According to Japanese law, only the nation's 47 prefectures and 12 specially designated cities may organize Takara-kuji lotteries. A lottery must first obtain the approval of the local assembly and then the Minister of Home Affairs.
The actual operation of the lottery (i.e., printing and delivery of the tickets to retail outlets, public relations, advertising, sales, draws, announcement of winning numbers, payment of prizes, etc.) is entrusted by law to the bank.
Although several banks have performed this function since 1945, The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank has long taken a leading role and at present is the sole trustee. As trustee, The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank is responsible for all business matters related to Takara-kuji sales. In addition to direct ticket sales to customers through its branches, the bank also entrusts part of its sales to retail outlets. Furthermore, on top of super-vising and directing these vendors, the bank also delivers the lottery tickets and collects the receipts.
There are approximately 10,067 Takara-kuji sales outlets, most of which were tobacco shops, photo shops, supermarkets and other local businesses, which sold lottery tickets as a sideline.
In major cities, however, there are also many exclusive lottery vendors, who account for a large percentage of sales.

See also: Japan National Lottery Association