Response to July 28 Kumamoto Earthquake and Request for Donations

The Nippon Foundation would like to extend its deepest condolences to all who have been affected by the earthquake that struck the Kumamoto area of Japan on July 28, 2026, and their families.

Our thoughts are with everyone in the area as they endure days of uncertainty, and we hope that they remain safe and that their lives will return to normal as quickly as possible. With challenges including areas where water is cut off with no clear date for resumption and oppressive heat, many people are facing an uncertain future.

The situation on the ground is changing daily, and the Foundation has sent staff to the area and is working with local organizations to identify what support is needed, to ensure that the support that is truly needed is delivered quickly.

Donations received will be used to provide support as needed in the area, including for NGOs and volunteer organizations engaged in specialist activities like ensuring the safety of houses and other buildings and providing nursing care and welfare services, and in supporting residents requiring specific considerations, including older residents, residents with disabilities, young children, and non-Japanese residents.

The entire amount of donations received will go to relief efforts; donations will not be used for the Foundation’s administrative expenses.

Donations can be made via The Nippon Foundation’s Special Fund for Disaster Recovery Support: 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake Relief (external site).

In the event all donations received cannot be used in light of the extent of damage and relief situation in Kumamoto, those donations will be used by the Fund to support prompt relief activities in affected areas when future disasters strike.

Your warm support will provide hope for the people in the affected area and lead to its recovery and reconstruction. We ask for your support.

Please direct any inquiries regarding donations to the email address below.