About

Why this site exists

Furusato nozei is one of the few parts of the Japanese tax system where an ordinary employee can come out ahead with an evening’s effort. Almost everything written about it is in Japanese and assumes you already know how resident tax works. Many people who work here for years never use it.

Furusato Guide explains it in plain English, for people on a salary, without assuming background knowledge.

What you will find

• A calculator for how much you can donate.
• Guides covering the mechanics, the paperwork, the dates and the situations specific to foreign residents.
• A comparison of the main portals and gift ideas.
• An email checklist with reminders before the two deadlines.

How it is kept accurate

Each guide lists its sources, mostly the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the National Tax Agency, and the month it was last reviewed. The calculator is tested against the ministry’s published guideline figures.

How it is funded

Through affiliate links to donation portals. See the affiliate disclosure.

Contact

Corrections and questions are welcome: hello@gradflowlab.com