#Japan #Tokyo #Furusato Choice #GCF® Project #YAMAP

Trustbank and YAMAP: A New Era of Regional Crowdfunding

On November 12, 2023, Trustbank, a prominent player in Japan's regional donation landscape, announced a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with YAMAP, a platform dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts. This partnership marks the first OEM collaboration in the realm of Government Crowdfunding® (GCF®), bringing innovative solutions to local donation processes in Japan.

Seamless Donation Experience

The newly launched YAMAP Furusato Donation service allows users to navigate a range of GCF® projects focused on environmental conservation, including forest preservation, trail maintenance, and endangered species protection. By consolidating the entire donation process—from project browsing to payment and receipt issuance—within the YAMAP platform, contributors can now engage more efficiently with their favorite causes. Trustbank aims to facilitate a smooth donation experience for YAMAP users while addressing critical regional environmental issues raised by local municipalities.

Strategic Insights

The recent amendment by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, set to take effect in October 2025, prohibits point allocation for donations, thereby shifting the focus towards crowdfunding initiatives that resonate with donors. GCF®, launched by Trustbank in 2013, empowers municipalities to clearly outline regional challenges alongside their solutions, allowing donors to select where their contributions go, thereby enhancing emotional connection and community engagement.

Since its inception, Trustbank has been committed to fostering community support and building a sustainable ecosystem through its partnerships. This new OEM collaboration not only expands distribution channels but also enriches the donation experience through tailored customer interactions and fosters increased community connection and engagement.

Enhancing the Donor Experience

With the launch of YAMAP Furusato Donation, which operates since November 2023, the service emphasizes the importance of engaging outdoor enthusiasts who are passionate about environmental sustainability. The project showcases GCF® initiatives, inviting backers to contribute to impactful environmental projects and fostering a culture of active participation among supporters.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, Trustbank is focused on enhancing donor experiences through co-creation with partner companies. Emphasizing the foundational principle of “regional revitalization through donations,” Trustbank plans to expand the OEM economic sphere of Furusato Choice, contributing to sustainable community development. This collaboration is seen as a vital step towards engaging more donors interested in the challenges facing Japan’s natural environment and providing practical solutions.

Overview of YAMAP Furusato Donation

• - Website: YAMAP Furusato Donation
• - Participating Municipalities: Over 55 municipalities as of November 12, 2023

About Government Crowdfunding® (GCF®)

GCF®, developed by Trustbank, is a crowdfunding framework for regional donations initiated in September 2013. This system allows municipalities to present their challenges and the financial needs tied to their proposed solutions. Through GCF®, donors can engage with pressing local issues, fostering continued interest in their communities and creating a network of engaged individuals, which ultimately leads to sustainable regional growth. As of September 2025, GCF® has facilitated over 23 billion yen in donations across approximately 4,020 projects, earning recognition with the Good Design Award in 2019.

To learn more about the GCF® initiative, visit GCF® Information. Trustbank, with a mission to cultivate independent and sustainable communities, launched Japan’s first comprehensive regional donation site, Furusato Choice, in September 2012. Currently, over 1,700 municipalities are listed on the platform, which features more than 760,000 rewarding gifts for donors, making it the most extensive site in Japan. As of October 2024, Trustbank has broadened its offerings to include various innovative services aimed at supporting local economies and enhancing social business initiatives—ensuring a bright future for regional communities in Japan.