Ness's Initiative Delivers 15.7 Tons of Rice to Support Children Across Japan

Supporting Children Across Japan with Rice Donations

Ness Inc., a company based in Setagaya, Tokyo, is on a mission to tackle disparity in opportunities for children through its innovative project "Kodomo Furusato Bin". By utilizing the Furusato Nozei (hometown tax donation) system, the company delivers regional specialties and experiences as "support items" to various initiatives like child feeding programs, single-parent households, and seriously ill children. This effort has significantly impacted communities across Japan, with a remarkable total donation of 15.7 tons of rice by the end of the fiscal year 2025.

Asahikawa Rice Donation of 4.5 Tons

In early March of this year, as part of the project in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Ness delivered a whopping 4.5 tons of premium "Nanatsuboshi" rice—equivalent to 2,250 bags of 2 kg each. This collaboration with local organizations ensured that the rice reached ten different regions, including both Tokyo and Fukuoka. More specifically, on March 2, 960 kg of rice was despatched to the non-profit organization Food Bank TAMA, where volunteers meticulously inspected and prepared the rice for distribution across various community centers.

On March 7, an additional shipment of 480 rice bags was passed on through Food Bank TAMA to the single-parent support group "Tachikawa Mirai," resulting in direct assistance for 150 households on the same day.

Voices from the Participants and Supporting Organizations

Many participants expressed their immense gratitude for the rice support. One recipient shared, "Having rice means we can manage dinner. This help is invaluable." Another remarked, "It’s heartening to have supporters like you, making us strive harder to improve our situation."

Support organizations echoed these sentiments. Shiba Haraichiro, a board member of Food Bank TAMA, noted the special significance of such quality rice donations, explaining, "While stockpiled rice is appreciated, receiving this premium white rice is indeed exceptional. We will cherish this donation."

Today, supporting organizations like Tachikawa Mirai stressed the importance of rice for single-parent families, stating, "Especially in tough economic times, this rice is crucial for basic sustenance. The quality of this brand rice moved many to tears upon receiving it."

Accomplishments of the Project

As this initiative wrapped up, the 2025 results from the Asahikawa project showcased an impressive cumulative donation of 15,743 kg (approximately 15.7 tons) with outreach extended to 47 prefectures across Japan. Furthermore, the project included partnerships with 716 distribution organizations. The initiative even garnered awards as a commendable example in the "9th Furusato Nozei Municipalities Alliance Award."

More about the Kodomo Furusato Bin Project

Asahikawa City effectively utilizes Furusato Nozei to deliver locally grown rice to child welfare programs nationally. Given the surge in households needing food assistance due to rising living costs, the city focuses on providing its premier agricultural products. The aim is to maintain contributions of this rice continuously, with an ambitious goal of reaching a cumulative donation of 100 tons. Moreover, the project seeks to communicate the charm of Asahikawa rice to children all over the nation and is even contemplating assistance for other agricultural products in the future.

For more details on the Kodomo Furusato Bin project, visit Kodomo Furusato Official Site.

The Innovative Approach of Kodomo Furusato Bin

The "Kodomo Furusato Bin" program capitalizes on the Furusato Nozei framework to send local specialties as "support items" to children in need. Donors not only receive a typical return gift from their hometowns but also get to be part of this impactful child support initiative. Furthermore, they can choose the organizations and locations to which their aid goes, making this a heartfelt approach to charitable giving.

This initiative officially launched in December 2025 in collaboration with six municipalities, including Asahikawa City, aiming to extend aid to 10-20 more regions in the fiscal year 2026.

For additional insights, check out the official site: Ness Inc. Official Site.