Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture: Furusato Nozei Donations Reach Record High of Approx. 1.2 Billion Yen, Surpassing 1 Billion Yen for the First Time

Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture (Mayor: Toshiaki Yamada), reports that 'furusato nozei' (hometown tax) donations for fiscal year 2025 reached a record high of 1,194,579,500 yen (approx. 1.2 times the previous year), with 33,583 donations, surpassing the 1 billion yen mark for the first time.

Amidst intensifying nationwide competition, the city's breakthrough was largely driven by 'ARAS,' the tableware created with Kaga's manufacturing technology that is said to be 'unbreakable even if dropped 1000 times,' and 'experience-based rewards (accommodation vouchers)' utilizing the strength of possessing three hot spring areas in Kaga Onsen-kyo (Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu). We are announcing the results for fiscal year 2025, which created a virtuous cycle of promoting local industry and attracting tourism, rather than just providing local specialties.

◆ Three factors that pushed donations to a record high

Factor 1: Fusion of tradition and innovation. Big hit of next-generation tableware 'ARAS'
The primary reason for the growth in donations is the high support for 'ARAS' related rewards by Ishikawa Resin Industry Co., Ltd., which increased by approximately 2.9 times compared to the previous year.
The functionality of being 'unbreakable even if dropped 1000 times,' the design that makes food look delicious, and the consideration for the environment using recyclable new materials matched modern lifestyles. As a product inheriting Kaga City's spirit of manufacturing, donations poured in from all over the country for items like 'Oozara Wave' and 'Shopping Cards' usable in online stores.

Factor 2: Return to experience-based consumption. Regional return through 'experience-based rewards' utilizing 3 hot spring areas
'Accommodation rewards' utilizing the rich tourism resources of Kaga Onsen-kyo, consisting of three hot springs (Yamashiro, Yamanaka, and Katayamazu), also performed well. 'Accommodation vouchers' for local inns and 'coupons' usable at the time of reservation are gaining popularity.
There is a growing need for experience-based rewards that go beyond receiving goods to 'actually visiting Kaga City, enjoying hot springs and food,' which is directly leading to an increase in the region's relational population and the creation of bustling activity through donations.

Factor 3: Blessings of the sea and mountains. Stable support for seasonal 'food appeal'
In addition to local industry and tourism, 'food' unique to Kaga City continued to gather strong support.
Attractive gift creation in collaboration with local businesses, such as agricultural products like rice (Kaga no Koshihikari) and pears, and marine products like Kano crabs and kelp-wrapped fish, supports repeater acquisition and a stable donation base.

Comment from Kaga City Furusato Nozei representative
'We accept the fact that donations exceeded 1 billion yen for the first time this fiscal year as a result of Kaga City's potential for 'manufacturing' and 'tourism' being evaluated by people across the country. In particular, the fact that many people chose 'ARAS' tableware packed with local technology and 'hot spring accommodation vouchers' that encourage actual visits brings value beyond just an increase in tax revenue (direct ripple effect on the local economy).

We will continue to challenge ourselves in promoting our charm and creating new value in solidarity with businesses so that people will become fans of Kaga City through furusato nozei.'