Fukuoka City Hall announced plans to gradually increase the roadway usage fees it charges yatai owners from the current ¥5,600 per month to ¥20,000 per month by 2026. Yatai owners who operate in public parks will see their monthly fees increase from ¥10,000 to ¥21,200 by 2022. The aim of the plan is to request yatai operators to pay a fair fee for using public spaces and to normalize the perceived inequality between them and regular restaurant operators. The timing of this announcement coincides with the City Assembly’s deliberation of the Yatai Basic Ordinance in this month’s regular meeting. According to the City, 90% of yatais operate on public property. It based its scheme on the national government’s plan to increase monthly fees for the 11 yatais operating on national roads to ¥19,200 in three years. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, June 14
