Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Hakata Dontaku Port Festival
The 53rd Hakata Dontaku Port Festival will be held on May 3 and 4. Approximately 20,000 Dontaku troupe members will parade down the 1.3km stretch of Meiji-dori Ave. from Gofukumachi to Tenjin, and various other events will be held on 34 stages throughout the city. People from the municipalities associated with Kanbei Kuroda will join a massive samurai parade to promote this year’s NHK drama “Kanbei: The Strategist”.
National Strategic Zone for Job Creation
A central government advisory committee has designated Fukuoka City as a National Strategic Zone for Job Creation. Understanding that new companies create new jobs, regulations within the Zone will be relaxed to make it easier to set up companies.
FY2014 Budget: Making a City Where People Can Prosper
Fukuoka City has approved a total budget of over ¥1.92 trillion for the 2014 fiscal year. At ¥776.3 billion, this year’s general budget is ¥16.7 billion (+2.2%) more than last year’s, and it will be used to promote the Fukuoka City Master Plan—a future roadmap formulated in cooperation with the citizens. In an effort to train and connect people, the City will open a start-up cafe for young entrepreneurs, double the number of elementary and junior high school social workers to combat bullying and truancy, and establish Meeting Place Fukuoka—an expert organization tasked with bolstering efforts to attract international conventions.
Don’t Touch that Recycling!
Fukuoka City revised its Ordinance on the Reduction and Proper Treatment of Waste, so as of Apr. 1, carrying away household garbage and taking recycling from neighborhood collection areas are now forbidden. To encourage residents to take recycling to neighborhood collection areas, the revised ordinance also increased the payments for aluminum cans and other recyclables. Inquiries about neighborhood collection: Recycling Promotion Section (092-711-4039) / Inquiries about the ordinance: Waste Collection Management Section (092-711-4346)
Mayor’s Message
Fukuoka City aims to be “a leading city in Asia, balancing people, urban functions and the environment,” and the main players in its initiatives are you the people. This fiscal year, the City has allocated budgets for training, interpersonal exchange and community action. The City was also designated as a National Strategic Zone for Job Creation and hopes to create the next generation of new companies while supporting existing companies that want to try something new. Together we can change Japan.
Yipee! For FREE!
Fukuoka Museum Week
Fukuoka Museum Week is held every year to expose city residents to art and local history and culture. This year’s Museum Week runs nine days from May 17~25. Events include free admission to the permanent exhibits at the City Museum, City Art Museum and the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, workshops and more! http://f-museum.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/museumweek/
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 (fn185, May. 2014)
