Japanese sports teams raise funds for Kumamoto earthquake relief

The Yomiuri Giants organized a donation drive before their DeNA game at Tokyo Dome on August 2, inviting several pitchers and former Kumamoto‑born player Koichi Ogata to collect contributions for the victims of the July 28 Kumamoto earthquake. The fundraiser was part of the club’s “G hands” social‑responsibility program, with all money raised during the three‑game series to be delivered to the disaster area.

On August 1, the Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks held a similar on‑ice fundraising activity during a pre‑season match at the Nikko Kirifuri Ice Arena. Fans donated and displayed banners supporting the affected communities, which continue to face aftershocks and water shortages. Both events illustrate Japanese professional sports teams’ efforts to aid the Kumamoto region after the recent quake.