Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
First Sunrise
Many people in Japan like to view the first sunrise of the New Year as it is considered auspicious. Popular viewing spots in Fukuoka include: (1) Fukuoka Tower observation deck (5:30~21:00; Fee: ¥800): Enjoy mochi pounding and zenzai (mochi and red bean soup). (2) Shikanoshima Shiomi Park observation deck (968-1 Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku; Altitude: 70m): Watch the sun rise over Uminonakamichi. (3) Forest City Aburayama observation deck (855-1 Hibaru, Minami-ku; Altitude: 347m): Parking lot is open free of charge from 6:00 on New Year’s Day. (4) Mt. Atago (2-7-1 Atago, Nishi-ku; Altitude: 68m): From Atago Shrine, watch the sun rise over the Genkai Sea and Fukuoka Tower. The sun is predicted to rise at 7:20 on New Year’s Day.
Monet Exhibition
An exhibition of works by Claude Monet, the French-born master of impressionism, from Marmottan Monet Museum commences on Dec. 22. It also features some of Monet’s belongings, including his favorite eyeglasses and his palette. For a limited time from Feb. 4, visitors can also view Impression, Sunrise, which is being shown in Kyushu for the first time. Dates: 12/22~2/21; Closed: 12/28~1/1, 1/4, 1/12, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1. Admission: General ¥1,500, Students (HS and above) ¥1,000, Students (JHS and under) ¥500
Fukuoka Art Museum to Undergo Renovations
On Aug. 31, 2016, the museum will close for 2.5 years to undergo major renovations. Opened in 1979, the museum was designed by Kunio Maekawa, an apprentice to Le Corbusier and flag-bearer of modernist Japanese architecture. The exterior will remain as is, with renovations focusing on expanding and upgrading the exhibit spaces. The museum is slated to reopen in March 2019.
Social Security and Tax Numbers to Go into Use in January
The Social Security and Tax Number (aka My Number) is a 12-digit personal ID number that the national government recently issued to every resident of Japan. If you have not received your number yet, please contact the national hotline (0570-08-1102 (English/Chinese/Korean), weekdays 8:30~17:15 (Closed: 12/29~1/3)). Starting in January, you will need your number for social security and taxes. If you need to undertake government procedures that require your personal number, you will need to present your My Number Notification Card or a Certificate of Residence containing your number together with a form of photo ID.
Hakataza in 2016
2016 proves to be a big year for Kyushu’s largest performance hall. Feb.: Special kabuki performance by Bando Tamasaburo; Apr.: Super Kabuki II presents One Piece; May: Takarazuka Revue; June: Hakataza Grand Kabuki; Nov.: Hanagata Kabuki …and many more! To purchase tickets, visit the Hakataza homepage (http://www.hakataza.co.jp/).
Electricity Market Deregulation to Begin in April
Starting in April, households and businesses will be able to choose their electricity provider and select from different rate plans. Beware of misinformation and carefully listen to the explanations of the national government and power providers.
———————
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 (fn205, Jan. 2016)
