Top 7 Crowdfunding Platforms Popular in Japan

In Japan, crowdfunding has grown as a powerful tool for gaining support and building community. Whether it’s a creative project, a local revitalization effort, a social cause, or the launch of a new product, crowdfunding has become a go-to platform for individuals and organizations looking to turn ideas into reality.

This article highlights eight of the most popular and trusted crowdfunding platforms in Japan, detailing what makes each one unique—their features, target users, and types of projects they’re best suited for. If you’re thinking of starting a campaign or just want to support one that speaks to you, this guide is a great place to start.

Ranking of Crowdfunding Platforms in Japan

1. CAMPFIRE
2. Makuake
3. READYFOR
4. MotionGallery
5. kibidango
6. GREEN FUNDING
7. A-port

1. CAMPFIRE

Source: CAMPFIRE Homepage

Founded in 2011, CAMPFIRE is Japan’s largest and most widely used crowdfunding platform. As of 2024, it has hosted over 75,000 projects and raised more than 82 billion yen. It’s designed to be flexible and beginner-friendly, making it accessible to everyone from individuals and student groups to businesses and nonprofits. Its open, easy-to-use system and high visibility make it a great starting point.

Key Features

• Supports a wide range of project types: products, local initiatives, medical needs, art, and more.
• Offers reward-based, donation-based, and subscription-style (recurring) funding.
• Lower platform fees and a user interface that’s easy to navigate, even for first-timers.

Who It’s For

• Individual creators, student groups, and community organizations.
• Ideal for projects that benefit from social media sharing and blog outreach.

2. Makuake

Source: Makuake Homepage

Launched in 2013 by former CyberAgent executives, Makuake is run by a publicly listed company and specializes in product launches. It has helped bring a wide variety of successful consumer goods to market, with total funding topping 65 billion yen as of 2024. If you’re looking to introduce a new gadget, food item, or lifestyle product, Makuake is a strong choice.

Key Features

• Focuses on “pre-order” or “early access” campaigns—what they call “supportive purchases.”
• Provides support beyond funding, including help with mass production and e-commerce distribution.
• Strong PR and media exposure options, making it ideal for brands.

Who It’s For

• Startups, D2C (direct-to-consumer) brands, and regional manufacturers.
• Great for high-ticket items and products with a strong design or branding angle.

3. READYFOR

Source: READYFOR Homepage

READYFOR launched in 2011 and focuses heavily on social good, offering a platform for projects related to healthcare, education, disaster relief, and welfare. Operated by READYFOR Inc., it has raised around 27 billion yen to date and has a strong track record of working with hospitals, universities, and government agencies. It’s particularly well-suited for mission-driven organizations and nonprofits.

Key Features

• Supports both donation-based and reward-based funding.
• Frequently collaborates with hospitals, nonprofits, and academic institutions.
• Eligible for tax-deductible donations in Japan.

Who It’s For

• NPOs, medical institutions, educators, and community leaders.
• Appeals to backers motivated by social impact and community support.

4. MotionGallery

Source: MotionGallery Homepage

Established in 2011, MotionGallery is a crowdfunding platform dedicated to creative and cultural projects, especially film, theater, literature, and music. It’s a favorite among artists and cultural creators who want to build close connections with supporters.

Key Features

• Strong ties with filmmakers, writers, and other creatives.
• High campaign success rates with polished, well-crafted project pages.
• Focuses on deep engagement with core fans.

Who It’s For

• Filmmakers, authors, musicians, and other artists.
• Great for collaborative, hands-on creative campaigns where backers feel part of the process.

5. Kibidango

Source: kibidango Homepage

Founded in 2013, kibidango specializes in helping unique and experimental products, especially those from overseas, launch in Japan. With a motto of “Bringing cool ideas to life,” it has raised over 3.5 billion yen and boasts a project success rate of more than 80%. It’s ideal for offbeat gadgets, quirky appliances, and niche product concepts.

Key Features

• Curates distinctive products from Japan and abroad.
• Excels in social media marketing and community building.
• Connects with its own e-commerce site to continue selling products post-campaign.

Who It’s For

• Product designers, startups, and creators targeting inbound markets.
• Best for niche, high-concept, or experimental items.

6. GREEN FUNDING

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Source: GR

EEN FUNDING Homepage

Backed by Culture Convenience Club (CCC), the company behind Tsutaya, GREEN FUNDING launched in 2013 and is known for its sleek, high-end product campaigns, especially gadgets, audio gear, and lifestyle accessories. It appeals to design-conscious consumers and tech enthusiasts.

Key Features

• Specializes in high-quality, high-priced tech products.
• Offers promotional support, including in-store displays at Tsutaya bookstores.
• Frequently partners with international manufacturers.

Who It’s For

• Tech lovers, creators, and users who value design and performance.
• Especially strong for well-designed hardware and consumer electronics.

7. A-port

Source: A-port Homepage

Run by the Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan’s leading newspapers, A-port stands out for its focus on journalism and social issues. Known for its “reporting-style” campaigns, it offers a platform for projects that combine storytelling with social impact, like documentaries, education initiatives, and investigative journalism.

Key Features

• Leverages the credibility and storytelling strength of a major news outlet.
• Strong media integration, leading to greater exposure.
• Focuses on social, educational, and public interest projects.

Who It’s For

• Journalists, social entrepreneurs, educators, and activists.
• Ideal for projects that aim to inform and inspire through compelling narratives.

Conclusion

Crowdfunding in Japan is no longer just a tool for raising money. It’s a platform where ideas, social missions, and community support come together. Each of these platforms offers a unique approach:

• CAMPFIRE: Open to all, perfect for first-time users.
• Makuake: Focused on creating products that sell.
• READYFOR: Designed for supporting social causes.
• MotionGallery: A creative space for cultural and artistic collaboration.
• kibidango: A launchpad for bold, offbeat product ideas.
• GREEN FUNDING: A go-to for high-spec, beautifully designed hardware.
• A-port: Powered by journalism to drive awareness and empathy.

Whether you’re looking to bring your own idea to life or support someone else’s, these platforms allow you to turn your passion into something real. Just clicking “support” might change someone’s future, and maybe one day, it’ll be your story on the other side.

Crowdfunding in Japan helps you to connect, support, and ultimately become part of something bigger.

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