Three Cities’ Cooperative Traditional Handicrafts Exhibition NEW!

Date: September 1 (Wed) – 6 (Mon) From 10:00 AM
Place: 8F of Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin

There is a traditional handicrafts exhibition, where pieces representative of Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Fukuoka cities are gathered under one roof.
The three cities have collaborated on this exhibition to promote traditional crafts and increase new business opportunities. Fukuoka City will offer Hakata dolls based on the theme of “Kumamoto Festivals” as well as Hakata Ori textile obi (kimono sashes) designed in the image of the three cities’ waves. Kumamoto City offers Higo Zougan (precious-metal inlaid craft) style incense burners based on the traditional patterns found in Hakata Ori. Kagoshima City presents Oshima Tsumugi dresses made using Hakata Ori, and Satsuma porcelain portraying Kumamoto’s Suizenji Park. The craftsmen have worked hard to encapsulate the history and culture of those cities in their works. Come and enjoy these works of art.

Fee: Free

Inquiry: Three Cities’ Cooperative Traditional Handicrafts Exhibition Promotion Committee
Tel: 092-711-4352
Fax: 092-711-4354

Focus on Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival 2010 Opening Premier NEW!

Date: September 17 (Fri)
Place: Fukuoka Convention Center / Solaria Cinema / Others

The Focus on Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival 2010 introduces films from Asian countries. From Friday, September 17 through Sunday, September 26, 41 highly acclaimed films from 18 countries and areas such as South Korea and India will be screened in succession. On the first day of the festival, Friday, September 17, an Indonesian film portraying the story of three children growing up, “The Dreamer”, will be shown at the Fukuoka Convention Center at 7:00 PM. The movie is in Indonesian with both Japanese and English subtitles. The opening premier is free of charge. Those wishing to attend should apply for tickets by Tuesday, September 7.

For further information, event guide brochures are available at Information Plaza and other locations, or you can check the Focus on Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival homepage.

Inquiry: Asia Month Information Center
Tel: 092-262-0676

Garbage Regulations

Do you know about the handy “Garbage Regulations” that explains the ins and outs of household garbage separation and disposal?
The Garbage Regulations explains not only the rules of garbage disposal for Fukuoka City, but also addresses the separation of burnable and non-burnable garbage, disposal of oversized garbage and waste generated when moving, as well as ideas for reducing the amount of waste produced at home. This brochure is available in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.

Distribution Points:
- Information Plaza on the 1st floor of Fukuoka City Hall
- Rainbow Plaza in the IMS Building in Tenjin
- The Citizen Section of each Ward Office
It can also be downloaded from the Fukuoka City homepage.

The Garbage Regulations is packed with useful information so be sure to take a look.

Garbage Regulations:
Japanese: http://kankyo.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/gomi_rule_j.html
English: http://kankyo.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/gomi_rule_e.html
Chinese: http://kankyo.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/gomi_rule_c.html
Korean: http://kankyo.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/gomi_rule_k.html

Inquiry: Fukuoka City, Home Refuse Reduction Section
Tel: 092-711-4346
Fax: 092-733-5592

Heatstroke Warning

Recently, many people have been taken to the hospital due to heatstroke, some in serious condition. Therefore, Fukuoka City would like to remind everyone about the dangers of heatstroke as well as ways it can be prevented.
Heatstroke is a condition caused by failure of the body’s temperature-regulating mechanism when exposed to excessively high temperatures, disturbing the balance of water and sodium levels in the body. When these symptoms become serious, it can result in death.
However, this condition is preventable. Symptoms of heatstroke include dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of consciousness or inability to walk straight.

To prevent heatstroke, you can:
 Get plenty of sleep
 Avoid outdoor activity and exercise in scorching heat
 Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even when you do not feel thirsty
 Wear a hat outdoors
 Keep your home well ventilated by opening windows
 Be sure not to overexert yourself if you do not feel well

Children and the elderly are at the greatest risk of suffering from heatstroke, so please take extra caution. Take care of yourself and enjoy the summer.

