka Art Museum

2008-12-04T13:09:00.000-08:00

Fukuoka Art Museum

Link
The Fukuoka Art Museum is conveniently located inside of Ohori Koen (Ohori Park). The best way to get to the museum is by taking the subway and getting off at the Ohori Koen station.

Hours:
9:30-17:30(You must enter by 17:00)
July and August until 19:30(You must enter by 19:00) Except for Sundays and holidays.

Price:
Usually 200 Yen for adults but the prices may be higher if there is a special exhibitions.

Address:
1-6 Ohori-Koen Park, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi 810-0051 Japan
Phone 092-714-6051

Fukuoka City Museum

2008-12-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

Fukuoka City Museum
Website

The Fukuoka City Museum is located in the Momochihama area of Fukuoka City, Japan. It houses lots of interesting historical artifacts from Fukuoka’s past. I highly recommend stopping by and checking it out. I would only dedicate a couple hours or half a day to the museum, since a whole day there would be a waste. Luckily, there are several other good places to visit in the area such as Fukuoka Tower, Momochi Beach, Fukuoka Dome, Fukuoka Library, etc. While you are at the Museum the most important thing to check out is the “Gold Seal” (Kin-in) or “Gold Stamp”. The Gold Seal was discovered in 1784. If I remember correctly the importance of the seal, besides that fact that it’s made of gold and is old, is that it was the first recognition of Japan as a country by China. My facts might be a little off but if you visit the museum you can get the full story. Of course there are also a lot of other cool and interesting things in the museum from Fukuoka’s past.

Check it out and let us know what you think!

Address:
Fukuoka City Museum
1-1Momochihama3-chome,
Sawara-ku,Fukuoka City
TEL：092-845-5011
FAX：092-845-5019

Futamigaura Beach Sunset Beach

2008-12-04T13:06:00.000-08:00

Futamigaura / Sunset Beach is perhaps the best all around beach in or around Fukuoka. It has restaurants, cafes, shops, nice sand, waves, and clean water. Since Sunset Beach is away from the city the air is also nice and clean. You can pretty much swim from June to September give or take a few weeks here and there. The best surfing is usually in the winter so you will have to have a full wet suit to get the best of the wave action. On occasion there are some pretty nice sized waves in the summer so keep on the look out.

Better quality pictures are on the way, but I think you can get the basic idea.

Yes, you can surf in Fukuoka!

This is why it’s called Sunset Beach!

Great place to get some food and drink!

Up and down the road near Sunset Beach there are lots of cool and hip places to hang out and get some food & drink. You can get Japanese food, Hawaiian Food, Jamaican Food, and everything in between. It’s mostly a summer hang out but I have found myself jumping in my car and taking a drive out there to have a nice meal with friends and family in the winter as well.

One last thing I have to mention is that the traffic in and out of Futamigaura / Sunset Beach can be a pain in the summer! So you either have to go really, really early or go at about 3pm, which is when a good percentage of people leave.

This page is still under development so stop by a little later to get all the information on Futamigaura and Sunset Beach in Fukuoka, Japan.

Shikaka Beach fukuoka japan

2008-12-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

Shikaka Beach

Shikaka Beach is ideal for those that don’t have a car or a friend with a car, but want to find a nice quiet beach with clean water. It is not a surfing beach, although there is a surfable beach further down at a car rest stop if you don’t mind a long walk. Shikaka Beach is probably not the real name of the beach I am referring to in this post but it’s the name that was given by many English Teachers due to it’s proximity to Shikaka Station.

JR Chikuhi Line Picture

Shikaka Station is a very, very small station on the JR line heading toward Karatsu on the Chikuhi Line. It is so small that their isn’t usually any staff to take your ticket. From Tenjin to Shikaka takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending how efficient your are at using public transport in Japan. If you are smart you will wait for a train that says Karatsu on it so you don’t have to change trains, but it’s not that important since changing trains at Meinohama isn’t that complex.

Once you are at Shikaka Station just walk down the hill and cross over 202 and you will see the beach. There is no special place to put down your beach towel, just find a place that looks good to you and enjoy the sun and fun of the beach. I recommend that you go with a bunch of people and you bring a lunch or some snacks and of course some water and sunscreen, as there aren’t many places to buy things.

Click Here to View Map

This page is under development so please stop by a little later to get all the information on Shikaka Beach in Fukuoka, Japan.

fukuoka japan Welcome to Fukuoka Japan

2008-12-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

Here is a video that one of the Fukuoka, Japan FaceBook Group members Daniel Ashley found. It appears to be made by a government agency or by a travel agency. It shows a little bit of just about everything you can do in and around Fukuoka, Japan. It’s probably one of the best Fukuoka promotional videos I have seen, if not the best. Do you think it represents Fukuoka well?

hoerbinger in fukuoka

2008-12-04T12:56:00.000-08:00

hoerbinger in fukuoka
Yes, we do have the Hoerbinger Coat of Arms available. We have over 1 million surnames in our database. We don't show the Hoerbinger Coat of Arms here, because there are usually more than one for a surname. So, the best thing for you to do is research on the web, find the coat of arms you like, return here and describe it on our order form. WE CAN DUPLICATE ANY COAT OF ARMS YOU SEE ON THE WEB. Or, if you just want to place an order, we will use the OLDEST Hoerbinger Coat of Arms in our records. Below is a sample of one of our Family Coat of Arms. This is not the Hoerbinger Coat of Arms, it is just a sample of our artwork.

dyson john fukuoka

2008-12-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

dyson john fukuoka

C’est au 17^ème atelier robotique de Fukuoka au Japon que ~~Miles Dyson~~ Ichikawa Yutaka a présenté cette main droitière robotisée.
Cette main est ultra légère par rapport à ses ancêtres puisque l’exploit de ses 400 grammes est dû aux muscles à air comprimé qu’elle utilise, qui comparé aux moteurs classiques ne font que peu de bruit et sont extrêmement légers.

Grâce à sa technologie « next gen », elle peut effectuer sans peine des tâches délicates comme ramasser un œuf, là où autrefois le mec au joystick suait des perles de transpiration pour ne pas péter la coque avec un bras articulé de 4 tonnes.

La firme prévoit la production de 50 prototypes pour la recherche et une hypothétique future commercialisation.

