Crowdfunding Case Study ⑩ | ¥1.4 Million Raised in 13 Hours: A Campsite Nurtured Over 12 Years
機械翻訳 / Machine-translated
Crowdfunding is something you do by gathering supporters after you go public.
Some people may think of it that way.
But I believe that the work you put in before going public is what forms the real foundation of a crowdfunding campaign.
This time, I'd like to share a real example of a campsite that reached its first goal in just 13 hours after launch.
This is a project I supported in 2022: "We Want to Build a Campers' BAR 'Tsuki' at Harekamura Campsite — Now in Its 12th Year of Development!"
The setting is Harekamura Campsite in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Since 2011, the team had been gradually developing the mountain — renovating old farmhouses, building out campsites and wooden decks, one step at a time.
The goal this time was to create a new gathering hub: a BAR called "Tsuki" (Moon).
They envisioned a place where people could enjoy music and campers could share conversations.
This wasn't a project that appeared out of nowhere.
It was the next step in a village-building effort that had been going on for 12 years.
The campaign went live on September 16, 2022.
The first goal was ¥1.4 million.
And it was reached approximately 13 hours after launch.
By October 1st, the next goal of ¥2 million had also been achieved.
The final results were:
Total funds raised: ¥2,677,472
Number of supporters: 139
Goal achievement rate: 191%
I was involved in planning, goal-setting, return items, page production, outreach strategy, and post-launch support.
That said, I don't want anyone to look at that 13-hour figure and think "this is the formula for guaranteed success."
What I want to draw attention to is the fact that there were people who already knew about this place and had been involved with it before the campaign even launched.
The return items for this campaign weren't limited to campsite accommodation vouchers — there were some unique ones as well.
For example, "the right to have a drink with the village chief."
Or "the right to be BAR owner for a day."
There were also returns like having your name displayed in the completed BAR, or participating in a commemorative tree-planting.
Rather than simply receiving a product, there were entry points for supporters to actually visit, use the space, and take part in building it.
When I see projects like this, it reinforces something I deeply feel.
Don't let supporters remain just people who gave money.
"I want to go there sometime." "I want to spend time there with friends."
A sense of involvement that sparks those feelings carries on even after the crowdfunding campaign ends.
Harekamura had already taken on three crowdfunding campaigns before this one.
The facilities developed through those past efforts, and the way the place had gradually changed, were also featured on the project page.
The BAR built this time isn't a standalone facility either.
It's a continuation of the village-building that came before — and a challenge that connects to the next phase of development.
I believe this sense of continuity is essential in crowdfunding for local communities and base-building projects.
Not "it's over once we raise the money," but "what will become possible at this place next?"
That future is something to share with your supporters.
The construction of the BAR didn't go entirely according to plan.
The activity updates include honest accounts of construction delays and financial difficulties.
Even so, the completion of the BAR was announced in April 2023.
I think this journey matters too.
The total funds raised in a crowdfunding campaign is a number captured at a point along the way.
What the people who supported you want to see is also what actually came to be on the other side.
I place a great deal of importance on how a campaign moves on its first day.
But the reason support gathers on day one can't be explained by the posts made on launch day alone.
What kind of activities had been carried out up until now.
What relationships had been built, and with whom.
And what significance this particular challenge holds.
Looking back at the Harekamura case, I'm reminded of how much that accumulated effort truly matters.
Crowdfunding isn't a one-time fundraising event — it can also be an opportunity to create the next future together with the people cheering you on.
I intend to keep cherishing that kind of design going forward.
Actual project:
We Want to Build a Campers' BAR "Tsuki" at Harekamura Campsite! | CAMPFIRE
If you'd like to consult about crowdfunding, please visit my profile page.
