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Japanese city allows residents to cut mayor’s salary based on public opinion survey

But Osaka politician could still see a boost to his bank account.

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Bizarre bicycle vandalism reported to mayor of Komono Town, mayor admits to it

And so ends the shortest investigation ever.

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Japanese mayor who bit athlete’s gold medal tests positive for coronavirus

Nagoya politician’s troubles continue.

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Mayor of Nagoya in hot water for biting local athlete’s gold medal

Maybe he was just teething.

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Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward enlists the help of internet cat characters to remind us to wear masks

This new Working Cats x Shinjuku Ward campaign clip draws from cuteness for coronavirus preventive measures.
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Iga City says reports that they are running out of ninja is “fake news”

Mayor baffled by sudden surge of foreigners calling in and wanting to become the next Naruto.

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Town offers “Mayor for a Day” with tax payment of over one million yen, benefits include sake, pickles

Starting this year, the town of Mamurogawa in Yamagata Prefecture is offering up their mayor’s office for those generous enough to hand over one million yen (US$9,600) in furusato tax (hometown tax). It’s the latest move in an increasing trend of offering premiums for tax revenue in rural areas struggling with decreasing populations.

Offering something in exchange for taxes seems like an odd concept without knowing what furusato tax is, so let start with that. Don’t worry it’s simple.

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