Saga Prefecture Announces First Budget Plan for FY2026

Saga Prefecture has released its initial budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, totaling 547.1 billion yen. Major allocations include 82.8 billion yen for welfare and healthcare, 41.7 billion yen for industrial promotion, 21.6 billion yen for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and 93.4 billion yen for education.

Key Initiatives in the FY2026 Budget

• Improving School Facilities and Learning Environment

The prefecture will upgrade equipment and facilities at prefectural schools, including installing large-capacity spot coolers and converting restrooms to Western-style toilets.

Saga will also launch the SSP Batons Project, which incorporates students' ideas into school facility improvements.

• Preparations for a New Prefectural University

Efforts are underway to establish a new prefectural university. Plans include recruiting faculty members and conducting outreach to high school students through school visits and promotional activities.

• Expanding Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Saga Prefecture has been matching people with disabilities to agricultural work and will now expand this initiative to the manufacturing sector, aiming to broaden employment fields and promote inclusive workplaces.

• Strengthening Library Services and Professional Training

The budget includes measures to enhance librarian training and prepare for a national convention involving dictionary and reading・related organizations, aimed at advancing library development.

• Advancing Digital Transformation and Society 5.0

Saga will develop demonstration fields to integrate digital technologies into society.

Examples include:

・ AI‑enhanced cameras and microphones at SAGA Arena for automated editing and monitoring

・ A system that detects road sinkholes and damage using satellite data and vehicle dashcam footage

• New Dormitory for Women Athletes

To support athlete development, the prefecture will renovate unused facilities into a dormitory for female athletes. The building will include dining spaces on each of its three floors and accommodate up to 40 residents.

• Renovation of Yoshinogari Artifact Storage with the University of Tokyo

In collaboration with the University of Tokyo, Saga will renovate the storage facility for artifacts from the Yoshinogari Ruins, one of Japan's most significant Yayoi-period sites.

The new facility will allow visitors to view artifacts in a showcase-style layout. The project lead noted that the display will resemble the “Terracotta Army” in its scale and impact.

• International Exhibition of Nabeshima Ware

To mark the 140th anniversary of Japan–Thailand friendship, Saga will exhibit Nabeshima・yaki, the prefecture's traditional porcelain once presented to a Thai princess, at the Bangkok National Museum.

The governor expressed hopes that the exhibition will help expand global markets for Saga's traditional crafts.

• Projects to Boost Karatsu City

Several initiatives will support Karatsu City, including:

・ Establishing an educational facility focused on plastic-related environmental issues

・ Preparing for the Tour de Kyushu bicycle race

・ Introducing parasailing as part of "KMAP", a marine sports promotion project

• Promoting the Cosmetics Industry

Saga has spent a decade developing its cosmetics industry in partnership with France. In 2025, the prefecture established and began hosting the GCC Asia-Pacific Division, an association promoting Asian cosmetic products with participation from 14 countries.

As a result, European companies have shown increased interest, and Saga's cosmetics production has grown 2.2 times.

In March 2026, Saga will host an international conference on Asian cosmetics at SAGA Arena.

• Promoting Horticultural Agriculture

Saga aims to achieve 88.8 billion yen in horticultural agricultural sales. Interest among young farmers is rising, particularly in using digital technologies to expand production.

In 2026, the prefecture will introduce grants to support farm expansion and create an incentive program for companies entering the agricultural sector.

• Infrastructure Development

Part of the Ariake Seaside Road will be completed by March 2027, improving connectivity between Karatsu City and Saga City.