#digital coupons #Red Horse Corporation #Akashi City

Introduction

The Red Horse Corporation, based in Sumida, Tokyo, has partnered with Akashi City and Incomm Japan to introduce an innovative digital coupon gift system for those making furusato tax donations. This program marks a first in Japan, allowing donors to receive digital coupons that can be used at participating drugstores, starting from September 1, 2026. By utilizing these coupons, donors can select their desired products from the store at their convenience, eliminating the hassles associated with physical product delivery.

Reducing Logistics Burdens

Traditionally, furusato tax gifts have involved shipping physical goods, which incurs various logistics costs such as delivery fees and packaging materials. Additionally, managing inventory and order preparations presents further challenges. To improve the efficiency of this process, the Red Horse Corporation has been exploring new systems for furusato tax returns for over two years, aiming to reduce logistical burdens while enhancing donor convenience.

The Introduction of Digital Coupons

The newly established digital coupon system enables donors to use their coupons for product purchases at selected stores without needing to specify physical items beforehand. Instead, after making a donation, they will receive a digital coupon via email, which they can use at their desired store location to select the products they need at that moment. This model not only improves convenience for the donors but also simplifies the fulfillment process for the city and associated businesses.

Broad Accessibility

Once a donor completes their application through the furusato tax website, they will receive a digital coupon corresponding to their donation amount at their registered email address. The coupons can be used at approximately 4,800 stores across the Welcia and Sugi Drugstore chains nationwide. Donors simply need to display the coupon on their smartphones to redeem it for their chosen products.

Collaborative Efforts for Implementation

Implementing this innovative gift was a collaborative effort that required aligning various requirements from the furusato tax system, the digital coupon technology, and operational practices at drugstores. The Red Horse Corporation leveraged its expertise in managing furusato tax operations to effectively coordinate between Akashi City and Incomm Japan while negotiating the necessary adjustments to each entity's responsibilities. This collaboration represents the first application of Incomm Japan's