Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward is now providing complimentary in-game items to Japanese Final Fantasy XIV players as a gesture of appreciation for their tax payments (source: Famitsu). These items, which are purely decorative and can also be acquired with real currency, represent Square Enix’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the regional gaming community.
This partnership is an extension of Japan’s “Furusato Nozei” (hometown tax contribution) framework, which permits individuals to allocate a portion of their income tax to a designated municipality (such as their hometown or a location of personal importance) rather than remitting it entirely to the national government. In exchange, the selected municipality distributes presents to the contributors. Traditionally, these gifts consist of regional specialty products like fresh produce, rice, or wagyu beef, but lately, unconventional offerings such as NFTs and digital accolades have also emerged.
In the previous year, Shibuya Ward partnered with Japanese mobile games Monster Strike and Kotodaman to begin offering in-game currency to taxpayers as an alternative reward option. This year, the ward has joined forces with Square Enix to bestow five Phials of Fantasia (an item enabling character appearance, race, and gender modifications), the Collegiate Attire (Skirt) and Collegiate Attire (Slacks) outfit sets, the Magitek ensemble, four dance emotes, and a Megashiba mount (a nod to Shibuya Station’s famed Hachiko statue) to players at no cost. According to their listed prices on the Final Fantasy XIV Online Store, the complete reward package is valued at approximately $88 USD.
Although Square Enix’s headquarters is not located in Shibuya, the company maintains an office in the district. Consequently, the firm has stated its intention to “continue pursuing various initiatives while leveraging Shibuya’s distinctive attributes.”