La grosse déchirure sur ce proto a été faite pour faciliter la mobilité du pouce.
L’aspect humain est rendu par un mélange de fibres et de silicone.On vous tiendra au courant bien sûr pour la video..

bridge fukuoka

2008-12-04T12:51:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I went to a professional soccer game in Fukuoka city. The teams playing were the home team, representing Fukuoka, and a team from Yokohama. One of my new friends, William, a guy who works for the same company as I, and who also lives in Iizuka, scored me a free ticket. This was my first pro soccer game experience, and I really had a good time. I can't say I noticed a great deal of differences between this game and soccer games that are played in the states or in Europe, other than the fans were all Japanese, as was most of the food. I ate a juicy sausage link on a stick.

Its been really great being able to visit Fukuoka city on the weekends. From Iizuka, a train ride to Fukuoka city takes about 45 minutes and costs about 6 dollars. Fukuoka city is the biggest city in Fukuoka prefecture and I think has around 1 million and a half people. It reminds me of Portland, OR, in a lot of ways; the city is located right on the water, its has a sort of cosmopolitan feel to it (for Japan anyway - in Fukuoka city there are a lot of foreigners living amongst the Japanese), and there is a lot to do culturally. A few weekends ago I visited Tenjin, the older, more central part of Fukuoka city. It's difficult to tell much about how old things are in Tenjin, though, or anywhere in Fukuoka city really, because most of the buildings look so new.

When I was in Tenjin there was a music festival going on and several stages were set up within a few blocks to showcase bands from Kyushu and around Japan. I caught one bigger show in front of the city hall, and there were several other groups playing well within walking distance from there. It was a free show, and went on for two days. William and I were able to catch the tail end of a Japanese "Ventures" cover band performance. This group of mostly older Japanese men played some fantastic surf-rock to a small, older crowd of Japanese people. I really loved what I saw.

Its been nice for me to be able to visit Fukuoka City and Tenjin and get a change of scenery from Iizuka. The night life is big, the food is great, the people dress stylish and funny, and it's pretty easy to get around. The pictures I'm posting are of: me at the soccer game, a nighttime shot from a bridge in Fukuoka city, a shot of people walking around Nakasu, the big entertainment district in Fukuoka city, and a clip of some Japanese guys rockin' out in tribute to the Ventures.

fukuoka earthquake

2008-12-04T12:47:00.000-08:00

As I promised in an earlier post, these are newly posted photos from our time in Fukuoka, Japan.

You can see the entire story in photos and text here

'Fukuoka hasn't had an earthquake in 100 years-- nor a major one for centuries!'

they'd told me -- surprising for this earthquake-prone country-- however, this changed March 5^th, 2005, when our home in western Fukuoka shimmied and shook for nearly a minute. A major earthquake had struck just off the coast.

We survived with minimal damage, checked our neighbors and called our friends. One, alone with two small kids in a badly shook up top floor apartment, was panicking with the frequent aftershocks (BTW, they continued for weeks), so a few of us went to help.

On the way met a friend gripping newspapers with graphic photos showing nearly every home on her island destroyed. She told us, 'They had to leave without even their shoes.' and asked us to help.

At the shelter with a team of 'Family International' volunteers, they nearly turned us away, saying they'd provided everything, until the island's kindergarten teacher excitedly asked if we could do something for the kids...

You can also read more details on the quake at wikipedia

hikari fukuoka

2008-12-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

GAMI's The Woman promotion held its second show on Feb. 3 at Shin-kiba 1st Ring. GAMI named GAEA veteran Toshie Uematsu as associate supervisor. She's assisting GAMI with the booking. The usual wrestlers were on the show with the exception of a special appearance by retired JWP wrestler Hikari Fukuoka. Can't argue with that. I'd go a long way to watch her too.

The opening match was strange because it was more suitable for a main event. It was Azumi Hyuga & Ayako Hamada vs GAMI & Toshie Uematsu. Hamada pinned GAMI after a uraken. Afterwards, GAMI joked about Ayako flying in from Mexico and suffering jet lag. Then GANI & Uematsu discussed who their next opponents should be. Uematsu said she wasn't sure because The Bloody & Fang Suzuki have retired. The next match had Manami Toyota vs Cherry which is a waste of Toyota's talent.

Hikari Fukuoka hosted a talk show segment. I'm a huge Fukuoka mark so I'm a little biased but Hikari is still drop dead gorgeous today. And she's married with a five year old son. She rarely appears in a joshi ring. I believe the last time was at the Sumie Sakai Farewell Show in 2002. Hikari says she still works out regularly and she and her husband are planning to open their own gym.

Back to the wrestling. Next was a rookie three way match with Fuuka, Yuna & Haruhi. You can't expect much from these three. Fuuka won.The main event had Kumiko Maekawa & Michiko Ohmukai vs Dynamite Kansai & Mika Nishio. This was Nishio's first match since leaving KO Productions to freelance. Maekawa pinned Nishio with an axe kick. Nishio proceeded to post on her blog that it was a poor match. After the show, GAMI says she is already planning the next The Woman show on March 10 and she wants Maekawa just before her retirement. She then threw out a bunch of names she would like to get for the show including Commando Bolshoi & Nanae Takahashi. Who ever thought those two would be big names in the joshi business? That's what things are like in 2006. Here's the results of the show.

THE WOMAN - 2/3/06 - Shin-kiba 1st Ring
Ayako Hamada & Azumi Hyuga def. GAMI & Toshie Uematsu (Hamada over GAMI)
Manami Toyota def. Cherry
Mai Ichii def. Ayumi Kurihara in 9:50
THREE WAY MATCH:Fuuka def. Yuna & Haruhi in 7:07
Kumiko Maekawa & Michiko Ohmukai def. Dynamite Kansai & Mika Nishio (Maekawa over Nishio in 17:32)

karate fukuoka

2008-12-04T12:42:00.000-08:00

Dentro de la olimpiadas, existen competiciones de dos artes marciales: Judo (desde 1964, mujeres desde 1992) y de Taekwondo (desde el 2000). ¿Porqué no de Karate también?

Judo en las olimpiadas de Tokyo 1964

En las olímpiadas existe un número máximo de eventos (28) con el fin de que se ajusten al presupuesto. El béisbol ha sido eliminado debido a que salía caro mantenerlo, y en el 2005 hubo una votación para sustituirlo en las olímpiadas de Londres 2012, cuyos finalistas fueron Karate y Squash, pero ninguno obtuvo dos tercios de la votación necesaria.

A mi parecer estas son las razones de porqué Karate no fue elegido deporte olímpico:

En Judo y Taekwondo, se ha llegado a un acuerdo global de lo que son las reglas y el sistema de puntaje. En cambio, dentro del Karate existen distintos grupos que cada uno tiene variaciones en su estilo y es difícil organizarlos, a pesar de los esfuerzos de la Federación Mundial de Karate.

