Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Hakataza Renovations
Hakataza will be closed for renovations from Feb. 22 to Apr. 1. Stage equipment will be replaced, and the seats and lobby will get a makeover. To commemorate the renovations, Super Kabuki II: One Piece will run from Apr. 2~26. This adaptation of the popular manga (320 million copies sold) features actors flying through the air in wire harnesses, real fire and water, and quick costume changes. Tickets are also available at www.hakataza.co.jp. Inquiries: Hakataza Phone Reservation Center (092-263-5555)
New Wholesale Produce Market Opens in Island City
Fukuoka City’s three wholesale produce markets rank near the top in Japan for both sales and transaction volume; however, the central market, where most sales occur, has outgrown its aging building. To alleviate this situation, Fukuoka City merged the three markets into a new facility—Vegefru Stadium—that opened on Island City on Feb. 12. The location was chosen for its excellent access to transportation. The new market not only aims to provide a steady supply of produce to the greater Fukuoka region, it hopes to become a hub for the export of Kyushu-grown foods to the rest of Asia. Inquiries: Vegefru Stadium (3 Minatokashii, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka)
Fukuoka Chosen to Host 2021 World Aquatics Championships
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) has selected Fukuoka City to host the 19th World Aquatics Championships and World Masters Championships in 2021. This will only be the second time for Japan to host the championships since they were held in Fukuoka in 2001. A compact venue centered on Marine Messe Fukuoka will be installed, and events for six aquatic sports will be held. The Aquatics Worlds will follow on the heels of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Fukuoka and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Smog and PM2.5 Season is Here
March to September is high season for photochemical smog. If levels rise to the point of possibly 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. City Hall also posts forecasts for yellow dust and PM2.5 particulates on its homepage. Inquiries: Environmental Conservation Section (092-733-5386)
Discarding Garbage When Moving
Moving? Please remember that burnable trash is collected twice a week, while non-burnable trash is collected once a month. Apply in advance with the Oversized Trash Center (092-731-1153) to dispose of oversized trash. (Call to check fees, drop-off locations and collection dates.) Trash will be collected about one week after you apply. The City does not collect air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines or dryers. If you need to dispose of any of these, call your nearest Best Denki store to request a pick-up. To recycle a PC, please contact the manufacturer or Renet Japan (www.renet.jp).
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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 (fn207, Mar. 2016)
