Young Japanese officials aiding municipalities as side jobs.

Japan plans to send young officials to assist struggling municipalities, enhancing support for regional revitalization starting in fiscal 2025.

Japan’s gearing up for a new plan where young officials from the central government will split their time between Tokyo and regional areas, all in the name of helping small municipalities. This is Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s move to address the staffing shortage that’s crippling these areas. They expect this to kick off by fiscal 2025 and it’ll connect young officials, usually based in Tokyo, with struggling municipalities needing support.

The goal? To give consistent backing on issues like vacant homes, attracting businesses, and assisting families. Since 2014, revitalization efforts have been underway, but many municipalities lack the manpower to make real changes. With 227 local governments not even tapping into available subsidies, this new system is all about providing the help they really need.

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