Japan launches various relief initiatives for Kumamoto earthquake recovery

Various organizations and businesses in Japan are launching initiatives to support recovery efforts following the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto earthquake and recent heavy rains.

FamilyMart has launched the ‘Kumamoto Umaka Mon Shugo’ fair across approximately 16,500 stores nationwide, featuring products made with Kumamoto ingredients such as ASO MILK and ramen supervised by Ajisen Ramen. A portion of sales from these products will be donated to affected municipalities. Additionally, FamilyMart’s online store is selling Kumamoto specialties like Wagyu beef and horse sashimi to support local producers.

JA Zen-Noh’s ‘JA Town’ e-commerce site is also participating in relief efforts. Starting October 1, 50 yen from every sale of products from ten selected shops in Kumamoto, Chiba, Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui will be donated to disaster victims.

On the community and administrative level, the Asahi Shimbun Welfare Foundation has provided a 400,000 yen grant to help the ‘Magano Fureai Shokudo’ in Uki City restart its children’s cafeteria activities, which were disrupted by earthquake damage. Meanwhile, local governments in Akita and Saitama have reported on the activities of staff dispatched to Kumamoto to assist with damage certification and administrative tasks. Other efforts include the delivery of donated funds to the Japanese Red Cross Society and specialized food-based support projects.