Furusato Nozei: Municipalities with "Increased" Donation Amounts Plummet to 42.5% - Down Approximately 9 Points from 51.2% in Previous Survey, Entering a Phase of Standoff Between Increase and Decrease

The General Incorporated Association for Promotion of Local Government DX (hereinafter referred to as "the Association") has announced the preliminary findings of its "Furusato Nozei Actual Condition Survey (May 2026)" conducted among Furusato Nozei departments in municipalities nationwide. With 327 valid responses, the survey revealed that only 42.5% of municipalities saw an "increase" in donation amounts in fiscal year 2025, a significant decrease of approximately 9 points from the previous survey (May 2025, 51.2%).

The full survey results and analysis of contributing factors will be presented at an online briefing session on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

▼ Register for this Briefing Session (Free Participation, Pre-registration Required)

July 15, 2026 (Wed) 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM JST Online (Zoom)

Registration Page: https://www.gdx.or.jp/works/r8_furusato.html

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/HWQTLy9Ua5REe68G6

Survey Highlights

- Municipalities with "increased" donation amounts accounted for 42.5% (139 municipalities). "Decreased" was 29.7% (97 municipalities), and "almost unchanged" was 27.5% (90 municipalities), resulting in a near tripartite division among increase, decrease, and unchanged.

- In the previous survey (May 2025), there was a 23.5-point difference between the 51.2% increase and 27.7% decrease. This time, the gap halved to 12.8 points, indicating a market shift from clear "bipolarization" to a phase where "increase and decrease are in a standoff."

- The most frequently cited factor influencing the change in donation amounts was "impact of system changes (point regulations, etc.)" at 51.7%. Over half of the municipalities cited system reforms as a direct cause of donation trends.

Background of the Event

Furusato Nozei Actual Condition Survey Briefing Session

The Furusato Nozei system is at a major turning point since its inception, beginning with the enforcement of the prohibition of point awards via portal sites in October 2025, followed by the operation of eligibility standards for recruitment (expense ratios), revisions to local product standards (especially the third standard scheduled for application in October 2026), and further revisions to the deduction limit scheduled from donations in 2027.

The focus is shifting from acquisition strategies centered on point competition to operations that emphasize regional stories and relationships with donors. To visualize the challenges faced by each municipality and future strategies during this transitional period, the Association conducted the "Furusato Nozei Actual Condition Survey (May 2026)" targeting Furusato Nozei departments nationwide.

This briefing session will be held to widely share the aggregated results and to introduce solutions that will be useful for operating Furusato Nozei in the new era.

Program

To be determined (Speakers and detailed program will be announced on the Association's website and the participation registration site as soon as they are decided)

【Participation Registration Site】

July 15, 2026 (Wed) 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM JST Online (Zoom)

Registration Page: https://www.gdx.or.jp/works/r8_furusato.html

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/HWQTLy9Ua5REe68G6

Event Overview

Name

Furusato Nozei Actual Condition Survey Briefing Session

Theme

Furusato Nozei: Back to Basics. -- From Points to Stories. From Competition to Empathy

Date and Time

July 15, 2026 (Wed) 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM JST (90 minutes)

Format

Online Webinar (Zoom) *The URL will be sent via email two days before the event.

Participation Fee

Free (Pre-registration required)

Capacity

100 participants (Registration closes once capacity is reached)

Target Audience

Municipal employees, GDX members

Organizer

General Incorporated Association for Promotion of Local Government DX

About the General Incorporated Association for Promotion of Local Government DX

The General Incorporated Association for Promotion of Local Government DX (GDX) is an organization that promotes the digital transformation of local governments and aims for the sustainable development of local communities. In collaboration with each municipality, it supports the resolution of regional issues and the creation of innovation using digital technology.

It provides a platform for partnership that bridges local governments and businesses, accelerating regional revitalization through digital transformation.

Inquiries Regarding This Release/Seminar

General Incorporated Association for Promotion of Local Government DX (GDX Secretariat) Furusato Nozei DX Department

TEL: 03-6683-0106

E-mail: [email protected]

URL: https://gdx.or.jp/