#Japan #Tokyo #Furusato Tax #GDX #Portal Sites

Overview of the Municipalities' Furusato Tax Portal Use

The General Incorporated Association for Local Government DX Promotion (GDX) recently published findings from their Furusato Tax Actual Conditions Survey Report for May 2025 after gathering responses from 303 municipalities. The purpose of this survey was to understand the operational state of the Furusato tax system, the new initiatives undertaken, and the challenges faced to promote further development and effective management of the system.

Key Findings of the Survey

Distribution of Portal Site Utilization

The average number of portal sites utilized by municipalities was found to be 11.3, with a median of 11 sites. The range varies significantly, with some municipalities using as few as 1 site and others using as many as 28. Below are the details on the distribution:

• - 1–5 sites: 14.9% (45 municipalities)
• - 6–10 sites: 26.7% (81 municipalities)
• - 11–15 sites: 37.6% (114 municipalities)
• - 16–20 sites: 15.2% (46 municipalities)
• - 21 sites and above: 5.6% (17 municipalities)

Dominance of Major Portals

The report indicates that the top four portal sites hold an impressive 94% share of the donations market. The average donation ratios for these sites among 278 municipalities are as follows:

• - Rakuten Furusato Tax: 33.9% (leading the market)
• - SatoFuru: 24.3%
• - Furusato Choice: 23.3%
• - Furunavi: 12.5%
• - Amazon Furusato Tax: 0.8%

Rakuten Furusato Tax dominates the market with approximately a third of the total share, showcasing its strong influence within the points economy. Meanwhile, SatoFuru and Furusato Choice are engaged in a fierce competition for second place, highlighting a vibrant competitive landscape.

Standardizing Return Rates

About 76% of the municipalities have standardized their return rates across different portal sites, signaling an emphasis on management efficiency and fairness in their approaches to donations. This strategy helps to streamline processes and maintain equity among the participating municipalities.

Upcoming Event: Report Presentation and Discussion

These survey results will be officially presented at the Furusato Tax Actual Conditions Survey Report Meeting, scheduled for July 30, 2025. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore insights based on feedback from over 300 Furusato tax officials.

Seminar Content

The seminar will focus on elucidating the realities of the system's operations based on common challenges faced by many municipalities and characteristics of organizations that have achieved success. Moreover, the latest Furusato tax-related services will be introduced, serving as valuable hints for improving operational efficiency and increasing donation amounts for participating municipalities. All attendees will also receive a complimentary copy of the Furusato Tax Actual Conditions Survey Report.

Event Details

• - Date: July 30, 2025 (Wednesday), 10:00–11:30 AM (Doors open at 9:50 AM)
• - Format: Online via Zoom (URL will be distributed by email two days before event)
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Capacity: 100 participants (Please register early)
• - Target Audience: Municipal staff, GDX members

Registration

To register for the online seminar, please click here or contact us directly via email at [email protected] or call at 03-6683-0106.

About GDX

The General Incorporated Association for Local Government DX Promotion (GDX) is dedicated to advancing the digital transformation of local governments and fostering sustainable development in regional communities. By collaborating with municipalities, GDX supports the resolution of local issues and the creation of innovations using digital technology. It serves as a bridge between local governments and businesses, facilitating partnerships aimed at accelerating regional revitalization through digital transformation. For inquiries, please contact:

• - Address: 3F, R Cube Aoyama, 1-3-1 Kita Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo
• - Phone: 03-6683-0106
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Website: GDX Official