Japanese towns launch 30% premium gift certificates to combat inflation

Municipalities in Japan are launching premium gift certificate programs to combat rising prices and stimulate local economies.

In Matsukawa Town, officials are introducing the ‘Matsukawa Nana-maru Gift Certificate’ featuring a 30% premium. To accommodate modern consumer needs, the program will offer both traditional paper certificates and cashless digital options.

Similarly, Komono Town in Mie Prefecture has announced a 30% premium gift certificate program. Residents can purchase 10,000 yen worth of certificates for 13,000 yen in value. The program includes both ‘common certificates’ usable at large retailers and local shops, and ‘specialized certificates’ restricted to local businesses. Applications for the Komono program are scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026, with a total of 43,000 booklets available via a lottery system if demand exceeds supply.