Lotteries play an important social role in Japan.

Created in 1945 by the Japanese national government to raise funds after the end of World War II, the Takara-Kuji lotteries – meaning fortune or treasure in Japanese – are currently owned by local and municipal governments. The Takara-Kuji lotteries account for a significant portion of these governments' budgets.

Approximately 40% of the lottery revenue is distributed to the 47 prefectures and 14 cities legally designated to organize the Takara-Kuji (lottery). All the profits from ticket sales are reinvested in benefits for the Japanese population. Projects range from construction and improvements to public housing, highways, and bridges to support for educational institutions that promote international exchange programs and cultural activities.

The high value of the main prizes and the diversity of lottery products have brought good results to the country. The Takara-Kuji lotteries have surpassed the 16 trillion yen mark since their inception 60 years ago.

Type of Lotteries

The Takara-Kuji Lotteries consist of six main types of lotteries. The All-Japan Lottery is sold nationwide. There are also four regional lotteries, divided into the Kanto-Chubu-Tohoku region, the Kinki region, the western Japan region, and Tokyo.

The last of these, the Promotional Medical Care Lottery, known as the Rainbow Lottery, is intended to provide funds for social programs that assist the elderly. The social function of this lottery also involves raising funds for improvements to the Jichi Medical School, an institution focused on rural medical care.
Caixa Lotteries Association