Final Fantasy 14 Rewards Japanese Players for Paying Their Real-Life Taxes With a Giant Dog
Square Enix has partnered with Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward to offer Final Fantasy 14 players in Japan unique in-game cosmetics and mounts as rewards for paying their hometown taxes. The coveted prize includes the Megashiba Mount—a giant dog that players can ride—available through Japan’s Furusato Nozei program.
Furusato Nozei (“hometown tax”), established in 2008, allows Japanese residents to voluntarily redirect portions of their residence tax to regional municipalities of their choice—their actual hometown or other areas of personal significance. Participating regions traditionally offer local gifts like regional foods, crafts, or experiences. Since its introduction, nearly every municipality in Japan has adopted the program to attract tax contributions from urban residents to rural areas.
This partnership is a novel twist on traditional rewards. Rather than local merchandise, Square Enix is leveraging its strong presence in gaming culture—the company maintains an office in Shibuya—to provide digital cosmetics instead.
The arrangement represents an innovative way modern entertainment companies can engage with public policy. It creates a win-win scenario: Japanese residents gain exclusive digital rewards for their tax contributions while municipalities attract additional tax revenue through gaming-related incentives. The partnership demonstrates how companies can participate creatively in civic initiatives while deepening player engagement in their games.