Yamaga Certified for Historical Scenery Protection Program
The city of Yamaga in Kumamoto Prefecture has become the first municipality in Kyushu to receive certification for its plan to protect historical views under a program conducted by three Cabinet ministries. Yamaga wants to protect two districts; one is an area with rice paddies that dates from the 8th century, and the other is a district of old commercial establishments dating from the Edo period. Under the program, the government will provide half of the financing to purchase or repair old historical buildings.