Fukuoka Prefecture promotes regional economic growth via premium gift certificates

Fukuoka Prefecture is supporting the issuance of premium regional gift certificates to stimulate local economies. A significant trend in this initiative is the shift toward digital formats, which are expected to account for over 70% of total issuances this fiscal year. These digital certificates offer benefits such as ease of purchase via smartphone, no need to carry physical paper, and the ability to use funds down to the single yen.

In Kitakyushu, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry is launching the 10th iteration of its digital gift certificate, ‘Paycha’. The program features a 20% premium rate with a total issuance value of 7.2 billion yen. Applications for the lottery-based sale are scheduled for September 2026, utilizing the ‘chiica’ app for transactions.

In Onojo City, the local Chamber of Commerce has issued 240 million yen in certificates, including the ‘Onojo Pay’ digital option. The city has seen a significant increase in digital app downloads, supported by initiatives like digital stamp rallies designed to encourage consumer movement through local shopping districts.