In an effort to mitigate regional fiscal imbalances, Japan implemented a system of voluntary tax-deductible contributions, widely recognized as Furusato Nozei (Hometown Tax). The emergence and operation of this policy extended beyond purely economic objectives, representing a creative integration of the traditional return-gift culture (Henreihin) into public management. Utilizing synthesis and analytical methods, this paper examines the cultural significance of Henreihin in Japan and its strategic application within the contemporary Furusato Nōzei framework, underpinned by Marcel Mauss’s Gift Theory and Pierre Bourdieu’s Social Capital. The research findings indicate that: the traditional concept of Henreihin has evolved from a purely cultural obligation into a strategic instrument for socio-economic connectivity. The Furusato Nōzei system successfully transforms individual social capital into regional public resources by institutionalizing the “Give - Take - Return” mechanism; and the effectiveness of this policy relies significantly on the harmony between economic incentives and cultural values. Consequently, the study affirms the vital role of embedding specific cultural values into economic development strategies, while offering practical lessons and policy implications for local fiscal management in Vietnam.