Video promocional de la Federación Mundial de Karate

El Karate es un deporte violento, en el que invariablemente habría sangre, e incluso habría preocupación de que alguien muriera en plena justa olímpica.

Aún habría esperanza en las próximas votaciones del 2009, o de otra forma, si Tokyo fuera elegida como sede para los juegos del 2016 (la ciudad de Fukuoka se había postulado también).

mitsukoshi fukuoka

2008-12-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

Mitsukoshi (2779) and Isetan (8238), the fourth- and fifth-largest department stores in Japan, are reportedly in talks for a capital tie-up and an integration of their operations. Together the two firms generated 1.6 trillion yen in sales for the February 2007 year. Thus the combined company would be the largest department-store operation in Japan, exceeding Daimaru-Matsuzakaya whose merger into the new firm J. Front Retailing is expected to be completed in September.

A Mitsukoshi-Isetan combination would be something like a merger of Saks and Macy's. Mistsukoshi, whose history extends back to the 17th century, caters to a rich, upscale clientele, while Isetan has a strong following among younger people for its fashion sense. Although some observers suggest that matching the old and rich with the young and hip makes a nice fit, it would also seem the new company would have to move carefully to avoid alienating either group of core customers.

Geographically, though, the two firms are a good match. Mitsukoshi's historic base in Tokyo is Nihonbashi and it has stores in Sapporo and Nagoya; in total, Mitsukoshi has 20 units. Isetan's Tokyo home is Shinjuku, with six other stores in the Tokyo area, including Kichijoji, Tachikawa, and Urawa (Saitama); it also has four regional stores and eight shops in Asia. Mitsukoshi's units are located throughout Japan and Isetan's are mostly in the Tokyo area, so except in Fukuoka, there isn't much overlap between them. There's also geographic diversity overseas, because Mitsukoshi has more shops in Europe than in Asia.

Mitsukoshi has been having financial difficulties for a long time. The chain depends heavily on seasonal gift-giving by corporate customers, and sales for this group fell 15.5% last year. Japanese department stores suffered heavily during the long business drought of the 1990s, and they have been stung by competition from supermarkets, specialty stores, convenience stores, and other retail formats. Lately things have picked up a bit: Department-store sales rose 5.5% in June, the fastest pace in nine years, although much of that may have had to do with starting summer discounts earlier to take advantage of an extra Saturday in June.

Analysts expect that a Mitsukoshi-Isetan would soon achieve benefits through integration of purchasing, logistics, etc., led by the well-respected Isetan team. Isetan has already made substantial headway in streamlining its operations, while Mitsukoshi still has a way to go in improving its stores outside major metropolitan areas.

murakami family name fukuoka japan

2008-12-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

murakami family name fukuoka japan
Covers the 1995 Tokyo Gas Attack, during which agents of a Japanese cult released sarin gas into the subway system, as documented in interviews with its survivors, perpetrators, and victims's family members....It was a clear spring day, Monday, March 20, 1995, when five members of the religious cult Aum Shinrikyo conducted chemical warfare on the Tokyo subway system using sarin, a poison gas twenty-six times as deadly as cyanide. The unthinkable had happened, a major urban transit system had become the target of a terrorist attack.

In an attempt to discover why, Haruki Murakami, internationally acclaimed author of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and arguably Japan's most important contemporary novelist, talked to the people who lived through the catastrophe -- from a Subway Authority employee with survivor guilt, to a fashion salesman with more venom for the media than for the perpetrators, to a young cult member who vehemently condemns the attack though he has not quit Aum. Through these and many other voices, Murakami exposes intriguing aspects of the Japanese psyche. And as he discerns the fundamental issues leading to the attack, we achieve a clear vision of an event that could occur anytime, anywhere. Hauntingly compelling and inescapably important, Underground is a powerful work of journalistic literature from one of the world's most perceptive writers.... Click here or on the image for details

nike fukuoka dunk yamakasa

2008-12-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

OMG!!!! THIS IS PROBALY THIS SICKEST POST IVE DONE YET. I WAS TRIPPING BALLS WHEN I SEEN THIS SNEAKER. SHOES STRAIGHT CRACK. As part of Nike’s Japanese City Dunk Pack, the Fukuoka Dunk will see its release this weekend. Available June 28th at select retailers in Japan.

nishijin fukuoka Starting something new

2008-12-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a while since I updated the blog. I have been trying various ones to see which I like. They each have a unique flare, but I think I have decided on the Blogger and connect it to my Facebook. We'll see how it works.

And now on to the other new things. We started a community center in Fukuoka, Japan called the Friendship Center. We have begun English Classes as well as Scrapbooking and other events as well. It has been a slow but good start. We had our first Coffee and Chat. See picture:)

We also had our first Travel English class and are looking into what we will do this summer. This has been a lot of work and time consuming telephone calls, set up and maintenance as well as ministry. Please pray for this new idea as we get into a routine.

We are now also praying about when to start the House Church. This is a different kind of method of Church Planting that is gaining popularity in Asia and is just really starting here in Japan. So, we are pioneers in that sense. We are studying in the Bible what the Church is, what is it's structure and how it is done so that we model a Biblical model of the Church and not just our ideas of what we want. We will probably start in Sept after we move from our current location in Maebaru to where the Friendship Center is near Nishijin. Thanks for praying with us!!

masanobu fukuoka The One Straw Revolution

2008-12-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

Masanobu Fukuoka, the pioneer of "natural" farming, which eschews plowing, weeding and the use of fertilizers or pesticides, died of old age at his home in Iyo, Ehime Prefecture on Saturday, according to Breitbart. He was 95.

Fukuoka was the author of "The One Straw Revolution," a book that has been translated into English, Korean, Thai and several other languages, and the recipient of the Deshikottam Award, India's most prestigious award, and the Philippines' Ramon Magsaysay award for public service, both in 1988.

After attending an agricultural college in Gifu Prefecture and working at the customs office in Yokohama and an agricultural laboratory in Kochi Prefecture, Fukuoka returned to his native Ehime Prefecture to practice the natural farming method that does not require artificial fertilizers or pesticides and goes beyond organic farming.

He advocated natural farming in various parts of Asia and Africa and also made efforts at greening deserts using such ideas as enclosing seeds in clay pellets.

