Nagano's Miyata Village Tops the 'Desirable Countryside' Rankings with Digital Coupon Initiative

Introduction

Nagano Prefecture's Miyata Village has recently garnered national attention by securing the top spot in the 'Desirable Countryside' rankings, as noted in the 2021 edition of the magazine from Takarajimasha. As part of its initiatives to combat rising living costs, Miyata Village has adopted a digital coupon program aimed at supporting local households, provided by SB Gift Corporation, a subsidiary of SoftBank Group.

Background of the Initiative

With the escalation of prices affecting the daily lives of its residents, Miyata Village has embarked on the "Miyata Village Support Coupon" initiative. This program is designed to provide essential support, ensuring that households can maintain a stable standard of living amidst the challenging economic landscape. The adoption of SB Gift's digital coupons aims to streamline distribution, enhance convenience for both businesses and residents, and improve the operational efficiency of managing this initiative.

Key Features of the Miyata Village Support Coupon Program

- Objective: To aid households in Miyata Village negatively impacted by rising prices.
- Eligible Participants: Households registered in the Miyata Village basic resident registry as of December 1, 2025.
- Scheduled Distribution: Late December 2025.
- Validity Period: Until February 15, 2026.
- Support Details: Each set is worth 6,000 yen (comprising a 2,000 yen universal coupon valid at all stores and 4,000 yen intended for designated outlets).
- Distribution Numbers: One set (6,000 yen) for 1-2 person households and two sets (12,000 yen) for households of three or more.
- Participating Stores: Local retail shops, grocery stores, and drugstores registered as participating establishments in Miyata Village.

Advantages of Adopting SB Gift's Digital Coupons

The integration of SB Gift's digital coupons brings several advantages that facilitate smooth operation and effective data utilization for local government initiatives:

- Zero Burden on Businesses: The system operates entirely through users' smartphones, eliminating the need for specialized equipment or new contracts for establishments, thereby reducing operational stress on businesses.
- Enhanced Data Utilization: By correlating coupon usage data with resident demographics, comprehensive behavioral insights such as "when, where, and which demographics utilized the coupons" can be visualized. This data will be instrumental for assessing the effectiveness of implemented measures and refining future initiatives.
- Swift Implementation: Leveraging an existing system infrastructure allows for a fast-tracked initiation, typically within about a month, which is crucial for urgent support measures.
- Flexible Distribution Methods: Coupons can be distributed through various channels such as email, LINE, or QR code tickets, tailored to align with the characteristics of the program and the target audience.

User Experience with Digital Coupons

Users can effortlessly redeem their coupons by entering a unique code on their smartphones, confirming the transaction on their screen, making the whole process streamlined and straightforward.

Future Developments

Moving forward, SB Gift continues to explore ways to facilitate local governance through tools like the "Local Revitalization Coupon". Their objective is to address local challenges effectively while delivering benefits to local governments, residents, and businesses alike, especially amid financial pressures like price hikes.

Comparing to Traditional Methods

In contrast to conventional cash assistance programs, utilizing the "Local Revitalization Coupon" method minimizes administrative costs and fosters commerce within local stores. The lack of required equipment and the user-friendly approach designed for individuals, including the elderly, makes this solution both practical and efficient.
For more information on the Local Revitalization Coupon and to explore adoption inquiries, visit: SB Gift Contact.

About SB Gift Corporation

SB Gift Corporation, as part of the SoftBank Group, focuses on providing digital gift services along with O2O solutions, such as the Local Revitalization Coupon. With over 100 million distributed digital gifts, it caters to various demands in promotional campaigns for enterprises and local initiatives.

- Corporate Information: Founded in September 2006, SB Gift is headquartered in Fukuoka and maintains additional operations in Tokyo.
- Website for Local Government Coupons: Local Government Coupon Details
- Official Website: SB Gift.

About Miyata Village

Miyata Village, nestled in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture, is renowned for its abundance of nature, located between the Southern and Central Alps. The village experiences low snowfall and high sunshine rates, creating a pleasant living environment and scenic beauty across all seasons. Notably, it was recognized as the number one desirable countryside in Japan based on the aforementioned rankings.