AKITA -- A remote town nestled among the cedar-covered mountains of Akita Prefecture was suddenly in the spotlight recently due to its unique efforts to protect the rights of its senior citizens.

The Takanosu town assembly approved legislation in December that clearly defines the actions that nursing-care providers can and cannot take to force their charges to do something that goes against their will -- measures that have in the past included binding them to their beds.

Under the ordinance, which was proposed by Mayor Tetsu Iwakawa and took effect on April 1, such actions are allowed only in emergencies or when the mayor gives approval.