Bills & expensesEmergency & crisisCritical
Don't let Makoto's family go through winter without water
Makoto is behind on water bills after an unexpected car repair and needs $500 to avoid a shut-off.
🇯🇵 Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan1,351 views
The water account is 4 months behind. I received a disconnection notice that says service will be cut off on November unless I pay $500. I have never been late before an unexpected car repair.
I called the provider and asked about a payment plan, but they need a down payment of $130 first, which I don't have.
I live with two young children, and going through winter without water isn't safe. We can't cook, keep medicine cold or heat the home.
I'm working on getting back on my feet, and will pay forward whatever help I can once I'm steady.
Every dollar goes to the account in Makoto's name; a copy of the paid bill will be shared in the updates.
Where the $500 goes:
• Water arrears: $210
• Reconnection and late fees: $85
• Down payment on a payment plan: $205
Whatever you can give, even just sharing this page, means a lot.
- Makoto
- due date
- 2026-10-21
- bill type
- Utility arrears
Updates from Makoto
Small update. $145 so far, we've started the first stage. - Makoto
Thank you all. We're at 7% now ($35). I'm honestly stunned. I met with the utility company and confirmed the amounts.
Quick update: $135 raised so far (27%). I met with the utility company and confirmed the amounts. Receipts coming as soon as I have them.
- Anonymous 🇮🇳 · $73
“Hope this helps. Been where you're, it gets better. - Salem”
- Bhavna A. Tripathi 🇮🇳 · $38
“You got this. Thought of Makoto all day after reading this.”
- Anonymous 🇦🇺 · $10
“Blessings. Hope this covers a bit of it. - Cairns”
- Svetlana Veronika Lysenko 🇺🇦 · $100
“Thought of Makoto all day after reading this.”
- Dylan Carter 🇺🇸 · $25
- Tracey B. Naidoo 🇿🇦 · $10
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You're not alone. Hope you get there. Thinking of Tokyo
How is Makoto doing now?
Hang in there, Makoto. Reading this made my day a bit heavier but I'm glad I did. Greetings from London.
Is there a list of costs somewhere? Just curious how it adds up for Makoto
Everything on the list is an amount I've been quoted or invoiced. water arrears comes first ($210) and I'll update the page as each thing gets paid. It helps to be asked.
Hope things get better soon, Makoto. Your post was clear and honest. God bless
Sending good thoughts, Makoto. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Put this on a community board in Lagos this morning!
You're not alone, Makoto. I was in a similar spot a few years ago and it did get better. Thinking of Tokyo.
hope this works out for you. Put this on a community board in Lyon this morning. Love from Lyon.
It takes guts to ask. Well done. I hope November is when things finally get easier. Greetings from Tamale.
I was in a similar spot a few years ago and it did get better. I'm in public service myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. Take care.
Sending strength. I hope your landlord gives you a bit more time while this comes together. After 29 years in farming I know how hard it's to ask for anything. Love from Kumasi.
Good luck. This could happen to any of us. My husband and I read this together. God bless