[Oshu City] Transport Operator Emergency Operation Support Subsidy (5th Round)

(1) Overview: Oshu City (Iwate Prefecture) launches the 5th round of its Transport Operator Emergency Operation Support program to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on freight transport operators. The program is implemented jointly with the Iwate Trucking Association Mizusawa Branch and pays a fixed subsidy based on the number of operating vehicles. Operators that also received the prefectural Iwate equivalent subsidy may still apply for this Oshu City program if they meet the eligibility criteria. (2) Eligible Recipients: Applicants must, at the time of application, hold all permits, authorizations, and notifications required to operate freight motor transport business under Article 2-1 of the Freight Motor Transport Business Act, and continuously operate such business within Oshu City (including hearse operators). Applicants must have a head office, branch, or sales office in Oshu City and must be either (a) a corporation headquartered in Iwate Prefecture, or (b) a company or individual qualifying as an SME under Article 2-1 of the Small and Medium Enterprise Basic Act. Organized-crime affiliations are excluded under the Oshu City Anti-Organized-Crime Ordinance. (3) Eligible Expenses / Subsidy Content: This is not an expense-reimbursement subsidy but a per-vehicle flat payment. Eligible vehicles are commercial trucks (excluding trailers, including light freight vehicles) owned by the applicant at the time of application, registered with the Tohoku Transport Bureau Iwate Transport Branch (or Iwate Light-Motor-Vehicle Inspection Association for light vehicles), bearing Iwate, Morioka, or Hiraizumi license plates, and whose 'place of use' on the registration certificate is within Oshu City. Vehicles already subject to similar support from other Iwate-prefecture municipalities are excluded. (4) Subsidy Rate / Cap / Schedule / Application: The subsidy is JPY 16,000 per eligible vehicle (number of vehicles x JPY 16,000). The application window runs from April 13, 2026 (Mon) to June 30, 2026 (Mon, must arrive), submitted in principle by postal mail. Required documents include Form 1 (application/invoice form), Form 2 (vehicle list), copies of vehicle inspection certificates, the Kitanihon Bank transfer request form, plus category-specific documents depending on whether the applicant previously received the 4th-round or prefectural subsidy, has an out-of-city head office, operates light freight vehicles, or is a sole proprietor. Submit to the Iwate Trucking Association Mizusawa Branch (0197-44-3621). Document review takes about 2 weeks, with payment to the designated bank account within roughly 1 month after approval.