Yes, you read the title right. A Japanese town spent $230,000 in federal Covid relief money on a flying squid statue. Noto, a small fishing town in Japan, sparked a debate by spending relief money on a giant statue. Squids are a delicacy in this town, ever since ancient times.
The pink-colored sea creature weighs 5.5 tons and sits outside a squid-themed restaurant in the city’s tourist center.
However, this giant squid statue provoked several questions among the town residents. “How will the world view the installation of a giant squid in a country where vaccines were not provided, PCR test is slow and, the medical system has collapsed?” asked a Twitter user.
Here is a video of the statue
Official Statement
When questioned, Tetsuji Shimoyachi, one of the town officials opened up. He said that the town was allocated $6.2 million in relief funds last year. It had spent $1.3 million in promoting local business and increasing employment. Close to $2.5 million was spent in controlling the virus. Since the town recorded less than 30 COVID-19 cases, the town used the remaining money on the giant statue.
The official added that this historical fishing town-a center for squid fishing had lost its prominence due to North Korean and Chinese fisher boats. The foreign boats compete for the catch from the sea and, this affects tourism adversely. However, this might be a little too early to start a tourism campaign.
COVID situation in Japan
Japan has allocated a total of $41 billion in emergency relief to its municipalities to address the situation and help restore the economic impact. Despite Japan’s control and reducing the spread of the virus, there has been a spike in Tokyo and its neighboring cities. It has spiked a surge in restrictions along with criticism for slow vaccine rollouts. It also brings in questions whether Japan should proceed or halt the Tokyo Olympics.