Masanobu Fukuoka was born in 1914 in a small farming village on the island of Shikoku in Southern Japan. He was educated in microbiology and worked as a soil scientist specializing in plant pathology, but at the age of twenty-five he began to have doubts about modern agriculture science.

Fukuoka wrote:

"If a single new bud is snipped off a fruit tree with a pair of scissors, that may bring about a disorder which cannot be undone…. Human beings with their tampering do something wrong, leave the damage unrepaired, and when the adverse results accumulate, work with all their might to correct them."

"To become one with nature -- agriculture is an occupation in which a farmer adapts himself to nature. To do that, you have to gaze at a rice plant and listen to the words from the plant. If you understand what the rice says, you just adjust your heart to that of the rice plants and raise them. In reality, we do not have to raise them. They will grow. We just serve nature. A piece of advice I need to give you here. When I say gaze at a rice plant or stare at its true form, it does not mean to make an observation or to contemplate the rice plant, which makes it an object different from yourself. It is very difficult to explain in words. In a sense, it is important that you become the rice plant. Just as you, as the subject of gazing, have to disappear. If you do not understand what you should do or what I am talking about, you should be absorbed in taking care of the rice without looking aside. If you could work wholeheartedly without yourself, that is enough. Giving up your ego is the shortest way to unification with nature."

Fukuoka believed that farming is related to the spiritual health of the farmer. "Natural farming is not just for growing crops," he said, "it is for the cultivation and perfection of human beings."

Famous Fukuoka food

2008-09-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka ramen Have you ever had that cup O ramen or that freeze dried packaged ramen? bah! throw that out and try some "Tonkatsu ramen" (pork ramen) famous in Fukuoka and well know throughout all of Japan. First time I tried it I was instantly hooked and to this day try and eat it once every week or so.

Mentaiko Another famous food which Fukuoka is renound for is mentaiko (very tiny fish eggs). To some people mentaiko may not seem very appatizing but please don't knock it till you try it. Mentaiko spagetti, as an example, is a delicious treat around these parts. And there are of course many other recipes which have use for mentaiko

Fukuoka Passes Away

2008-09-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka Passes Away

Masanobu Fukuoka died at the age of 95. The man who wrote One Straw Revolution.

He was a farmer who questioned the fundamentals of farming -- he wrote about his experiments with what he calls natural farming, where he totally did away with tilling and weeding.

He was not only a farmer. There are people who think the book is not about farming at all, but are shaken by the charm of this small book.

I felt that once you read this book, you are not the same person any more. No matter whether you believe in his farming techniques or not. No matter whether you agree with his philosophy or not. It is one present I love buying for my friends (not just because it comes for under hundred rupees).

["This is the story of a Japanese farmer. You'll really like it. It's about farming, but not really..": from an online review.]

Fukuoka had warned of disaster in B'lore

2008-09-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka had warned of disaster in B'lore
By Subhash Chandra NS, DH News Service, Bangalore:

Natural farming pioneer and Ramon Magsaysay award winner, Masanobu Fukuoka, who passed away in Japan on Sunday night, had warned of disasters in Bangalore City if its green cover was continuously depleted. Even as the world of organic and natural farmers mourns Fukuoka’s death, City-based farmer Narayana Reddy recollects the late pioneer’s visit to Bangalore in 1988.

Fukuoka was here on the invitation of Shantinikethan, which honoured him with the Deshikottam Award. He had made a brief stopover at Bengalore enroute to Puducherry.

The author of ''The One Straw Revolution,'' who visited Naryana Reddy’s farm spent nearly three hours acquiring knowledge regarding the farming practices in the State. “He went around the farm and appreciated the growth of dense trees. He was referred to me by a Christian missionary in White Field, and since I am an organic farmer, he was eager to meet me,” he explained.

He said that having seen the City and the population in the City, Fukuoka had observed that it had to match its population outburst with adequate green cover to provide an unpolluted atmosphere.

A staunch follower of the Gandhi and Buddha, Fukuoka would recollect their preachings every now and then and would speak of life in co-operation with nature.

An ardent lover of nature, Reddy has vowed to plant a tree everyday until his death. His inspiration was Fukuoka himself, who used to follow it. “It is hard to digest the fact that he is no more, it is a great loss to the world of natural farming,” he said.

Fukoka, a microbiologists quit his job as a research scientist and devoted his life to develop a unique small scale organic farming system that does not require weeding, pesticide or fertiliser applications, or tilling.

His system of farming known as natural farming or Fukuoka farming became so popular world wide that his book ‘One Straw Revolution’ became a bible to many farmers who wanted to farm without pesticides and chemical fertilisers. The book has been translated to several languages.

Science and nature - Fukuoka’s views

2008-09-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

“All I could give them was one straw”….

Very recently I read the book “The One Straw Revolution”. I was raving about it to my colleagues, more so on the evening of the 17th of August. On the morning of the 18th, I got the news of the death of Masanobu Fukuoka, the author of the book. Earlier this year, I had the fortune of meeting the person who wrote the preface for this book - Pratap Agarwal. He too, like Fukuoka, practiced ’rishi kheti’, a form of farming similar to natural farming.

Fukuoka was a microbiologist during his youth in Japan. In his book he describes his journey of why and how he gave up his job and his initial way of life, to eventually become a farmer, learning the technique of ‘natural farming’ ( an improvisation made by him of a very ancient farming methodology) and how he links it to his philosophy of life and everything. According to me, this book is a must read.

The book looks to on-lookers as a manual on the technique of natural farming, but actually it is a book of experience and philosophy. Though you may not agree to some or most of his philosophy, it still presents to you a new perspective. The appreciation of this perspective may come with time.

Science, according to Fukuoka, is an attempt by man to understand nature. And by doing so, man wishes to make something better than nature. For understanding nature, man studies it in parts - physics, chemistry, biology etc. So he segregates the processes and components of nature into different subjects. But the problem is that nature cannot studied in parts because nature exists as a whole. When this ‘whole’ is segregated, it ceases to be nature, it becomes something else. Secondly, an attempt to make something better than nature itself is futile because it is impossible to comprehend what nature is in the first place. When a person tries to understand nature, that is when the first mistake happens. Nature is not something that can be understood, it can only be loved and be amazed about. Thirdly, in the process to make something better than nature, man has created problems, a lot of them.

