KOBE -- Some words of advice for those who dream of laying their hands on 100 million yen -- don't spend money on lottery tickets, just join a tour organized by the Bank of Japan's Kobe branch.

In an effort to have the public better understand the work of the central government, the BOJ's Kobe branch in Chuo Ward has been conducting its "BOJ Exploration Tour" since April.

While similar tours have been organized by the bank's headquarters in Tokyo and at other 33 branches nationwide, the tour at the Kobe branch has become popular due mainly to its unique content, which was planned by branch chief Shigyo Kimura and is being managed by its 23 officials.