Get points to use for food and other everyday items.
To help reduce the burden that the cost of commodities, energy, and other items is placing on Hokkaido residents, the Hokkaido Government is providing points and gift cards that can be used to purchase food and other everyday essentials. This program is supported through Japan's Special Regional Revitalization Grants for Focused Support in Response to Price Rises.
Article 1: Purpose The purpose of these guidelines is to stipulate necessary provisions for the execution of the Emergency Support Program in Response to Price Rises (Hokkaido Cost of Living Support Point Provision Program) (hereinafter "this program"), which helps reduce the burden that the cost of commodities, energy, and other items is placing on Hokkaido residents by providing all households in Hokkaido with points and gift cards that can be used to purchase food and other everyday essentials.
Article 2: Definitions of Terms The following terms used in these guidelines are defined according to each clause.
(1) Head of household The party (including non-Japanese nationals) designated as the head of the household in the resident register created according to Article 6 of the Basic Resident Registration Act (Act No. 81 of 1967).
(2) Hokkaido App An app developed and used by the Hokkaido Government to provide points and gift cards through this program. Users' identities are verified through the Japanese Public Key Infrastructure using users' My Number Cards.
(3) Domin Points Points provided to eligible parties by the Hokkaido Government through the Hokkaido App. Each point is equivalent to one yen that can be spent on products and services at stores accepting Domin Points, which have been recruited in advance.
(4) Private sector point systems Systems in which points, etc. are issued by private sector businesses to be spent on products, services, etc. Can be used with these businesses and their broad network of affiliates.
(5) Mini apps Apps that operate within the Hokkaido App to fulfill the following functions. (a) Domin Point mini app Functions such as awarding, management, and use of Domin Points and searching for stores that accept Domin Points (b) Product Exchange mini app Conversion of Domin Points to private sector point systems (c) News mini app Sending news and messages to users of the app (d) Questionnaire mini app Allows questionnaires to be given to users of the app and answers to be aggregated
Article 3: Establishment of Secretariat The Hokkaido Government shall establish a secretariat to fulfill the purposes of this program. The secretariat shall perform the administrative tasks necessary to provide points and gift cards as stipulated in these guidelines, along with the following administrative tasks. (1) Establishment of a call center (2) Construction of a website (3) Notifications about this program (4) Registration and management of stores that accept points (5) Reporting of results and verification of the effectiveness of this program (6) Other tasks deemed necessary by the Hokkaido Government for the execution of this program
Article 4: Parties Eligible to Receive Points/Gift Cards 1. All heads of households with an address in Hokkaido on May 1, 2026 are eligible to receive points/gift cards. 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous paragraph, members of organized crime groups stipulated under Article 2, Clause 6 of the Act on Prevention of Unjust Acts by Organized Crime Group Members (Act No. 77 of 1991) shall not be eligible to receive points/gift cards.
Article 5: Application Method The secretariat shall mail a pressure-sealed return (forwardable) postcard (hereinafter referred to simply as "postcard"), containing information such as an overview of this program and how to apply, to the parties who are eligible to receive points/gift cards. Eligible parties shall apply by one of the following methods. (1) Application through the app Applicants shall install the Hokkaido App on their smartphone and scan their My Number Card to register as a user and apply through the app. (2) Application by mail Applicants shall cut out the reply slip of the postcard sent by the secretariat and send it back to apply. Costs for mailing of the reply postcard shall be borne by the secretariat.
Article 6: Application Period The application period to receive points/gift cards is from June 25, 2026 to November 16, 2026. In the case of applications by mail, applications received by the secretariat by November 16, 2026 shall be treated as eligible.
Article 7: Screening 1. Upon receiving an application according to the provisions of Article 5, the secretariat shall confirm that the application is not a duplicate and shall without delay screen the application and provide points/gift cards to the applicant if the applicant is deemed eligible. If the applicant is deemed ineligible, the secretariat shall promptly notify the applicant that the applicant is ineligible. 2. In the case of applications through the app, the secretariat shall verify the applicant's identity through the Japanese Public Key Infrastructure using the applicant's My Number Card.
