Highly Appreciative of 400 Million Yen Donation from Anonymous Woman
Published on January 30, 2026
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At the beginning of the New Year, I was amazed and grateful that The Nippon Foundation received a donation of 400 million yen (about $2.62 million) from an elderly woman in Osaka, western Japan. The sender remains anonymous.
A year earlier, we received a donation of 200 million yen (about $1.31 million) in three big cardboard boxes, delivered to our office by a parcel delivery service from an anonymous woman in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan.
This followed a donation of the same amount that the foundation received in two cardboard boxes from an anonymous man in Osaka at the start of 2023. The invoice indicated that the boxes contained books, so we were stunned to discover they were full of 10,000 yen (about $65.5) notes.
We are truly appreciative of all our donors and recognize the trust they have placed in us to make good use of their heart-warming donations as we engage in our activities.
The Nippon Foundation receives donations, both large and small, from a wide variety of people every day.
Established in 1962, the foundation is Japan’s largest grantmaking organization and has been actively addressing various social issues at home and around the world. To mention just a few, these include supporting children in financial difficulties, people with disabilities and those hit by severe natural disasters, as well as addressing global ocean issues such as plastic waste.
The Nippon Foundation uses the entire amount of all donations received for activities that contribute to society, without deducting indirect or administrative expenses.
All activities are audited and reported to donors. With 60 years of experience, we have a global network of nonprofit organizations and businesses.
I send a signed, handwritten letter of thanks to those who contribute 10,000 yen or more to the foundation. Sometimes I write as many as 500 such letters a day.
Never taking the trust placed in us for granted, all of our staff and I are determined to make even greater efforts throughout the year and beyond to solve social issues that are beyond the reach of national and local governments and international organizations.
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