Tainan Launches Kumamoto Earthquake Relief Project; Mayor Huang Calls for Support from All Sectors

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, on July 28, 2025, resulting in multiple casualties and severe damage to public infrastructure, roads, and bridges. Mayor Huang Wei-che announced today (31st) that the Tainan City Government has officially launched the '0728 Japan Kumamoto Relief Project,' opening donation channels from today through August 31 to gather societal goodwill and support Kumamoto’s post-disaster reconstruction.

Donations will be accepted from July 31 to August 31 via both online and in-person methods. All contributions will be fully transferred to Kumamoto’s designated relief account, used exclusively for recovery purposes, with full transparency and public reporting in accordance with the law.

Mayor Huang emphasized that Tainan and Kumamoto have maintained close exchanges over the years. Immediately after the earthquake, the city government expressed condolences to Kumamoto Prefecture and its sister city, Uki Region. Kumamoto’s Kikuchi City and Kōsa Town have established sister-city relationships with Tainan’s East District and Annan District, respectively, fostering strong bilateral ties.

He noted that Tainan received assistance from Japan and Kumamoto during the 2016 0206 earthquake, the 2025 Nansi earthquake, and Typhoon Danas. Japan also donated vaccines to Taiwan during the pandemic, while Taiwan actively contributed funds during Japan’s 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, demonstrating a deep and reciprocal friendship. Huang stressed that it is Tainan’s responsibility to extend help when Kumamoto faces disaster, as a tangible act of returning this goodwill.

Mayor Huang also revealed that the Tainan Fire Department’s Special Rescue Team has completed preparations and stands ready; should Japan issue an international rescue request, the team will immediately deploy for search, rescue, and humanitarian operations.

At the press conference, Nobunao Nozaki, Policy Advisor to Taiwan’s Executive Yuan and Tainan’s Urban Diplomacy Advisor, and Katsuhiko Okunishi, President of the Tainan Japanese Association, attended to express gratitude for the warm support from the Tainan government and the people of Taiwan. They expressed hope that collective aid will help Kumamoto’s disaster zones achieve swift recovery.

The Tainan City Government urges all sectors of society to actively participate in relief efforts, delivering Taiwan’s warmth to Kumamoto and continuing the precious tradition of mutual support and solidarity between Taiwan and Japan during times of hardship.