Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Mayor Takashima’s New Year’s Pledge
Since ancient times, Fukuoka has been an important gateway between Asia and Japan, but the city’s presence is now stronger than it has ever been. This is due to two reasons: 1) our geographical proximity to the global engines of growth in Asia, and 2) the growing need for a city on the Sea of Japan side of Japan to sustain government functions in the event of a massive earthquake on the Pacific Ocean side, where most of Japan’s urban centers are concentrated. I believe Fukuoka is the only city that fits this bill since it has the lowest disaster risk in Japan, can provide sufficient urban services, and has excellent transportation connections with other parts of Japan and the outside world.
While Japan’s population dwindles, Fukuoka’s continues to grow, and opportunities to create an even more vibrant community abound, as evidenced by the redevelopment projects in Tenjin and the Waterfront. As a designated city with prefecture-level authority, Fukuoka must serve as a model of speedy and effective governance, not just for Japan but for the whole world. This year, I look forward to working with you to further elevate Fukuoka’s presence both at home and abroad.
Watch the speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3wqq0SQm8o
Are You Prepared for Tax Time?
The deadline to file income tax returns for 2015 is Mar. 15, and sole proprietors must pay consumption taxes by Mar. 31. Make sure you file and pay your taxes on time, and contact your nearest tax office if you have questions. You can file your taxes at one of the following filing venues during the designated time frame: Fukuoka/Hakata District: Solaria Stage Bldg. 6F Nishitetsu Hall; West Fukuoka District: Fukuoka Tower Hall; Kashii District: Kashii Tax Office.
95.3% on Opinion Poll Say Fukuoka is “Livable”
Every year, City Hall conducts an opinion poll on city government with 4,500 adults to generate basic data for policymaking. In the June 2015 survey, 2,507 citizens, or 55.7% of the target group, answered the survey. The results of the survey have been compiled into a pamphlet that will be available online, at the Information Plaza (City Hall, 1F), and the Information Corners in each ward office on Feb. 1.
Outdoor Advertising Permits Centralized at City Hall
Starting on Apr. 1, if you would like to apply for an outdoor advertising permit, you will need to visit the City Design Section on the 4th floor of the City Hall main building. To alleviate illegal posting around the city, operations have been streamlined at City Hall; you can no longer file for permits at ward offices. Remember: advertising on signal posts and utility poles is generally prohibited.
Fukuoka Yoruhaku 2016
Fukuoka Yoruhaku (“Night Expo”) 2016 is a series of nighttime events, featuring everything from dining to music, held during the month of February. Other activities include a “stamp rally” and new sake tasting. For details, visit a tourist information center (Hakata Station or Tenjin) or the Information Plaza (City Hall, 1F) to pick up a leaflet.
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For More Information
Fukuoka City Bulletin
Fukuoka Shisei Dayori is City Hall’s official magazine published bi-weekly on 1st and 15th of each month 23 times per year. It’s available in Japanese online too. Consider using it for Japanese study! ふくおか市政だより Website: www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/shisei/kouhou-hodo/shiseidayori/
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn206, Feb. 2016)
