The National Museum of Nature and Science started a crowdfunding campaign with a target of 7 million yen from the 1th, citing the critical situation of funds to collect and manage specimens, but in just over one day since the start, more than 1,2 people have already provided support, and more than 3 million yen has been raised, far exceeding the target.
The National Museum of Nature and Science, which has one of the largest collections in Japan and abroad of various specimens such as flora, fauna, and fossils, held a press conference in Tokyo on the 7th and announced that it would raise 1 million yen through crowdfunding, citing the critical situation of funds to collect and manage specimens due to soaring utility costs.
The crowdfunding started at 7 a.m. on the 8th, and support was gathered one after another, and about 9 hours later, at 5:20 p.m., the target amount of 1 million yen was quickly achieved.
The number of people who donated the support continued to increase, reaching 1 million yen at 9:9 a.m. on the 25th, just over one day after the start, and more than 3,2 people had provided support as of just after noon.
According to the company that operates the crowdfunding, among the approximately 2,2 projects it has worked on so far, it ranks second in terms of the amount of money raised and has the largest number of supporters.
The National Museum of Nature and Science posted a comment on its crowdfunding page, saying, "I never imagined that I would receive such a response, and I am frankly surprised and full of gratitude."
Although the National Museum of Nature and Science has achieved its goal, it will continue to recruit applications as originally planned, until November 11.
Minister of Education Nagaoka: "There are high expectations for effective use"
Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Nagaoka said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, "I would like to express my great gratitude for the understanding and cooperation of the people of Japan in the efforts of the National Museum. We have high hopes that the funds donated this time will be used effectively in efforts to accept valuable specimen materials and pass them on to future generations. Together with the museum's efforts to voluntarily obtain a budget and the support of the public, we will work to ensure stable and excellent museum management through basic allowances from the government."