New Business Model Revolutionizes Regional Development through Store-Based Furusato Tax Donations

A New Era in Furusato Tax Donations: The Store-Based Model

In a groundbreaking initiative, the General Incorporated Association for Municipal DX Promotion (GDX) has announced the joining of Sankakukikaku, a company that specializes in store-based Furusato Tax donations with its unique service 'Furusato Z.' Unlike traditional models that allow donors to choose return gifts online, Furusato Z shifts the focus to the stores themselves, transforming 'store fans' into 'community fans.' This innovative regional circulation model has successfully obtained a patent for its business model and is expanding nationwide.

About Sankakukikaku

Founded in 2012 in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Sankakukikaku is a design planning company dedicated to utilizing 'the power of design and planning' to enhance the strengths of local communities. They specialize in design production for small and medium enterprises, support for regional DX initiatives, and urban development projects in collaboration with local chambers of commerce. In 2021, they launched the Furusato Z Furusato Tax project as a way to further their mission.

Innovative Approach to Furusato Tax Market

Sankakukikaku's 'Furusato Z' stands out as a unique service that has obtained a business model patent for its store-based Furusato Tax donations. The design includes creating dedicated pages for each store that serves as the 'face' of the municipality. By intentionally removing comparisons and recommendations from the donation experience, donors can contribute without confusion or distraction, purely motivated by their desire to support their favorite stores.

Success stories from this model include a repeat donation rate of 37% within golf courses, with an average donation amount of around 120,000 yen, establishing a high standard. Some businesses collect between 30 million and 50 million yen from a single store. The design eliminates logistics costs, contributing to a reduction in municipal expenditure rates. In response to the varying levels of IT literacy among businesses, Furusato Z offers multiple donation verification methods, including smartphone approvals, PC code methods, QR code approaches, and online coupon systems, effectively unlocking the potential of local brands and businesses with passionate fan bases.

GDX's Role in This Transformation

With Sankakukikaku's inclusion, GDX aims to leverage comprehensive insights into donation acquisition models centered around 'on-site experiences' for municipalities. This groundbreaking approach seeks to establish a business-driven operational framework involving stores while balancing cost reductions and community fan cultivation. The collaboration holds the promise of expanding practical support for a greater number of municipalities.

Future Insights in the GDX Publications

In line with this joining, the interview with Sankakukikaku's CEO, Keigo Usagawa, will be featured in the upcoming May 2026 publication of the GDX newsletter titled 'GDX Guide Vol.9,' which includes a special feature on 'Furusato Tax: A Return to the Origins.' Additionally, an online version will be available through the GDX website.

GDX's Ongoing Commitment

GDX aims to continue strengthening its collaboration with Sankakukikaku and other member companies, providing support for municipal DX initiatives and fostering the sustainable development of local communities.