Local News

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.