Yokosuka shifts hometown tax crowdfunding from gifts to 'empathy' with story-driven appeals

Yokosuka City is using the hometown tax system to run crowdfunding campaigns that prioritize project stories and community impact rather than attractive return gifts. The city says this approach aims to attract donations motivated by understanding and sympathy for local needs, helping solve regional problems and support town development. Yokosuka officials plan to design campaigns that explain the background and goals of projects to encourage long-term engagement from donors. The move reflects a broader interest among municipalities in shifting away from gift-focused incentives toward value-based support.