Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
New Cityscape Taking Shape in Ropponmatsu
Five years have passed since the Kyushu University Ropponmatsu Campus relocated to the Ito Campus in Nishi Ward. Some roads and parks have been completed on the 6.5 ha former campus site, and major construction work is about to begin (scheduled to be completed in 2018). The Fukuoka High Court, Public Prosecutor’s Office and Bar Association will relocate to the site, and JR Kyushu will build a multipurpose facility which will house the Fukuoka City Children’s Science & Culture Center (popular for its planetarium and due to open in 2017) and the Kyushu University Law School. Local residents will be able to unwind along a 10m wide greenway encircling the entire site. Inquiries: University Relocation Coordination Section (092-711-4154)
Now Accepting Applications for City-run Housing
Starting on Aug. 6, the Fukuoka City Housing Corporation will distribute application forms for available city-run housing to the Information Corners the Ward Offices and the Information Plaza on the 1st floor of City Hall. Interested citizens are asked to send their applications, postmarked no later than Aug. 15, to the Application Section of the Fukuoka City Housing Corporation (4-1 Tenyamachi, Hakata-ku, 812-0025). You can also apply online at http://nicety.or.jp/ during the application period. Inquiries: Fukuoka City Housing Corporation, Application Section (092-271-2561)
Watch Out for Redback Spiders
If you see a redback spider, remember these three rules: don’t panic, don’t touch it, and spray it with insecticide. Redback spiders become more active in warmer weather. While not aggressive, they are poisonous and have been known to bite without warning. If you find one, do not touch it; kill it with a household insecticide spray. In the off chance that you are bitten, wash the bite with water and seek medical attention. If you need advice on redback spider extermination, please consult the Living Environment Section at your local Ward Office.
New Anti-theft Motorcycle Patrol
This June the City began using motorcycles with flashing blue lights for crime prevention patrols in an effort to reduce bicycle and motorcycle thefts, and other crimes. The patrols are concentrated in Tenjin and the areas around Hakata Station, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Kyushu Sangyo University, Fukuoka University and Seinan Gakuin University. The mobility of the motorbikes makes it easier to patrol narrow side streets as well as major roads. Inquiries: Civic Safety Section (092-711-4054)
Yipee! For FREE!
Night Zoo and Botanical Garden
Night Zoo is back again this year every Saturday of August, 18:00~21:00. There will also be nighttime versions of “Zoo Spot” tours, in which zookeepers discuss the habits of animals the public doesn’t usually get to see. Admission: Adult: ¥400 / HS: ¥200 / under JHS: Free *Free shuttle bus service to and from Sakurazaka Station provided. Inquiries: 092-531-1968
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 (fn188, Aug. 2014)
