1.1 Billion Yen Regional Economic Measure to Combat Soaring Prices
Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, will distribute 10,000 yen gift cards to all citizens without application, with Psytec AI Inc. managing the operation.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 16:47
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 04:38 (371h 50m after Collected)
With a hybrid design of time-limited digital gift vouchers (card x app) that also addresses the challenges of cash handouts,
Implementing a consumption support model that is "widely accessible to citizens."
Psytec AI Inc. (Headquarters: Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture; Representative Director: Yoshika Osawa) announces that it will serve as the operating secretariat for the "Marugame Living Support Gift Card Distribution Project" implemented by Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, utilizing the national "Priority Support Local Grant," and that the gift cards will become available for use starting April 1, 2026 (Wednesday).
This project is a "push-type" economic support measure that directly distributes 10,000 yen worth of gift cards (totaling over 1.1 billion yen) to all citizens without requiring an application. To overcome the challenge where a portion of cash handouts tends to be saved, this system combines a usage deadline (September 30, 2026) and limited usage locations (only participating stores within the city) to ensure that the distributed funds are recirculated into the local economy.
Background and Social Significance of the Project
The prolonged rise in prices has had a serious impact on citizens' lives. Previous cash handout schemes have been criticized for a certain percentage of the disbursed funds being saved rather than spent. Furthermore, traditional paper voucher programs have faced numerous challenges such as inflated printing and delivery costs, counterfeiting risks, complicated redemption processes, and delays in digital adaptation. Marugame City designed this project as an advanced model to simultaneously resolve these issues.
Key Points of This Project
[①: Implementation of support through a distribution method that does not require application procedures]
By distributing gift cards to eligible individuals (all residents as of December 1, 2025) without requiring application procedures, the burden associated with such procedures is eliminated, creating a system where support is more easily accessible.
[②: Support method with set usage period and designated usage locations]
By setting a usage period (April 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026) and limiting usage to participating stores within the city, this support method aims to encourage utilization within a certain period and contribute to local consumption.
[③: Usage design considering the digital divide]
Those who do not own a smartphone can use the card as is. Smartphone users can transfer their balance to the "MyDigi" app and make QR code payments in 1-yen increments. It also offers the convenience of consolidating family members' balances into the app, making it a design that addresses the digital divide.
[④: Faster than paper vouchers, significantly reducing operational burden]
Compared to paper vouchers, printing and other costs are reduced. Furthermore, payments can be made in 1-yen increments, and users can check their card balance in real-time from a dedicated web page. In this project, Psytec AI not only provides the system but also serves as the operating secretariat, handling merchant support, settlement/redemption operations, and inquiry responses, thereby minimizing the operational burden for both the city and businesses.
How to Use: Card x App Hybrid Flow
About the "MyDigi" App
The digital regional currency app "MyDigi" is a "super app overflowing with hometown love" developed for Kagawa Prefecture. It is a next-generation digital regional currency platform that integrates not only payment functions but also regional community features such as coupon distribution, surveys, and stamp rallies. By transferring the gift card balance to this app, users can make payments in 1-yen increments and manage family members' balances collectively.
[Representative's Comment]
Amidst the ongoing rise in prices, we are deeply honored to be able to contribute to supporting the lives of Marugame citizens. We will strive for safe and secure operation so that this project does not merely remain a temporary handout but becomes an opportunity to generate circulation within the city's economy. The hybrid design, combining cards and an app, is an initiative that ensures no one is left behind in a society increasingly advancing digitally.
We hope that the efforts of this project will serve as a reference for initiatives in other municipalities.
Yoshika Osawa, Representative Director, Psytec AI Inc.
Related Links
📄 Marugame Living Support Gift Card Distribution Project (Marugame City Official)
https://www.city.marugame.lg.jp/page/40124.htm
📱 Digital Regional Currency App "MyDigi" Official Website
https://www.mydigi-app.com/
🏢 Psytec AI Inc. Official Website
https://www.psytec-ai.com/
Implementing a consumption support model that is "widely accessible to citizens."
