Osaka has received a substantial donation in the form of gold bars, valued at 560 million yen (£2.7 million), from an anonymous benefactor aimed specifically at addressing the city's deteriorating water infrastructure. The gift, which totals 21 kilograms (46 pounds) of gold, was presented to the Osaka City Waterworks Bureau at the end of November, and Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama expressed his astonishment at the generous contribution, emphasizing the pressing need for significant investment in updating the ageing water system.

The mayor stated that Osaka, as Japan's third-largest city with a population of approximately 2.8 million, is committed to honoring the donor's intent and will allocate the funding to enhance waterworks projects. This financial windfall highlights the ongoing challenges the city faces concerning its infrastructure, much of which was established during Japan's rapid post-war growth era, and underscores the urgency for upgrades as the facilities begin to show their age, particularly in urban hubs like Osaka.

Nationally, many public infrastructure systems in Japan are reaching their limits as they were built during a time of intense growth, raising concerns about the sustainability and safety of these resources. This donation not only signifies community support for infrastructure improvements in Osaka but also spotlights the broader issues facing urban infrastructure across Japan, prompting discussions about funding and responsibility for maintenance of vital public services.