Article 8: Items Awarded One of the following shall be awarded to heads of households that are eligible to receive points/gift cards. (1) If applying through the app Domin Points equivalent to 5,500 yen shall be awarded. (2) If applying by mail JCB Gift Cards equivalent to 5,000 yen shall be awarded.
Article 9: Method of Awarding 1. Points/gift cards shall be awarded by the following methods. (1) Domin Points shall be awarded through the Domin Point mini app in the Hokkaido App installed on the applicant's smartphone. (2) JCB Gift Cards shall be mailed to the address registered by the applicant. 2. In the event that gift cards awarded according to (2) in the previous paragraph are returned, the secretariat shall confirm the situation based on information provided by the applicant and attempt to resend the gift cards only once. If the gift cards are returned again, the applicant shall be considered to have withdrawn their application.
Article 10: Using Domin Points The conditions for using Domin Points are as follows. (1) A number of Domin Points specified by the user can be used at stores accepting Domin Points. An unlimited number of spends are permitted within the validity period, up to the number of points provided. (2) Domin Points can be converted to private sector point systems that are used in a wide range of everyday shopping settings. However, the Domin Points equivalent to 5,500 yen must be converted in their entirety. If any Domin Points have been used, it is not possible to convert the remainder. (3) Domin Points are transferrable from the head of the household who received them to other parties, such as other members of the family, in one-point units. Points are transferred in the Domin Point mini app, so in order to receive points, the recipient must install the Hokkaido App on their smartphone and register as a user with their My Number Card. (4) Domin Points can be used at stores accepting Domin Points or converted to private sector point systems until December 15, 2026.
Article 11: Converting to Private Sector Point Systems Domin Points can be converted to private sector point systems in the Product Exchange mini app. Below are the private sector point systems to which Domin Points can be converted and the validity period of points in those systems. Validity periods are calculated from the date on which the Domin Points are converted to the private sector point system.
Private sector point system Validity period Amazon Gift Cards 10 years d POINTS 12 months from the date of the last use (updated with each use) WAON POINTS e-gift 1 year QUO CARD Pay 3 years PayPay Money Lite Indefinite
Article 12: Changing of Format Once the user selects the format in which they wish to receive Domin Points, it is not possible to change the format.
Article 13: Cancellation of Points/Gift Cards If it is determined that a person who has received points/gift cards has carried out any of the following acts, the Hokkaido Government shall cancel the award of such points/gift cards. (1) Receiving points/gift cards through deception or other wrongful means (2) Exchanging or selling received points/gift cards to another person for profit (3) Using the award of points/gift cards as a security or pledge (4) Acts that may lead to fraud or other crimes (5) Acts that violate these guidelines (6) Other than the above, acts deemed unsuitable by the Hokkaido Government
Article 14: Returns of Points/Gift Cards After the award of points/gift cards has been canceled according to the provisions of the previous article, the Hokkaido Government shall order returns to be carried out by the specified deadline through the secretariat as described below. (1) Domin Points Use of the full amount shall be terminated. However, if the applicant has already used the awarded amount, in whole or in part, use of the remaining points shall be terminated and the return of a monetary amount equivalent to the points used by a set deadline shall be requested. (2) JCB Gift Cards The return of the full amount, 5,000 yen, shall be requested.
Article 15: Investigations, etc. This program can investigate applicants when deemed necessary by the Hokkaido Government. If an applicant does not cooperate with the investigation or does not respond by the specified deadline, this program can decide not to award points/gift cards or to reverse its decision to award points/gift cards.
Article 16: Notifications from the Hokkaido Government The Hokkaido Government may send users notifications about matters such as necessary information on the execution of this program, through the News mini app of the Hokkaido App.
Article 17: Questionnaires The Hokkaido Government shall conduct questionnaires for recipients of points/gift cards, through the Questionnaire mini app of the Hokkaido App or through other means, to verify the effects of this program.
Article 18: Other Matters Matters other than those stipulated in these guidelines shall be stipulated elsewhere by the Hokkaido Government.
Enactment These guidelines are effective from June 1, 2026.
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Hokkaido App
The Hokkaido App is a smartphone app that anyone can use to confirm their identity with their My Number Card free of charge. Register to collect your points and to access other app-based services and notices from the Hokkaido Government.
Using the Hokkaido App
Downloading the app
Follow the steps below to download the Hokkaido App and register.