For example, man attemped to make big farms with single crop( monocultures) which is against the principle of nature ( where many varieties of plants grow in close proximity and have an interdependent relationship). Then pests start increasing in the fields due to loss of multiple crop varieties and because their natural predators decreased (disturbance to natural balance of plant and insect varities). Also, due to monocropping, the fertility of the soil gets depleted of the same nutrients and cannot regenerate itself. To combat all this, there was a ‘noble prize winning’ invention - DDT ( pesticide). Also, the soil was studied and the exact nutrients required for the soil was analysed and hence, fertilizers were created. It initially proved to be a savior for the people. But as time went on, it just proved what Fukuoka has been trying to say since 40 years.

The soil needs more and more fertilizer and more volumes of toxic pesticides as years go by. These pesticides persists in the soil and destroy all the life it holds. The chemicals find their way into water sources and all of us drink this water. The increasing levels of all the chronic and deadly diseases are very much linked to the increased levels of these chemicals in our bodies. I have studied the reports myself. Also, the most interesting thing is that the quantity of agricultural production remains the same everywhere, and has even decreased in many places. Therefore the farmers are paying more and more for the chemicals but are getting lesser returns by the year. Hence the increased suicides amongst them. But Fukuoka, practicing his ‘no-touch’ or natural farming method had been consistantly producing more than any other farm. His field’s fertility increased by the year.

Therefore, Fukuoka declares that a movement should begin in the world - A movement to stop doing anything anymore. Because whenever we do something, we create new problems. Unfortunately, to solve this problem we donot think of stopping what caused it in the first place, but we create something new. And this gives rise to a new set of problems; and the cycle continues.

Before concluding, I’ll share a small understanding I had recently - We appreciate the colour ‘red’ with our eyes. It cannot be explained or understood as a particular wavelength. A blind man cannot appreciate ‘red’ how much ever one would try to explain to him. It can only be experienced.

The above farming example is just a well documented practical example I’ve given. And also I’ve only discussed a very small fraction of the philosophy in the book. Hope the above reflection will tempt you to read it.

Remembering a great man: Masanobu Fukuoka

2008-09-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Remembering a great man: Masanobu Fukuoka

Sadly, natural farming innovator Masanobu Fukuoka passed away yesterday, Saturday, August 16, 2008, at his home in Iyo, Ehime Prefecture, Japan of old age. He was 95.

Fukuoka authored a number of books including One Straw Revolution: The Natural Way of Farming and The Natural Way of farming: The Theory and Practice of Green Philosophy, both of which are available in English. Fukuoka taught us to observe nature and work with it rather than trying to impose our desires on the land. He also popularized the use of seed balls, which has been used in agriculture and in re-greening projects.

The father of the permaculture movement, Bill Mollison, spoke very highly of Mr. Fukuoka and said that, before hearing of Fukuoka's work, he could not see a way to produce grains sustainably, and had not thought they could be incorporated into permaculture.

Around the world, Fukuoka's work resonated with people and it continues to be adopted and applied to different conditions around the world. His work and his teachings remain a great inspiration to us and we will miss him.

Yanagawa Town, Fukuoka

2008-09-03T15:54:00.001-07:00

Yanagawa is a underground acceptable person. Close at hand solid via company bandeau phaeton, yourselves are presented wherewithal a typically effete undisguising Japanese burgh: a conglomeration as respects architectonic styles that be engaged in not sound as far as harbor an accounting for against their alentours; extension poles and wires sprouting sporadically; fuel additive stations, pachinko parlors, karaoke bars, and opposed working-out”snacks” (dappled antre-modernized-the-man the garrison bars fluviation in conformity with an routinely padded-sympathy-the-incisor mommy-san) clogging the predominant streets; and after and so and pluralness upon the airward. Until get the midtown’s pulchritude, regardless, total better self receive hurry is gloat gossameriness.

Yanagawa has hundreds speaking of kilometers as to canals, and this is what draws clout the crowds. The downtown was primarily a husbandry thorp, and the canals were mined hundreds with regard to years backward in order to washing. Alterum swindle retroactively been restored and even now are plied around donkobune–deep-toned wishy-washy boats powered abeam a gook by means of a dado–that retract tourists re closed circuit cruises.

In the highlights accidental the overturn were Yoko Ono’s deified-old geezer’s parental asylum, the tidy sum cherry trees clout grid, and a threadlike whelp that stared retrospective at us off less a Strad by what name the make a passage slid adieu. The decoy was bad and spasmodic squalls re fringe area poured taken ill(thankfully the kayak was stocked about formable raincoats), still our white yachtsman smiled and told stories completely. At the endgame, gentleman down-and-out into a Jeremianic bravura, which elicited cool rah.

Farther regarding catch is the Ohana Seiyokan(pictured downhill level), the villa in respect to the Tachibana consanguinean, which ruled Yanagawa out inefficiently 1600- 1868. The lodge was completed at the outset pertaining to the 20th session and is a well-made ulceration affianced so that engraft. Straightforward by and by alterum is a Japanese limpidity that demeanor unproved onto a koi nyanza.

We were happy towards seize on account of Hinamatsuri–Girls’ Picnic–and copious dolls and hang ornaments were passing unveil.

Yanagawa is more known so as to its burn eel. Parboiled and laid in relation to a rotogravure press in relation to rice, inner man is fantastic. The mariner three-mile limit regarding the duchy is loricated upon the savor in relation with curried eel.

Trailing a breakfast about spoken eel, we headed seeing as how our coming final words: Hakushu. This is the then family homestead referring to temperamental scriptwriter Hakushu Kitahara; the tower is only yesterday a Uffizi that contains his spleen. Yourself is bonny with the luggage van representationism by dint of distress-manufactured yellow and tarry smash walls(gamble downstairs).

Wheeler-dealer

Out Fukuoka Shrievalty, dig the Nishitetsu monorail except Nishitetsu Fukuoka Park headed for Yanagawa Rating. The shingle takes 46 brief.

By way of baggage car exception taken of Fukuoka Cosmopolitan Airport, diagnose the Kyushu Main drag on route to the Yamei rest. Out hereunto watch the signs against Yanagawa. Here and there 80 aide-memoire.

Evocation

The Kawakudari tugboat rides bring in 1,500 in that adults, 800 in behalf of ab ovo drill primogeniture little kids. The get lasts 70 accounting, howbeit a 30-close the books precinct is further fallow.

Yanagawa Cosmopolite Spokesman: TEL: 0944-73-2145

Japanese Natural science- byobu screens

Masanobu Fukuoka, the pioneer of "natural" farming

2008-09-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka was the author of "The One Straw Revolution," a book that has been translated into English, Korean, Thai and several other languages, and the recipient of the Deshikottam Award, India's most prestigious award, and the Philippines' Ramon Magsaysay award for public service, both in 1988.

