There is a plethora of rare regulations enacted by local governments in Japan, and Kyushu is no exception. On Aug. 6, Taraki Town in Kumamoto passed the Ordinance to Promote Toasts Using Shochu which stipulates a non-binding target for residents to use local Kuma shochu when making toasts. The Town Assembly said it aims to “promote Kuma shochu to a wide audience and spread shochu culture to the younger generations.” Fukuoka’s Omuta City has the Lifetime Triathlon Gold Medal Fund Ordinance, which, comparing long life to a triathlon, presents elderly residents who reach the age of 100 with a gold medal. Some other unique local ordinances compiled by Nishinippon Shimbun include the following: Insect Protection Ordinance (Toshima Village, Kagoshima); Ordinance to Protect Freshwater Clam Aquaculture (Oto Town, Fukuoka); Ordinance to Prevent Free-Range Goat Farming (Amami City, Kagoshima and others); Family Reading Ordinance (Takachiho Town, Miyazaki). Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, 9/2
Kyushu Home to Many Odd Laws