Exploring Japan's Unsung Heroes: The Givers Who Inspire Change
Japan has recently unveiled a heartwarming documentary variety show titled "Anata no Machi no Kakureta Hīrō En no Shita no Okuribito," which dives deep into the lives of selfless individuals known as "Okuribito" or givers. This engaging show, now available on TVer, features hosts Tamura Atsushi, Asahina Anju, and Kawai Yuzuru, drawing attention to the often-unseen contributions of everyday heroes in communities across Japan.
As explained by host Tamura Atsushi, the aim of the show is to inspire those in the community who want to contribute but may not know how. He expresses hope that viewers will find motivation to make a difference after watching the show. Fellow host Asahina Anju agrees, appreciating how the program highlights the heartfelt motivations of those who donate, making it a wonderful platform for their stories to be told.
Kawai Yuzuru, representing the comedy duo Einstein, emphasizes a key aspect he believes resonates with many viewers—there are countless individuals who wish to give back but lack the encouragement to take the first step. He encourages those who want to donate to tune in.
Japan's Ranking on Global Giving
In a surprising revelation, Japan ranked 139th out of 142 countries in the recent Global Giving Ranking published by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). This ranking was based on questions assessing whether individuals had helped strangers or made donations or volunteered in the past month. Distressingly, this positions Japan as not only the lowest among G7 nations but also among other Asian countries.
Against this backdrop, the news of MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani donating a staggering 60,000 gloves worth 1.2 billion yen to approximately 20,000 elementary schools across Japan made headlines, highlighting a stark contrast to the general trend of giving in the country. The show sets out to reveal and investigate other remarkable givers throughout Japan, understanding their motivations and the mysterious identities behind their altruistic deeds.
Spotlight on Local Heroes
The show introduces several noteworthy givers, starting with Tsukamoto Haruo, an 87-year-old philanthropist from Wakayama City. Known for his deep love for his hometown, Tsukamoto continues to support his community through generous donations, amassing a total of over 1.4 billion yen. His donations range from ambulances costing about 40 million yen to a donation of 250 million yen towards disaster preparedness facilities. His impact on the community has made him a local legend, with many recognizing him by name.
In Nagasaki, we meet Ura Yoshinori, a 45-year-old who has personally crafted and donated more than 800 table tennis paddles and 2,000 balls to local schools. His passion for the sport began in his youth, and after losing a friend who longed to play even in challenging circumstances, Ura turned his grief into a mission to share the joy of table tennis with children on the island.
From Mie Prefecture, 13-year-old Uchiyama Yusuke has made waves by donating his homemade "Fish Dictionary" to the local library, educating peers about the fish of his region and igniting their interest in culinary practices. At a young age, he has already become a local celebrity known as the “fish boy” due to his extensive knowledge.
In Tokyo, Kōhei Tokeshi, a fighter known for competing in the incredibly challenging martial art of Lethwei, is making a difference by funding the construction of schools in Myanmar. Inspired by the harsh conditions he encountered while volunteering, he channels his fight earnings into building safer educational environments for children.
The Unique Givers Quiz
The show also features a fun segment showcasing whimsical items donated as part of community support efforts. Recently, companies have started donating specially designed manhole covers, either to energize local pride or to commemorate beloved characters from popular culture, including those from the Gundam franchise.
This series not only serves as a beacon of hope but also urges fellow citizens to recognize the significance of givers in their communities. With mindsets shifting towards selfless giving, it invites each viewer to become an unsung hero in their own right.
For more information about this captivating series, visit the official website:
- - TVer: TVer
- - NIB Official Page: NIB
Start your journey to discovering 'Okuribito' and learn how you can contribute today!