#Japan #Trust Bank #NekoFuru #Neko Republic #Hida, Gifu

NekoFuru: Connecting Cat Lovers with Communities through Hometown Tax

On September 16, 2026, a new platform named "NekoFuru" will launch, aimed at bridging the gap between cat enthusiasts and local communities. This innovative initiative is a collaboration between Neko Partners, based in Hida, Gifu, and Trust Bank, a leading operator of hometown tax-related services. NekoFuru allows passionate cat lovers to support local regions while enjoying a variety of hometown tax benefits.

The service, facilitated by Neko Partners, is backed by a subsidiary of Neko Republic, a company dedicated to the welfare of stray cats and operating cat cafes across Japan. Unlike standard hometown tax platforms, NekoFuru employs the framework of Trust Bank's well-established "Furusato Choice" system. This setup permits contributions not only in exchange for cat-themed rewards but also extends to an extensive range of items such as food, daily necessities, craft products, and travel experiences.

Expanding Support for Stray Cats

The concept of NekoFuru emerges from past successful collaborations, particularly utilizing Trust Bank's Government Crowdfunding (GCF) model. This model seeks to address various community challenges and develop compassionate connections between local governments and potential donors. For instance, Gifu City has previously partnered with Neko Republic to pursue ambitions such as achieving zero euthanasia rates for stray cats and fostering sustainable care initiatives.

The 2023 initiative focused on facilitating the care and adoption of rescued cats, with a state-of-the-art shelter serving as the operational base. The project attracted 204 supporters, surpassing its initial funding goals. Similarly, the ongoing projects for 2024 aim to establish swift response mechanisms for cat welfare issues, with a total fundraising target met by donations exceeding 18 million yen from 114 individuals.

Key Features of NekoFuru

1. A Wide Selection of Rewards

NekoFuru allows donors to pick rewards from a broad spectrum of participating municipalities. In addition to the usual cat-related items, contributors can choose from foods, beverages, household goods, electronics, and experiences, paving the way for diverse giving opportunities. Importantly, the tax deduction processes remain consistent with the traditional hometown tax framework, and there are no extra charges for using NekoFuru.

2. Discovery Through Cats

NekoFuru does more than just connect cats and people; it offers a unique angle for exploring treasurable community initiatives. By promoting local projects focused on supporting stray and community cats, as well as fostering environments suitable for both cats and humans, users can immerse themselves in previously unknown locales. The underlying principle of fostering community connections through shared affection for cats is a powerful tool for engagement.

3. Funding for Cat Welfare Initiatives

Neko Partners commits a portion of the revenue generated from managing the NekoFuru platform to support Neko Republic's ongoing welfare projects for stray cats. Importantly, donations received by local governments are channeled entirely toward the designated causes chosen by contributors, ensuring funding for community-driven initiatives rather than operating costs.

Conclusion

NekoFuru represents much more than just a new platform; it is an innovative approach to philanthropy that encourages individuals to connect with their communities via the lens of cat welfare. As Neko Partners and Trust Bank continue to pave the way for this initiative, the future looks bright for cat lovers and communities seeking to create meaningful bonds.

Visit NekoFuru's official website to learn more about this exciting new project and how you can get involved.

• ---

About Neko Partners and Trust Bank

Neko Partners is a subsidiary of Neko Republic, which is committed to protecting stray cats. Trust Bank, established in April 2012, has been a pioneer in hometown tax services, notably launching the first comprehensive hometown tax site, "Furusato Choice," with partnerships across nearly 1700 municipalities across Japan.

Future Initiatives

As the platform continues to develop, both Neko Partners and Trust Bank will explore new ways to enhance community engagement through meaningful partnerships and innovative fundraising strategies, ensuring that every cat finds a loving home and every community has the resources it needs to thrive.