Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
City Participates in First ODA Project
Fukuoka will participate in a waterworks-related overseas development aid (ODA) project organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Yangon, Myanmar. Fukuoka City has garnered attention from Asian countries for its community development master plan which promotes the use of technical know-how, including world-class water recycling techniques and “Fukuoka Method” semi-aerobic landfills, to overcome urban problems.
Fukuoka Deemed Livable by 93% of Foreign Residents
There are currently about 28,000 foreigners living in Fukuoka, and according to a recent survey, 93% say that Fukuoka is a livable city. The City offers a range of services for foreign residents and strives to promote mutual understanding between foreign residents and citizens. The Fukuoka City International Foundation, located on the 5th floor of the City Hall North Annex, also provides support to foreign exchange students. Inquiries: Fukuoka City International Foundation (092-733-5639)
Fukuoka and Atlanta Celebrate 10 Years as Sister Cities
Fukuoka has sister city ties with seven cities around the world: Oakland, CA, USA; Guangzhou, China; Bordeaux, France; Auckland, New Zealand; Ipoh, Malaysia; Busan, Korea; and Atlanta, GA, USA. To celebrate 10 years of sister-cityship, Atlanta sent 30 flowering dogwood trees to Fukuoka, who planted them in Island City Central Park.
Certificate Issuance Notification System to Begin
On Sept. 1, a new service will commence to notify you if a third party has had official certificates issued in your name. Pre-registration is required to use this service. If you are a registered resident of Fukuoka (or used to be but live elsewhere in Japan), you can pre-register at the Citizen Section of the Ward Office or Branch Office where your residence record is on file.
National Census to Offer Online Service
In Japan, a national census is conducted once every five years to generate basic population statistics. Now, the census is about to go online. Starting in early September, census takers will visit every household to distribute instructions for completing the online census form. PC and smartphone users are asked to complete their forms by Sept. 20. Those who don’t reply using the online form should complete the standard paper form and drop it in the mail by Oct. 7.
Premium Gift Certificates: Round 2
Fukuoka Next Premium Gift Certificates allow you to buy ¥12,000 worth of goods for ¥10,000. A lottery for the first batch of certificates was held in July, and they were sold in August. The next round of certificates will go on sale at 10:00 on Sept. 5 on a first-come, first-served basis at five locations throughout the city: Aeon Kashiihama, Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin, YouMe Town Hakata, Aeon Sasaoka and Aeon Marina Town. The certificates can be used at more than 6,000 stores in Fukuoka City and are valid until Jan. 31, 2016. Inquiries: Fukuoka Next Premium Gift Certificate Call Center (0570-050-885)
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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 (fn201, Sep. 2015)
