Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Why Not Eat Locally?
Locavorianism, or eating locally sourced foods, not only supports farmers and fishers, it also serves to protect local food culture and invigorate the region. When you choose local ingredients, you know they are fresh because the distance from farm to table is shorter. Shorter shipping times also means less impact on the environment. For its school lunches, Fukuoka City gives priority to ingredients grown in the city, the prefecture and Kyushu. Why don’t you try some locally grown agricultural goods today?
Disposing Gas Cartridges and Aerosol Cans
There has been a recent spate of fires likely caused by leftover gas inside gas cartridges and aerosol cans discarded as inflammable garbage. Before you throw away gas cartridges and aerosol cans, make sure there is nothing left inside, then pierce the can in a well-ventilated area to release any remaining gas. You can buy a can piercer at a 100-yen store. Also, please remember to use the proper trash bag.
City Promotes Open Data
City Hall is working to disclose public statistics and other data held by the national and city governments. Called Open Data, this initiative makes certain kinds of data freely available to everyone. In October, the City launched its Open Data homepage (http://www.open-governmentdata.org/), which offers access to a wide variety of data. If you’re interested, please visit the site.
Light Vehicle Tax Rates to be Adjusted
Concurrent with revisions to the Local Tax Act that will go into effect in April 2015, light vehicle tax rates will increase. Taxes for mopeds and motorcycles with engine capacities of less than 50cc will increase from ¥1,000 to ¥2,000. Light vehicles with three or more wheels that undergo new vehicle inspection and registration on or after April 1, 2015 will be subject to the new tax rates. For more details, please contact your local Ward Office or check the City Hall website: http://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/zaisei/shisanzei/life/001.html
Smile Project
From 11/13 (Thu) until 12/3 (Wed), figurines based on children’s drawings will line part of Hakata Ekimae-dori Ave., the street that runs from Hakata Station to Canal City. Several benches will also be installed along the street to provide rest areas for citizens and visitors—just right for a relaxing stroll.
Yipee! For FREE!
Christmas Illuminations in Tenjin and Hakata
‘Tis the season! Winter illuminations will brighten up several areas in the city center from 11/14 (Fri) until 1/13 (Tue). In Tenjin, lights will bedeck Watanabe-dori Ave., Kego Park and Kirameki-dori Ave, and in Hakata, 120 trees along Hakata Ekimae-dori Ave. and Chikushi Chuo-dori Ave. will be decorated with glistening white lights.
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 (fn192, Dec. 2014)
