Japanese town uses coronavirus relief funds to splash out on giant squid statue

The port of Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture is famous for its squid catch, so decided to spend over US$247,000 on a 13-metre statue of one

Residents say they were not consulted and the government support could have been spent on medical staff or the fishing industry

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The giant squid statue in the town of Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture, built with funds to support communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Photo: YouTube

Published: 3:30pm, 5 May 2021Updated: 10:20pm, 5 May 2021

Eyebrows are being raised after a small port town in northern Japan splashed out over 25 million yen (US$229,000) in government subsidies meant for the community on a gigantic statue of a squid.

The local authority in the town of Noto, in Ishikawa Prefecture, received the funds from the central government as part of its rural revitalisation and support campaign for communities hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic.

Noto is a busy fishing port famous for its squid catch, but it has also become increasingly reliant on tourism to support hotels and shops selling local delicacies and products. Visitor numbers dropped off sharply after the government suspended its “Go To Travel” campaign last November, under which domestic trips were heavily subsidised.

The realistic squid statue built in the town of Noto, northern Japan. Photo: Twitter

Town officials decided to use the money to commission a realistic statue of a squid, but on a grand scale. The creature – which measures 13 metres from tail to snout and 9 metres wide – has been placed outside a “Squid Station” – a selection of shops selling souvenirs and squid delicacies. At night, it is illuminated with spotlights.

The town hall was closed for a national holiday on Wednesday so was unable to comment, but local officials said in a statement that they anticipate the statue will “attract customers” to the town as the coronavirus pandemic comes to an end.

Residents are not so sure, however, and have made their reservations about the project known to the Hokuriku Chunichi newspaper.