Central Japan city offers train driving trial as return gift for ‘hometown tax’ donations

NAGOYA — The Owariasahi Municipal Government in central Japan is offering a train driving experience as part of its return gifts for “hometown tax” donations, limited to the first 20 people who donate 100,000 yen (about $680).

In the train driving program, which will be released at noon on Aug. 9 on a major hometown tax website called “Satofull,” a group of 10 people each will experience driving a 100-meter section at the Nagoya Railroad Co.’s (Meitetsu) Owariasahi inspection depot in the city from 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sept. 29, respectively. There will also be a conductor experience, including in-train announcements, and commemorative photo opportunities.

A similar event held by Meitetsu on June 16 at the same depot attracted more than seven times as many applicants as the 20 openings.

The city of Owariasahi is a commuter town for Nagoya, and the Meitetsu Seto Line is the main means of commuting. Owariasahi Mayor Hiroshi Shibata has served as vice president of Meitetsu and president of Meitetsu Department Store Co. In April this year, the city concluded a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Meitetsu for regional revitalization.

(Japanese original by Motoyori Arakawa, Nagoya News Department)