![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/city-bulletin-banner.jpg?resize=640%2C100\" "\\"city-bulletin-banner\\"")
\nSelected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka\u2019s Shisei Dayori.<\/p>\n
\nSelected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka\u2019s Shisei Dayori.<\/p>\n
A Message from Mayor Takashima<\/strong> Startup Visa for Foreign Entrepreneurs<\/strong> Won\u2019t You Give a Pet a Home?<\/strong> Winter Museum of Secrets<\/strong> Stop Illegal Dumping: Watch Out for Free Junk Collectors<\/strong> Help Us Make Weekdays Car-Free<\/strong> \u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014
\nIn the Startup Cafe, which opened last October, people are making new connections, and several new businesses have been started. The private sector has stepped up efforts as well, with the establishment of new shared office spaces and venture capital funds, and for the second year in a row, Fukuoka\u2019s business startup rate ranked first among Japan\u2019s designated cities. I believe these activities can rejuvenate the local economy, and I aim to turn Fukuoka into a global city by making use of relaxed regulations while encouraging interaction among new and existing companies. <\/p>\n![\"mayor](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/mayor-takashima-small.jpg?resize=400%2C279\")
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\nThe Startup Visa that Fukuoka City proposed to the national government has been approved. Foreign businesspersons who want to set up shop in Japan have to satisfy a strict set of conditions, but with this new visa, as long as they have passed the Immigration Bureau\u2019s screening and the City\u2019s business plan check, they will be given six months to meet the conditions. In short, it will be easier for foreigners to open a business in Fukuoka than anywhere else in Japan. During the grace period, the City will provide support at its Startup Cafe. Inquiries: Business Startup & University Collaboration Section (092-711-4455)<\/p>\n![\"startup](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/startup-cafe-small.jpg?resize=400%2C267\")
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\nThe Eastern Fukuoka Animal Welfare & Management Center (5-10-1 Kamata, Higashi-ku; 092-691-0131; Weekdays: 8:30~17:00) has dogs and cats available for adoption. Interested persons can apply on weekdays or on Sunday, December 13 (reservations are required). To make sure the dogs and cats in the shelter can find a happy home, we check to see how prospective owners get along with the animals and have them attend a lecture at the time of adoption. Please contact the Center for details.<\/p>\n
\nWinter Museum is a collaborative event held by the Fukuoka Art Museum, the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, and the Fukuoka City Museum. This year\u2019s theme is \u201cSecrets.\u201d Be sure to stop by and enjoy the specially curated displays at each museum. Fukuoka Art Museum: \u201cHidden Secrets\u201d 1\/19~2\/28; Fukuoka Asian Art Museum: \u201cGlimpsing Secrets\u201d 12\/17~4\/5; Fukuoka City Museum: \u201cSecrets Revealed\u201d 12\/8~2\/14.<\/p>\n![\"CB](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CB-winter-small-e1448443108803.jpg?resize=400%2C277\")
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\nIllegal dumping spoils landscapes and harms the environment. If you see someone illegally dumping trash or if you find illegally dumped items, please contact the nearest police station or the Industrial Waste Advisory Section of the Environmental Bureau (092-711-4303). Please note that most of the vendors touting free pickup of your junk, do not properly discard what they pickup. Please recycle or properly dispose of your unwanted items, even if it may cost some money. <\/p>\n![\"stop](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/stop-illegal-dumping-small.jpg?resize=400%2C283\")
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\nTo help reduce CO2 emissions, Fukuoka City has designated weekdays as car-free days. You are kindly asked to use your personal vehicle only when needed or in an emergency. Instead, please use public transportation, ride your bicycle or walk.<\/p>\n![\"carfree](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fukuoka-now.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/carfree-small.jpg?resize=400%2C271\")
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\nFor More Information
\nFukuoka City Bulletin<\/strong>
\nFukuoka Shisei Dayori is City Hall\u2019s official magazine published bi-weekly on 1st and 15th of each month 23 times per year. It\u2019s available in Japanese online too. Consider using it for Japanese study! \u3075\u304f\u304a\u304b\u5e02\u653f\u3060\u3088\u308a Website: www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp\/shisei\/kouhou-hodo\/shiseidayori\/ <\/a> <\/p>\n