Debate on Tokyo's Costly Projection Mapping as Food Distribution Continues

TOKYO, Jul 05 (News On Japan) - In the upcoming Tokyo gubernatorial election, a key issue is incumbent Governor Yuriko Koike's projection mapping project.

Last Saturday, a 100-meter-tall 'Godzilla' was projected onto the wall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

'I’ve never seen anything this big before.'

'It was interesting.'

Since late February, this projection mapping event has been held daily. Including related projects, approximately 4.8 billion yen has been allocated over two years.

Incumbent Yuriko Koike emphasized the significance of the project: 'I have been creating something out of nothing. Places that were empty are now filled with people.'

However, at the foot of the same building, free food distribution takes place every Saturday.

A 22-year-old male university student living in Tokyo, receiving scholarships to pay tuition and working part-time at a convenience store, stood in line for food distribution for the first time last Saturday.

'It’s very tight. Sometimes I can only afford one meal a day.'

A 45-year-old man on welfare highlighted the severe impact of rising prices.

'Everything is getting more expensive.'

He expressed frustration over the projection mapping project.

'Isn’t this a misuse of funds? It seems utterly foolish.'

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has implemented support measures such as providing food to households exempt from resident tax, with the threshold for single households set at an annual income of 1 million yen or less.

A survey conducted by JNN on June 22 revealed that about 50% of respondents believe the projection mapping project needs to be reviewed.

Regarding the gubernatorial candidates:

Former Upper House member Renho stated on June 27: 'If there are lights and shadows, I will shine light on the shadows of disparity until they fade, and those in the shadows can stand and walk on their own.'

Renho does not oppose projection mapping as a tourism policy but suggests limiting the event duration and reallocating the remaining budget to welfare policies.

Source: TBS

Fire Engulfs Waste Plastic Plant in Ibaraki

A large fire that broke out late on November 23rd at a waste plastic recycling plant in the city of Bando in Ibaraki has continued to burn for roughly 18 hours, with no clear timeline for containment. The blaze was first reported at around 10:40 p.m. on November 23rd when nearby residents alerted firefighters after seeing flames and smoke rising from the site.

Japan’s Labor Shortage Pushes Thousands of Firms Toward Failure

A deepening labor shortage is increasingly weighing on the Japanese economy, forcing businesses to shorten operating hours or scale back services and generating massive lost opportunities that are estimated to reach 16 trillion yen in fiscal 2024.

Japan Plans Major Increase in Immigration Fees

The Japanese government is moving to substantially raise fees for residence-related administrative procedures for foreign nationals, aiming to secure stable funding for its foreign resident policy as the number of foreign residents in Japan continues to grow.

Year-End Jumbo Lottery Sales Begin With 1 Billion-Yen Dream

Sales have begun for the Year-End Jumbo Lottery on November 21st, offering a combined 1 billion yen for the first prize and bonus numbers, prompting long queues of people hoping for a once-in-a-lifetime windfall.

Hokkaido Struggles to Dispose of Culled Bears

Culling of bears in Hokkaido has surged to unprecedented levels this fiscal year, with 963 animals killed across the prefecture as sightings and human attacks rise at a record pace, prompting local governments and disposal facilities to struggle with the sheer volume of carcasses awaiting processing.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Beijing Media Attacks Japan's Approach to Dialogue

China’s Communist Party–affiliated media has sharply criticized Prime Minister Takai’s stated willingness to continue dialogue with Beijing, calling the approach “hypocritical and meaningless.”

From “Existential Crisis” to Nuclear Ambitions: What Is Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Trying to Do?

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has sparked uproar after declaring in parliament that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait could qualify as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan—language that would allow Tokyo to exercise collective self-defense, including potential military action.

Japan–China Tensions Deepen as Cancellations Surge

Tensions between Japan and China have escalated rapidly following remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi in the Diet regarding a potential contingency involving Taiwan, prompting Beijing to introduce a series of countermeasures including a call for citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan, with the impact already spreading across the Kansai region’s economy.

Beijing Escalates Pressure on Japan as Diplomatic Rift Widens

China’s backlash to Prime Minister Takaichi’s comments on a Taiwan contingency has intensified day by day, with the Chinese military now uploading a series of satirical illustrations to social media depicting a figure believed to be Takaichi.

Chinese State Media Attack Japan as Flight Cancellations Surge

China’s Communist Party–affiliated Global Times reported on its front page this morning that it had “demanded a clear explanation from the Japanese side” regarding the discussions held on the previous day, underscoring Beijing’s position that Tokyo must address the issue directly.

Nagoya Moves to Stop Illegal Collection of Aluminum Cans

Nagoya’s November session of the city assembly opened with members receiving a new ordinance proposal that would prohibit the unauthorized removal of aluminum cans and other recyclable materials placed out for collection, a move prompted by a sharp rise in scavenging as soaring material prices increase the value of recovered aluminum.

Tensions Persist in Japan-China Relations

Tensions between Japan and China showed no sign of easing on November 18th after bureau-level talks in Beijing, where the Chinese side again demanded that Prime Minister Takaichi retract a parliamentary remark regarding a Taiwan contingency, prompting a firm rebuttal from the Japanese delegation.

Japanese Embassy in Beijing Urges Citizens to Stay Vigilant

The Japanese Embassy in Beijing urged Japanese nationals in China on November 18th to take extra precautions for their personal safety as the Chinese government intensifies its opposition to Prime Minister Takai’s recent comments regarding a potential Taiwan contingency, prompting the embassy to send a warning email later in the evening.

< 2 3 4 5 >