Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
Central Park and Fukuoka Castle Ruins Master Plans
Fukuoka City is deliberating a Central Park Plan that would connect Ohori and Maizuru parks and provide citizens with recreational areas as well as spaces to experience the city’s history and culture. The plan calls for the installation of paths that would enable better access between the parks, the establishment of various walking courses and a new event space with castle vistas. Meanwhile, the Fukuoka Castle Ruins Master Plan aims to make Maizuru Park a centerpiece of the city by restoring the stone walls and buildings of the Fukuoka Castle complex.
Asian Party 2014
Asian Party, a series of creative events rooted in Fukuoka’s exchange with Asia to date, will begin in September. Key events include the Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale (9/6~11/30), the Focus on Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival (9/12~21), Asian Pacific Festival Fukuoka 2014 (10/11~13), The Creators (10/10) and the Fukuoka Prize public lectures and award ceremony (9/17~21). Asian Party aims to stimulate creativity and create business opportunities by gathering people, things and ideas from Asia in one place.
Focus on Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival 2014
For 23 years, Fukuoka has hosted an annual festival showcasing outstanding films from Asia. Most of the featured films are being screened in Japan for the first time, and they will be subtitled in both English and Japanese, so they can be enjoyed by participating guests from around Asia, international students and other foreigners. This year, 39 films from 18 countries and regions will be shown at United Cinemas Canal City 13 and other venues.
Fukuoka Music Month
Having produced numerous musicians, Fukuoka is a city with a rich musical history. Starting this September, the following major music events will join forces to promote the city’s musical heritage far and wide in a new endeavor dubbed Fukuoka Music Month: (1) Sunset Live 2014 (9/5~7), (2) Nakasu Jazz 2014 (9/12~13), (3) Kyushu Gospel Festival 2014 in Hakata (9/14~15), (4) FMF presents: Asia Music Found 2014 (9/14~15) and (5) Music City Tenjin 2014 (9/21, 23, 27 & 28). Inquiries: Fukuoka Music Month Organizing Committee (092-734-8750)
Yipee! For FREE!
Fukuoka International Film Festival Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony for the Focus on Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival will be held at 19:00 on 9/12 (Fri.) at the Sun Plaza Stage (Canal City Hakata, B1). A special red carpet will be rolled out for actors and directors from around Asia.
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 (fn189, Sep. 2014)
