A billion yen — the new record, and the '0% fee' alternative
Bottom line
In 2025, Japan's reward crowdfunding passed ¥1 billion for the first time. At the same time, a different question is spreading — about how fees are taken at all. Knowing both the size record and the 0%-fee alternative lets you read where a campaign's money actually goes.
The record: reward crowdfunding clears ¥1B
- UGREEN NASync DXP (GREEN FUNDING, 2025): a personal NAS raised ~¥1.02B from 16,849 backers — the first reward campaign in Japan over ¥1B, and GREEN AWARD 2025's top of the year.
- Behind it: a clear value (your own cloud, no subscription) and a reverse-import record after first raising ¥1B in the US. More in judging imports.
Fees, the invisible cost
Not all of a pledge reaches the runner. Reward crowdfunding typically takes ~10–20% (payment included) — Makuake 20%, CAMPFIRE ~12% + payment, as covered in CAMPFIRE vs Makuake.
The 0%-fee alternative: For Good
Built for social causes, For Good (run by Borderless Japan) charges a 0% platform fee: backers optionally cover a fee (¥200 + 5%) so donations reach the runner in full. It prioritises impact over profit and fits schools, regions and NPOs. Example: a safe school gym.
What it means for backers
- Where the money lands, and how much, depends on the model and the fee — for donation-like projects, verify use-of-funds transparency.
- The ¥1B scale is impressive, but crowdfunding is a pre-order, not a risk-free purchase — checking warranty and support still matters.
- The full picture: the six types; backing safely: the back-safely guide.
