#Japan #Crowdfunding #Kakegawa #For Good #Amekaze Taiyo

A New Partnership to Empower Local Initiatives

In an exciting development, Amekaze Taiyo, known for its direct sales app "Pocket Marche," has partnered with For Good, a crowdfunding platform focused on social good. This collaboration aims to support the winners of the Amekaze Taiyo Award in their fundraising endeavors through crowdfunding, providing them with essential resources to connect with consumers and communities.

The initiative was officially announced recently and is set to launch its first crowdfunding project soon. The collaboration is designed to help recipients of the 2025 Amekaze Taiyo Award leverage crowdfunding as a viable funding option, alongside special incentives such as reduced fees and promotional support through featured web pages on the For Good platform. The goal is to not only raise funds but also enhance visibility for these innovative projects.

Overview of the Partnership

The partnership between Amekaze Taiyo and For Good will facilitate new challenges for businesses across Japan. As part of this initiative, the award winners from the Amekaze Taiyo Award will enjoy benefits such as:

1. Fee Discounts on the “Together Plan”: Award winners can access the “Together Plan” at a special rate of 5%, significantly reduced from the standard 7%, as a part of their recognition.
2. Featured Project Pages: Projects launched under this collaboration will be highlighted on a dedicated page within For Good, showcasing their initiatives as part of the Amekaze Taiyo Award.

Special Features of the First Project

The first crowdfunding project to launch through this collaboration comes from Masami Okubo, the winner of the 2025 Amekaze Taiyo Award. His project aims to establish the “Kakegawa Agricultural Club” in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, which seeks to foster a community-driven approach to agricultural education.

Drawing from his experience as a former agricultural high school teacher, Okubo is motivated by the diminishing presence of extracurricular activities in schools and the need for the community to step in and ensure such opportunities continue. His project aspires to create a sustainable model that intertwines agriculture with educational opportunities, invigorating community spirit and advancing regional revitalization.

About the Amekaze Taiyo Award

The Amekaze Taiyo Award recognizes businesses engaged in various services, such as the "Pocket Marche" direct sales platform and “STAY JAPAN,” which focuses on promoting local tourism and community involvement. The award evaluates participants based on the novelty of their initiatives and their social and economic impacts. By highlighting these efforts, the award seeks to increase consumer awareness and foster an active engagement with local businesses.

Challenges for Local Businesses

Japanese businesses are increasingly facing various challenges, including rising raw material costs and a shortage of successors. Securing funding has become a critical issue for sustainability and continuity within local enterprises. For Good specializes in crowdfunding initiatives aimed at making a positive social impact, boasting a high success rate and robust support network. This collaborative effort aims to provide businesses with crucial funding avenues and build bridges between urban and rural communities.

About For Good

For Good is dedicated to supporting initiatives that aim to improve society through a zero-fee model for listing crowdfunding projects. They provide comprehensive support for first-time challengers, helping numerous social good projects come to fruition. This platform connects those who wish to effect change in areas like the environment, education, and community revitalization with backers who share similar goals.

Company Details

Amekaze Taiyo operates under the mission of intermixing urban and rural dynamics to foster sustainability in local communities across Japan. By bridging the gap between producers and consumers, they are committed to ensuring a vibrant future for Japanese society. Their diverse ventures span food supply, tourism, marriage support, and local governmental assistance.

Company Name: Amekaze Taiyo Co., Ltd.
CEO: Hiroyuki Takahashi
Location: 43-2, Ootori 1-chome, Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Website: Amekaze Taiyo