#Japan #Furumachi Pay #Value Design #Kihoku Town #Kihoku

Kihoku Town Implements Furumachi Pay for Community Engagement

In a significant move towards fostering community interaction and enhancing local tourism, Kihoku Town in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, has officially adopted the Furumachi Pay service. This innovative local donation system, developed by Value Design Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Pay Crowd Holdings, is designed to encourage visitors to contribute to local projects easily. Starting from April 15, 2025, individuals visiting Kihoku will be able to make donations directly through the mobile-friendly platform, supporting local initiatives while experiencing the beauty and culture the town has to offer.

Furumachi Pay allows visitors to scan QR codes located in various establishments around Kihoku and make contributions effortlessly via their smartphones. The unique aspect of this system is that it offers immediate rewards; donors receive digital coupons that can be used right away at participating restaurants, leisure facilities, and more, effectively enhancing their experience while visiting.

The backdrop of Kihoku Town is its stunning natural environment, through which the Hiwame River flows, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Kihoku is celebrated as the only municipality in Japan with the character 'oni' (meaning demon), and the town actively promotes this unique aspect of its identity. With slogans like “The Town Where Demons Dwell,” Kihoku has seen an uptick in visitors who are intrigued by its cultural offerings and local legends.

One of the local officials from Kihoku remarked on the launch: “Our catchy phrase, 'A town where demons reside,' has drawn more visitors. We decided to implement this system so that those who visit, and feel a connection to our town, can contribute right at the moment they feel inspired to support us.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of what Furumachi Pay aims to do: facilitate meaningful connections between residents and visitors.

Initially, four locations in Kihoku will accept Furumachi Pay, including two co-working and lodging facilities. The town plans to expand this network, reaching out to local restaurants and attractions to increase the usage and visibility of the donation program.

Value Design is dedicated to this cause, aiming to enhance the allure of local municipalities and foster relationships between visitors and the communities they enjoy. With initiatives like Furumachi Pay, the company seeks to bridge gaps and ensure that both guests and town officials collaborate effectively to support growth in local economies.

About Kihoku Town

Kihoku Town is a stunning community situated in the Kitauwa District of Ehime Prefecture. Its central river, the Hiwame, is the largest tributary of the famous Shimanto River, flowing through an area rich in natural beauty. With attractions like the Narukawa Cave and the Iwaya Ruins, Kihoku is not only a place of scenic views but also a hub for visitors interested in history and nature. The town highlights its demonic heritage through its tourism initiatives and represents a fusion of engaging local culture and nature tourism.

About Furumachi Pay

Furumachi Pay is designed to enrich the local donation experience by allowing tourists to use their smartphones to scan QR codes at specified locations, contributing to local taxes while receiving instant digital coupons from those establishments. This service is foresighted in its nature, focusing on creating rewarding and direct connections between the community and its visitors, cultivating a thriving local economy while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

The symbiotic relationship fostered by Furumachi Pay is essential in marketing Kihoku's rich heritage and vibrant local culture, making donations to the town’s initiatives more appealing and accessible than ever before.