Anonymous man donates $9.2K to west Japan city for supporting young caregivers

ASHIYA, Hyogo -- An anonymous man has donated 1 million yen (about $9,200) to the municipal government here for the purpose of supporting "young carers," or children or youth taking care of a family member while going to school or work.

The man, who is believed to be around his 70s according to the municipal government, said, "I want to give a letter to the mayor," and left an envelope at the reception window to the mayor's office on April 14 without saying his name. Inside the envelope was another envelope with the words "support fund" written on it, with cash inside. The letter read, "I don't know the details about young carers in the city, but if there are any, I want to make a small donation to support them."

"We feel the necessity to support young carers. We see it as an issue that must be tackled, and would like to use (the money) in accordance with the intention with which the donation was made," said an official at the municipal government. They explained that the money will be added to the city's social welfare "Yuai" fund.

(Japanese original by Sanae Kameda, Hanshin Bureau)