Mission & Background
Our mission is to save the mentally disabled living alone in Japan from severe relative poverty.
On September 1, 2016, “The New Grade Determination Guidelines for Mental Disorders” came into effect in Japan. Since then, the mentally disabled living alone can no longer receive disability pension benefits.
- The economic loss from the cutoff of disability pension is at least 50,000 JPY (about US$470) per month.
- On an annual basis, the loss amounts to more than 600,000 JPY (about US$7,000).
- Despite this, they still have to pay the house rent, utilities, food, and other living expenses on their own every month.
- What is worse, there is no other public support that they can rely on.
In short, since September 1, 2016, the mentally disabled living alone have been pushed into dire economic straits, or severe relative poverty in Japan.
Also the Socially Vulnerable in Japan
The mentally disabled have traditionally been given the cold shoulder. In fact, their average monthly wage is still 60,000 JPY (about US$565) less than that of the physically disabled. Taking into account the economic loss due to the cutoff of disability pensions, there is an economic disparity of over 110,000 JPY (about US$1,050) per month or 1,320,000 JPY (about US$12,600) per year between the two.
Multiple Difficulties
If they were healthy, they could make up for the economic damage by working more on their own. But, of course, they are not.
This is why they need help.
- Combating mental illness: Psychiatric symptoms and Japanese social barriers such as prejudice, discrimination, and difficulty in finding a job
- Severe poverty since September 2016
Both are difficult to resolve. However, we believe that poverty can surely be solved with financial support. That is why we have launched this donation campaign.
Alone - An Immense Suffering
Remember, it is the mentally disabled living alone who are driven into extreme poverty. This means that they have to cope with both economic difficulties and mental illness alone. And being alone itself is an immense suffering.
Your donation is not just a financial aid, but also an encouraging message: “You are not alone”. Your donation can also ease their loneliness and distress.
Your loving donations are greatly appreciated. The amount doesn't matter because what they lack most is compassion and love from others.
- For more information, please see the following articles:
- In Japan, It Has Become Extremely Difficult for Only the Mentally Disabled to Receive Disability Pension Benefits Since September 2016
- Disability Pension Should Have Been Provided to the Mentally Disabled Living Alone. As an Alternative, I've Started a Donation Campaign
Thank you.
Donations Can Be Made Here
One-Time or Recurring Donations
We accept both one-time and recurring donations. First, please confirm which type of donation you wish to make. By default, “One-time” donation button is selected.
To Make Recurring Donations
Please select “Monthly” or “Annually” button at the top of the donation form.
The state when the “Monthly” button is selected.
For your information, subsequent payments will be made on the same date as your initial donation.
Choose Donation Amount
Next, choose the donation amount. In the “Custom Amount” field, you can freely set the amount you wish to donate.
Payment Method
1. CREDIT CARD (Preferred)
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, and DISCOVER Cards are accepted.
Payment processing is provided by Stripe.
2. PayPal
PayPal payment is also available. To use PayPal payment, you need a PayPal account. For more information, please check the official website.
Four Currencies Available
- US Dollars (USD)
- British Pound Sterling (GBP)
- Euros (EUR)
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
We also accept donations in British Pounds, Euros, and Japanese Yen in addition to US Dollars. Select a currency from the drop-down list. By default, US Dollars is selected.
No Extra Fees
No extra fees are required. We pay the fees for “Donorbox”, “stripe”, and “PayPal” on your behalf. Specifically, these fees will be automatically deducted from your donation at the time of payment and paid to each company.
Not Tax-Deductible
This is not a tax deductible donation. Since we are a start-up Japanese organization, we do not yet meet the requirements of overseas non-profit organizations such as 501(c)3 organizations.
Donorbox Account (Required Only for Recurring Donors)
After the first donation, recurring donors will receive an e-mail to create a “Donorbox account.”
“Set Up Account” e-mail will be like this. Source: Save Venice Italy | Save Venice test account (Powered by Donorbox)
Follow the instructions to create a Donorbox account. On the account page, you can make the following changes:
- Change the donation amount
- Cancel the recurring donation
- Modify payment method
- Refund
- Close your Donorbox account
By the way, refunds will take 5-10 business days to reflect in your Donorbox account.
Enter Your E-mail Address CORRECTLY
There are two reasons why a valid e-mail address is required.
1. To Send You a Receipt
After payment of the donation, Donorbox will send a receipt email to both one-time and recurring donors. A receipt (PDF) is attached to that e-mail. Please use this as your official receipt.
An example of receipt e-mail. Source: Save Venice Italy | Save Venice test account (Powered by Donorbox)
A receipt in PDF format like this one is attached to the receipt e-mail. Please print it out if necessary.
Since we do not collect address information, we can not send you a paper receipt. Your “First Name” and “Last Name” will be shown on the receipt.
2. To Send a Donorbox “Set up Account” E-Mail
As mentioned above, only recurring donors will receive a “Set Up Account” e-mail from Donorbox. This e-mail is very important. Because if you fail to create a Donorbox account, you will not be able to manage your donations. Please make sure to enter your e-mail address correctly.
Note: We do not distribute e-mail newsletters.Thank you.