In Japan, a 43-year-old resident of Higashimatsushima, who is suffering from cancer, unexpectedly discovered a bag on the street containing 22 million yen (approximately $139,000 USD). On that same day, doctors had informed him that his cancer had returned following a period of remission and that he had only two to three months left to live. Distraught, the man was wandering aimlessly through the streets when he spotted a large bag—something he later described as a “gift from God,” according to a report by SoraNews24.
Although he initially walked past, he turned back and picked up the bag. Inside a public restroom, he opened it to find a large sum of cash and decided to keep it.
Over the next four and a half months, the man spent 18 million yen on medical treatment and trips abroad. It was later revealed that the bag of cash had been accidentally dropped by security personnel who were transporting earnings from an amusement arcade in the city of Sendai.
The owners of the money contacted the police, and in July, the man was arrested for the misappropriation of property. During his trial on October 19, he pleaded guilty to the charges. Prosecutors requested a one-year prison sentence, characterizing his actions as selfish, while his defense attorneys requested a suspended sentence, citing his grave medical diagnosis and his fragile psychological state.
The verdict is scheduled to be announced on November 6. In the meantime, the man has reached an agreement with an insurance company to repay the entire amount. Under the terms of the agreement, he will make monthly payments of 30,000 yen, with the full balance expected to be paid off by around 2076.
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