On 25/7, in Ukiha city, Fukuoka province, Hiroki Sasaki, 54, received the first donation from a campaign launched by friends and local residents.

The Sasaki family has faced repeated thefts. In the summer of 2025, the farm lost 6,500 pears, forcing Sasaki to dissolve his business due to an inability to pay employee salaries. Only he and his son were left to manage the cultivation.

On 17/7, the family again lost 5,000 premium Kosui pears that were ready for harvest. Total losses over two years amounted to 4 million yen. "Losing everything for two consecutive years left me with no motivation. It felt like I was only growing pears for thieves to take," Hiroki said.

Mr. Hiroki receives support from locals. *Photo: KBC*

After media covered the story, Rikiya Sato, a local resident, initiated a fundraising campaign. "Many people said they wanted to do something to help him," Rikiya stated.

Model Akemi Darenogare also called for direct community support. In just one day, the amount exceeded the goal, forcing organizers to close the donation round early.

Sasaki said the family received about 1,300 additional calls, messages, and encouraging emails from across the country. "I was once in a state of insecurity. But now I realize I can ask for help to rebuild everything," Sasaki said.

Regarding the investigation, e-commerce platform Mercari said it had reviewed its listings but found no stolen pears being sold on its system. Fukuoka Prefectural Police are extracting security camera footage around the area to find the culprits.

Sasaki plans to use the remaining pears as gifts for those who donated to help his family.

Video of Mr. Hiroki receiving donations from locals after the theft. *Source: KBC*

Bao Nhien (via Yahoo, KBC)