A mysterious donor who posed as a cartoon wrestler hero and triggered a wave of similar donations for underprivileged children in Japan several years ago revealed his identity Wednesday at a pro wrestling event in Tokyo and called for sustained support for youngsters.
Masatake Kawamura, a 43-year-old company employee from Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, said he was the donor impersonating Naoto Date, the protagonist of the "Tiger Mask" cartoon series dating back to the 1960s.
In the wrestling ring at Korakuen Hall, Kawamura said: "Children are born not to be abused but to be hugged. I'd like to continue engagement" in supporting them. His remarks drew applause from the crowd.