Naha shopping district “welcomes coronavirus aid with welcome arms,” Mayor Shiroma says, “We need to exchange ideas and think of a way to rebuild”

Naha shopping district “welcomes coronavirus aid with welcome arms,” Mayor Shiroma says, “We need to exchange ideas and think of a way to rebuild”

Naha mayor Kimiko Shiroma (3rd from the left) listening to Naha City Kokusai-dori Shopping District Promotion Association executive-director Akihiro Ishizaka (far left) – January 20, in front of Tenbusu Naha in Makishi, Naha


January 21, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Naha mayor Kimiko Shiroma made a trip to the city’s main shopping district January 20 to observe the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the commercial hub. People who work in the area told her about the difficulties they have been facing, and they requested additional support measures be enacted. Mayor Shiroma said, “I want us to exchange ideas, and to think of a way to revitalize [the area].”

First Makishi Public Market Association president Tomomitsu Aguni said, “I would like the governments at the national, prefectural, and city level to work together on relieving some of the heavy burdens such as rent.” Naha City Central Shopping District Federation chairman Masatoshi Uehara said with a grim expression, “It’s difficult to get people to visit for things like events. I wonder what we can do about this.” He asked that the businesses in the district “welcome with open arms,” any policies to help with the coronavirus as well as any other relief efforts by the city.

The Naha City Kokusai-dori Shopping District Promotion Association executive-director Akihiro Ishizaka has already revived Kokusai-dori’s Ernie Pyle International Theater on the internet, and explained his plan for using it as a platform for the performing arts, saying, “We would like your support in establishing a new form for these projects.”

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

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