Empowering Local Solutions Through Corporate Hometown Tax Initiatives

In a groundbreaking initiative, Crossfields, a non-profit organization based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, collaborates with Gassaku, a company from Oosaki, Kagoshima Prefecture, to launch a program aimed at spurring social innovation at the local level. Named Social Innovation Mission Local 2026 in Oosaki, this business development program will commence in October 2026, utilizing the system of corporate hometown tax to accelerate solutions to regional challenges.

Free Online Event to Kick Off the Program

To commence the recruitment for participants, an online event will be held discussing "Why is Japan's Local Social Innovation So Exciting Right Now?" The event is free of charge and will feature guest speakers, including Koumi Nishitō from Gassaku, who has experience in addressing local issues, and Tomohiro Kitagawa from MISO SOUP, a company committed to social challenges. Interested parties are encouraged to participate and gain insights into social innovation.

Recruitment for Participating Companies

Currently, Gassaku is actively seeking companies to join this initiative. Organizations interested in participating are welcome to reach out for more details.

The Growing Momentum for Corporate Involvement

Recently, there has been a marked increase in private corporate efforts to tackle social issues through business ventures. This trend extends beyond mere CSR activities and donations, with companies leveraging their unique assets and technologies to align social value with economic gain, giving rise to innovative business developments. The corporate hometown tax system stands out as a powerful enabler of this trend, reducing up to 90% of corporate tax liabilities and providing a new path for creating impactful social enterprises.

In Oosaki, known for its advanced regional problem-solving practices, participating companies will directly engage with social issues in Japan and harness their expertise to devise innovative solutions aimed at local challenges. The following are the three key features of the Social Innovation Mission Local 2026 program:

1. Accelerating the Creation of Social Impact Ventures
When large corporations seek to develop social problem-solving enterprises, securing initial funding often presents a significant barrier. Utilizing corporate hometown tax as a strategic tool can help overcome these financial challenges. This program focuses on using the potential of corporate hometown tax as a viable exit strategy for launching new businesses aimed at social problem-solving.

2. Expertise in Social Enterprise and Collaboration
Gassaku has long been a leader in fostering collaborative efforts within the community. They have continuously implemented public-private collaborations in Oosaki, leveraging corporate hometown tax funds to drive societal change. Oosaki boasts one of the highest recycling rates in Japan, and its collaborative network serves as an exemplary model for sustainable community systems, drawing attention from both national and international observers.

3. Comprehensive 3-Month Program for Business Creation
Crossfields has previously facilitated the Social Innovation Mission (SIM) in emerging nations like Kenya, India, and Indonesia, providing participants with hands-on experiences in addressing social issues. The Social Innovation Mission Local 2026 program distills the knowledge and methodologies acquired through these international programs, focusing on establishing strong connections with local stakeholders and fostering business ideas aims to make a tangible impact during field experiments in Oosaki.

How to Get Involved

The program seeks companies interested in establishing social solution-oriented businesses. Below are the key details:

- Location: Oosaki, Kagoshima, and select venues in Tokyo
- Target Audience: Departments aiming to launch social problem-solving ventures
- Capacity: 20 participants (2-4 representatives from each company), minimum of 3 companies required to proceed
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

Contact: [email protected] (Contact: Ayako Takuma, Watanabe)

Upcoming Online Event

On July 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM, a free online session featuring the aforementioned guest speakers will delve into the exciting opportunities that local social innovations present in Japan. Everyone is encouraged to attend and learn more about this important initiative.

Executive Insights

Aiko Takuma, the Head Manager of Solution Co-creation Business at Crossfields, emphasizes that by applying expertise developed in addressing international social issues, they aim to create a fertile ground for social innovation in Japan's regional contexts using corporate hometown tax effectively.

About Crossfields

Crossfields is a non-profit organization committed to bridging the gap between the workforce and global social issues, enhancing both societal advancement and leadership development. Through programs aimed at direct engagement with social problems, such as domestic and international study tours, they strive to create meaningful change.
Learn more about Crossfields at Crossfields.

The Social Innovation Mission Local 2026 in Oosaki serves as a significant step toward reinforcing corporate responsibility, fostering community engagement, and creating sustainable solutions to local challenges while boosting economic growth.