STEP 1
Have the following items ready: 1. Smartphone 2. The head of the household's My Number Card 3. The postcard you received in the mail
STEP 2
Use your smartphone camera, etc. to scan the QR code on the postcard that you received in the mail and download the Hokkaido App.
STEP 3
Open the Hokkaido App, then press Register/Log In.
STEP 4
If you agree to the terms of use, press Agree and continue.
STEP 5
Select Start with My Number Card.
Note: You must register your My Number Card before you can receive points.
STEP 6
Enter the four-digit PIN code that you have set for your My Number Card.
STEP 7
Hold your My Number Card against the back of your smartphone to read the card.
Note: Smartphone must support NFC.
STEP 8
When this screen is displayed, registration is complete.
Collecting Domin Points
STEP 1
In the Hokkaido App, open the Read Function.
*This can be opened by pressing "Scan" for Domin Points or by opening your smartphone's camera as normal.
STEP 2
Scan the QR code on the postcard you received in the mail.
STEP 3
Your points are awarded. You can check the amount of points received and your remaining points in your Transaction History.
Using Domin Points
Stores that accept Domin Points will provide a QR code. Scan the code with your smartphone, enter the number of points you want to use, then pay.
Note: Points become invalid after the end of the validity period shown in the app. Use your points before they expire.
STEP 1
Open the Hokkaido App and press the Domin Point mini app.
STEP 2
Press Pay in the center of the Domin Point mini app screen to open the camera.
STEP 3
Scan the QR code in the store.
STEP 4
Enter the amount of points you wish to pay. Then, press the Next button.
STEP 5
Show the screen to the store staff so that they can check the payment content. If the content is correct, press the Pay button.
STEP 6
When this screen is displayed, payment is complete. Press Close to close the payment screen.
Transferring Domin Points: Sender
If points are sent in error, the recipient can transfer them back to the sender. Points can be transferred in units of 1 yen. A history of transfers can be viewed in Transaction History in the Domin Points app.
STEP 1
Press the Send button in the Domin Point mini app.
STEP 2
Select Domin Points and press the "Next" button.
STEP 3
Enter the amount you want to send.
*Points can be sent in units of 1 yen.
STEP 4
A QR code for sending the points will be displayed. The user who will receive the points can scan this code with their smartphone.
*The QR code is valid for five minutes. *The user who will scan the code needs to have installed the Domin Points app.
Transferring Domin Points: Recipient
STEP 1
Press the Receive button in the Domin Point mini app.
STEP 2
Select Scan QR code to receive points and press the Scan button.
STEP 3
The camera will open. Scan the QR code displayed in the sender's app.
STEP 4
Press the Receive button.
*The QR code is valid for five minutes. *The user who will scan the code needs to have installed the Domin Points app.
STEP 5
The screen on the left is displayed when you have received the points.
Important Notes
Applications after the deadline cannot be accepted for any reason.
After the awarding of points/gift cards is decided, if it is determined that points/gift cards were obtained through deception or other wrongful means, that received items were exchanged with or sold to other persons for profit, that the person receiving points/gift cards was not eligible, or other similar circumstances have occurred, the awarding of points/gift cards shall be canceled and returns must be performed promptly, following the methods specified by the secretariat for this program.
If you submit an application both through the app and by mail, the application received first will be given priority. Applications cannot be canceled.
By submitting an application, you are considered to have agreed to these important notes.
Search for participating stores using the Domin Point mini app.
STEP 1
Open the Hokkaido App and press the Domin Point mini app.
STEP 2
Press Store Information in the menu at the bottom of the screen. Stores accepting points in the area where you live are displayed.
STEP 3
You can filter the stores by pressing the tags at the top of the screen. More detailed filters are available through methods such as keyword searches.
Items Ineligible for Use of Domin Points
This project is intended to reduce the burden that the cost of commodities places on Hokkaido residents. Consequently, points cannot be used for the following purposes.
