Japanese towns offer popular local specialities from wagyu beef to tuna as gifts to citizens who donate money in a special tax scheme, but the coronavirus pandemic has made masks this year’s must-have item.

People have been giving up to 7,000 yen ($65) in return for a “gift” of locally-produced reusable linen and cotton masks, said an official in the central Japanese town in Aisho.

“I was surprised. There have been many donations since we began to offer the masks on April 1,” Aisho town official Junki Urabe told AFP.

Urabe said that about 100 donations have been made for masks in the past week, while popular local blueberries only attracted 20.

“Our local beef and rice are also still popular, but I feel masks are in high demand due to the virus outbreak,” said Urabe.

Under the special system, people can donate to municipalities and prefectures of their choice to become eligible for deductions in their income and residential taxes.

In return, the regions also offer local products — such as quality beef or expensive fruit — in the hope of attracting contributions.