A few words from Governor Wataru Aso,
Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture
I extend my heartfelt congratulations Fukuoka Now on its ten year anniversary. Fukuoka Now introduces its readers to a wide range of information, from necessities of daily life to local hot topics, and all from the foreigner’s point of view. It is a very precious information source for foreigners who live in Fukuoka and for visitors to Fukuoka, and is beloved of Fukuoka people who are interested in other cultures. Also, it contributes to the internationalization of Fukuoka prefecture by accelerating the formation of networks among foreign people in this society. Aiming to be a prosperous society with people mainly from Asian countries and from all over the world, I hope to see Fukuoka prefecture develop to be more attractive for both Japanese and foreign people as an entrance city connecting Japan to Asia and the world. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Fukuoka Now’s achievement to date, and hope for your further success.
And now for a few words from some of our friends and readers…
1. Matthieu Bardiaux
Director, Insitut Franco – Japonais du Kyushu
A famous Australian travel guide has it that Fukuoka is a city that never sleeps. I guess most foreign residents of Fukuoka who, like me, cannot decipher kanji, could verify this thanks to FN! So please, keep on animating our insomnia!
2. Margot Carrington
Principal Officer, American Consulate
The U.S Consulate in Fukuoka sends congratulations to Fukuoka Now on its 10th anniversary. FN provides an outstanding service to the expatriate community, offering English language information on important developments and events. Best wishes for the next 10 years.
3. Santiago Herrera
Director, NPO Tiempo Iberoamericano
Congratulations! Fukuoka Now, a pioneer in mass media, is a bridge between foreigners and Japanese in Fukuoka and a local link to the global community. Thanks for supporting “Isla de Salsa” and best wishes in your future initiatives.
4. Toggy
Radio Announcer
Congratulations on the first decade! Nick and I share similar passions: Japanese culture, Italian motorcycles and FUKUOKA! I also share the goal of introducing Fukuoka to the people from around Japan and the world.
5. Shigemi Kawahara
Founder, Ippudo Ramen
Congratulations on Fukuoka Now’s 10th anniversary, and thanks to FN’s staff. Mostly for allowing people like me to make international friends. Soon “Fukuoka, Japan” will be “Fukuoka, The World!” Best wishes for the next 10 years!
6. Max
Radio & TV Personality
I arrived in Japan just after FN’s first printing and have used almost every issue since. I liked the opinion page “Dodeshou”; where’d it go? Bring it back!. Thanks Fukuoka Now for keeping us in the Fukuoka know!
7. Tomato Mama
Actress, Animitsuhime
FN did such a good job of making me look “normal” when my photo appeared on the cover in March 2004 that many people didn’t recognize me. Recently I have been using less make-up, so thanks to FN! Congratulations!
8. Toshi Noda
Director, UN-Habitat
Congratulations for the 10th anniversary of Fukuoka Now. It plays a very important role in sharing and disseminating information on goings-on in Fukuoka. I am sure that FN will continue to grow and prosper in the future. Best!
9. Parveen Akther
Branch Manage, TUV Rheinland
FN was one of my life lines when I moved here in 2004. I look forward to reading what’s going on, but mostly these days I get to see what I will be missing out on ;-( Looking forward to the next 10 years.
10. Soukyo Shimura
Tea Ceremony Master
I enjoy introducing Japanese culture through tea ceremony to visitors from overseas and I’ve made many friends. I hope FN introduces more of the history of Hakata and its temples. Maybe we can have a FN tea ceremony event?
11. Evan Kirby
Director, Genki JACS
Congratulations on ten wonderful years! The information in Fukuoka Now has helped countless students at our school experience Fukuoka to the fullest. As a reader since 2000 myself, I can say Fukuoka wouldn’t be the same without Fukuoka Now!
12. Jean Christian – Bouvier
Director, CM Festival
Ten years already? Just like our CM Festival, and we are both alive! Who would have bet on us then? Thanks for the unexpected privilege of appearing almost naked on your cover when I was in my late fifties. Merci & yoroshiku!
