Kumamoto earthquake relief efforts receive funding and support

Relief efforts are expanding following the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto earthquake. The Love Pocket Fund, a joint initiative by Atarashii Chizu and the Nippon Foundation, has announced its first round of support for the disaster recovery project. The fund has allocated 9,980,000 yen to the Yatsushiro Junior Chamber to support various needs in Yatsushiro and Hikawa.

Specific allocations include funding for material support to welfare facilities and evacuees, the operation of disaster volunteer centers, community meal services in collaboration with local businesses, and assistance for the early recovery of damaged local shops and businesses. As of August 13, the Love Pocket Fund has collected a total of 71,200,412 yen through 5,758 donations for this project.

In a separate contribution, the football club Ehime FC reported that its fundraising activity held during a home game against Nara Club on August 9, 2026, raised 279,550 yen. These funds will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society for the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake Relief Fund.