Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Firefighters’ New Year’s Parade
The popular annual Firefighters’ New Year’s Parade will be held at Marine Messe Fukuoka (7-1 Okihamamachi, Hakata-ku) on Jan. 10 (Sat) from 10:00 to 16:00. After the brigades march in, the firefighters will perform traditional ladders stunts and dances. There will also be a performance by the firefighters’ chorus, rescue squad drills and fire truck and ambulance rides. Inquiries: Fire Prevention Bureau, General Affairs Section (092-725-6511)
Holiday Closures
City Hall will be closed 12/27~1/4, and the trash drop-off reservation service (092-433-8234) will be closed 1/1~1/4. Holidays for other major facilities are as follows: Fukuoka Asian Art Museum / FFAC Artlier: 12/26~1/1, Fukuoka Art Museum / Fukuoka City Museum / Fukuoka City Public Library & Branches: 12/28~1/5, Children’s Science & Culture Center: 12/28~1/3, Robosquare: 12/31~1/2, Hakatamachiya Furusatokan: 12/27~12/31, Hakata Traditional Craft Center: 12/29~12/31, Zoo and Botanical Garden: 12/29~1/1, Uminaka Seaside Park: 12/31~1/1, Umizuri Park: 12/29~1/3, Rakusuien / Shofuen / Yusentei Park: 12/29~1/1, Certification Service Counters (Hakata Station / Information Plaza Tenjin): 12/31~1/3
Fukuoka City Wi-Fi
Fukuoka City has offered a free Wi-Fi service since April 2012. It is now available at 73 locations throughout the city in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) and Korean (http://wifi.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/). Also, if you download J Guidest, an app released by the City this October, you can access free Wi-Fi from all Fukuoka City Wi-Fi and DoSPOT (NTT Media Supply) access points. J Guidest offers a wealth of information on local attractions and recommended eateries. Download the app today! Details: www.jguidest.jp
Get a New Year’s gift and try some seven-herb porridge
The City Botanical Garden will give away flower pots to the first 200 visitors who pass through the main gate on Jan. 2 (Fri). Doors open at 9:00. There will also be a display of the seven herbs used in nanakusa-gayu (seven-herb porridge) from Jan. 2 (Fri) ~ Jan. 12 (Coming of Age Day). Meanwhile, the first 200 visitors to sign up at 11:00 on Jan. 6 (Tue) can enjoy a steaming hot cup of traditional seven-herb porridge. Inquiries: Botanical Garden (092-522-3210)
Yipee! For FREE!
Fukuoka City Zoo New Year’s Lucky Draw
The City Zoo will hold its annual New Year’s Lucky Draw on Jan 2 (Fri). First prize winners will earn the right to shake hands with an Asian small-clawed otter. Other prizes include the right to name certain zoo animals and the ever-popular deer antlers and peacock feathers. Lucky draw tickets will be distributed at the main gate. (Limit one per person. Tickets may run out before the Zoo opens at 9:00.) The lucky draw is free to enter, but the regular admission fee is required.
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 (fn193, Jan. 2014)
