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Oita Fire Recovery Draws Major Aid as Fukui Sets January Governor Race and Tokyo Weighs Vehicle Tax Pause

Donations from companies plus online creators reflect deep ties to the smelter town and are accelerating local recovery efforts.

Overview

  • About 80 households, roughly 110 people, remain in shelters after the Saganoseki blaze that damaged 182 buildings, with city-led rebuilding now underway.
  • JX Nippon Mining & Metals offered a ¥1 billion group donation to Oita City, TKP pledged ¥30 million and the temporary use of 255 hotel rooms, and VTuber Shirogane Noel vowed to donate livestream tips.
  • Government support of up to ¥3 million per household has been outlined to help residents restart their lives following the fire.
  • Fukui Governor Tatsuharu Sugimoto signaled resignation over a harassment issue, and the gubernatorial election is expected to run on a January 8 announcement and January 25 vote schedule.
  • The government and ruling parties are considering a two‑year suspension of the vehicle “environment performance” tax to spur domestic demand, while the prime minister voiced support for adding emergency clauses to the constitution.