Japanese Farmer Gets Help After Pears Are Stolen

Hiroki Sasaki got money from a crowdfunding campaign to help his orchard.

The campaign started after thieves took many pears from the farm. Last summer, thieves took 6,500 pears. This made Sasaki unable to pay his workers.

The farm was targeted again when 5,000 pears were stolen. The losses were about 4 million yen. Sasaki said he felt like he was growing pears for thieves.

A local resident started the fundraising effort after hearing about the family's situation. Many people wanted to help.

Ripen pears.

A Japanese model encouraged her followers to contribute. Donations exceeded the target, so the campaign ended early.

The Sasaki family got many calls and messages of support from Japan.

Sasaki said he was worried but felt better after speaking up. He wants to get things back on track.

A big e-commerce platform looked at its listings but did not find the missing pears. Police are looking at security-camera footage to find the thieves.

Sasaki will send some pears to the people who supported his family.

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