Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Bicycle parking map for Tenjin Area
An area has been created near the Chuo Ward subway station in which leaving bicycles is prohibited. Illegally parked bicycles will be confiscated and require a ¥2,000 storage fee to claim them. The area has many bicycle parking lots that can be used for free for 2~3 hours. The Tenjin bicycle parking lot can be used for ¥50 (half-price) until March 31, 2013. Bicycle parking maps (Japanese only) for the Tenjin area are available at the Chuo Ward office and the Information Plaza at City Hall.
Fukuoka’s Seawater Purification Business
The Seawater Desalinization Center (Fukuoka District Waterworks Agency) established in Nata, Higashi Ward , in 2005 can produce up to 50,000 m3 of fresh water from sea water a day — the most in Japan. A pamphlet on the importance of water and the city’s desalination technology is being sold at City Hall’s first floor café. Half of the proceeds will be used to buy saplings to preserve water and forest resources.
Aid for buying garbage composting containers
The city will offer financial aid to residents to purchase electric garbage processors and composting containers to reduce household garbage. Application period: May 15, 2012 to Jan. 31, 2013. The program ends when the budgeted number of processors has been purchased, even if before the term ends. Apply to Fukuoka Environment Foundation by fax or postcard (Tel: 731-0053, Fax: 731-2706; 2-10-15 Nanotsu, Chuo Ward 810-0071). First come first served. The foundation will send a voucher that can be used to buy the equipment at registered shops.
Aid for buying e-bicycles and plug-in hybrid vehicles
Fukuoka City will offer financial aid to people or companies planning to buy quick-charge e-bicycles with lithium ion batteries, or plug-in hybrid vehicles. The aid amount will be up to 5% of the basic vehicle cost or a maximum of ¥150,000. It will be given to the first 50 applicants. Call the Global Warming Measures Dept. for info at 711-4282.
EU Film Days 2012 in Fukuoka
Sponsored jointly by the city and the EU delegation to Japan, this film festival presenting the diversity of European culture will screen seven works, including movies from Spain, Sweden, and France. It will be the first Japanese showing of an Italian hit and films from Ireland, Luxembourg, and Austria. ●Fukuoka City Public Library Movie Hall Cine-La, 3 Momochihama, Sawara Ward ●June 13-19 (closed 18th) ●Adults ¥600 / High school-college students ¥500 / Junior high and primary school students ¥400 each showing. ●Schedule:www.cinela.com/schedule/jsch246EU.htm
Yipee! For FREE!
HIV Testing Week June 1-7
The city’s public health centers are offering free and anonymous AIDS consultation and testing.
- Jun. 2, 14:00~15:00/5th floor AIREF, 2-5-1 Maizuru, Chuo Ward *Same day testing for first 50 people
- Jun. 4, 9:00~11:00/1-4-7 Uchihama, Nishi Ward
- Jun. 5, 9:00~11:00/2-54-27 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward; Chuo Ward (Call 712-8391 for reservations *Same day testing); 3-25-3 Shiobaru, Minami Ward
- Jun. 6, 9:00~11:00/5-2-25 Torikai, Jonan Ward; 1-18-18 Momochi, Sawara Ward
- Jun. 7, 9:00~11:00/2-19-24-2F Hakataekimae, Hakata Ward
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 (fn162, June 2012)
