Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Japan’s Longest Trans-Sea Pedestrian Bridge to Open
Aitaka Bridge, a recreational pedestrian bridge connecting Kashii, Higashi-ku with Island City is set to open on Mar. 3 (Sun). At 430 m in length and with four rest points, the bridge over the Mishima Strait lets walkers leisurely enjoy nature’s beauty. Once open, it will be part of 3 km of walking paths along the coast and around Island City.
Watch Out for Yellow Sand…
While the time of its arrival differs from year to year, yellow sand has been recorded in Fukuoka between February and late May. City Hall is now offering three-day yellow sand forecasts on its website and via the disaster prevention info-mail service. The forecasts are accompanied by recommended actions, and residents are asked to refer to these before going outside or hanging out laundry.
…and Photochemical Oxidants, Too!
Concentrations of photochemical oxidants are at their highest between April and September. If levels rise to the point of potentially affecting human health, City Hall will issue warnings for Eastern (Higashi and Hakata Wards), Central (Chuo, Minami and Jonan Wards) and Western (Sawara and Nishi Wards) Fukuoka on TV, radio and its website. Please refrain from going outdoors when warnings are in effect. Residents are also asked to limit their driving to help keep photochemical oxidant levels down.
New No Parking Zones for Bicycles
Starting this fiscal year, new bicycle no parking zones will be established around Gion Station, Canal City and Gofukumachi Station, and the zone around Hakata Station will be adjusted. The City designates bicycle no parking zones in high traffic sections of town and monitors the bike lots in these areas. Illegally parked bicycles are removed regularly, and in some cases, on the same day. Please be sure park your bicycle in a designated lot.
Moving Soon? Don’t Forget the Trash
Burnable trash is collected twice a week, and non-burnable trash is collected once a month. You must apply in advance to dispose of oversized trash. Call the Oversized Trash Center (092-731-1153) to check fees, drop-off locations and collection dates. Trash is typically collected about one week after application. The City does not collect air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines or dryers. Please contact Best Denki Customer Support Fukuoka (092-651-9161) to discard these items. To recycle a PC, please contact the manufacturer.
Yipee! For FREE!
Aitaka Bridge Opening Event
After the Aitaka Bridge ribbon-cutting ceremony on Mar. 3, you are invited to walk the 3 km of paths around Mishima Strait. Walkers are asked to gather at the grassy area next to “gaishu ryokuchi” in Kashiiteriha 1-Chome. Attendance is free of charge and no registration is required. Inquiries: City Hall Planning & Coordination Section (092-282-7037)
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 (fn171, Mar. 2013)
