We previously reported on Japan's ">Furusato Nozei (hometown tax donation) system, where hometowns typically offer gifts as a token of appreciation, mostly local specialties or unique products. Recently, in addition to anime IP merchandise, there has been an increasing number of interesting return gifts, such as the ">"JSDF-exclusive combat shovel" and ">"alpaca wool," which have unexpectedly driven a wave of tax donations.
Recently, Kitahiroshima City in Hokkaido, in collaboration with the Nippon Professional Baseball Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters for Furusato Nozei, launched a new plan: by donating one million Japanese Yen as a Furusato Nozei gift, one can qualify to be the opening pitch guest for the March 23rd game against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, along with various other preferential treatments. This kind of tax return gift has sparked heated discussion among netizens.
The slot is limited to one person, with reservations open from March 4th to March 21st. For a select few baseball fans, 1 million Japanese Yen for such an experience would likely feel incredibly worthwhile.
( ">Click here for the recruitment website )
Beyond just throwing the opening pitch, the package also includes a tour of ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, which just opened last year. You can even designate team legend Kensuke Tanaka as the batter or catcher for your opening pitch, to receive your throw. Furthermore, it includes a photo opportunity, an autograph, and Diamond Seats, allowing you to enjoy the highest level of VIP viewing experience.
Of course, the essence of such an experience is still for the purpose of Furusato Nozei. It's clear that Japanese local governments are truly dedicated to increasing local tax revenue. By collaborating with local professional sports teams, they actively promote team merchandise, tickets, season passes, and even stadium hot spring accommodations, which not only boosts team marketing but also provides local governments with tax revenue to support more development.
This approach also allows more people to feel that paying taxes isn't so painful, but rather offers a more direct sense of return. Perhaps organizations in Taiwan could also consider similar schemes to promote more diverse industrial development.
via： 日本職棒火腿鬥士隊故鄉稅網站