The town of Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture was awarded 800 million yen in grants from the central government as part of an aid programme aimed at boosting local economies amid the pandemic, according to domestic media.
Japan is battling a fourth wave of coronavirus infections and the cabinet approved a $708 billion stimulus package in December to help the economy recover from the pandemic-induced slump. Reuters called Noto's government but the person who answered was not authorised to speak with the press. Japan's government buildings were closed on Wednesday for annual Golden Week holidays.
However, some people took to Twitter to question whether those funds should have been used for other purposes.
Yah. This virus definitely eats away at leaderships' common sense 😑
I owe you an apology to ever doubt your sincerity and professionalism. It’s was just like a dream to me when I received my first payment. After my second payment it became a reality now after several payments it has become a way of life. LISATOWNSENDC