TOKYO (AP) - Osaka has received an extraordinary donation of gold bars valued at 560 million yen (approximately $3.6 million) from an anonymous benefactor. This generous gift aims to assist in the urgent repairs of the city’s aging water pipe infrastructure. The gold bars, which weigh a total of 21 kilograms (46 pounds), were presented to the Osaka City Waterworks Bureau in November, according to Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama, who addressed the media on Thursday.
Mayor Yokoyama expressed his astonishment at the size of the donation, stating, “It’s a staggering amount and I was speechless. Tackling aging water pipes requires a huge investment, and I cannot thank enough for the donation.” He emphasized that the city would honor the donor’s request by using the funds specifically to enhance waterworks projects.
Concerns regarding the safety of Osaka's water systems have increased significantly following a tragic incident last year when a massive sinkhole swallowed a truck, resulting in the driver’s death. This incident was linked to a deteriorated sewer system in Saitama, which is located north of Tokyo. According to Eiji Kotani, an official from the Osaka waterworks, the city experienced 92 cases of water pipe leaks under its roadways during the fiscal year that ended in March 2025.
Osaka, which boasts a population of approximately 2.8 million residents, stands as Japan's third-largest city and serves as a vital commercial hub in the western part of the nation. The city is experiencing the effects of aging infrastructure, much of which was constructed during the rapid economic growth period following World War II. Since urban development in Osaka commenced earlier than in many other Japanese cities, both its water pipes and other essential infrastructures are also in need of urgent renewal.
According to Kotani, the city requires the renewal of a total of 259 kilometers (160 miles) of water pipes. To give a clearer picture of the expenses involved, renewing just a 2-kilometer (1.2 mile) segment of water pipes is estimated to cost around 500 million yen (approximately $3.2 million).
The generous donation of gold bars will significantly contribute to the city’s efforts to address these pressing issues and improve the reliability of its water supply system, which has become a focal point of public concern.