Payments to the Government of Japan or regional public bodies
Purchases of real estate or financial products
Purchases of cash vouchers, stamps, government-issued postcards, prepaid cards, or other high-liquidity items, or purchases of lottery tickets
Investments or payment of obligations
Purchases of tobacco or electric tobacco products manufactured in accordance with Article 2-1-3 of the Tobacco Business Act (Act No. 68 of 1984)
Cash on delivery paid to delivery service providers, proxy payments at convenience stores, and other payments that effectively enable payment to operators other than the store accepting points
Payments related to business activities
Out-of-pocket payments related to medical insurance and long-term care insurance
Other payments deemed inappropriate by the Hokkaido Government in light of the purpose of the project
Conversion to private sector point systems
Domin Points can be converted for use with Amazon Gift Cards, d POINTs, WAON POINTS e-gift, QUO CARD Pay and PayPay Money Lite.交換申請は、1週間ごとに交換受付・処理を行っていますが、申請の受付は2026年12月15日まで随時可能です。 *Applications for conversion to private sector point systems are only accepted in units of 5,500 yen (entire vouchers). Applications to convert Domin Points cannot be made for balances below 5,500 points. *Applications for conversion to private sector point systems cannot be canceled after the application has been submitted.
Converting points
STEP 1
Open the Hokkaido App and press the Product Exchange mini app.
STEP 2
Select convert to private sector point systems.
STEP 3
Follow the instructions on screen and enter the required information.
STEP 4
When this screen is displayed, your request to convert points has been submitted. Within about seven to ten days of submitting your request, you will be notified about the conversion to the private sector point system through a message in the Hokkaido App.
STEP 5
Press Messages in the menu at the bottom of the Hokkaido App screen. Press Confirm in app.
STEP 6
On the usage history screen, press Convert to private sector point systems.
STEP 7
Press the link on the usage history details screen to access “Digital Gift,” where you can convert your points.
STEP 8
Press Receive now.
STEP 9
Select the private sector point system you wish to convert to.
STEP 10
Follow the process specified by each point system to receive your points.
Note: This image shows Amazon Gift Cards as an example.
Cancellation/return of awarded points/gift cards
Cancellation
If it is determined that a person who has received points/gift cards has carried out any of the following acts, the award of such points/gift cards shall be canceled.
Receiving points/gift cards through deception or other wrongful means
Exchanging or selling received points/gift cards to another person for profit
Using the award of points/gift cards as a security or pledge
Acts that may lead to fraud or other crimes
Acts that violate the implementation guidelines
Other than the above, acts deemed unsuitable by the Hokkaido Government
Returns
After the award of points/gift cards has been canceled, returns shall be carried out by the specified deadline through the secretariat as described below.
Points
Use of the full amount shall be terminated. However, if the applicant has already used the awarded amount, in whole or in part, use of the remaining points shall be terminated and the return of a monetary amount equivalent to the points used by a set deadline shall be requested.
JCB Gift Cards
The return of the full amount, 5,000 yen, shall be requested.
FAQ
Applications and Awarding of Points/Gift Cards
A: All heads of households (the party indicated as head of household in the resident register) with an address in Hokkaido on May 1, 2026 are eligible to receive points/gift cards. Parties who registered their move to Hokkaido on May 2, 2026 or later are not eligible.
A: An application is required in order to receive points/gift cards. A postcard (pressure-sealed return postcard), containing information such as an overview of this program and how to apply, will be mailed to the parties who are eligible to receive points/gift cards. When you receive the postcard with instructions, apply by one of the following methods. ・Application through the app Install the Hokkaido App on your smartphone and scan your My Number Card to register as a user and apply through the app. ・Application by mail Cut out the reply slip of the postcard and send it back to apply.
*There is no online reception service or reception desk for applications.
*If you submit an application both through the app and by mail, the application received first will be given priority. Applications cannot be canceled.
A: Postcards with instructions will be sent successively to eligible parties from June 24. If you believe that you are eligible but do not receive a postcard with instructions by mid-July, please phone our call center (0120-842-076).
A: Applications are accepted from June 25 to November 16, 2026. Applications received through the app by 11:59 pm November 16 or received by mail by the secretariat by November 16 will be accepted.
