Kitakyushu will sell a record 7.2 billion yen in premium digital shopping vouchers by lottery. The Paycha vouchers are issued by the Kitakyushu Chamber of Commerce and Industry using a national grant with support from Fukuoka Prefecture and the city. Applications and use require a smartphone app, and the city is offering in-person assistance and a call center through Sept. 18. The 20% premium allows one person to buy up to 60,000 yen in shopping value for 50,000 yen. Use begins Oct. 1, and the city says the program is intended to stimulate new spending and support the local economy. Source: TNC News / Kitakyushu Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Photo: Fukuoka Now
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