With many Japanese inns facing the threat of closure amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, people are turning to an online project to support them by making payments toward future stays.

The website of Tane Project enables people to register as supporters of listed inns and pay at least ¥5,000 ($47) toward a stay at the inn in the future.

The supporters receive proof of payment, valid for three years, and pay the remainder of the costs when they actually stay at the inns.