#Japan #Tokyo #DD Group #BIG GATE #地域創生事業

DD Group's New Venture into Regional Revitalization

In a notable move, DD Group, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, and led by CEO Atsuhisa Matsumura, has officially entered the regional revitalization sector by acquiring Big Gate, a recognized intermediary in the Furusato Tax program based in Ishinomaki, Miyagi. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to create significant impacts on local communities.

The Strategic Alliance

With Big Gate under its umbrella as of July 31, 2026, DD Group is poised to initiate its new flagship project: the 'Regional Revitalization Business'. The partnership fuses DD Group's extensive restaurant network and marketing expertise with Big Gate's established ties with local governments and its innovative payment solution called 'Payful'. Together, they aim to address local challenges and energize regional economies.

Background and Objectives

Across Japan, many municipalities are enhancing their recognition and branding through specific regional products and culinary offerings by utilizing the Furusato Tax framework. However, there is a growing need for new PR strategies that do not solely rely on conventional web portals. Moreover, in light of climate change, there is an urgent demand for sustainable practices within local agricultural, livestock, and processing sectors. DD Group plans to leverage its branding knowledge in food production and develop partnerships that support local governments and producers.

Four Key Initiatives of the 'Regional Revitalization Business'

1. Sustainable Expansion of Furusato Tax Donations
By utilizing their marketing prowess and product development capabilities, DD Group will aim for a steady increase in donations rather than merely offering administrative support. This increase is expected to bolster local infrastructure and industry, contributing to the legacy of Japan's rich culinary traditions.

2. Reconstructing Food Distribution Networks through a Sharing Platform
DD Plus, a subsidiary within the DD Group, extends its network through a 'Sharing Platform' that involves around 900 stores, both directly managed and partnered. This platform will facilitate the direct distribution of premium locally sourced ingredients discovered through the Furusato Tax initiative to urban stores, thus forming a new model of food product distribution that efficiently connects producers, stores, and consumers.

3. Promoting Local Brands through Real Experience Marketing
Stores established in prime urban locations will serve as media outlets to provide consumers with direct dining experiences that showcase the allure of local offerings, a strategy that goes beyond mere internet portals. This will help create new regional brands and elevate their appeal in metropolitan areas.

4. Supporting Sustainable Production Environments amidst Climate Change
DD Group recognizes the importance of stable demand in the restaurant sector, which can deeply connect with local producers in agriculture, livestock, and processing. By providing predictable demand, they aim to establish stable operations for producers, thus fostering the long-term sustainability of regional industries.

Future Developments

Moving ahead, DD Group will engage in establishing comprehensive partnership agreements with municipal governments to promote regional brand creation. Plans include hosting regional food culture fairs in physical stores and launching pop-up concept shops throughout urban locations. In the long term, DD Group seeks to create a vertically integrated business model incorporating the restaurant sector, the Furusato Tax system, and regional manufacturing processes.

Company Profiles

Big Gate, Inc.

• - CEO: Masahiro Ozeki
• - Location: 6-14-24 Nakazato, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi, 3rd Floor Nakazato Building
• - Business Focus: Regional commerce, Furusato tax support and payment services ('Payful'), system development.
• - Overview: Big Gate aims to make regions wealthier through technology by providing support for the Furusato Tax and resolving local issues. Their immediate donation system, 'Payful', offers immediate contribution capabilities, creating collaborations with municipal governments, enhancing self-sustained revenue strategies for local communities.
• - Website: Big Gate

DD Group, Inc.

• - CEO: Atsuhisa Matsumura
• - Location: 4-1-23 Shiba, Minato, Tokyo, 18th Floor Mita NN Building
• - Business Focus: Food service, licensing, sharing platform initiatives.
• - Overview: DD Group excels in providing rich experiential values through diverse restaurant and entertainment offerings, aiming to develop 100 unique business formats showcased across various brands, especially in urban settings.
• - Website: DD Group