A: It depends on the format. ・If you apply through the app If you apply through the Hokkaido App, you will immediately receive Domin Points equivalent to 5,500 yen in the Domin Point mini app of the Hokkaido App installed on your smartphone. ・If you apply by mail You will receive JCB Gift Cards equivalent to 5,000 yen around three weeks after the reply postcard containing your application is received by the secretariat. Your JCB Gift Cards will arrive in a Yu-Pack parcel. Please be aware that mailing of your gift cards may be delayed due to factors such as the number of applications received at the same time as yours and the situation of the mail service.
A: Domin Points are valid until December 15, 2026. JCB Gift Cards are valid indefinitely. The validity periods of private sector point systems vary. Amazon Gift Cards: 10 years, d POINTS: 12 months from the date of the last use, WAON POINTS e-gift: 1 year, QUO CARD Pay: 3 years, PayPay Money Lite: Indefinite
Receiving Points
A: This function allows you to transfer your Domin Points to another party, such as a family member or friend.
・Press the "Send" button in the Domin Points app.
・Select "Domin Points" and press the "Next" button.
・Enter the amount you want to send.
*Points can be sent in units of 1 yen.
A QR code for sending the points will be displayed. The user who will receive the points can scan this code with their smartphone.
*The QR code is valid for five minutes.
*The recipient needs to have installed the Domin Points app.
A: ■ For iPhone (iOS) Open the "Settings" app of your smartphone. Scroll down to the Hokkaido App and select it. Set the "Camera" switch to ON (green). ■ For Android devices Open the "Settings" app of your smartphone. Select "Apps" ⇒ "All Apps" (this may be "Manage Apps" on some phones). Select the Hokkaido App from the list. Select "Authority" or "Permissions". Select "Camera" and check "Allow only while using the app" or similar.
*If this does not resolve the issue, try restarting your smartphone.
*If restarting your smartphone does not resolve the issue, ask for assistance at a store of your mobile carrier or your smartphone's support center.
Using Points
A: You can search for stores by name, area, or category from "Store Information" in the Domin Point mini app. A list of stores is also available on the Domin Points website.
A: Policies for using Domin Points together with cash vary depending on the store, so please confirm this directly with the store where you wish to use your points.
A: It is not possible to display a payment barcode to use your Domin Points at a store. Scan the QR code provided by the store.
■ How to use Domin Points
(1) Press "Scan" in the app to open the camera, and then scan the store's QR code.
(2) Enter the number of points you wish to spend and press "Next".
(3) Present your screen to the store employee. After the employee has confirmed the details, press "Pay".
(4) When the payment is completed, a screen will appear to indicate that the payment has been completed.
*Please be aware that the screen will automatically close after a set period (around five minutes).
Conversion to Private Sector Point Systems
A: You can convert your points to one of the following: Amazon Gift Cards, d POINTS, WAON POINTS e-gift, QUO CARD Pay, or PayPay Money Lite.
A: After you receive your Domin Points, you can convert them using the Product Exchange mini app. The Domin Points equivalent to 5,500 yen must be converted in their entirety. If your Domin Points balance is below 5,500 yen, it cannot be converted.
Using JCB Gift Cards
Each applicant will receive a set of five 1,000 yen gift cards.
The Hokkaido Government has produced logo marks, posters, stickers, and other resources for use by stores that accept Domin Points and their operators. These resources may be used free of charge for display, inclusion in promotional materials, and distribution in stores only and only when used without altering the design or content. If you wish to use these resources, they are available for download below.
InquiriesHokkaido Cost of Living Support Point Provision Program Secretariat Call Centers
For information about how to use points, how to register through the app, how to use the app, and similar inquiries, contact our Consumer Call Center.
Consumer Call Center
Point of contact for inquiries from consumers
Inquiries including how to register through the app, how to use the app, and questions about the support system
Office hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
From Monday, June 15, 2026 to Friday, January 29, 2027
Note: Closed from Thursday, December 31, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027
Beware of scams impersonating the Hokkaido Cost of Living Support Point Provision Program!
Employees of the Hokkaido Government, secretariat for this program and similar organizations will never do the following.
Ask for your My Number, bank account information, or related PIN numbers
and confirm your identity with your My Number Card to get
yen
yen
ポイント給付に関する大切なお知らせ
If you are eligible, download the 
Downloading the app
Collecting Domin Points
Using Domin Points
Transferring Domin Points: Sender
Transferring Domin Points: Recipient
Finding stores
Converting points
