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The Mainichi
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Mayor in Japan's Beppu volunteers as driver for new ride service for inbound tourists
BEPPU, Oita -- The mayor of this hot spring resort city proposed himself as a driver for a regional ride-sharing service, in which regular drivers transport inbound tourists for a fee. At a regular press conference on April 23, Beppu Mayor Yasuhiro Nagano said, "I want to contribute to boosting the number of Beppu fans by taking the wheel even for an hour a day." As inbound tourism demand grows, Beppu is facing a shortage of taxis and buses used by foreign visitors. To address this, the municipality will introduce the "Yukemuri Ride-sharing Global" service using a system that allows regular drivers to provide paid transportation under the control of the local government and other bodies. A trial will begin April 28, with the city aiming to recruit 100 drivers. Nagano expressed enthusiasm, stating, "I want to hear tourists' opinions directly. I will try to reduce the number of people who have unpleasant experiences when they come to Beppu." (Japanese original by Taiki Yamaguchi, Oita Bureau)
The Mainichi
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Mainichi
Elderly couple in Japan's Oita donates high-tech ambulance to local fire department
OITA -- An elderly couple from this southwest Japan city has donated a high-tech ambulance to the city's fire department to "return the favor for their help." Denmei Shuto, 93, and his wife Eiko, 89, have been transported by ambulance in recent years, and they wanted to give something back. They named the vehicle "Eiden-go," taking a kanji character from each of their names. The ambulance features a spacious interior that can accommodate seven people, including a patient. It is equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED) and tools for tracheal intubation. It is the first ambulance in the city to include an electric stretcher for transporting patients. The vehicle has been deployed at fire stations and other locations in the city since April 23, and will be dispatched particularly during the day when emergency calls are frequent. According to the municipal fire department, the number of ambulance dispatches in the city reached 24,971 in 2024, an increase of over 5,000 from five years before. One of the contributing factors is the growing number of heatstroke patients due to aging and the extreme summer heat. On April 22, a ceremony was held at city hall to present a certificate of appreciation. Oita Mayor Shinya Adachi expressed his gratitude, stating, "It will ease the physical burden on the emergency teams. We will make good use of it." Denmei smiled and said, "I want to donate another one when I turn 100." (Japanese original by Taiki Yamaguchi, Oita Bureau)