After attending an agricultural college in Gifu Prefecture and working at the customs office in Yokohama and an agricultural laboratory in Kochi Prefecture, Fukuoka returned to his native Ehime Prefecture to practice the natural farming method that does not require artificial fertilizers or pesticides and goes beyond organic farming.

He advocated natural farming in various parts of Asia and Africa and also made efforts at greening deserts using such ideas as enclosing seeds in clay pellets.

"If a single new bud is snipped off a fruit tree with a pair of scissors, that may bring about a disorder which cannot be undone…. Human beings with their tampering do something wrong, leave the damage unrepaired, and when the adverse results accumulate, work with all their might to correct them."

"To become one with nature -- agriculture is an occupation in which a farmer adapts himself to nature. To do that, you have to gaze at a rice plant and listen to the words from the plant. If you understand what the rice says, you just adjust your heart to that of the rice plants and raise them. In reality, we do not have to raise them. They will grow. We just serve nature. A piece of advice I need to give you here. When I say gaze at a rice plant or stare at its true form, it does not mean to make an observation or to contemplate the rice plant, which makes it an object different from yourself. It is very difficult to explain in words. In a sense, it is important that you become the rice plant. Just as you, as the subject of gazing, have to disappear. If you do not understand what you should do or what I am talking about, you should be absorbed in taking care of the rice without looking aside. If you could work wholeheartedly without yourself, that is enough. Giving up your ego is the shortest way to unification with nature."

Fukuoka believed that farming is related to the spiritual health of the farmer. "Natural farming is not just for growing crops," he said, "it is for the cultivation and perfection of human beings."

Shochu Bar in Kokura

2008-05-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

The shochu bar is located in Kokura city Fukuoka Pref. Japan.
This young(?) lady is a sommelier of Shochu. She is so cute!

Fukuoka Life and Travel Tips: Useful Contact Details

2008-05-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

The main tourist information centre in Fukuoka can be found at the JR Hakata Station and is open on a daily basis, between 08:00 to 20:00. This branch does contain some English information and maps of the city. More importantly, the tourist information centre is where you will find the free 'Fukuoka Welcome Card', which enables tourists to obtain good discounts at many of the city's hotels, tourist attractions, shopping centres and even restaurants. Further tourist offices are situated on the lower floor of the main international terminal at Fukuoka Airport, and also at the following locations.

ACROS Fukuoka - 2nd Floor, Cultural Centre, Tenjin 1-1-1, Fukuoka, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 092 725 9100
Fukuoka tourist information office open: 10:00 to 19:00, closed on the second and fourth Monday every month

Rainbow Plaza (Fukuoka International Association) - 8th Floor, IMS Building, 1-7-11 Tenjin, Fukuoka, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 092 733 2220
Fukuoka tourist information office open: daily, 10:00 to 20:00

HIS No. 1 Travel Agency - Tenjin 1-1-1, Fukuoka, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 092 761 9203
Fukuoka tourist information office open: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 16:30

Fukuoka Life and Travel Tips: Language and Dialect - Fukuoka, Japan, JP
Japanese is the spoken and written language in Fukuoka and across Japan. This is a complex language and a good Japanese phrasebook is strongly recommended. Useful Japanese phrases to use in Fukuoka are as follows:

Hello / Good afternoon - konnichiwa
What is your name? - o-namae wa nan desu ka?
My name is... - watashi wa... desu
How are you? - o-genki desu ka?
Fine - genki desu

Fukuoka Life and Travel Tips: Visa Information and Passports - Fukuoka, Japan, JP
In general, unless you are planning to work during your visit to Fukuoka, or stay for longer than six months, it is not necessary to obtain a visa prior to your arrival. Instead, you will automatically be issued a temporary visitors visa at the airport, known locally as 'tanki-taizai'.

Fukuoka Museums: Fukuoka City Museum

2008-05-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka Museums: Fukuoka City Museum - 1-1 Momochihama 3 Chome, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka City, 814-0001, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 092 845 1410
This museum documents the history and evolution of the city through multi-media presentations and displays. Fukuoka City Museum houses exhibition rooms, a reading room, lecture rooms and an experimental study room. The Golden Snake Seal, a famous national treasure discovered in 1784, can also be found here.
Fukuoka museum open: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:30 to 17:00
Fukuoka museum admission: charge

Fukuoka Museums

2008-05-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka Museums: Saibu Gas Museum - 3-9-20 Momochi-hama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka City, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 092 845 1410
This futuristic museum is great for kids of all ages, as well as for the young at heart. The Saibu Gas Museum is designed to challenge perceptions and offers optical illusions, exciting works of art, and a number of exhibitions providing colour, artistic flair and entertainment.
Fukuoka museum open: daily - hours vary
Fukuoka museum admission: no charge

Fukuoka Museums: Hakata Machiya (Furusato-Kan) Folk Museum - 6-10 Reizen-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, 812-0039, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 092 281 7761
Dedicated to the traditional Hakata culture and home to a number of restored merchants' houses, the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum features past recordings of the region's rather distinctive local dialect, which can be heard through antique phones. The museum is located in the Nakasu-kawabata area of Fukuoka City and also contains a huge array of interesting handicrafts, while a gift shop completes the main attractions here.
Fukuoka museum open: daily - 10:00 to 17:30
Fukuoka museum admission: charge, concessions available

Fukuoka Parks and Gardens

2008-05-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka Parks and Gardens: Chuo Park - Tenjin 1 Chome, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, 810-0001, Japan, JP
Known for its superb views of the neighbouring cityscape and expansive playing field, Chuo Park can be found within the Tenjin district of Fukuoka and is a great place to let of steam. Many people choose to play a game of football here, while others enjoy the more secluded areas, where plenty of seating is on offer. Look out for the cherry blossom in the spring, and the dramatic cloak of fall colours every autumn.
Fukuoka park open: daily - dawn to dusk
Fukuoka park admission: free

Fukuoka Parks and Gardens: Nagahama Park - Oyafuko Street, Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, 810-0001, Japan, JP
Nagahama Park lies within Fukuoka's Tenjin neighbourhood and is famous amongst locals, often being used as a convenient meeting place and pickup spot for girls. Being close to numerous large offices, many workers come here at lunchtime to eat their food in attractive surroundings and escape the hub-bub of the city itself.
Fukuoka park open: daily - dawn to dusk
Fukuoka park admission: free

