#Japan #Asahikawa #Asahikawa City #Kodomo Furusato #Nessu Inc.

Asahikawa City Recognized for its 'Kodomo Furusato Bin' Initiative

The city of Asahikawa, located in Hokkaido, Japan, has recently received recognition for its significant contributions to community welfare through the innovative "Kodomo Furusato Bin" project, developed by Nessu Inc. This initiative leverages the furusato tax system to provide local specialty products and experiences as "support items" for children's meal centers, single-parent families, and children facing serious health challenges.

In the current scheme, which began in 2023, Asahikawa City was honored at the 9th Furusato Tax Local Governments Alliance Awards, held on November 17, 2025. The award aims to honor exemplary community initiatives that utilize the furusato tax system for regional revitalization. The commendation signifies the city's commitment to improving the lives of children in need through beneficial partnerships with local producers and businesses.

The 'Kodomo Furusato Bin' Project

The project operates as a novel food bank mechanism, collaborating with local farmers, agricultural cooperatives, fisheries, and food manufacturers. Under the initiative, support items sourced from the region are delivered to children's meal centers and families in need. Currently, eight municipalities nationwide participate in this program.

Starting in 2024, the Asahikawa initiative, which focuses on expanding the sales channels for locally produced agricultural products, will involve distributing Asahikawa rice to children’s meal centers and single-parent households across Japan. This distribution is financed through donations collected via the furusato tax.

Project Achievements

As part of its fundraising efforts to support the 'Kodomo Furusato Bin' project, a Government Crowdfunding (GCF) campaign successfully raised approximately 29.04 million yen through 1,453 donations.
In the upcoming fiscal year, 3.1 million yen from corporate donations will enable the delivery of approximately 2,934 kilograms of Asahikawa rice to 80 organizations nationwide.

This initiative not only supports meals for children but also contributes to stabilizing agricultural management, expanding market access, and benefiting producers.

Addressing Social Issues

In response to escalating food insecurity and child poverty exacerbated by rising living costs, the 'Kodomo Furusato Bin' aims to create a sustainable donation model that systemically addresses these pressing social challenges. The success of the model lies in its multifaceted impact, connecting donors, local producers, and the children in need, which earned it high commendation from the evaluation committee.

About Nessu Inc.

Founded on June 10, 2022, by CEO Yuki Kido, Nessu Inc. is located in Setagaya, Tokyo. The company envisions a society where disparities in children's opportunities due to their upbringing are non-existent. By collaborating with various stakeholders, including local governments, businesses, and individuals, Nessu strives to create initiatives that connect the wishes of society to effectively support disadvantaged children.

In summary, Asahikawa City's dedication to the 'Kodomo Furusato Bin' not only provides tangible benefits to those in need but also sets a benchmark for other local governments. The approach exemplifies how communities can work together creatively to support vulnerable populations and serve as a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

For more details about the 'Kodomo Furusato Bin,' visit: Kodomo Furusato

Join the Cause

Nessu is actively hiring individuals passionate about eradicating opportunity disparities among children. They are looking for team players who exhibit a sense of ownership, generate impactful results, and bring a collaborative spirit. If you're interested, check their recruitment page: Nessu Recruitment.