#Japan #Fukuoka #Fukuoka City #Borderless Japan #Furusato Nouzei

Fukuoka City Launches a New Crowdfunding Initiative

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Furusato Nouzei for Good, a crowdfunding platform managed by Borderless Japan, has teamed up with Fukuoka City to launch a new initiative aimed at supporting five social startups identified as crucial for addressing community challenges. This endeavor is part of a government-backed movement promoting crowdfunding as a means of enhancing local entrepreneurship and social innovation.

Starting on August 3, 2026, the platform will open its doors for donations linked to the 2026 Fukuoka City Social Startup Growth Support Subsidy. This project will not only aid the operations of these startups but also encourage community involvement by allowing donors to select the specific projects they wish to support.

The Kickoff Event and Five Innovative Projects

On the same day as the launch of the crowdfunding initiative, a joint kickoff event will take place between Furusato Nouzei and Fukuoka Social Startup Acceleration, where eleven certified companies will present their ideas in front of mayor Soichiro Takashima and potential investors. The five selected startups span diverse sectors, including sports education, eco-friendly skincare, traditional incense making, healthcare mobility, and a uniform reuse platform, all united in their mission to resolve local issues through entrepreneurship.

Project Highlights:

1. Kisoron by AddS: This project, led by Ryota Hayasaka, focuses on creating an online learning platform that merges sports and education, aiming to broaden students' choices for a better future. Fundraising Goal: ¥2,100,000
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2. Natural Skincare by ORARE: Natsuki Gondo aims to expand a natural skincare brand that prioritizes the health of both people and the planet. Their mission is to ensure a sustainable future. Fundraising Goal: ¥1,000,000
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3. Crystal Incense by Camp Girls: Co-founders Michihiro Shibagaki and Karen Hashimoto will promote handmade, additive-free incense made from local plant resources, supporting both cultural heritage and local economies. Fundraising Goal: ¥300,000
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4. Machi-Kan by Tomori: Helmed by Aya Ninomiya, this project offers a mobility service that connects nursing support with transportation, providing essential assistance to families during hospital visits. Fundraising Goal: ¥4,800,000
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5. Uniform Loop by MamaLeaf: Ayumi Toyofuku heads this platform that matches families with safe, budget-friendly uniform reuse options, thereby promoting sustainable parenting solutions. Fundraising Goal: ¥2,100,000
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Methodology of the Initiative

This initiative brilliantly combines crowdfunding with the unique aspects of Furusato Nouzei, allowing donors not only to contribute but also to receive local specialties in return, although city residents are excluded from receiving gifts. They also benefit from tax deductions on their contributions, encouraging a greater willingness to give.

In addition to financial support, Fukuoka City is committed to nurturing entrepreneurs who wish to effect positive change in society by providing robust backing for fundraising efforts.

The themes of the five projects released showcase a commitment to social causes, enriched by entrepreneurial spirit aiming to address education, environmental issues, traditional crafts, healthcare needs, and childcare support in their local community.

Ultimately, Furusato Nouzei for Good seeks to foster an ecosystem where passionate individuals dedicated to community betterment can connect with supporters who share their vision, continuously propelling Fukuoka City down the path of sustainable growth and innovation.

About Furusato Nouzei for Good

Furusato Nouzei for Good strives to become Japan's top platform for socially impactful crowdfunding within the murky waters of traditional donation systems. By focusing on the mission and purpose behind each donation, the platform encourages a thriving community of donors and innovators aligned toward common goals, providing a new avenue for support and impact.

For further inquiries, or to support these projects, please visit Furusato for Good.

About Borderless Japan

Founded in 2007, Borderless Japan focuses exclusively on social business aimed at solving various societal issues. With projects addressing poverty, environment, education, and gender equality across 15 countries, they envision sales reaching ¥10.5 billion by 2025, earning them multiple awards for their innovative business model. For more information, visit Borderless Japan.