Genkaijima Island Market

Date: Every Sunday from 11:50 AM - 2:30 PM until September 26

Check out the restored Genkaijima Island.
Genkaijima Island is only a 35-minute boat ride from Bayside Place Hakata in Hakata Ward. Beside the Genkaijima port, the treasures of Genkaijima’s waters and its fresh vegetables are available for sale directly from fishermen. You can buy live and shell-cooked turban, Genkaijima’s specialty whale rice, as well as locally produced seasonal dried fish, all-natural fresh wakame seaweed and seasonal vegetables.
Also, families and groups can enjoy private sightseeing on a “Fishing Boat Cruise” or enjoy a “Guided Island Walking Tour”. Rental bicycles are also available.
Enjoy a day at Genkaijima Island!

Inquiry: Genkaijima Island Promotion Committee
Tel: 092-809-2631
Fax: 092-809-2940

Fukuoka Art Museum Kids’ Summer Museum

Place: Fukuoka Art Museum (in Ohori Park, Chuo Ward)
Date: Until September 5 (Sun)

The Fukuoka Art Museum holds an event called the “Kids’ Summer Museum” every year, which offers exhibitions and workshops for children, so that they can enjoy fine art during their summer vacation.
There will be multiple events going on, including gallery tours, in which children can explore the museum while listening to a volunteer explain the art. There is also a “Kids’ Library” that houses a collection of various books about art, as well as a “Kids’ Gallery” where children can experience the beauty and wonders of foreign lands through art. Also, on the second floor, parents and children can relax on sofas or tatami at the “Kids’ Corner－ Mori no Tane”. It’s just waiting for you to enjoy it!

Inquiry: Fukuoka Art Museum
Tel: 092-714-6051
Fax: 092-714-6145

Disaster Prevention & Crisis Management Information Homepage

There is a homepage providing information about disaster prevention and crisis management for the people of Fukuoka City. It offers information such as weather advisories and warnings, and amounts of rainfall around Fukuoka City, and also features live webcam’s showing the water level and condition of the city’s major rivers. In addition, it provides useful tips on disaster prevention and contact information for local disaster headquarters.
The disaster prevention and crisis management site is available in English, Chinese, and Korean, as well as in Japanese.
Please make use of the site: http://bousai.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/ 

Inquiry: Fukuoka City, Disaster Prevention & Crisis Management Section
Tel: 092-711-4056
Fax: 092-733-5861

International Exchange Support

The Yokatopia Foundation is offering support for citizens involved with international exchange projects. Private entities engaging in projects such as lectures and symposiums to promote international understanding, support for foreign residents of Fukuoka, etc., are eligible to receive up to half of their project’s operating budget subsidized (max 300,000 yen).

Application Period: August 2 (Mon) – August 31 (Tue)
A screening meeting will be held in September to choose awardees and to decide on subsidy amounts.

Application Information & Inquiry: Yokatopia Foundation
Tel: 092-733-5630
Fax: 092-733-5635

Introducing Multilingual Electronic Map

Now there is a multilingual electronic map of Fukuoka City and its surrounding area you can access on the Web.
The map was created so that foreigners visiting Fukuoka could gain access to helpful information to assist them with sightseeing and shopping prior to their arrival.
The map is available in five languages: Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese (traditional and simplified). It allows users to enlarge, shrink and print maps. There is a banner leading to the map on the Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau homepage. Please give it a click and make use of the map.

Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau (Japanese):
http://www.welcome-fukuoka.or.jp/
Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau (English):
http://www.welcome-fukuoka.or.jp/english/
Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau (Simplified Chinese):
http://www.welcome-fukuoka.or.jp/chinese/
Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau (Traditional Chinese):
http://www.welcome-fukuoka.or.jp/taiwan/
Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau (Korean):
http://www.welcome-fukuoka.or.jp/korean/

Inquiry: Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tel: 092-733-5050
Fax: 092-733-5055

Saitopia Grand Opening

A community exchange center, Saitopia, located at the south of Kyudai-gakkentoshi Station on the JR Chikuhi Line, will have its grand opening on Tuesday, July 20th.
Saitopia is a community facility, equipped with features such as a multi-purpose hall, a gymnasium, a training room, and a library, all under one roof! The center is meant to facilitate local area activities and exchanges. In addition, the Imajuku Branch Office will be moving into this center, and will be renamed the Seibu Branch Office.

