March 2012

～ One Aspect of Japanese Municipal Tax System ～ On April 11th, 2012, the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) approved a controversial tax by the City of Izumisano, Osaka. The city will impose a 100 yen tax on every vehicle which crosses the bridge connecting the mainland to Kansai International Airport (KIA) Island. The tax is in addition to an existing 800 yen toll on the national bridge. Historically, the bridge was owned by KIA Co., Ltd established by the national government to operate KIA. Although established by the national government, the bridge was privately owned and the city could and did levy a property tax on… Read More »A New and Controversial Municipal Tax on Vehicles Crossing the Bridge

Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department announced on March 5, 2012 that its traffic control policy has been updated significantly. Almost one year has passed since the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, when the central part of the Tokyo metropolitan area experienced heavy traffic congestion with people trying to return to their homes. As a result, there were instances when emergency vehicles could not arrive quickly to places where people needed them. Learning from that experience, the new department plan aims to improve the performance of emergency vehicles, especially police cars, fire engines and ambulances. Before the new plan, vehicles bringing emergency supplies to specific places were allowed. Under the new… Read More »Traffic control policy for large-scale disasters is changed significantly

Tokyo Metropolitan Government supports the overseas study and training of 10,000 youth. In December 2011, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) issued its long term comprehensive vision titled “Tokyo Vision 2020”. The plan is to show the residents of Tokyo how to move forward and tackle many kinds of urban issues after the Great East Japan Earthquake. This plan addresses “8 Goals”; including becoming a disaster- resistant city, creating a highly efficient and independent energy system, stimulating industry, transportation, welfare and education. As well as the “8 Goals”, the plan also describes “12 Key Projects” to achieve the goals. Among the “12 Goals”, you can find an interesting project called “Let Your… Read More »Let Your Child Experience the World