Childcare institutions and consultation centers across Japan have been receiving anonymous gifts such as school bags, stationery, and cash from someone who claims to be the 'Tiger Mask', the hero of a popular wrestling comic book and TV series in 1960s. In the story, he was brought up in a tiny orphanage and became the superstar in the field of professional wrestling. He wore the mask of a tiger in the ring and no one knew his face. His real life was concealed. He was truly a gentle, kind and merciful man, though he was powerful and brave when he had the mask on.
The first person who gave gifts to children must have spent his/her childhood in 60s. How witty he/she was to use the name of 'Tiger Mask'. Following him/her, lots of people did the same thing. It's really heartwarming. It looks like this anonymous donation became a social movement. I hope it'll continue.
By the way, a question came up while I was writing this entry. The years between 1960 to 1969 are called 60s. 70s, 80s and 90s are acceptable, but what shall I call the years from 2000 to 2009? Do you know? Is it ok to call 10s as the years 2010-2019?
(Vocabulary)
repayment 恩返し
In the story, , , という設定です。
orphanage 孤児院
I love to hear of such stories. It goes to show that Fiction and Fantasy in prose, or other media, such as cartoons and movies...is actually closer to real life than is the news.
Fantasy speaks of the condition of the heart that is common to us all...merely in a different setting than normal. People can relate to it at a common level.
The news speaks of anomalies...of the rare conditions not normally experienced. It is titillating to normal viewers as most wouldn't think of doing such things. It offers a look into the abnormal psyche of the human condition...at least in the USA.
To do good anonymously bespeaks of purity of the heart. It is these actions that give hope to all that hear of such selfless acts.
Very nice article.
Posted by: Shiroi Tora | Feb 15, 2011 at 09:43 PM
This is a very heartwarming article. I think it's wonderful when people do wonderful acts of kindness like this and do so annonomously, showing their motives are truly altruistic.
As for your question, I honestly have no idea. I have often wondered the same thing. I have heard people call particular years in the first decade of 2000, oh-eight (for 2008) or so on, but I don't know about the tens, etc. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens in the future. (sarah)
Posted by: Sarah | Jan 20, 2011 at 12:12 PM