Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Nanakuma Subway Line Extension
Fukuoka City plans to extend the city subway’s Nanakuma Line from the Tenjinminami Station through Canal City Hakata to the JR Hakata Station. The city’s Transport Bureau says it is a ten-year project: Three years for approval of national government subsidies and permission for launching railway services, railway construction and an environmental impact report, and another seven years for the construction work. It will improve access between Tenjin and Hakata and benefit both districts economically.
Yatai Survey Results Reported
Fukuoka City convened a study group to examine the future approach to yatai (food stalls) in the city, which are declining in number. Fukuoka Now conducted a recognition survey of foreigners and received responses from 190. These results, along with those from a city survey of Fukuoka City residents, the minutes from the study group meetings and other materials can be viewed online. What do you think of yatai? http://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/soki/kikaku/shisei/yatai/index.html
Center Handles Consumer Complaints
The Consumer Center handles consumer complaints about product purchases and contracts. People can discuss solutions to illegal business practices and defective products. Visit or call on weekdays from 9:00 ~ 17:00. (Closed Dec. 29 ~ Jan. 3). Phone consultation is only available from 10:00 ~ 16:00 on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays (092-781-0999). The center’s online consultation is available at https://ssl.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/shohiseikatsu-soudan/ (Closed from 9:00 on Dec. 28 ~ 9:00 on Jan. 4) *Consultations in Japanese only.
Oshirasebai Fukuoka Service Launches
The city has launched a digital signage program called “Oshirasebai Fukuoka” (meaning “Announcement from Fukuoka” in Hakata dialect) at over 360 commercial facilities and other sites throughout the city to provide messages and information to citizens in 15-second segments. Fifty local people will appear in the segments to send messages on behalf of the city. Messages will include tourism information and warnings about drinking and driving. The program will end on Jan. 31. The videos can be also viewed at “Fukuoka Channel” ( http://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/f-channel/ ) on Fukuoka City’s official website.
Start the Year with a Health Checkup
The city’s public health center will offer inexpensive medical exams. These include a one-day health checkup course that checks your blood, density of bone, body strength, and other items for ¥8,000 (for over 18 years old only, req. a reservation by phone, places limited). Medical staff explain your results on the same day. Ask the center for details on exams at 092-751-2806. Open 9:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays, the last Tuesday of the month, and year end and New Year holidays.
YIPEE! FOR FREE!
Fire Dept. Annual New Year’s Ceremony
Don’t miss the firefighters’ New Year’s parade, traditional ladder arts, rescue squad techniques, the firefighters’ music band performance, bingo with Hawks’ players, and photos with Doraemon to boost fire prevention awareness. Thursday, Jan. 5 from 10:00 to 14:00 at the Fukuoka Yahoo! Dome.
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 (fn157, Jan. 2012)
