Japanese Adult Film Actress Donates 3 Million Yen to Kumamoto; Faces Backlash as 'Dirty Money'

Beverages, sanitary products, and diapers delivered
Firm response to disparaging comments
Praise and support continue locally

A famous Japanese adult film actress has come under fire after delivering tens of millions of won worth of donations and relief supplies to victims of the Kumamoto earthquake, only to receive malicious comments disparaging her profession. On August 6, Japanese media outlets such as Oricon News, Nikkan Sports, and J-CAST News reported that adult film actress Yu Tano (22) announced on August 4 via her X (formerly Twitter) account that she had donated 3 million yen to the area affected by the Kumamoto earthquake.

A famous Japanese adult film actress donated tens of millions of won and relief supplies to the victims of the Kumamoto earthquake, but has sparked controversy after receiving malicious comments belittling her profession. Reuters Yonhap News

The earthquake struck the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture at approximately 4:27 p.m. on July 28. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 and a depth of 16 kilometers. Tremors registered as intensity 7, the highest level on the Japan Meteorological Agency's scale, were observed in Uki City and Hikawa Town. The Japanese Red Cross has been accepting donations for the "Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund" from July 31 through October 30. All donations will be delivered to the Disaster Relief Fund Distribution Committee established in Kumamoto Prefecture and used to support the affected residents' livelihoods.

Adult film actress Yu Tano (田野憂, 22) announced on June 4th through her X (formerly Twitter) that she donated 3 million yen to the Kumamoto earthquake disaster area. Yu Tano Instagram

In her post, Yu Tano wrote, "My heart aches every time I see the news and stories of those affected." She added, "I wanted to help in any way I could, so together with a friend living in Hiroshima, we prepared support supplies." She and her friend sent beverages, powdered sports drinks, sanitary products, and diapers to the disaster area. Separately, she donated 3 million yen through the Japanese Red Cross. Regarding her donation, she stated, "I believe many people are still going through anxious times," and urged victims to prioritize their own and their families’ safety and health above all else. She also expressed hope that everyone could soon return to a peaceful, normal life where they could sleep soundly.

However, comments such as "It's dirty money, but thanks anyway" were posted in response to her message. Some people took issue with the fact that Yu Tano had earned the money as an adult film actress.

Yu Tano responded by sharing the comments, stating, "There is no reason support should be rejected because of my profession." She emphasized, "A donation is a donation. What matters most is that it reaches those in need." Some have criticized her for revealing her donation, claiming, "Why create controversy by making it public?" Yu Tano explained that she did not donate for personal satisfaction, but rather in the hope that her post would encourage even a few more people to join in providing support.

In Kumamoto Prefecture, a week has passed since the earthquake occurred, but large-scale evacuations and water outages continue. According to the damage status compiled by Kumamoto Prefecture as of 2 p.m. on the 5th, 7,155 residents are living in 133 evacuation centers within the prefecture. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

As the controversy grew, Japanese netizens showed reactions such as, "It is not easy for a 22-year-old individual to donate 3 million yen," "Calling lawfully earned money dirty is discrimination based on profession," and "What victims need is not the color of money, but tangible support." Others responded, "Did those criticizing her donate at least 3 million yen themselves?" "It's not the money that's dirty, but the hearts of those making such remarks," and "The relief goods alone would be appreciated, and yet she also made a large donation." Some netizens left supportive comments on Yu Tano's social media, saying, "There's no reason to be ashamed of money earned through hard work," "It's admirable to think of others before oneself," and "She did something not easily done at such a young age."

Japanese celebrities also spoke out in support of Yu Tano. Maeda Ken, from the comedy duo “Slim Club,” criticized those who called the donation "dirty money," pointing out that it reflected the impurity of their own hearts. Sakura Tsukishima, a colleague of Yu Tano, also expressed anger at those who criticized her by linking goodwill to her occupation.

Meanwhile, one week after the earthquake, Kumamoto Prefecture continues to experience large-scale evacuations and water outages. According to the damage status compiled by Kumamoto Prefecture as of 2 p.m. on August 5, a total of 7,155 residents are now living in 133 evacuation centers. The largest number of evacuees is in Uki City with 3,213, while 2,770 are currently staying in Yatsushiro City.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.