#Japan #Tokyo #LOCUS BRiDGE #Hometown Tax #Otoriyose Net

The Launch of the Hometown Tax Gourmet Award

A new initiative has been introduced that places a spotlight on local food and culinary creativity in Japan. Co-hosted by Otoriyose Net, which operates Japan's largest information site for ordering regional specialties, and LOCUS BRiDGE, a company dedicated to regional revitalization, the Hometown Tax Gourmet Award aims to celebrate the unique flavors and heartfelt stories behind local food offerings available through the hometown tax system.

This annual award focuses specifically on the food sector of hometown tax return gifts. It seeks to identify and reward products that are visually appealing, delicious, and rich in narrative, the kind of items that invite stories to be told. Registration for this inaugural event began on July 1, 2025, marking the start of a new chapter in the hometown tax initiative.

Background and Significance of the Award

The decision to hold this award comes in light of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' latest survey on hometown tax, which reported that donations have reached a record high of approximately 1.1175 trillion yen, with nearly 58.94 million contributions recorded. These figures highlight how the hometown tax system has become entrenched as a vital support mechanism for local economies and community development, with a diversification in the selection of return gifts.

The Hometown Tax Gourmet Award seeks to spotlight those local products born from diligent craftsmanship and creativity, particularly in the realm of food. This sector was chosen deliberately to enhance connection with users and effectively convey the stories of producers. The aim is to communicate multifaceted appeal, including taste, product quality, background stories, and packaging, ultimately encouraging donations and broader support for local areas.

Otoriyose Net's Role in Supporting Local Producers

Since its establishment in 2003, Otoriyose Net has been a giant in the field of food ordering services, currently promoting around 6,300 local products and the sentiments of their creators. With a promise to bridge food e-commerce and hometown tax offerings, Otoriyose Net aims to widely circulate the compelling stories and attributes of local products. Partnering with LOCUS BRiDGE, recognized for its success in regional revitalization support, they aim to amplify the appeal of these local gifts by highlighting the flavors and narratives tied to each product.

Award Details and Registration Information

Registration Period

• - From July 1, 2025 to August 26, 2025, 23:59

Participation Fee

• - 30,000 yen per product

- Applicants will be provided transfer details via email after applying. If an invoice is required, please enter the information at the time of application.
- A maximum of 10 items can be submitted from a single local government (up to three items in the same category).

Eligibility Requirements

• - Local governments and businesses involved in hometown tax projects (local producers, regional commercial entities, intermediaries, etc.) are eligible to apply.
• - The awards are particularly focused on gifts that reflect community efforts for future improvement and must currently be offered as hometown tax return gifts.

Judging Criteria and Process

• - The judging process will be thorough, assessing not only the quality and desirability of the gifts but also the intention and creativity behind the producers. Elements such as packaging and the reporting of donation fund uses will be included in the evaluations.

Awards Presentation

• - The award will include categories for Grand Prize, Runner-up, Special Awards, and more, with the final ceremony scheduled for November 6, 2025, in Tokyo.

Notable Judges

The judging panel consists of key figures in the hometown tax and gourmet sectors, including:

• - Yuji Tamura from Rakuten Group, responsible for boosting regional economies through hometown tax initiatives.
• - Hideki Kato of Aimobile, a leader in supporting local governments in fundraising efforts through innovative online projects.
• - Shintaro Suga, known for his expertise in food product development and enhancing the quality of returns in the hometown tax system.

In summary, the Hometown Tax Gourmet Award stands as a unique opportunity for local producers to gain recognition and amplify their stories, thus enriching the overall narrative of Japan's diverse regional cuisines. Interested parties are encouraged to participate and showcase the authenticity and passion represented in their contributions.