For those who want to support the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake | Information on donations, supplies, and volunteering
On July 28, 2026, a major earthquake occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture.
Seeing the damage on the news and social media, many people are likely thinking, "I want to do something for the disaster-stricken area."
I am one of them.
Donating money. Sending necessary items. Going to the site to help. There are several ways to support the disaster-stricken area.
However, items sent with good intentions can sometimes become a burden for storage and sorting, and if many people head there before the local reception system is ready, it may affect traffic and other things.
In this article, I will summarize the support we can provide based on information released by Kumamoto Prefecture, the Council of Social Welfare, the Community Chest, and others.
I plan to update this article as new information becomes available.
※This article is compiled as an individual based on information as of 10:00 PM on July 30, 2026. When providing support, please be sure to check the latest information via the links provided.
Supporting through donations
Even if you live far away, one form of support you can provide immediately is a donation.
Donations to support disaster-stricken areas and victims are broadly divided into "Gienkin" (condolence money) and "Shienkin" (support money). Although the terms are similar, their primary uses differ.
"Support money" used for relief activities
◾️Disaster Volunteer Activity Support Fund (Kumamoto Prefecture Council of Social Welfare)
The Kumamoto Prefecture Council of Social Welfare is currently accepting "Disaster Volunteer Activity Support Fund" donations.
This fund supports disaster volunteer activities carried out by municipal Councils of Social Welfare within Kumamoto Prefecture, and the collected funds are used for purposes such as the following:
・Expenses necessary for the dispatch and activities of disaster volunteers
・Operational support for disaster volunteer centers
・Maintenance of relief supplies and equipment for disaster-stricken areas
・Dispatch of staff and activity support to local Councils of Social Welfare in disaster-stricken areas, etc.
◾️Volunteer Support (Vola-Suppo) - 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake (Central Community Chest of Japan)
The Central Community Chest of Japan is conducting the “Disaster Volunteer & NPO Activity Support Fund (Vola-Support: 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake)”.
The donations received will be used to subsidize the activity costs of NPO organizations and volunteer groups conducting support activities in the disaster-stricken areas.
“Relief Money” to be delivered to those affected by the disaster
Relief money is a condolence payment delivered to those affected by the disaster, depending on the extent of the damage.
Relief money for the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake is being accepted by Kumamoto Prefecture, the Kumamoto Prefecture Community Chest, the Japanese Red Cross Society, and others, each acting as a collection point.
Although there are several collection points, the destination of the support is not different for each.
Relief money sent to the Kumamoto Prefecture Community Chest is allocated by a “Relief Money Distribution Committee” composed of Kumamoto Prefecture, the Japanese Red Cross Society Kumamoto Chapter, the Kumamoto Prefecture Community Chest, and others, and is delivered to those affected through municipalities. Relief money sent to the Japanese Red Cross Society is also sent in its entirety to the Kumamoto Prefecture Relief Money Distribution Committee.
In other words, although Kumamoto Prefecture, the Kumamoto Prefecture Community Chest, and the Japanese Red Cross Society have different collection points for relief money, it is ultimately delivered to those affected through the same system.
You may choose a collection point based on the transfer method that is most convenient for you.
◾️Kumamoto Prefecture
Kumamoto Prefecture has been accepting relief money since July 29. The acceptance period is scheduled until October 30, 2026.
◾️Kumamoto Prefecture Community Chest
The Kumamoto Prefecture Community Chest has been accepting relief money since July 31. The acceptance period is until October 30, 2026.
◾️Japanese Red Cross Society
The Japanese Red Cross Society has also been accepting relief money since July 31. The acceptance period is until October 30, 2026, and you can contribute via Japan Post Bank, bank transfer, etc.
2026 Kumamoto Earthquake Disaster Relief Money | Japanese Red Cross Society
Supporting by sending supplies
Some people may want to support by sending supplies such as water and food. However, sending items that have not been requested by the local area can become a burden on the affected region.
Here, we have listed items that are being requested by Kumamoto Prefecture and the affected municipalities.
Disaster Volunteer Centers [Amazon Wish List]
Supplies necessary for the operation of each disaster volunteer center in Kumamoto Prefecture are being requested via Amazon's "Wish List".
When you want to volunteer locally
The Kumamoto Prefecture Council of Social Welfare established the "Kumamoto Prefecture Disaster Volunteer Center" on July 29.
Since then, disaster volunteer centers have been opened in the affected municipalities, and recruitment for general volunteers has begun.
According to information published by Kumamoto Prefecture, disaster volunteer centers have been opened in Kumamoto City, Yatsushiro City, Uto City, Uki City, Misato Town, Mifune Town, Kashima Town, Mashiki Town, Kosa Town, Hikawa Town, and Ashikita Town.
However, the areas recruiting, age requirements, activity dates, capacity, and application methods vary by municipality.
Also, depending on the status of requests from disaster victims and weather conditions, the number of recruits and activity dates may change, or recruitment may be temporarily closed.
Since you cannot simply "show up and participate," please be sure to check the latest information released by Kumamoto Prefecture, each municipal council of social welfare, and the disaster volunteer centers before heading to the affected area.
On the Kumamoto Prefecture website, you can check a list of disaster volunteer centers for each municipality, including recruitment start dates, activity start dates, and where to apply.
We ask for your active participation as a disaster volunteer - Kumamoto Prefecture Website
You may also need to enroll in volunteer activity insurance in advance
To engage in volunteer activities in the affected area, you may need to enroll in "Volunteer Activity Insurance". For smooth operations on-site, please enroll at the office of the council of social welfare in your place of residence.
Spreading accurate information is also a form of support
Delivering information issued by Kumamoto Prefecture and affected municipalities to those who need it is also a form of support. However, during a disaster, outdated information or information from unknown sources can easily spread.
When sharing information, it is a good idea to first check "who is issuing it" and "when it was issued."
Rather than just sharing a screenshot, sharing the original official post or official page makes it easier to check for updates to the information.
Beware of scams posing as relief donations
During disasters, scams and malicious business practices that take advantage of good intentions can occur.
When making a donation, be sure to complete the process through the official website of the local government or organization, rather than through social media.
Support in ways you can, without overextending yourself
Even if you want to do something for the disaster-stricken area, some people may find it difficult to go to the site due to living far away or having work or family commitments.
Even so, there are things you can do.
Make a small donation. Share accurate information with people around you. Wait until requests for necessary support begin. Purchase products from the affected area, and so on.
There is more than one way to provide support. Connecting your desire to "do something" with actions you can take without strain. I hope that those actions will become a source of strength for the victims and the people continuing to provide support on the ground.
I hope that everyone affected will be able to spend their days in peace as soon as possible.
※ This article will be updated as new information regarding support becomes available.
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