"We also performed 'Kiku no Hana' for the first time in over ten years." Wakako Shimazaki returns...
13Wakako Shimazaki, a native of Kochi Prefecture, made her annual hometown tax donation.
Wakako Shimazaki, a talent from Nankoku City, appeared at the prefectural office, watched by a large crowd of staff members. Shimazaki has been making hometown tax donations to the prefecture since 2015, with 2025 marking her 11th time. On the 12th, she was presented with a letter of appreciation from Governor Hamada. Shimazaki, who also participated in the Yosakoi Festival in 2025, said, "I'm happy that so many people came from outside the prefecture."
(Wakako Shimazaki)
"(Q. Regarding hometown tax donations) In addition to giving back to my hometown, I want to preserve this natural cityscape for the next generation of children. Since the Nankai Trough earthquake is a frequent disaster, I hope they will also focus on disaster prevention."
Speaking of how to enjoy my hometown, Kochi, it's...
(Wakako Shimazaki)
"I drink so much I can't even tell you (laughs). I had "Kiku no Hana" for the first time in over a decade. People from Kochi know it, right? I did it! I didn't win, but drinking games at parties are definitely a uniquely Kochi experience, and it's fun."
According to the prefecture, the total amount of hometown tax donations received by the prefecture last fiscal year was approximately 556.8 million yen. This amount is increasing year by year. Donations are used for prefectural government initiatives and projects.