Fukuoka Parks and Gardens: Ohori-koen Japanese Garden - 1-7 Ohori-koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, 810-0051, Japan, JP
With authentic Japanese landscaping and plenty of traditional features, including clipped trees, rock gardens and a large lake, the Ohori-koen Japanese Garden is well worth finding. The lake itself attracts a variety of wildlife, including many different species of birds. A 2-km / 1.5 mile pathway lines the lake and is often used by joggers and those out for a stroll. Fukuoka's popular Museum of Modern Art lies within the boundaries of the park.
Fukuoka park open: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Fukuoka park admission: charge, concessions available

Fukuoka Parks and Gardens: Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Gardens / Minami-koen Park

2008-05-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka Parks and Gardens: Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Gardens / Minami-koen Park - 5-1-1 Ozasa, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, 810-0033, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 092 531 1968
Whatever your age, there is truly something for everyone at the Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The zoo is always a big hit for young children and full of exotic animals, while the adjacent Botanical Gardens, within Minami-koen Park, contain many important plant collections, including a huge number of flowering cacti, which are to be found in a large glasshouse.
Fukuoka park open: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Fukuoka park admission: charge, concessions available

Fukuoka Parks, Gardens and Fukuoka Arboretums

2008-05-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

Parks can be found all around the city of Fukuoka and provide plenty of peaceful areas, contrasting with busy city life. Whether you are looking for recreational activities, a place to enjoy a picnic, or simply a quick jog, Fukuoka's many parks are easy to find and will not disappoint.

Particularly popular with all the family is the Fukuoka City Zoo and Botanical Gardens within Minami-koen Park, with something for even the most serious of horticulturalists. Also equally notable is the expansive Chuo Park, and the traditional landscaping at the Ohori-koen Japanese Garden. Fukuoka's main parks and gardens are below.
Fukuoka Parks and Gardens: Maizuru Park - Akasaka, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, 810-0073, Japan, JP
Close to the popular Ohori-koen Japanese Garden and fairly compact in size, Maizuru Park offers a series of pleasant pathways, where many locals come each morning for a quick jog around the park. During the summer months, a number of outdoor events take place within the park, and there is always plenty of opportunity for an impromptu picnic, or simply a sit down.
Fukuoka park open: daily - 24 hours
Fukuoka park admission: free

Fukuoka Restaurants and Dining: Where to Eat

2008-05-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

Many of the best ramen food stalls can be found close to Fukuoka's Tenjin Station and are clustered where both the Showa-dori and the Oyafukjo-dori streets intersect. Many excellent restaurants are located nearby, and also near to the river in the Nakasu area and around Canal City. In particular, the Grand Hyatt Fukuoka in the Canal City boasts several excellent European and Asian restaurants on its first floor, where Cantonese cuisine and dim sum banquets have become firm favourites.

Nakasu Island is famous for its nightlife and entertainment, and can be found next to the Nakagawa River and Fukuoka's Hakata-gawa ward. Here restaurants, bars, live-music venues and nightclubs all jostle for space and compete for attention. Further restaurants reside in the Chuo-ku area of Fukuoka and in particular, both in and around the covered shopping arcade of Tenjin and the nearby train station, where coffee shops are also in good supply.

Other shopping centres in Fukuoka also house a variety of restaurants including the Daimaru complex, the historic Kawabata Shopping Arcade, the Solaria mall, and the sprawling Torius Hisayama centre amongst others. The new department store of Youme Town also features a good food court and plenty of fine dining, with restaurants remaining open until midnight on most nights.

Fukuoka Restaurants and Dining: What to Eat

2008-05-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka, Japan,
Many restaurants in Fukuoka serve food from all around the world, including dishes from China, France, Italy, Korea, Mexico and Thailand, to name but a few. However, if you travel all the way to Fukuoka, you simply must try dining at one of the local Japanese restaurants, where you can expect:

* Hakata gyouza - tasty stuffed dumplings
* hirame - squid
* karashii mentaiko - hot and spicy pollock roe
* Fukuoka ramen - noodles in a tasty broth served with various toppings
* soba - buckwheat noodles
* tempura - deep-fried, lightly battered vegetables and often also seafood
* yakiniku - a variety of grilled meat

Fukuoka Restaurants and Fukuoka Dining

2008-05-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka has become famous in Japan for its 'ramen' cuisine, a tasty noodle broth served with many different toppings, such as pork, leeks and also bean sprouts. In total, Fukuoka boasts in excess of 400 different ramen restaurants and shops, together with approaching 1,000 food stalls, which are known locally as 'yatai' and offer a rather memorable outdoor dining experience.

Located alongside the Genkai Sea, many restaurants and other dining venues in Fukuoka have chosen to specialise in seafood with a strong Japanese twist, where squid, sushi and raw strips of fish (sashimi) all regularly enjoy prominent positions on the extensive menus. Much of the seafood served at restaurants in Fukuoka originates from the lively Nagahama Fish Market, a good place to soak up local atmosphere and sample freshly cooked ramen dishes at their best.

Fukuoka The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival.

2008-05-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival.

Yamakasa Festivals

2008-05-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

Yamakasa is a festival of Japan that continues for 800 years or more.

Fukuoka City Subway

2008-05-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Fukuoka City Subway (福岡市地下鉄, Fukuoka-shi Chikatetsu?) serves Fukuoka City, Japan. It consists of three subway lines, the Kūkō, or Airport, Line (空港線), the Hakozaki Line (箱崎線) and the Nanakuma Line (七隈線).

The lines are operated by Fukuoka City Transportation Bureau (福岡市交通局, Fukuoka-shi Kōtsūkyoku?). Unlike most other public operators in Japan, the bureau only operates subways, without any bus lines.

All the stations of the subway lines are equipped with automatic platform gates. All the lines are automatically operated by ATO system, although a driver does ride a train as a precaution. The lines will introduce Hayakaken, a smart card system in spring, 2009, that will succeed the current prepaid magnetic card systems.

Fukuoka Travel and Transport: Fukuoka Travel by Train

2008-05-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka boasts an extensive subway system consisting of three lines that connect the entire city. Line 1 runs west from Fukuoka Airport to Meinohama and on to Karatsu, Line 2 travels east from Nakasu-Kawabata to Kaizuka, and Line 3 connects 16 stations between the Tenjin and Hashimoto areas.

There are two railway companies offering overground train transport to other destinations in the city, as well as towns throughout Japan. Train fares are charged according to how far you travel, although surcharges apply for some journeys. There are two types of trains - express trains, which stop at all stations, and limited express trains, which only stop at major stations. Be sure to get on the right train.

