IZU, Shizuoka -- The government of this central Japan city will deliver "hometown tastes" to students who have moved away to study, to support youths who have lost part-time job income due to the coronavirus pandemic and to encourage them to return in the future.

       The Izu city government will send a set of local specialties to students hankering for a taste of home. They can choose one of the following three kinds, worth 3,500 yen (about $30) each: the "wild game Italian set" containing Izu deer Bolognese sauce and Western sweets; the "tea time set" with plum syrup and Japanese sweets; and the "full stomach spicy set" of Izu beef curry and rice.

       The "tea time set," one of the three local specialty sets to be delivered to students, is seen in this photo provided by the Izu Municipal Government.

       Those eligible are students at universities, two-year colleges, graduate schools, higher professional schools (in the fourth or fifth year), and special training schools who have a home in Izu but live elsewhere. The municipal government is accepting applications until Nov. 30. Eligible students' parents can apply on their behalf.

       The city will also conduct a survey on program applicants and analyze the results for tips on how to increase the number of students returning to Izu to live in the future.

       (Japanese original by Hiroshi Ishikawa, Numazu Local Bureau)

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