#Japan #Tokyo #Furusato Tax #LOCUS BRiDGE #Gourmet Awards

Celebrating the Furusato Tax Gourmet Awards 2025

On November 6, 2025, LOCUS BRiDGE and Island Corporation will host the first-ever Furusato Tax Gourmet Awards ceremony at the Island Studio in Gaienmae, Tokyo. Scheduled to start at 1:00 PM, this event will spotlight 146 local return gifts from across Japan, all vying for recognition in various categories. Individuals and organizations involved in food production, local government representatives, and notable judges in the food and regional sectors will gather to celebrate and connect with each other.

The Furusato Tax Gourmet Awards aim to recognize return gifts that stand out for their taste, storytelling, and regional significance. The judging process included two rounds: an initial screening of documentation followed by a tasting round, resulting in a total of 19 awards including the Grand Prize and Special Jury Award.

Event Highlights

• - Date: November 6, 2025, from 13:00 to 15:00 (registration starts at 12:30)
• - Venue: Island Studio, 2nd Floor, Jinguumae IK Building, 3-1-25 Jinguumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Directions Here
• - Co-host Representatives: Keisuke Kurose (LOCUS BRiDGE) and Risaki Awaihara (Island Corporation)
• - Judges: Include industry leaders from Rakuten Group and other firms, as well as renowned food consultants and journalists known for their expertise in local delicacies.

Program Agenda

• - 13:00: Opening Remarks by Hosts
• - 13:10: Announcement of Category Awards and Special Awards
• - 13:40: Presentation of Grand Prize, Runner-Up, Gold Awards in each category, and Special Awards
• - 14:00: Tasting Reception and Media Response
• - 15:00: Closing

The Significance of the Awards

The Furusato Tax has significantly evolved, with total donations amounting to approximately 1.11 trillion yen and around 5.89 million contributions (as per the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, 2025). Despite this growth, a challenge lies ahead in effectively communicating the purpose of donations and fostering a genuine connection to the regions involved.

LOCUS BRiDGE has been an essential partner for municipalities in developing a community of supporters through donations. The Gourmet Awards, therefore, are designed to spotlight not just the culinary quality but also the narratives behind the producers and their cultural significance, enabling donors to form a deeper appreciation and connection that transcends mere financial support.

Collaborators in Focus

Otoriyose.net: As one of Japan's largest directories for local gourmet products, Otoriyose.net, established by Island Corporation in 2003, has introduced approximately 5,800 specialty items nationwide. By leveraging their expertise in discerning quality and market positioning, they significantly enhance the narrative appeal of return gifts for furusato tax. Combining this with LOCUS BRiDGE's insights in local engagement creates valuable opportunities for producers to resonate with a broader audience.

About LOCUS BRiDGE

• - Company Name: LOCUS BRiDGE LLC
• - Location: Fine Life Kitamoto, 4-13-1 Chuo, Kitamoto City, Saitama, Japan
• - Founders: Keisuke Kurose, Hiroshi Hayashi
• - Business Focus: Supporting municipal initiatives in furusato tax, city promotions, public relations, and regional revitalization strategies.
• - Website: LOCUS BRiDGE

For inquiries regarding the Furusato Tax Gourmet Awards, contact the organizing committee at [email protected]. For special information, visit the awards' official website at Furusato Tax Gourmet Awards.