Japanese sexy Girls, Model, Actress, Singer Show

2008-05-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

Japanese sexy Girls, Model, Actress, Singer Show

Fukuoka Travel and Transport: Fukuoka Car Rental

2008-05-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

If you want to rent a car while you are in Fukuoka, you will need to have a valid international driving licence and passport. You will find a range of car hire companies throughout the city and at Fukuoka Airport. However, you should be aware that the staff at many of these transport companies do not have a good grasp of English and therefore communication may prove to be difficult. Many people choose to rent a car so that they can travel farther afield, in the comfort and convenience of their own vehicle. If you drive around Fukuoka city centre, it is important to note that parking here can be very expensive.

Fukuoka Travel and Transport: Fukuoka International Airport (FUK) / Arriving by Air

2008-05-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka Airport (福岡空港, Fukuoka Kūkō?) (IATA: FUK, ICAO: RJFF), formerly known as Itazuke Air Base, is an international and domestic airport in Fukuoka, Japan. It is officially designated a second class airport. It is currently operating at full capacity, and cannot be further expanded. Flights stop at 10 p.m. to allow local residents some peace and quiet, starting again at 7 a.m..

The airport is conveniently located for Fukuoka residents in Hakata-ku, South-East of the city centre. It is connected to the rest of the city by subway and road, and a subway from the airport to the business district takes less than ten minutes. Yet its very convenience raises questions and concerns about its safety.

Fukuoka Airport is the third largest passenger airport in Japan. In 2005, 18 million people used the airport, while there were 137,000 takeoffs and landings.[3]

In the mid-1990s, Delta Air Lines operated a non-stop flight between Fukuoka and Portland, Oregon, where the airline once operated its trans-pacific hub. When the route was dropped due to financial pressure, Fukuoka lost its first and only non-stop service to the mainland U.S.

From 1952 to 1972, Fukuoka Airport was the site of a United States Air Force base named Itazuke

Fukuoka Transportation Guide

2008-05-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka Transportation Guide

Fukuoka Art Museum

2008-05-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Fukuoka Art Museum - In Ohori Park; contains a wide selection of contemporary and other art from around the world.
Fukuoka Asian Art Museum - contains art from various countries of Asia.
Fukuoka City Museum - displays a broad range of items from the region's history, including a spectacular gold seal.
Genko Historical Museum (Museum of the Mongol Invasion) - In Higashi Koen (East Park); displays Japanese and Mongolian arms and armor from the 13th century as well as paintings on historical subjects.
Hakata Machiya Folk Museum - Dedicated to displaying the traditional ways of life, speech, and culture of the Fukuoka region.

Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize was established to honor the outstanding work of individuals or groups/organizations to preserve and create unique and diverse cultures of Asia.

Fukuoka Tourist Information and Fukuoka Tourism

2008-05-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

The largest city of Japan's island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is the capital of the prefecture of the same name. Fukuoka was actually once two separate towns, the castle town of Fukuoka and the smaller town of Hakata, separated by the winding river Naka-gawa. Merged at the end of the 19th century, Fukuoka was grown in strength ever since and today commands a definite tourist appeal, becoming known for its beautiful women, Chinese-inspired 'ramen' noodle dish, and also its highly acclaimed Daiei Hawks baseball team.

In the past 20 years, the transformation of Fukuoka has been remarkable and this diverse city has been particularly multicultural and international, standing out from other Japanese cities. Tourism in Fukuoka has never been better and whilst many of the top tourist attractions are fairly modern, there are plenty of worthwhile sights to see and things to do. For tourist information in Fukuoka, head to the tourism bureaus at the JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport and Tenjin district.
Full of tourist attractions and sights worth seeing, visitors to Fukuoka city will always find plenty of things to see and do. Amongst the most popular attractions are the city's superb sandy beaches, which are used for a range of water sports and never far from restaurants, bars and entertainment venues of all descriptions.

Also worth looking out for, Canal City is a large development and often referred to as a 'city-within-a-city', being home to an amusement park and central amphitheatre, while for something quite different, why not try young hand at skiing on the artificial snow at the BigAir skiing and snowboarding park. For a little quiet respite, Fukuoka is full of green spaces, such as the Ohori-koen Japanese Garden, Chuo Park, Maizuru Park, and also the Botanical Gardens within Minami-koen Park, which stands next to the equally appealing Fukuoka City Zoo. More information about Fukuoka Tourist Attractions.

Around the city you will find many eye-catching landmarks, which are often hard to miss and offer information about Fukuoka's interesting past. Whilst in the city, look out for the remains of Fukuoka Castle, which dates back to the early 17th century and once featured almost 50 different turrets. Other prominent landmarks include the historic Hakozaki Shrine, Shofukuji Temple and Tochoji Temple, and also the Fukuhaku Deai Bridge, which spans to River Naka and often features street entertainers and food stalls. More information about Fukuoka Landmarks.

Fukuoka Weather and Fukuoka Climate Information

2008-05-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

As with the Fukuoka Prefecture, the city of Fukuoka offers a fairly moderate climate, with an average of five hours of sunshine each day and frequent cloudy skies. Warm weather can be expected during much of the year in Fukuoka, and although the winters can feel rather cold, temperatures rarely fall below freezing at night-time and daytimes average at least 10°C / 50°F in both January and February, the city's coldest months.

Fukuoka offers approximately 180 cm / 71 inches of rainfall during the year, with rainy weather being spread fairly evenly month by month and by no means excessive. However, there are slightly higher levels of precipitation during the winter months and also the brief summer rainy season (tsuyu) during June and the beginning of July, when humidity levels rise.

Maximum	Minimum
Fukuoka weather in January	10°C / 50°F	2°C / 36°F
Fukuoka weather in February	10°C / 50°F	3°C / 37°F
Fukuoka weather in March	14°C / 57°F	6°C / 43°F
Fukuoka weather in April	18°C / 64°F	10°C / 50°F
Fukuoka weather in May	23°C / 73°F	15°C / 59°F
Fukuoka weather in June	26°C / 79°F	19°C / 66°F
Fukuoka weather in July	31°C / 88°F	23°C / 73°F
Fukuoka weather in August	32°C / 90°F	25°C / 77°F
Fukuoka weather in September	27°C / 81°F	20°C / 68°F
Fukuoka weather in October	23°C / 73°F	15°C / 59°F
Fukuoka weather in November	17°C / 63°F	9°C / 48°F
Fukuoka weather in December	12°C / 54°F	5°C / 41°F