Japanese entertainers donate millions to support Kumamoto earthquake victims

Following the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto earthquake, a wave of donations has spread through Japan’s entertainment industry. Actor Jun Shison announced on Instagram that he contributed ¥5 million to the Japanese Red Cross Society for relief efforts. Fellow celebrities have also pledged large sums: musician YOSHIKI donated ¥10 million, the “New Map” group of actors Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Shingo Katori gave ¥30 million, and vocalist Genki Oomori of Mr. GREEN APPLE contributed ¥10 million. Singer Shizuka Kudo used her Nagano concert to set up a donation box, thanked supporters publicly, and highlighted the ongoing need for aid. Other artists, including Kazuya Kamenashi, Saeko Saeki, and the production company BPM (BMSG) linked to BE:FIRST, have each added ¥10‑20 million. The collective effort underscores a broad industry response aimed at accelerating recovery and supporting those displaced by the disaster.