Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Hakata Gion Yamakasa
The Hakata Gion Yamakasa, Fukuoka’s summer festival, will run from 7/1~15. Festivities commence with a display of 14 decorated floats on 7/1 (until 0:00 on 7/15), and the first float run, the nagare-kaki, is held on the evening of 7/10. At 15:59 on 7/12, there is a 4km practice run, the oiyama-narashi, and at 15:30 on 7/13, all of the groups showcase their floats in a parade from Gofukumachi intersection to City Hall. The festival culminates with the main event, the oiyama, at 4:59 on 7/15. Floats leave Kushida Shrine every five minutes and compete for the fastest time on the 5km course.
Construction Revs up on Nanakuma Line Extension
Fukuoka City is working on an extension of the subway’s Nanakuma Line from Tenjin-Minami Station to Hakata Station. Once connected, travel time to Hakata will be reduced by as much as 14 minutes. The extension is scheduled for completion in FY2020. Once the main construction begins, traffic will be restricted on parts of Hakata Ekimae-dori and Sumiyoshi-dori. Check the Transportation Bureau homepage for details.
Making Dreams Reality in Fukuoka
On Mar. 28, 2014, the national government designated Fukuoka City as a National Strategic Zone for Job Creation, a special area where startups will be encouraged and regulations that hinder business activities will be relaxed. A committee of city and national government officials and private companies will be established to create a detailed plan. After the Prime Minister approves the plan this summer, relaxed regulations and other initiatives will be rolled out gradually. Inquiries: National Strategic Zone Unit, Planning & Coordination Department (092-711-4866)
Beware of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is caused when the body becomes unable to control its temperature due to the heat and loses excessive water and salt. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness and vomiting, and it can be treated by cooling the body and drinking fluids to replenish lost water and salt. If you think you have heat exhaustion, rest your body and consult a doctor if your condition does not improve. You can prevent heat exhaustion by drinking plenty of fluids to replace water and salt after you sweat. Watch the temperature and avoid exertion when you do not feel well.
Aburayama: Great in Any Season
Aburayama, the 597m mountain that straddles Jonan, Sawara and Minami Wards is a great place to relax and enjoy nature in any season. Forest City Aburayama is a popular R&R spot with a suspension bridge, a lookout point, a grass ski slope, a playground and a campground. There are also three hiking courses that each take about one hour to complete. Inquiries: Forest City Aburayama (092-871-6969) 9:00~18:00 (7/20~8/31: ~20:00)
Yipee! For FREE!
Tenjin “Cool-musement” Park
Tenjin “Cool-musement” Park will be back again this summer in the City Hall plaza from 8/2 (Sat) to 8/17 (Sun), 10:00~17:00. Admission is free. Attractions include the 7m Tarzan Slider (¥200) and the 20m Jungle Splash. Inquiries: We Love Tenjin (092-734-8750)
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 (fn187, Jul. 2014)
