By KAZUYUKI ITO/ Staff Writer
November 4, 2019 at 16:20 JST
NAHA--In two days after a devastating fire raged through Shuri-jo castle here, donations from across Japan in excess of 100 million yen ($924,000) have been collected to rebuild the symbol of Okinawa.
The Naha city government used the Furusato Choice website covering the popular "furusato nozei" (hometown tax program) to solicit donations to restore the castle, which was heavily destroyed by fire early on Oct. 31.
The start of the donation program was at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 and the city hoped to collect 100 million yen. Within two days and about three and a half hours, 6,246 people had donated a total of 100,665,844 yen.
The operator of the website was surprised at how quickly the city reached its goal.
Along with the money, many donors also sent messages.
"This is just a small amount, but I want to send my feelings of support," one said.
Another message read, "I pray that a marvelous Shuri-jo castle will be rebuilt and that calm days will return to the people of Okinawa."
The Naha city government will continue with the donation program until March 31, 2020.
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