Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Universal Design City – Fukuoka Festival
Fukuoka City’s objective is to become a community open to all and where everyone is considerate of others. Several events based on this theme will be held from Sep. 29~Oct.14. On Sunday, Oct. 14, from 11:00~16:30, an event will be held to raise awareness about the disabled. It will include a walk wearing eye masks, the chance to experience mobility in a wheelchair, different booths, and the sale of items produced by a workshop for the disabled.
Also, the 4th International Conference for Universal Design in Fukuoka 2012 will be held from Oct. 12~14 at the Fukuoka Convention Center, the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, and universities in the city. An estimated 12,000 people from 30 countries and territories will attend. The conference will feature the exchange of opinions and the interaction of the participants, and discussions on achieving a society with a high level of universal design.
* A symposium open to the public will be held on Friday, Oct. 12, from 12:10. It will be open to 1,000 people, and admission is free. Applications are being accepted on the Web at (www.ud2012.net). Site: Fukuoka Convention Center, Hakata Ward. Keynote addresses will be given by author Ayako Sono and architect Toyo Ito, with simultaneous interpretation, subtitles, and Japanese sign language.
Fukuoka Tourist City Pass
Fukuoka City Transportation Bureau, The Nishi-Nippon Railway, The Kyushu Railway Company, and the Showa Bus Company have teamed up to offer the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass, a one-day pass for overseas tourists to use on public transportation in Fukuoka City.
* There are two types: (1) ¥800 (Inside the city, except for Nishitetsu trains), and (2) ¥1,300 (Inside the city and Dazaifu)
* Transportation facilities available: Nishitetsu buses (Central Fukuoka, free area), Fukuoka City Loop Bus (Guriin), Nishitetsu trains (Fukuoka Tenjin Station – Dazaifu Station), JR Kyushu (Takeshita Station – Kashiie Station; Kashiie Station – Uminonakamichi Station), Showa Bus (Meinohama Station south gate – Marinoa City Fukuoka), Fukuoka City Subway.
* Sales locations: Tenjin Bus Center, Fukuoka Airport, Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station, Port of Hakata International Terminal; General information counters: Tenjin and Hakata Stations, Subway pass sales counters: Tenjin and Hakata Stations.
* On sale: Sep. 30~Mar. 31, 2013.
Let’s mind our manners
Fukuoka City passed an ordinance calling for the creation of a safe, pleasant, and livable Fukuoka. It is part of the city’s efforts to improve the public behavior of its citizens. Measures include prohibiting the abandonment of bicycles, preventing automobile parking that causes inconvenience, preventing the littering of cans and other refuse, prohibiting graffiti, enforcing the responsibilities of smokers, and prohibiting illegal advertising. There are also plans to pass an ordinance this year for the safe use of bicycles. At present, smoking is prohibited on the street in the Tenjin, Daimyo, and Hakata Station districts. Officials are circulating to provide guidance for obstructive parking, smoking in prohibited areas, and safe driving.
Yipee! For FREE!
Fukuoka’s many autumn events
Beginning with the Hakata Akihaku 2012, there will be many events between Oct.1 and Nov. 30. These include Hakata Tomyo Watching, “Hakata Kenjo Dochu” (a parade of women wearing Hakata kenjo obi), the Wadaiko Festival at Tocho-ji temple, and Kushida Shrine’s Hakata Kunchi. Details: http://hakata-meguri.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/column
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 (fn166, Oct. 2012)