Inquiry: Saitopia
Tel: 092-807-8900
Fax: 092-807-8895

Opening of Outdoor Civic Pools

Starting on Saturday, July 10th, the outdoor civic pools in Higashi, Hakata, Chuo, Minami, Jonan and Sawara Wards will open. The pools will remain open until Sunday, September 5th.
During times other than summer vacation, the outdoor pools are open to the public only on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Fukuoka Civic Gymnasium’s outdoor pool will open on Wednesday, July 21st and it will remain open through Tuesday, August 31st.
It’s finally summertime! Take a swim and keep cool at the pool!

Outdoor Pool Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fee: (for 2 hours use)
 Adults: 320 yen
 High School Students: 160 yen
 Junior High School & Elementary School Students: 110 yen
 Preschoolers: Free

For safety, there must be at least one accompanying adult (prepared in swimsuit) for every two children in the pool.

Inquiry:
Higashi Ward Civic Pool Tel: 092-662-6111  Fax: 092-662-6112
Hakata Ward Civic Pool Tel: 092-473-8855  Fax: 092-473-8856
Chuo Ward Civic Pool Tel: 092-712-8090  Fax: 092-712-8298
Minami Ward Civic Pool Tel: 092-561-6011  Fax: 092-561-3993
Jonan Ward Civic Pool Tel: 092-863-7098  Fax: 092-863-7198
Sawara Ward Civic Pool Tel: 092-841-1080  Fax: 092-846-6528
Fukuoka Civic Gymnasium Tel: 092-641-9135  Fax: 092-641-9139

Experimental Collection of Small Household Appliances Disposal Has Started

In Fukuoka and Kitakyushu Cities, a test run of a one-year program to collect small household appliances and recycle rare metals, such as gold, silver, bronze and palladium, contained in them has started on June 1st.
There are 23 collection sites at supermarkets and home centers around Fukuoka City, so please be sure to cooperate and deposit digital cameras, video cameras, portable music players and cellular telephones you are ready to dispose of at these locations.
Items that are not in working condition will be accepted as well.

Inquiry: Fukuoka City, Home Refuse Reduction Section
Tel: 092-711-4346
Fax: 092-733-5592

Electronic Payment Available at Major Institutions in Fukuoka City

You can now pay for goods or services electronically with 4 types of IC cards at major public institutions in Fukuoka City.
The 4 IC cards, Fukuoka City Subway’s “Hayakaken,” Nishi-Nippon Railroad’s “Nimoca,” JR Kyushu’s “Sugoca,” and JR East’s “Suica”, are now accepted at 42 facilities around the city.
In a ward office, by holding your card over a terminal, you can pay the fees charged to receive copies of various certificates, including “Jumin-hyo” or certificate of residency, “Inkan-shoumeisho” or certificate of seal, and “Nozei-shomeisho” or certificate of tax payment. You can also pay charges for public pool and gym use, as well as admission fees to permanent exhibitions of museums. Please take advantage of this convenient service!

Inquiry for information about electronic payment at public facilities:
Fukuoka City, Civic Affairs Bureau, Ward Administration Section
Tel: 092-711-4043
Fax: 092-733-5595

Japanese Language Course for Foreign Women

Date: Mondays, 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Place: AMIKAS (The Fukuoka City Gender Equality Promotion Center, in Takamiya, Minami Ward)

This is a series of Japanese lessons designed for foreign women.
Free daycare services are available for women with children at least 6 months old and up through preschooler age.

Membership: New members are welcome any time
Entrance fee / Monthly fee: 1000 yen each

Inquiry: AMIKAS Japanese Language Class
Tel: 092-522-6206
Fax: 092-522-0284

Homepage and brochure showcasing the works crafted at facilities for disabled citizens of Fukuoka City

Now you can have a look at goods produced in Fukuoka’s facilities for disabled citizens in the new “Tokimeki Book” brochure, and online at the “Tokimeki Web” homepage. Fukuoka City has made them to introduce products such as confectionaries and daily necessities made, with a lot of heart, by the people at these facilities, to a larger audience. The City also aims at deepening the ties between disabled people and society.
The brochure and homepage have four categories: Food, Goods, Art and Work, and show various products, as well as each facility. You can shop for products via the Tokimeki Web. You can browse the Tokimeki Book at the city’s libraries and community centers. Also, the brochure is provided to those who have purchased these products at stores that carry them.
Please be sure to take a look at the Tokimeki Book (Limited to 1,000 copies) and Tokimeki Web.

