Five organizations, the Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (JANIC), Shin-Koeki Renmei, Seien, the Japan Fundraising Association and the Japan NPO Center, compiled a "Joint Request on the Expansion of Donation Tax Incentives" to improve the sustainability of local communities and support solutions to increasingly diverse social issues. The request was shared at a commemorative online forum co-hosted by the five organizations on October 1, 2026, exactly 25 years after the system was introduced, and gained support from participants across Japan.
Since its launch on October 1, 2001, the certified NPO system has played a major role as a foundation for attracting private support. At the same time, complex problems that public services alone cannot fully address are growing rapidly, including the aging population and declining birthrate, weakening community ties, and increasingly severe disasters. The five organizations say that as rising prices and uncertainty continue, civic activities by NPOs and others that respond quickly to issues beyond the reach of government have become an important safety net for society.
The request is described not as seeking benefits or support for any particular organization, but as a reform of the system to make it easier for citizens and companies who want to contribute to solving social issues to take part. Promoting civic participation through donations, they say, also leads to lower administrative costs and the creation of new local value, with the goal of realizing a "sustainable participatory society" in which every citizen helps shape society. The full text of the request is available on the Japan NPO Center's website.
Key points
- A joint request by five organizations working in international cooperation, NPO support, fundraising and more
- Shared at the 25th anniversary forum for the certified NPO system and supported by participants nationwide
- A system reform aimed not at any one organization, but at making it easier for citizens and companies to take part in society through giving
Why This News Deserves Attention
Donation tax incentives are a familiar and important system both for people who want to support NGOs and NPOs and for the organizations that carry out the work. That groups from different fields joined forces on a single request at this 25-year milestone shows the connections within civil society.
The request's clear statement that it is "not for any particular organization," and its focus on the participation of each citizen, also offer a helpful perspective for thinking about giving.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“What stood out to me is that five organizations from different fields, such as international cooperation and fundraising, came together on one request. Calling for support for citizens' giving at the 25-year mark of the certified NPO system is encouraging.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I also think the cross-sector connection Aoba noticed is important. I felt a sincere conviction in their clear statement that this is not for any particular organization. Giving really is a doorway for citizens to take part in society.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Listening to you both gave me a chance to rethink giving as something close to home. Even a small donation can support someone's work. There is warmth in the idea that every one of us can help shape society.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“Giving is one way anyone can start getting involved in society, starting today. It is encouraging to see organizations that know the field well raise their voices together for a system that supports that first step.
Why not read the published request and think together about the future of giving and civil society?”