[Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture] Kameoka City (Mayor: Takahiro Katsuragawa) will begin a project to present JR West discount vouchers to its citizens. This initiative directly returns the benefits obtained from holding stocks to citizens through a lottery. Applications will be accepted starting August 1, 2026.

[Background and Objectives]

The JR Sagano Line, an indispensable transportation infrastructure for Kameoka citizens, has continued to suffer from reduced convenience since service cuts in March 2022. The city has repeatedly requested the early restoration of the timetable, but the situation has not improved. Therefore, the city has moved beyond administrative frameworks and chosen the proactive position of a shareholder, a member and owner of a company. In June 2026, the city implemented its first shareholder proposal at a general shareholders' meeting as a local government. This project aims to increase interest in public transportation by directly returning the fruits of the city's investments to its citizens. The objective is to foster a sense of ownership among citizens and promote railway usage.

[Implementation Details]

In the same project conducted in fiscal year 2025, there were 4,619 applications. This year, to improve convenience, applications will be accepted earlier, in early August. The method of delivery to winners will also be changed, with discount vouchers scheduled to be sent directly by the end of August.

[Application Period]

August 1, 2026 (Sat) to August 14, 2026 (Fri), must arrive by the deadline.

[Eligibility]

Kameoka citizens (no age restrictions)

[How to Apply]

Web form or postal postcard

[Gift Contents (Total 120 vouchers)]

JR West shareholder discount vouchers to be distributed by lottery to Kameoka citizens:

Railway discount ticket (50% off one-way fares and charges within the JR West area)

Kyoto Railway Museum admission discount ticket (up to 2 people per ticket, 50% off admission fees)

JR West Hotels accommodation discount voucher and restaurant discount voucher

JR Kyoto Isetan shopping discount voucher, etc.

*The validity period of the discount vouchers is until the end of June 2027.

[Key Points]

This project is a long-term policy investment in a partner company that provides essential infrastructure for citizens' lives. In recent years, other local governments, such as Maniwa City in Okayama Prefecture, have also taken steps to acquire stocks. By having Kameoka citizens actually use the Sagano Line for their outings, it will contribute to solving regional transportation issues. Moving forward, the city will persistently work towards resolving regional transportation issues and build an equal partnership with JR West. We will demonstrate a commitment to co-creating the future of the region with companies and local governments.

[About Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture]

Aerial view of Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture

Kameoka City aims to become an "environmentally advanced city" by enacting Japan's first ordinance to ban the provision of plastic shopping bags. It is advancing towards building a sustainable society through the promotion of organic farming and a circular economy. "Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA," located in front of JR Kameoka Station, is not only the home stadium for J.League team Kyoto Sanga F.C. but also a core hub for regional revitalization. Furthermore, the city is pursuing unique initiatives such as the year-round "Kameoka Fog Art Festival" and is preparing to host "The 43rd National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba," one of Japan's largest green events, starting September 18, 2026.

City Official Website: https://www.city.kameoka.kyoto.jp/

City Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kameokacity/

[Website Regarding This Matter]

Kameoka City Official Website

"First in Local Governments" Article Regarding Articles of Incorporation Change Proposal to JR West Rejected; Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture Explains Directly at Shareholders' Meeting (June 18, 2026)

[First in Kansai*1] From "Requests" to "Activist Shareholder." Kameoka City Acquires JR West Stocks Worth Approximately 100 Million Yen. [First in Japan*2] Shareholder Discount Vouchers Obtained Will Be Presented to Citizens via Lottery. (August 18, 2025)

[Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture] To JR West Shareholders! Acquired Stocks Worth ¥83,310,600. (February 7, 2025)

[Contact Information]

Kameoka City Hall, Kyoto Prefecture

Department of Urban Development

Katsuragawa/Road Traffic Division

Contact: Kobayashi

TEL: 0771-25-5070

E-mail: [email protected]

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 地域
  • Organizations: KYOCERA