Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Yatai Basic Ordinance Takes Effect 9/1
To ensure the continued presence of food stalls in Fukuoka, the City has passed a law stipulating the various obligations pertaining to yatai. Details are available on the City Hall homepage. Operators are permitted to run yatai on public property as long as they comply with rules on stall size and hours. The new law also sets out rules for new yatai applications, but the application period has not been determined.
New Asian Party Starts in September!
To enhance the long-running Asian Month, the popular event has been renamed Asian Party and will run from Sept. to Oct. The existing Focus on Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival, Fukuoka Prize and Asian Pacific Festival will be improved, and a new creative, hands-on event will be held to cultivate local creators and promote the film industry. There will also an international symposium with globally-active creators as guests. Inquiries: Content Industry Promotion Section (092-711-4329)
Emergency Warnings for Extreme Weather
The Japan Meteorological Agency issues warnings to alert people to possible damage from heavy rain, storms, earthquakes and tsunami, but on Aug. 30 it began issuing new Emergency Warnings for weather phenomena expected to far exceed the standard warnings. When an Emergency Warning is issued for a region, it indicates extreme risk of a magnitude observed once every 20-30 years. Please take note of the situation, follow any evacuation orders and take immediate and appropriate action. Inquiries: Fukuoka District Meteorological Observatory (092-725-3603)
City Marathon Fukuoka Discontinued
To prepare for the new Fukuoka Marathon to be held next October, the City will discontinue City Marathon Fukuoka starting this year. We apologize to everyone who planned to attend the race and thank all of the runners, staff, volunteers and local residents along the course for their many years of cooperation. Please look forward to the new Fukuoka Marathon. Inquiries: Sports Project Section (092-711-4954)
Welfare and Management of Animals Act Revised
Amendments to the Welfare and Management of Animals Act were passed on Sept. 1. The revised law adds restrictions on the sale of kittens and puppies by pet shop owners and requires them to provide explanations of an animal’s condition in person. It also boosts fines for the killing of protected animals (max. 2 years in prison or fine up to ¥2 million) and for abuse/abandonment (fine up to ¥1 million). Details: MOE homepage (http://www.env.go.jp/nature/dobutsu/aigo/) Inquiries: Environmental Health Section (092-711-4273)
Yipee! For FREE!
24th Fukuoka Prize Award Ceremony and Public Lectures
The recipients of this year’s Fukuoka Prize have been selected. An award ceremony (MC: Jude Ongg) will be held on Sept. 12, and public lectures by the four winners will be held on Sept. 14 &15. To attend the award ceremony or the public lectures, visit http://fukuoka-prize.org/ for details and application forms.
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 (fn177, Sep. 2013)
