A: Hey there! You know, I just heard something interesting about the Japanese government's finances.

B: Oh? What's that now?

A: They got a record 129 billion yen from assets of people who passed away without heirs in fiscal 2024. That's around 828 million dollars!

B: Whoa, that's a lot! I didn't know that happened.

A: Yep, it's the highest since 2013! And get this, it's almost four times more than what they got in 2013!

B: Wow, I wonder why it's increasing so much.

A: Well, it seems there are more elderly people living alone now due to the declining birthrate and aging society. Plus, a greater number of singles too.

B: I see... So if someone dies without family or a will, the state gets their assets. That's tough.

A: Exactly! But even when there are heirs, some older ones choose to waive inheritance because it's too much trouble.

B: Hmm, that's sad. I guess it'll keep happening with the growing number of elderly without relatives.

A: Lawyer Yoshida suggested that maybe they could donate assets to caregivers or charities instead. And he reminded us to think about making a will early on because we need one to donate properties after death.

B: Good advice, I should start thinking about that too. Thanks for sharing!