Officials in Osaka are “lost for words” after an anonymous donor delivered $3.6 million worth of gold bars to the city government with a single condition: the funds must be used to repair and upgrade the aging water supply system.

“I have nothing but appreciation for this extraordinary gesture,” Mayor Yokoyama said in a press conference. “The donor wishes to remain anonymous, and we will respect that wish completely.”

The gold, delivered in sealed packages to the mayor’s office, represents one of the largest anonymous donations in Japanese municipal history. City officials confirmed the bars have been authenticated and will be converted to cash through official channels.

Japan’s aging infrastructure has become a growing concern, with thousands of water pipes across the country nearing the end of their designed lifespans. Many municipalities lack the budget for necessary replacements.

The donation has inspired a wave of public discussion about civic philanthropy in Japan, with several other cities reporting increased donations following the Osaka story.