SAPPORO — Inmates at Abashiri Prison in Hokkaido are producing garbage cages that are winning strong popularity from resident associations and other groups because they save space and deter crows.

"We can contribute to society by making the towns cleaner," said Fumihiko Fujikawa, chief warden of the facility, which has gained fame due to the "Abashiri Prison" movie series.

The light, steel-framed cages with nylon netting are 115 cm wide, 90 cm deep and 90 cm high, and can hold about 20 garbage bags each containing 45 liters of waste. When not used, the cages can be folded up as small as a tatami mat and stowed out of the way.