An Osaka-based magazine that helps homeless people earn money by selling the publication on the street is spreading to other cities.
Shoji Sano, 61, who publishes Big Issue Japan, said citizens' groups in Sapporo, Nagoya and Kitakyushu have contacted him about introducing the magazine in their areas.
"Inquiries coming from other cities are very encouraging," Sano said. "The homeless problem is a labor problem, in essence, and we believe a private-sector effort to create jobs is the only way to solve the problem."