The City of Nishinomiya has announced the details of its implementation of the national government’s “temporary grant for measures against rising prices”.
(Information provided by Hank)
Here it is ↓
西宮市、物価高対策でおこめ券配布や給食費補助 水道料金減免も 国の支援交付金を充当https://t.co/GO0Q9In1Tn
Hyogo Prefecture’s Nishinomiya City decided on the 16th to distribute “rice vouchers” as a measure against rising prices, reduce the burden of school lunch fees, and waive the basic water charge.
— Kobe Shimbun (@kobeshinbun) December 16, 2025
Nishinomiya City Seems to Have Four Measures Against Rising Prices
As a response to recent price hikes 💰, the national government distributed temporary grants to local governments.
Here are the measures announced by Nishinomiya City.
(1) Distribution of Rice Vouchers
Eligible recipients: All households
This has been getting attention on TV and elsewhere.
Each household will receive 4,400 yen worth of rice vouchers 🍙. They can be used at stores with an “Okomeken accepted here” sticker.
By the way, even though they’re called “rice vouchers,” it seems that some supermarkets and drugstores allow them to be used for items other than rice too.
(2) Two Months of Basic Water Charges Waived
Eligible recipients: Everyone
For households and businesses with water supply contracts in the city, the basic charge will be waived for meter readings in April and May 2026. No application is required. The basic sewerage charge is not included.
If you live in an apartment building or similar housing and pay your water bill to your landlord, the landlord will be the eligible recipient of the waiver. If you’re curious, please ask your landlord.
(Reference) Measures Against Rising Prices: Water Charge Reductions｜Nishinomiya City Website
(3) School Lunch Fees Free for Three Months
Eligible recipients: Families raising children
School lunch fees from January to March 2026 will be 0 yen.
This applies to municipal elementary schools, junior high schools, compulsory education schools, and special needs schools in the city that provide school lunches. No application is required.
For reference, the per-meal lunch fee in February 2026 is said to be 275 yen for elementary schools and 325 yen for junior high schools. Over three months, that means a reduction of about 16,500 to 22,500 yen per child.
(Reference) Reducing the Parent/Guardian Burden for School Lunch Fees (January to March 2026)｜Nishinomiya City Website
(4) “Child-Rearing Support Allowance for Rising Prices” to Be Provided
Eligible recipients: Families raising children
Children from age 0 through third-year high school students will be eligible for 20,000 yen per child.
This applies not only to children who are eligible for child allowance, but also to children born by March 31, 2026. Those expecting a baby should definitely take note.
This allowance also generally does not require an application, but public employees will need to apply. Details on the procedure will be announced later, so please check the city website.
Lastly
Nishinomiya City’s measures seem especially generous for families raising children. With prices going up on so many things, it would be nice if measures like these were carried out regularly going forward. What do you think?
*Hank, thank you very much for the information!!
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