Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Hakata Dontaku: May 3 & 4
With its origins in the over 830 year old Hakata Matsubayashi, the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival was launched in 1962 as a parade for the citizens of Fukuoka. The parade takes over 1.3 km of Meiji-dori Ave. and attracts around 20,000 participants, including popular characters from Universal Studios Japan, Hawaiian hula teams and even troupes from places like Thailand and Malaysia. The so-odori (“big dance”) is held on the evening of the 4th, and anyone can join in the festivities (Dances are held at several locations along Meiji-dori Ave.) Dontaku stages will be setup at 33 locations throughout the city, including City Hall and the shopping arcades, to offer live music and other performances. Also, six bedecked train cars that first appeared in the parade when the tram line opened in the Meiji Era will get makeovers as Dontaku floats decorated with light bulbs and flowers.
Fukuoka Tower Super Ultra Stair Climb
Come climb the 577 stairs of Fukuoka Tower, which are usually closed to public use, to the observation deck 123m above ground. ● Dates/Times: 5/3~5, Four sessions: 9:30~,11:30~, 14:00~ and 16:00 ~ ● Capacity: First 300 people ● Fee: High school students and up ¥500, Jr. high and elementary school students ¥300, Kids (4+) ¥100, Seniors (65+) ¥300 ● Numbered tickets will be distributed at the Fukuoka Tower North Plaza (9:00~ for sessions 1&2 / 13:30~ for sessions 3&4) ● Inquiries: Fukuoka Tower (Tel. 092-823-0234｜2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara-ku)
Fukuoka Museum Week
Come learn about art local history and local culture. Museum Week events will be held at ten city facilities, including the City Museum, City Art Museum, Fukuoka Asian Art Museum and the Prefectural Art Museum, May 18~26 (excluding museum holidays). Enjoy permanent collections free of charge and join in a “stamp rally”. A talk show event featuring invited artists from Thailand and Singapore will be held at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum on May 25 (14:00~16:00; Capacity: first 120 visitors). http://f-museum.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/
Supporting Green Activities at Home and the Office
Fukuoka City welcomes you to join its Eco Challenge Project. If you engage in “eco actions” designated by City Hall to reduce home and office CO2 emissions or raise awareness for environmental conservation, or if you participate in eco-themed events, you can receive points redeemable for contactless transport card points or gift certificates. ● To apply: Complete the form on www.eco-ene-fukuoka.com. Limited to first 1,000 entries. ● Requirements: Must live in Fukuoka City and be able to perform at least one “eco action”
Yipee! For FREE!
Free Admission to City Facilities on Green Day (5/4)
Admission to the following facilities will be free on Green Day: Zoo & Botanical Garden (Minamikoen, Chuo-ku｜092-531-1968), Rakusuien (2-10-7 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku｜092-262-6665), Shofuen (3-28 Hirao, Chuo-ku｜092-524-8264) and Yusentei Park (1-46 Yusentei, Jonan-ku｜092-711-0415).
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 (fn173, May 2013)