Inquiry: Fukuoka City, Disabled Citizen Facility Support Section
Tel: 092-711-4249
Fax: 092-711-4818

 Photochemical Oxidant Warning

The concentration of photochemical oxidants, which cause photochemical smog, increases in the air up through September when the ultraviolet rays are strong. This has the potential to cause damage to your health, so Fukuoka City is asking its citizens to take precaution.

Photochemical oxidants are air pollutants brought about when nitrogen oxide, found in car exhaust, is activated by the ultraviolet rays of the sun. When the concentration of photochemical oxidants exceeds a certain level, you may experience negative effects to your health, such as sore eyes, headache and nausea. When this level is reached, a warning will be issued via television and radio as well as by ward offices’ public service announcement cars. When such a warning is in effect, please avoid vigorous outdoor exercise and try to stay indoors as much as possible. Also, if you do experience eye irritation or a sore throat, please wash your face and gargle.
A warning for photochemical oxidants is also provided through the Disaster Prevention E-mail Service of Fukuoka City. Please take this opportunity and register for this service.

Inquiry: Fukuoka City, Environmental Conservation Section
Tel: 092-733-5386
Fax: 092-733-5592

Child Allowance

In Fukuoka City, processing for child allowance subsidies has begun.
This financial support is available to those raising children who have yet to graduate from junior high school. As of April 1st, those eligible to apply for this support will be sent a request form, and those non-eligible will receive a notice by the end of April.
Those who need to apply should send their applications, along with all necessary paperwork, in a return postage-paid envelope.

Application Period: Until September 30 (Thu)

Inquiry: Fukuoka City Child Allowance Call Center
Tel: 092-711-5720
The call center is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
English consultation is available until June 11 (Fri).

For individual counseling concerning particular cases, please contact the Child Rearing Support Section of your local ward office.

Glass bottles from cosmetic products are to be included with recyclable cans and PET bottles

The rules of garbage disposal will change, starting this month.
When disposing of glass bottles that held cosmetics, please do so in garbage bags used for “Cans and PET bottles”. This change has occurred because the majority of bottles used for cosmetics now are composed of the same materials as other glass bottles, and it is possible to reuse this material.
However, cloudy white colored bottles should still be disposed of with non-combustible garbage.
Your cooperation is appreciated.

Questions and Information: The Fukuoka City Household Garbage Reduction Initiative
Phone:092-711-4346
Fax:092-733-5592

The number of Child Plazas has increased

Mothers and fathers who are raising infants, do you know about Child Plaza? Fukuoka City has Child Plazas in all 7 wards of the city, set up to relieve anxieties over raising infants among parents often isolated, during this trend toward nuclear families. The Child Plaza also aspires to improve the environment for easier child rearing.

Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
During that period, parents with their infants can visit the facility anytime. Parents can consult and exchange information on child rearing.
In March the number of Child Plazas increased from 8 to 14, and getting to a Child Plaza became more accessible than ever.
Furthermore, there is a club to support foreign parents who are raising children in Japan.

Inquiry: Fukuoka City, Community Child Rearing Support Section
Tel: 092-711-4114
Fax: 092-733-5534

AIDS/HIV testing begins on the second Sunday

Place: Chuo Ward Health & Welfare Center (on the 5th floor of AIREF in Maizuru, Chuo ward)
Date: The 2nd Sunday of every month

Chuo Ward Health & Welfare Center started AIDS/HIV testing this month;  the result of which can be made available on the same day as one’s test.
With the goal of early detection of HIV and AIDS, in mind, the testing is available on the second Sunday of every month. The testing is free and on an anonymous basis. The result will be informed directly to the person who took the test after about an hour and a half. AIDS infection is accurately detected three months after the possible transmission.
The number of HIV carriers and AIDS patients is still increasing. If you are anxious about infection, please make use of this free test.

Application: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. on the second Sunday.
No reservation is necessary.

Inquiry about other testing places and dates:
Fukuoka City, Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Section
Tel: 092-711-4270
Fax: 092-733-5535

Fukuoka City Public Library

The Fukuoka City Public Library, located in Momochi-hama, Sawara ward, has the International Material Division on the second floor, providing a variety of information to foreign residents and international students in Fukuoka.
Focusing on library material of Asian nations such as China and South Korea but also including material from major Western nations, the division maintains 18 newspapers, 51 magazines and 34,000 books from overseas.
The division also maintains foreign picture books for children, and regularly purchases bestselling books. Lending services for magazines and books are available for people who have been in the Fukuoka metropolitan area more than three months or who work or study in the city.
 
