Since last year the police have become more strict about people driving while under the influence of alcohol. Of course this is a good thing and I agree wholeheartedly. However, in Fukuoka public transport closes down quite early at night. This means that I have to go home earlier than I want to.

I think this hits the prosperity of businesses that operate in the late evening such as bars and clubs. If a city falls quiet and sleepy at night, it isn`t a real city anymore. A city should be dynamic.

The entertainment spots are under pressure. Some are closing because they can`t pay their taxes and so on. In the end this will have a detrimental effect on Fukuoka`s economy. City officers - please consider this. This is a plea from one citizen in Fukuoka.

Loh Tei

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it was a joke Kumi-san! Not a GOOD joke - but still, a joke. "404 - Not Found" is the error message that you see in your web browser if you try to look at a page on a website that does not exist. The phrase "404 error" has been taken from the web and used in variety of jokey ways. For example, it is possible to buy a T-shirt with the message "404 error, shirt/tie not found" on it. I have even heard people say "my wallet suffered a 404 error" meaning they had run out of money. So - meaning still "404" desu ka?

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More recycling

Sir,

In 1991 a recycling law was introduced by the national government to reduce rubbish and promote recycling.

Now although there seems to have been a reduction in the amount of rubbish, my question to the people of Fukuoka and the government to which we all pay taxes is, is there enough promotion? People need to be continually reminded to reduce, recycle and re-use.

The recycling of steel and aluminium cans, PET bottles, polystyrene trays and newspapers is steadily on the rise. Evidence of this can be found on any number of Japanese websites. Many if not all suburbs have recycling days (hai hin kai shuu) and it`s great to see mums, kids and sometimes even dads bringing out their cans papers and bottles. But is this enough? Quite simply, no.

What can we do to make our city a better place to live in? We should start small, start at home. Try just three or more of these simple things; turn off lights, re-use water for washing clothes and/or watering the garden, take ten minute showers instead of fifteen or twenty minute showers, take your own cloth bag when shopping and politely refuse plastic shopping bags, and use a bicycle or public transport. You can even recycle food scraps. This is easy, does not smell if done properly and can be done on your verandah whether you`re on the first or thirty-first floor.

Now most people think, `How can just I make a change?`. The thing is that just you, can`t. So, take the two words `just` and `I` out of the above question. If 100,000 people, 10,000 people or even 1000 people tried to make the change, imagine the difference!

So don`t say `shou ga nai` or `mendokusai`. Give it a try.

Lex Rykers, Minami ku. (Resident in Japan for 19 years.)

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