Dollar OK

FUSSA, Japan -- Senior Master Sgt. Valarry Smith, Armed Forces Network Tokyo, makes a purchase in a Japanese business using American dollars. When you go shopping on Route 16, you can use U.S. dollars for payment, if you see a "Dollar OK" sticker in front of the store. (U.S. Air Force photo/Osakabe Yasuo)

Dollar OK

Last-minute holiday shopping? Dollars OK on Route 16

Published Dec. 21, 2010
By Capt. Tania Bryan

FUSSA, Japan -- In an effort to increase commerce along Fussa City's Route 16 shopping arcade, bordering Yokota Air Base, the city has implemented a plan to allow U.S. dollars to be used at the local shops and restaurants.

Hoping this will increase sales from Yokota community members, approximately 40 shops and restaurants have adopted the plan which was created by local shop owner, Takahiro Matsumoto, who says he hopes the idea also creates an international atmosphere.

This is the first time an effort like this has been attempted in Japan and it has attracted attention from around the nation. The group of local shop owners in Fussa set up a web site to provide updates on the campaign and have received a lot of comments and positive feedback from those who have visited the shopping area.

Mr. Matsumoto remarked that many people who have visited the area later commented on the website that they they wish their cities had a similar campaign so they can have more opportunities to get to know American people.

Look for the 'Dollars OK' sticker for businesses that accept both Japanese Yen and American dollars.