Feel free to stop by and make use of this library service.

Inquiry: Fukuoka City Public Library
Tel: 092-852-0600
Fax: 092-852-0609

Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

Learn and discover daily life and culture of the commercial town Hakata in the Meiji and Taisho eras, at “Hakata Machiya Folk Museum,” located at Reisen-Machi, in Hakata ward.
The museum was originally a house built in the early 20’s of the Meiji era, and it was restored to show people the history of Hakata. The museum has three buildings:  the Exhibition Hall, the Machiya Hall and a souvenir shop.  Visitors can gain knowledge of the old townscape and the local festival Hakata Gion Yamakasa. Visitors can also enjoy a demonstration and experience Hakata’s traditional hand crafts, such as Hakata dolls and Hakata Ori. The Souvenir Shop sells traditional craft items.

Admission: 200 yen and free for elementary and junior high school students

Inquiry: Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
Tel: 092-281-7761
Fax: 092-281-7762

Fukuoka City Zoological Garden’s official video site, “Fukuoka Zoo CHANNEL”

Fukuoka City Zoological Garden has launched its official video site called, Fukuoka Zoo CHANNEL. (http://fukuoka-zooch.jp/)
This website shows the real life of an assortment of popular animals in the zoo, such as Amur tigers and gorillas. It also provides a variety of content, including a breeding record of Tsushima leopard cat cubs, and inside stories previously known only by the zookeepers.  You can access Fukuoka Zoo CHANNEL by clicking the banner on the lower right of the Fukuoka City Zoological Garden Homepage. (http://zoo.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/)

There is also a site which can be accessed by cell phone (http://fukuoka-zooch.jp/m/).
Please check out the newly opened Fukuoka Zoo CHANNEL video site, filled with information about animals in the Fukuoka City Zoological Garden.

A web photo gallery “FUKUOKA SHOWCASE,” which displays various attractions of Fukuoka, has opened on Fukuoka City’s website.
This gallery offers you information on the natural environment, festivals, history, culture and the food of Fukuoka City, in the style of a guidebook. You can download the posted texts and images freely for personal use.
There are 163 articles and 613 photos on the website, available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
Why not access the Fukuoka City website and make use of these cool downloads?

Inquiry: Fukuoka City, Public Information Section
Tel: 092-711-4016
Fax: 092-732-1358

Date: 1st & 3rd Thursday (every month), 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Place: “Attaka-Salon”, the 5th floor of the Fukuoka City Hall, North Annex

The “Japanese Chatting Salon” is open for international students. Why don’t you have a friendly chat with Japanese volunteers, using Japanese learned at school?  You can stop by the salon anytime during a session.
If you would like to participate, please make a reservation in advance.

Admission: Free

Inquiry: Fukuoka Foreign Student Support Association
Tel: 092-733-5630
Fax: 092-733-5635

The Fukuoka Convention and Visitors Bureau is looking for “Welcome Supporters”, who help tourists visiting Fukuoka City, from within Japan, and outside Japan, as volunteer interpreters and guides.

People living in and around Fukuoka City and have time to do this volunteer work are welcome to apply.
Applicants must be 18 years old or older, be willing to take on the responsibility as a volunteer, and not be hindered by any physical limitation.

Those who wish to be a volunteer will be registered as a Welcome Supporter after an interview.
Welcome Supporters will receive no compensation but expenses such as transportation fees will be provided.

Application and Inquiry: Fukuoka Convention and Visitors Bureau
Tel: 092-733-5050

“We Love Tenjin Kyogi-kai” offers free lending service of baby buggies to parents with babies, to allow more leisurely shopping in the Tenjin area. These baby buggies can be used not only in the buildings which offer the lending service but everywhere in the Tenjin area. Enjoy walking around Tenjin with your babies.

Lending spots:
The Fukuoka City Tourist Information Center in Tenjin and the information desks on the first floor of following facilities;
- IMS Building
- Solaria Plaza
- Tenjin CORE
- VIORO

Inquiry: We Love Tenjin Kyogi-kai
Tel: 092-734-8750
Fax: 092-734-1230