A giant squid funded by relief moneySourced
A Japanese town's giant squid statue sparked a debate about public money.
Noto in Japan unveiled its Squid King statue in 2021. About ¥25 million of its ¥27 million construction cost came from pandemic-related relief funds. The town saw a way to promote tourism and fishing; critics wanted the money spent on more direct pandemic needs. The squid later became a local attraction.
A statue became a debate as well as a landmark.
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Reviewed: 2026-10-01