Asoview! has launched an exciting campaign to encourage donations through its Furusato Nozei program, which allows individuals to contribute to local municipalities in Japan. Between April 11, 2025, and June 1, 2025, anyone who donates 10,000 yen or more will be entered into a lottery to win Asoview! points, which can be used for various activities and experiences offered on the platform. This campaign not only incentivizes donations but also highlights the importance of supporting local communities.
The rules are straightforward: if a donor makes a single contribution of 10,000 yen or more, they will automatically qualify for the lottery. However, even if a person donates less than 10,000 yen in one go, they can still be eligible if their total donations during the campaign period reach 10,000 yen or more. This flexibility encourages more people to participate and support their favorite localities.
Prizes for the campaign include a variety of Asoview! points, with one lucky winner receiving 10,000 yen worth of points, while another will get 5,000 yen worth. Additionally, three participants will win 3,000 yen worth of points each, and five will receive 1,000 yen worth. There will also be participation prizes of 300 yen worth of points for all eligible donors. The winners will be announced when the points are granted, which is scheduled for around June 17, 2025, and the points will remain valid until September 30, 2025.
In another part of Japan, the Yumoto Matoi Bato Kannon Umaodori event is set to take place in Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, on April 13, 2025. In case of rain, the event will be postponed to April 20, 2025. This vibrant festival marks the arrival of spring and features a parade of horses adorned with bells, walking from Yumoto Onsen Street to Eguchi Horai Hall and back, creating a lively atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists.
The Yumoto Matoi Bato Kannon Umaodori has a rich history, having started in Meiji 25 (around 1892) as a prayer for the health of horses and cattle, and to ward off diseases. After a period of dormancy, the event was revived in Showa 23 (around 1948) and has since been celebrated annually on the second Sunday of April. The festivities begin with a Shinto ritual at 8:00 AM in front of the Batou Kannon Stele, followed by colorful performances that last throughout the day.
The local Yumoto Club organizes the event, with participants performing traditional dances accompanied by drums, shamisen, and other instruments. The parade transforms Yumoto Onsen into a pedestrian-friendly zone, filled with food stalls and local vendors, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The nearby Eguchi Horai Hall is a popular spot where visitors can purchase fresh seafood and local produce, adding to the day’s festivities.
In addition to these cultural events, local governments are actively promoting their Furusato Nozei return gifts, which include unique products and experiences from their regions. For instance, the Fukiagehama area is known for its fresh seafood, and the Kujirahama Fisheries Cooperative offers high-quality dried fish as part of its return gifts. Other popular items include Shiranui jam, made from locally grown citrus fruits, which is available for those who wish to support the local economy through donations.
As Mother's Day approaches on May 11, 2025, Tokushima City is also promoting its own Furusato Nozei gifts, which are perfect for expressing gratitude to mothers. The city has curated a special selection of gifts that includes traditional Awa indigo-dyed products, sweets, and unique flower arrangements that require no vase or water change. These gifts are designed to delight mothers and offer a taste of Tokushima’s rich cultural heritage.
Among the suggested gifts are a bouquet that can be displayed as is, a hexagonal case arrangement of Awa indigo flowers, and a hand-painted hanging scroll featuring a message of thanks. Additionally, the Awa Uiro 'Musubi' sweets, made with high-quality ingredients, are a popular choice for those looking to treat their loved ones. With multiple options available, donors can choose gifts that resonate with their mothers’ tastes and preferences.
Furthermore, due to ongoing rice shortages and rising prices, applications for Furusato Nozei donations featuring rice as a return gift have surged in Tochigi Prefecture. In 2024, the number of applications in the region more than doubled compared to the previous year, with some municipalities experiencing increases of over 20 times. This trend highlights the growing interest in supporting local agriculture and ensuring that communities can thrive despite economic challenges.
Currently, 24 cities and towns in Tochigi Prefecture are offering rice as a return gift, with the exception of Yaita City. The demand for donations linked to the 2025 rice harvest, which will take place in the fall, has been overwhelming, prompting some municipalities to halt applications due to the high volume of requests. This situation reflects the community's desire to secure quality local produce while supporting their local economies.
Overall, these initiatives showcase the importance of community support through programs like Furusato Nozei, which not only provide financial assistance to local governments but also foster a sense of connection between donors and the regions they care about. As events unfold in various locales, it is clear that both cultural celebrations and local products play a vital role in promoting regional pride and sustainability.
