In recent years, many people in Japan have turned to gold as a stable and long-term investment. But did you know you can use the Furusato Nozei (Hometown Tax Donation) system to get gold as a return gift? Even better — if you make the donation through Rakuten Ichiba, you can earn valuable Rakuten Points, making the deal even more rewarding.
Let’s explore how you can buy gold through hometown tax donations and why Rakuten Ichiba might be the smartest place to do it.
What is the Hometown Tax Donation (Furusato Nozei)?
The Furusato Nozei system allows taxpayers in Japan to donate to a municipality of their choice — often their hometown or a rural area in need of economic support. In return, they receive a portion of their donation back as a tax deduction and receive a local gift, usually a specialty product like wagyu beef, rice, or seafood.
In recent years, municipalities have diversified their return gifts, and one unique yet increasingly popular item is investment-grade gold.
Why Consider Gold as a Return Gift?
Gold has long been considered a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Unlike consumable return gifts, gold retains value and can be resold or passed down. Some municipalities now offer gold ingots, coins, or even gold jewelry as part of their Furusato Nozei program.
While the gold is not “purchased” in the traditional sense, the donation amount covers the approximate value of the gold item offered. It’s a win-win — you support a region in Japan and receive a valuable asset in return.
How to Donate and Get Gold in Return
- Choose a Municipality: Use a Furusato Nozei portal like Rakuten Furusato Nozei (part of Rakuten Ichiba) to browse municipalities that offer gold as a gift.
- Select the Gold Item: You’ll find various options, including small gold bars (e.g., 1g, 5g, 10g) or limited-edition gold coins.
- Make Your Donation: Proceed with the donation by entering your details and selecting your tax year.
- Receive the Gift: Within a few weeks, the gold item will be shipped to your address as your return gift.
Why You Should Use Rakuten Ichiba for Hometown Tax Donations
If you make your donation through Rakuten Ichiba’s Furusato Nozei section, you don’t just get the gold — you also earn Rakuten Points based on the donation amount. This is a major advantage for anyone who’s already part of the Rakuten ecosystem.
Here’s how you benefit:
- Earn Rakuten Points: Even though it’s a donation, you receive points like a regular purchase.
- Boost Points Through SPU: If you use Rakuten Card, Rakuten Bank, Rakuten Mobile, or other services, your point multiplier increases under the Super Point Up (SPU) program.
- Combine with Campaigns: Participate in Rakuten Super Sale or Point-Up campaigns to maximize your points.
For example, if you donate ¥100,000 to a municipality and have a 10x SPU multiplier, you can earn 10,000 Rakuten Points — equivalent to ¥10,000 in purchasing power across the Rakuten marketplace.
Important Notes
- You’ll still need to file the appropriate tax documents (or use the One-Stop Exception System) to receive your income and residential tax deductions.
- Gold received through Furusato Nozei is considered a gift, not a purchase — but it carries real value.
- Limits apply based on your income level, so check your annual donation cap to stay eligible for full deductions.
Using the hometown tax donation system to receive gold is a smart way to turn your taxes into long-term value. And by making your donation through Rakuten Ichiba, you can enjoy the added benefit of earning Rakuten Points — giving you even more value for your contribution.
So if you’re thinking about investing in gold and supporting local communities, consider this: donate wisely, shop strategically, and let Rakuten help you turn generosity into golden rewards.