Tokyo's Richest Suburb to Give $340 Shopping Vouchers for Child-Rearing Support

TOKYO, Jan 16 (News On Japan) - Tokyo's Minato Ward has decided to distribute 50,000 yen worth of gift certificates per child to support families with children affected by rising prices.

According to Minato Ward officials, approximately 45,000 children born after April 2, 2005, and up to 18 years old residing in the ward will be eligible for the gift certificates, with no income restrictions placed on their guardians.

The ward distributed gift certificates to families with children last year, and due to the positive response from residents, they have decided to implement the initiative for the second time.

The gift certificates will be in the form of electronic vouchers that can be used with smartphones and will be accepted at around 1,000 stores, including shopping districts and supermarkets within the ward. Notifications will be sent to eligible households in February, and the vouchers can be used from April to the end of July this year.

A ward official commented, "We hope to not only alleviate the financial burden on families raising children but also to invigorate the economy of the stores within the ward, so we encourage active utilization of these vouchers."

by Brian Dentry

Source: NHK

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