In an effort to attract so-called “U-turn” and “I-turn” transplants to Fukuoka, the prefectural government has started accepting applications for the Fukuoka Trial Working Stay Project. Under the new scheme, participants can move to eight cities and towns in Fukuoka Prefecture, including Munakata and Yame, for one month to see if they would like to move to the area permanently. Participants will live in housing provided by the host communities and try their hand at various jobs, such as farming and speciality product development. In return, they must publicize their experiences by blogging about them. Remuneration ranging from ¥75,000 to ¥185,000 will be paid, and each municipality will host one couple or two individuals (16 persons in total). Deadlines for the applications range between Aug. 9~19 and vary by town. Note: “U-turn” refers to people relocating to their native regional areas after having lived in an urban area. “I-turn” refers to the relocation of born-and-bred urbanites to regional areas. More information is available (in Japanese) at the Prefecture’s homepage: http://ijuu-teijuu.pref.fukuoka.lg.jp/
Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 8/6
