#Japan #Tokyo #Local Government #Furusato Tax #GDX

Intermediary Operators in the Furusato Tax System

In a recent comprehensive survey conducted by the General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Municipal DX (GDX), it has been revealed that an overwhelming 94.4% of local governments utilize intermediary operators to manage the intricate Furusato Tax system. The survey, which evaluated the operational status of Furusato Tax among 303 municipalities, underscores the necessity of these intermediaries in navigating the complexities of the current system. This report aims to analyze the current situation, emerging trends, and the challenges municipalities face in effectively operating the Furusato Tax.

Survey Overview

The survey was conducted from May to June 2025 and collected responses from 303 municipalities through a web-based questionnaire. The main objective of this survey was to understand the operational status of the Furusato Tax system, identify new initiatives, and recognize existing challenges to foster further development and effective implementation.

Findings on the Use of Intermediary Operators

One of the most striking findings of the survey is the reliance on intermediary operators. According to the responses:

• - 51.5% of municipalities stated they have no plans to change their current contracts with intermediaries.
• - 24.1% are either considering a change or have plans to modify their agreements.
• - 19.8% reported having made changes or entered into contracts within the past year.
• - Only 4.6% indicated other statuses, such as pending proposals.

This data suggests a significant portion of local governments is re-evaluating their relationships with these operators, possibly seeking better digital marketing solutions given the evolving landscape of the Furusato Tax system.

Factors Contributing to Increased Dependence on Intermediaries

Several factors contribute to the growing reliance on intermediaries:

• - Complexity of the System: The intricacies involved in the Furusato Tax system demand expert guidance to navigate through regulatory challenges and best practices.
• - Diversification of Portal Sites: On average, municipalities utilize approximately 11.3 different platforms for managing donations, leading to a need for specialized help to streamline these processes.
• - Advancements in Digital Marketing: With new platforms like Amazon emerging, municipalities find it crucial to adopt advanced digital marketing strategies to capture donor interest effectively.

As the demand for specialized support increases, the role of intermediary operators becomes almost essential for municipalities wishing to maximize their Furusato Tax initiatives.

Announcement of Survey Results

The results from this survey will be presented in detail at the upcoming Furusato Tax Actual Conditions Reporting Seminar, scheduled for July 30, 2025. All participating municipalities will receive a comprehensive report detailing the findings.

Seminar Details

During the seminar, insights gathered from over 300 Furusato Tax officials will reveal operational realities within the system. The presentation will highlight shared challenges faced by many municipalities as well as characteristics of organizations that are achieving notable success. Further, the latest services related to Furusato Tax will be introduced, providing valuable tips that can lead to increased operational efficiency and donor contributions.

Event Information:

• - Date: July 30, 2025
• - Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (doors open at 9:50 AM)
• - Format: Online (Zoom)
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Capacity: 100 attendees (registration will close once full)
• - Target Audience: Municipal staff and GDX members

Registration Method: Interested attendees can sign up via the Google Form or contact through email at [email protected] or by phone at 03-6683-0106.

About GDX

The General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Municipal DX (GDX) is dedicated to promoting the digital transformation of local governments, aiming for sustainable regional development. Collaborating with various municipalities, GDX supports the resolution of local issues through digital technology and fosters innovation. GDX acts as a bridge between local governments and businesses, providing partnerships that accelerate regional development through digital transformation.

For further inquiries:

• - Contact: General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Municipal DX (GDX)
• - Location: 3F R-Cube Aoyama, 1-3-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Phone: 03-6683-0106
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Website: gdx.or.jp