This Time, Taiwan Was Not Left Out! High Minister Asō Reissues Post, Thanking Both Taiwan and China

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, on the 28th, causing severe damage and multiple casualties. The Taiwanese government immediately expressed condolences and prepared search and rescue support. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a dedicated disaster relief donation account, and President Lai Ching-te personally donated 200,000 New Taiwan Dollars. On the 30th, Japanese Prime Minister Asō Seiko posted on social media platform X, thanking global leaders—but omitted Lai Ching-te. On the afternoon of the 31st, Asō posted again, expressing gratitude for international support. Although no individual leaders were tagged this time, Taiwan was finally included in the list of thanked regions.

Kumamoto Resident: 'I Thought I Was Going to Die'

At 3:27 PM on the 28th, a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Kumamoto in Kyushu, with its epicenter located in the Kumamoto region and a shallow focal depth of just 10 kilometers. Japanese media reported approximately 48,170 households lost power, with shaking lasting nearly a full minute. In Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City, where the seismic intensity reached Upper 5, a 78-year-old man said he was watering his garden when the quake struck. 'I thought the strong shaking had ended, but then several smaller tremors followed. I really thought I was going to die. The quake lasted over 15 seconds—I could only stay upright by spreading my legs wide and bracing myself.'

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, at 3:27 PM on the 28th, with its epicenter in Kumamoto and a focal depth of only 10 kilometers. Shown here is the collapsed Yatsushiro Shrine. (Photo via AP)

On the morning of the 31st, Kumamoto Prefecture announced the death toll had risen to 35. The Nippon Paper Industries Yatsushiro Mill, located in Yatsushiro City, suffered severe damage, with a large factory chimney collapsing after the quake. The prefectural government confirmed the end of search and rescue operations at the site, having recovered 11 people—nine of whom tragically died.

In response to post-quake relief and reconstruction, Prime Minister Asō expressed gratitude on X on the 30th, acknowledging warm condolences from global leaders and numerous support offers from countries and international organizations. She specifically tagged South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis at the end of her post.

Japanese Netizens Criticize: Why Ignore Taiwan’s Support?

However, Japanese users responded by sharing President Lai’s condolence message under Asō’s post, commenting, 'You forgot President Lai!' Others added, 'Seriously, that’s extremely rude,' and 'He’s exactly the one you shouldn’t have forgotten.' Some emphasized, 'Why are we ignoring Taiwan’s rescue cooperation?' and 'Messages from leaders like Prime Minister Meloni and President Lai of Taiwan truly reflect friendship and trust toward Japan.'

On the 31st, Asō posted again on X, expressing heartfelt gratitude to numerous countries, regions, and international organizations for their warm condolences and concrete aid regarding the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake. At the end of the post, Taiwan was newly added to the list of thanked parties—missing from the previous day’s message.

More exclusive reports from Feng Media:

· TSMC’s Kumamoto Plant Resumes Operations! After 7.1 Earthquake, TSMC Announces: Production Line Calibration Still Takes Time

· Kumamoto Mayor Was in Taiwan During Earthquake! Learned of Disaster Mid-Flight, Thanks China Airlines for One Specific Act

· 'I Thought I Was Going to Die'—Residents Terrified by Kumamoto 7.1 Quake, Locals Recall 10-Year-Old Tragedy: Can’t Sleep at Night