#Japan #Trust Bank #Akita #Akita Prefecture #Health Project

Akita Prefecture and Trust Bank Collaborate for Health and Medical Improvement

On December 9, 2025, Akita Prefecture, led by Governor Kenta Suzuki, and Trust Bank, a leading operator of the hometown tax platform "Furusato Choice" based in Tokyo, announced a strategic partnership focused on health and medical improvements. This agreement aims to enhance residents' health and improve working conditions in medical facilities as part of the "Akita Health and Medical Protection Project."

The collaboration capitalizes on Trust Bank's three innovative services: individual hometown tax donations, Government Crowdfunding, and corporate hometown tax initiatives. This marks the first instance of integrating these methods.

Addressing Health Challenges in Akita

Akita Prefecture faces significant health challenges, with cancer mortality rates having ranked the worst in the nation for 28 consecutive years. Additionally, high rates of metabolic syndrome, obesity among children, and excessive salt intake compared to national averages highlight the urgent need for health indicators to improve. Coupled with a declining population and an aging demographic, the region also faces structural issues, including a shortage of healthcare professionals. This agreement aims to tackle these pressing issues through a comprehensive approach rooted in healthcare improvement.

Fundraising for Health Initiatives

As part of the "Akita Health and Medical Protection Project," the partnership will actively seek funding to bolster health-serving initiatives. Starting December 15, 2025, individual hometown tax donations will be accepted through "Furusato Choice". Donors can select from limited offerings such as the cancer screening course, brain check-up course, and MRI/MRA health examination course, thereby promoting a culture of “filial piety health screenings” from children living outside Akita to their parents residing in the prefecture.

Trust Bank also plans to initiate Government Crowdfunding aimed at fostering a society where everyone can live healthily and authentically. Corporate hometown tax donations will focus on establishing a sustainable medical service infrastructure. The collective effort will form what they are calling the "Akita Supporters," gathering contributions for the cause.

Project Goals and Future Plans

Objectives:

• - Extend the lifespan and promote the construction of a sustainable medical service system for Akita residents.

Key Partnership Actions:

1. Fundraising for health screenings as contributions.
2. Campaigns seeking donations for sustainable medical system initiatives.
3. Promoting a society where everyone can lead a healthy life through fundraising.
4. Public relations activities related to donor contributions.
5. Reporting progress and results of initiatives funded by donations back to contributors.

Timeline of Key Activities:

• - December 9, 2025: Signing of the partnership agreement.
• - December 15, 2025: Launch of donation acceptance on "Furusato Choice".

- Items available:
- Cancer Screening Course
- Link: Cancer Screening Course
- Brain Check-Up Course
- Link: Brain Check-Up Course
- MRI/MRA Course
- Link: MRI/MRA Course

• - December 2025: Launch of Government Crowdfunding.
• - April 2026: Beginning of the corporate hometown tax donation process.

Statements from Leadership

Governor Kenta Suzuki expressed, "This collaboration marks a new approach utilizing the hometown tax system to address significant health challenges that Akita faces. Our focus is on building a sustainable medical framework in light of challenges such as high rates of diseases related to lifestyle and an aging population. We sincerely hope for the support of all who wish to help improve our region's health and medical capabilities."

Jyun Ooi, CEO of Trust Bank, elaborated, "This initiative represents Akita as a 'challenge advanced prefecture' addressing healthcare issues through a new funding framework. Integrating three approaches to hometown tax fundraising creates a pioneering model for other regional initiatives across Japan. Under Governor Suzuki's leadership, we strive for a partnership that fosters trust and ongoing communication with contributors, ultimately enhancing the cycle of support and engagement in tackling these regional challenges."

Trust Bank is dedicated to building independent and sustainable communities, continually expanding services since establishing its "Furusato Choice" platform in 2012, which supports donations to over 1,700 municipalities across Japan.