Imagine paying your local taxes and getting something truly unexpected in return: digital goodies for your favorite mobile games. That’s exactly what’s happening in Japan’s Shibuya Ward, offering in-game currency to those who contribute to its coffers. It’s a fresh take on civic engagement, drawing in a demographic often found glued to their screens.
This unusual tax perk began on August 25, as reported by ITmedia. Players of popular gacha games, Monster Strike and Kotodaman, can now earn Orb or Rainbow Kotadama. These are premium in-game currencies, usually bought with real money. You simply pay your taxes to Shibuya Ward in Tokyo, and these digital rewards become yours.
本日(8/25)より渋谷区のふるさと納税の返礼品として
「オーブ」が登場🙌✨寄付後に送付されるシリアルコードを使用することで、
寄付金額に応じた個数のオーブを獲得できます🌟申し込みサイトなどの詳細はこちら👇https://t.co/i0hOrsfqiE#モンスト pic.twitter.com/4TJKB8n4UH
— モンスターストライク公式(モンスト) (@monst_mixi) August 25, 2025
To understand this, it helps to know about Japan’s “Furusato Nozei” system, or “Hometown Tax.” This unique system allows taxpayers to choose which Japanese district or prefecture receives their tax money, instead of it all going to the central government. In return, each district offers a gift. These gifts are usually high-quality local products, like fine rice, famous fruits, handmade crafts, or premium Wagyu beef.
Shibuya Ward partnered with MIXI, a leading Japanese IT company, to offer these gaming rewards. Taxpayers can pick from three different donation levels to get their in-game codes. Early adopters have already confirmed that these rewards offer better value than buying the in-game currency directly. This makes the tax contribution feel like a smart investment for gamers.
This isn’t the first time a Japanese district has offered an unusual tax incentive. These unique schemes have sometimes caused problems in the past. For example, one district offered gift cards or vouchers that acted like real money, which was later banned. For now, Shibuya Ward’s gacha game currency offer is just a trial. It will be interesting to see how this experiment changes tax rewards in other Japanese districts down the line.
Sources:
* ITmedia: automaton-media.com/en/news/japans-shibuya-ward-offers-people-gacha-game-currency-for-paying-their-taxes/
* Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hometown_tax