The new Reiwa era of Japanese history is well under way and while it started off with a bang, let’s be honest–it’s kind of gone downhill from there. But though the coronavirus has become a serious threat to the health of the world, the new emperor, Emperor Naruhito, is aware that there are many other problems within Japanese society that also need to be addressed, and so he has donated a total of 100 million yen of his private spending money to two worthy causes.
The Imperial Household Agency announced on April 6 that the emperor donated 50,000,000 yen each to two organizations that provide services to support society: the government-founded Foundation for the Support of the Children’s Future (Kodomo no Mirai Ouen Kiki), and the incorporated non-profit organization Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (JVOAD). Emperor Emeritus Akihito also made a donation of the same amount to similar organizations when his son ascended the throne.
The Foundation for Support of the Children’s Future’s mission is to work towards eliminating child poverty, while the Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster offer support and resources for those affected by disasters. According to a representative from the Imperial Household Agency, “Their Majesties (the Emperor and Empress) wish to deepen the people’s understanding of the problem of child poverty, and the need to support the increasing numbers of volunteers who help people who were affected by the many disasters that occurred during the Heisei period [1989-2019].”
Of course, the donations are likely to help with coronavirus relief, as well. Shutting down businesses and closing offices has led to lost jobs and bankruptcies, which could result in the problem of poverty, including child poverty, becoming much worse in the near future. Undoubtedly such a generous gift to both organizations could help support more of those in need in these uncertain times.
▼ The JVOAD is also providing a free telephone consultation service for those struggling with a change in lifestyle due to coronavirus.
According to the constitution, the Japanese cabinet must approve any donation proposed by the Emperor if the amount donated exceeds the yearly cap of 18,000,000 yen, but the proposal passed without any issue during the March session of the House of Councillors, and the emperor was permitted to donate 100 million yen or less to organizations that provide social services by the end of March.
Source: Sankei News via Nico Nico News via My Game News Flash
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18 Comments
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Gobshite
Good man!
No Business
He's simply giving back 0.001% of the money he got from the government in the form of taxes from us peasants. Big deal.
Dinesh
way too less Considering Tax payers money was during his enthronement ceremony so on ..
even film stars in India contributed so much sum considering this amount ...
Arrrgh-Type
Any amount is useful, but I had been wondering about the imperial family during all of this.
Last year, it seems there was endless pomp and circumstance, but they've been extremely quiet since the virus started to take off. Seems like this would be a good time for a "symbol of the people" to speak up in a time of emergency. Even the Queen of England made a national address.
Jonathan Prin
They are good people.
Even if it is not much in compzrison of their wealth, one mudt understood it was capped by constitution.
They are showing the way how to behave in life, that is a grand step for blue blood people.
Kumagaijin
Wow, he must be rich!
macv
and where may I ask did he get that money in the first place? i didn't know he ever worked...
Yubaru
You know, its kind of sad in my opinion that people complain and criticize a man and his family who have pretty much no choice in their lives and have done the best they can under the circumstances.
His heart is in the right place, and to bitch about it, to me, is wrong!
rgcivilian1
@He's simply giving back 0.001% of the money he got from the government in the form of taxes from us peasants. Big deal. &
@His heart is in the right place, and to bitch about it, to me, is wrong!
This is a great gesture by the emperor as a humanitarian act of kindness. Be glad that he did but do feel and understand the tax part. To complain is just not the right time to do so. Kindness goes a long way despite where the money came from or from whom. Once it gets to the those who need it the most is the main mission.
mmwkdw
@zichi - replace the ¥ symbol with a $ symbol.... in 2017
Former emperor Akihito alone has $ 40 Million:
https://www.ibtimes.com/akihito-net-worth-2017-how-rich-japanese-emperor-parliament-passed-historic-law-his-2549849
And the overall running cost of the Imperial household is $325 Million per year!!!!!! :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_House_of_Japan
That said, it's a welcome Noble gesture.
oldman_13
Good for him, how much have the naysayers out there donated to charity and those in need?
Dan Lavender
now time for ZoZo billionaire to donate !
or perhaps flying around the moon is more important?
what a skin flint!
Dan Lavender
zozo town that should read
Tey Dela Cruz
His private spending money they we all pay for. Fraud.
macv
I think it's a nice gesture that all politicians should be made to follow
Yubaru
Then it's not voluntary! I dont want any politicians money! Too many strings attached!