
What a week, eh? Hayao Miyazaki’s retirement was announced, the creator of Attack on Titan has annoyed fans with his “poor” drawings, a massive boulder nearly smashed a car, and, worst of all, a freaking tornado ripped up a chunk of Japan! We sure could use some good, light-hearted news.
Well, how about this story of a man who donated 100,000 yen (US$1,000) to one of the elementary schools ravaged by the tornado…in one of the most unusual ways ever!
The weather in Japan has been pretty intense this week with high temperatures, heavy rains, typhoons, and even freaking tornadoes. While all of them are problematic, the tornadoes were the worst, causing extensive damage to many buildings. One of the worst hit was an elementary school in Chiba Prefecture, as you can see in the screenshot below.
That’s an incredible amount of damage, isn’t it? Really makes you go, “Whoa.” It also leaves you wondering what will happen to the poor children whose school has been trounced by a vicious twister.
While most of us might feel sad for a bit, click “Like,” and then move on to the next story, one man had other plans.
Dressed as Tiger Mask, the legendary professional wrestling character, an anonymous gentleman rode up to the school on a bicycle and handed over a book for saving 500 yen coins – 200 of the coins to be exact! Which, by our mental math is 100,000 yen (roughly US$1,000), or a heck of a lot of money to be carrying around in a book. The masked man said, “This is 100,000 yen. Use it for the school,” before riding off without even pausing to give his name.
It’s okay if you need to get that dust out of your eyes now. We understand.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with mid-20th century anime, Tiger Mask was originally a professional wrestling character in a manga from the late ’60s and early ’70s who has managed to stay popular through the years. The opening for the anime can be seen below. To describe it as “insane and fantastic” would probably be accurate.
A new, live-action Tiger Mask movie is even set to be released this November, so if your curiosity is piqued, be sure to keep an eye out for it!
Japenese Internet commenters had a lot to say about the news!
I bet this is just stealth marketing for the new movie.
Oh, it was me! It was so me!
This is too cool!
100,000 yen…hey, Nintendo! You’re supposed to care about kids! Where’s your donation?
Maybe he’s just too handsome, so he wears the mask?
You know what, that sounds reasonable to us!
So, there you have it, a man donned a Tiger Mask costume, pedaled over to a school damaged by a tornado, and selflessly gave away $1,000. If that doesn’t put a smile on your face, I just don’t know what to tell you!
Sources: Hachima Kikou, NHK
Images: YouTube, Wikipedia (bicycle, gladiator, yen, tiger), some assembly by RocketNews24



The Masked Philanthropist is Back! Japanese Orphanage Receives Mystery Donation from Tiger Mask
Okayama’s Tiger Mask makes final donation of school bags after five years of generosity
Modern legend Tiger Mask returns, donates 55 handmade face masks to rural government workers
Japanese man donates bags of cash to local schools, disappears without a trace
Meet the true spirit of Christmas in Japan: Tiger Mask
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
What do you eat when you catch a cold? We asked 11 of our Japanese reporters
We eat 13 of the most highly recommended sushi items at Sushiro and pick the best of the best
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Japan starts selling smart salads in its new AI vending machine
Ichiran ramen vs. Ichiran instant ramen: The ultimate taste test right outside the store
Pokémon fans aren’t happy with the Mister Donut fukubukuro lucky bag for 2025
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Leave a Reply