Psytec AI Inc. (Headquarters: Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture; Representative Director: Yoshika Osawa) announces that it will serve as the operating secretariat for the "Marugame Living Support Gift Card Distribution Project" implemented by Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, utilizing the national "Priority Support Local Grant," and that the gift cards will become available for use starting April 1, 2026 (Wednesday).
This project is a "push-type" economic support measure that directly distributes 10,000 yen worth of gift cards (totaling over 1.1 billion yen) to all citizens without requiring an application. To overcome the challenge where a portion of cash handouts tends to be saved, this system combines a usage deadline (September 30, 2026) and limited usage locations (only participating stores within the city) to ensure that the distributed funds are recirculated into the local economy.
Background and Social Significance of the Project
The prolonged rise in prices has had a serious impact on citizens' lives. Previous cash handout schemes have been criticized for a certain percentage of the disbursed funds being saved rather than spent. Furthermore, traditional paper voucher programs have faced numerous challenges such as inflated printing and delivery costs, counterfeiting risks, complicated redemption processes, and delays in digital adaptation. Marugame City designed this project as an advanced model to simultaneously resolve these issues.
Key Points of This Project
[①: Implementation of support through a distribution method that does not require application procedures]
By distributing gift cards to eligible individuals (all residents as of December 1, 2025) without requiring application procedures, the burden associated with such procedures is eliminated, creating a system where support is more easily accessible.
[②: Support method with set usage period and designated usage locations]
By setting a usage period (April 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026) and limiting usage to participating stores within the city, this support method aims to encourage utilization within a certain period and contribute to local consumption.
[③: Usage design considering the digital divide]
Those who do not own a smartphone can use the card as is. Smartphone users can transfer their balance to the "MyDigi" app and make QR code payments in 1-yen increments. It also offers the convenience of consolidating family members' balances into the app, making it a design that addresses the digital divide.
[④: Faster than paper vouchers, significantly reducing operational burden]
Compared to paper vouchers, printing and other costs are reduced. Furthermore, payments can be made in 1-yen increments, and users can check their card balance in real-time from a dedicated web page. In this project, Psytec AI not only provides the system but also serves as the operating secretariat, handling merchant support, settlement/redemption operations, and inquiry responses, thereby minimizing the operational burden for both the city and businesses.
How to Use: Card x App Hybrid Flow
About the "MyDigi" App
The digital regional currency app "MyDigi" is a "super app overflowing with hometown love" developed for Kagawa Prefecture. It is a next-generation digital regional currency platform that integrates not only payment functions but also regional community features such as coupon distribution, surveys, and stamp rallies. By transferring the gift card balance to this app, users can make payments in 1-yen increments and manage family members' balances collectively.
[Representative's Comment]
Amidst the ongoing rise in prices, we are deeply honored to be able to contribute to supporting the lives of Marugame citizens. We will strive for safe and secure operation so that this project does not merely remain a temporary handout but becomes an opportunity to generate circulation within the city's economy. The hybrid design, combining cards and an app, is an initiative that ensures no one is left behind in a society increasingly advancing digitally.
We hope that the efforts of this project will serve as a reference for initiatives in other municipalities.
Yoshika Osawa, Representative Director, Psytec AI Inc.
Related Links
📄 Marugame Living Support Gift Card Distribution Project (Marugame City Official)
https://www.city.marugame.lg.jp/page/40124.htm
📱 Digital Regional Currency App "MyDigi" Official Website
https://www.mydigi-app.com/
🏢 Psytec AI Inc. Official Website
https://www.psytec-ai.com/
FAQ
Who is eligible to receive the "Marugame Living Support Gift Card"?
All residents registered in Marugame City as of December 1, 2025, will receive it without needing to apply.
Where can the gift card be used?
It can only be used at participating stores within Marugame City. The usage period is from April 1 to September 30, 2026.
Can I use it without a smartphone?
Yes, you can use the card as is without a smartphone. Smartphone users can transfer the balance to the app for more convenience.