Shimizu Town residents to vote on name change to Tokachi Shimizu Town

Shimizu Town is considering changing its name to Tokachi Shimizu Town to enhance its brand recognition. A residents' vote to decide the name change was blocked. A special committee of the Shimizu Town Council rejected a proposed ordinance for a residents' vote on the name change. The committee vote was split, with five members in favor and six against. The town hopes to leverage the "Tokachi" brand and its reputation for clear water. The proposed ordinance would have allowed residents aged middle school and older to vote.