Planbase Receives Letter of Appreciation for Regional Revitalization Efforts in Matsumoto City

Contribution to Regional Revitalization

On April 30, 2026, a significant event unfolded in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, where Planbase was honored with a letter of appreciation from the city's mayor, Yoshinobu Gakuun. This recognition came as a result of the company's contributions under the 'Corporate Hometown Tax' program, aimed at supporting Matsumoto's 'Matsumoto Shinka Promotion Project' focused on urban revitalization.

Background and Purpose of the Donation

Planbase specializes in supporting grant applications for small and medium enterprises across Japan, assisting them in securing vital funding. Through these efforts, the company has come to understand the importance of preserving local resources and culture as crucial components of sustainable community development.

Matsumoto City is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, especially its proximity to the Northern Alps, which embodies the identity of a 'mountain city.' It is also celebrated as a hub for arts and culture, particularly through events like the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival, and is recognized for its educational heritage stemming from landmark institutions such as the Old Kaichi School. These facets combine to create a unique urban narrative known as the 'Three Gaku Cities' (Mountain, Music, and Learning).

In a bid to evolve this uniqueness, Matsumoto City has laid out a basic plan for 2030 focusing on five key strategies: stabilizing population size, invigorating city centers, and strengthening community hubs, leading the charge for developmental initiatives. The recent contribution from Planbase aims to support these endeavors, fostering a city where residents can experience prosperity and happiness in their daily lives.

Overview of the Presentation Ceremony

The presentation ceremony took place at the Matsumoto City Hall on April 30, 2026, and was attended by notable figures, including Mayor Yoshinobu Gakuun and Takashi Takei, the CEO of Planbase, along with other esteemed guests. This gathering not only celebrated the contributions made but also emphasized the collaborative spirit needed for successful regional revitalization.

Understanding Corporate Hometown Tax

The Corporate Hometown Tax is a significant initiative that allows companies to make donations to recognized local government projects aimed at regional development. In exchange for their contributions, businesses can benefit from tax reductions, with potential savings of up to 90% of the donation amount through various tax incentives, including deductions in corporate resident tax and corporation tax.

Unlike individual hometown tax contributions which may include returns such as gifts or services, this program fosters direct partnerships between corporations and local governments, inspiring a growing number of businesses nationwide to partake in addressing local challenges.

About Planbase

Founded as a consulting firm emerging from the University of Tokyo, Planbase is dedicated to supporting the management and grant application processes for small and medium-sized enterprises. They operate a comprehensive platform that integrates AI tools designed to aid business management and grant acquisition efforts.

As a certified management innovation support institution, Planbase has successfully assisted over 1,500 companies, securing more than 15 billion yen in grants to date. With a team comprising specialists, including certified small business consultants and administrative scriveners, the firm is equipped to tackle a wide array of management challenges faced by local enterprises.