#Japan #Setagaya #donation #Nessu #Kodomo Furusato-bin

Introducing the 'Kodomo Furusato-bin'

A new initiative by Nessu Co., Ltd, based in Setagaya, Tokyo, has recently launched a dedicated portal for the 'Kodomo Furusato-bin' program, aimed at delivering local specialties and experiences to support children in need, such as those in children's cafeterias or single-parent households. This innovative approach uses the furusato tax system, which allows taxpayers to donate to local governments and receive regional products in return.

Why the 'Kodomo Furusato-bin' Matters

The 'Kodomo Furusato-bin' initiative not only provides essential items to children facing challenges but also allows donors to specify which region or organization their support should go to. The launch of this portal on October 14, 2025, enables a more personalized donation experience, aligning with the increasing trend toward empathy-driven contributions as opposed to purely profit-driven incentives. As point rewards for the furusato tax have ceased, the focus now shifts towards understanding and compassion for the causes donors support.

How It Works

The portal simplifies the donation process into three easy steps:

1. Choose a Local Government: Donors start by selecting the type of support they wish to provide—be it food products or experiences—and choose a local government to contribute to. Currently, Asahikawa City in Hokkaido leads the first project, aiming to provide 100 tons of rice to children across the nation.
Details about the Asahikawa project.

2. Select Delivery Destination: Donors can pick where their contributions will go. They can choose from various local governments across all 47 prefectures or directly support organizations dedicated to helping children in need. This selection process allows donors to directly impact the children they care about.

3. Choose a Reward: Finally, donors select a reward that will be delivered to them, which will not impact the value or quality of the gifts. The portal ensures that donors can receive rewards comparable to other sites while possibly paying less due to lower operational fees.

Community and Child Support

As part of the 'Kodomo Furusato-bin', multiple community organizations are already collaborating with Nessu, ensuring that the donations reach those who need them most. Current partnerships involve five organizations focused on various challenges children face.

Survey Insights

Recent surveys show that approximately 60% of furusato tax users express interest in utilizing the 'Kodomo Furusato-bin' program. Respondents praised the ability to direct their donations, leading to a higher satisfaction with the impact of their contributions. This is a notable shift away from traditional methods where the endpoint of donations remained unclear to donors. More than 70% of surveyed individuals found the option to select donation destinations appealing, highlighting a desire for transparency and involvement.

Future Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, Nessu aims to expand the initiative, bringing in more local governments and broadening the range of products available. The plan involves not only food items but also incorporating experiences and various types of local products to further enhance the support provided to struggling families. Thus, enhancing community ties and reducing food waste simultaneously.

Corporate Involvement

Nessu is also inviting businesses to participate through corporate furusato tax donations. By collaborating with local governments and supporting projects dedicated to youth, companies can also play a pivotal role in community upliftment.

Conclusion

With the establishment of the 'Kodomo Furusato-bin' portal, the opportunity for individuals to make a direct impact is more accessible than ever. As they explore ways to ensure children's needs are met, they also promote local economies and communal ties. As representatives like Yuuki Kido, Nessu’s CEO, puts it, this initiative can profoundly affect children’s lives by facilitating individual contributions to valuable causes.

Visit the Kodomo Furusato-bin official site for more information on how you can help.