Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Hakata Port Tower Turns 50
Hakata Port Tower, the 100m red tower located on Hakata Wharf, turns 50 in October. One of the six towers designed by architect Tachu Naito—others include Tokyo Tower and the second Tsutenkaku in Osaka—it opened in 1964, the year of the Tokyo Olympics. The observation deck located at 70m affords beautiful panoramic views of Hakata Bay and the city. It is open 10:00~22:00 (last entrance 21:40), and admission is free.
Innovation Studio Fukuoka
Innovation Studio Fukuoka, one of the City’s Special Zone initiatives, is set to begin. The project aims to support new ideas and services that can generate new businesses “for a better community and a better life”. The City will accept applications from residents, and those chosen will participate in workshops and field work with local companies in an effort to turn their ideas into reality. The project will operate from the Startup Cafe, which is scheduled to open in October. Inquiries: Planning & Coordination Department (092-711-4863)
Let’s Use Public Transport
City Hall has undertaken many efforts to encourage people to use public transportation. It has promoted the adoption of low-floor buses and has teamed up with Aeon Malls in Ito, Kashiihama, Karatsu, Chikushino and Fukutsu as well as Konoha Mall Hashimoto to offer park-and-ride service. Inquiries: Public Transportation Promotion Section (092-733-5405)
Private Companies Help Maintain Street Lamps
Fukuoka City has joined forces with local companies to maintain street lamps, the first such initiative in Kyushu. The City is responsible for around 36,000 street lamps, which cost ¥600 million a year to operate and maintain. Under this new scheme, partner companies pay ¥20,000 a year per lamp in exchange for permission to post their names and contact information on the poles. They are responsible for visual inspections and must contact City Hall if bulbs burn out or there are any other troubles. Inquiries: 092-711-4488 (Road Management Section)
The Creators
The Creators, an interactive video, music and digital technology event, will be held in the plaza on the west side of City Hall on Oct. 10 (18:00~). There will be stage performances by Kyushu idol groups and other young artists as well as special guest appearances. Be sure to stop by and enjoy the latest creative content!
Yipee! For FREE!
Subway Festa 2014
To celebrate Railroad Day (Oct. 14) and the 10th anniversary of the Nanakuma Line, Subway Festa 2014 will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5, 10:00~16:30 (last admission: 16:00), at the Hashimoto Rail Yard. Visitors can tour the rail yard, watch a 3000 series subway car lifting demonstration and shop at the lost-and-found bazaar. Numbered tickets for the bazaar will be distributed at the main venue at 9:30. Inquiries: 092-734-7800 (Subway Customer Service Center)
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 (fn190, Oct. 2014)
