Key Points
- BRIDGE KUMAMOTO has activated its third emergency relief fund, leveraging lessons learned from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and subsequent major flooding events.
- The fund raised over 7 million yen within days of its launch, supported by a mix of individual donors and an increasing number of corporate partners.
- Grants of up to 200,000 yen are being distributed to local organizations and individuals to provide immediate aid, including water, electricity support, and childcare for affected families.
- The organizers emphasize the importance of mental health outreach and “outreach” programs to support vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, who may be suffering in silence.
Full Transcript (English)
Host (Jun Hori): Ms. Murakami, Mr. Sato, thank you for joining us. BRIDGE KUMAMOTO has launched this fund at a very early stage and is already moving to distribute it to local operators. Could you tell us about the thoughts behind this quick action?
Guest (Naoko Murakami): This is actually our third emergency fund. To be honest, we felt a sense of “not again,” but based on our past experiences, we knew we had to launch it quickly. We wanted to apply the lessons we learned from the previous Kumamoto earthquake to help our local community. That was something we all agreed on immediately.
Guest (Katsuaki Sato): The earthquake happened on a Tuesday. By 11:00 PM that night, we already had the donation page ready. Ms. Murakami and I had previously decided that once a disaster crosses a certain threshold, we would launch the fund automatically. That allowed us to move very fast this time.
Host: So the knowledge gained from the earthquake ten years ago and the subsequent floods has truly become a collective asset.
Sato: Exactly. Looking back over the last ten years, I feel it was worth continuing our efforts. During the 2016 earthquake, we were a brand-new organization with little name recognition, so it was difficult to gather donations. Having continued our work and communication for a decade has made a huge difference.
Host: You raised over 5 million yen in a very short time, correct?
Murakami: As of yesterday, we have actually surpassed 7 million yen.
Host: What kind of people are contributing to this fund, and what messages are they sending?
Murakami: We are receiving donations from individuals and, increasingly, from corporations. Many friends and acquaintances have told us they feel a sense of relief just knowing BRIDGE KUMAMOTO is on the ground. There is a deep, unconditional trust. People are sharing our posts and spreading the word, which has created a powerful chain reaction.
Sato: The increase in corporate support is a major change this time. Even though we aren’t a public interest corporation and can’t offer tax deductions, companies still want to entrust us with their donations. It’s a significant development.
Host: Regarding this “Reiwa 8” Kumamoto Earthquake, what are the differences compared to previous disasters, and what are the current risks during this extreme heat?
Murakami: While the physical damage is significant, I am most concerned about the psychological impact. Even people whose homes are intact are suffering from extreme exhaustion and stress. We are hearing about indirect deaths caused by the strain. When people lose hope, they lose the will to live. As a counselor, I want to use this fund to show people that we are moving, we see them, and they are not alone. That message is vital.
Sato: Disaster victims are often “invisible.” They might look fine on the surface, wearing clean clothes and living in their homes, but they are facing incredible hardships. It’s similar to the issue of hidden poverty. We need to communicate the reality of their situation. However, social media algorithms are making it harder for information to spread widely, which is a new challenge we are trying to overcome by increasing our own communication efforts.
Host: For the first round of support, you are providing grants of up to 200,000 yen to operators in the disaster zones. You are completing the screening process very quickly, right?
Murakami: Yes, we are conducting reviews on a rolling basis. I want to thank our reviewers for working late into the night to make this speed possible.
Sato: We are targeting a wide range of groups, not just businesses but also individual-led organizations. We have four highly trusted reviewers who are helping us process applications rapidly so we can get the money where it’s needed most.
Host: What specific types of activities are being funded?
Murakami: We prioritize urgent needs and groups already active on the ground. We look for those who understand the local community and have established trust. Right now, the needs include basic supplies like water, especially in areas where electricity is still out. We are also focusing on “outreach” for the elderly who lack information and transportation. Many people tend to endure hardship in silence, so we need to go to them.
Sato: We want to support groups that can enter these communities directly and assess the situation. Whether it’s delivering water or helping clean up debris, we want to empower those who can provide immediate, hands-on help.
Murakami: Another focus is childcare. Since it’s summer vacation, parents can’t focus on recovery or work if their children have nowhere to go. We are supporting groups that create safe spaces for children. We are also looking at the needs of people with disabilities, such as those with visual or hearing impairments, who face unique challenges during a disaster.
Host: Kumamoto is a vast area, from Yatsushiro to Uki, and the damage varies. How are you coordinating support across these different regions?
Sato: The damage in Kumamoto City is relatively light compared to previous times, so we want to channel that energy toward Yatsushiro and other hard-hit areas. Infrastructure like highways and trains are currently disrupted, leading to massive traffic on local roads. It’s a challenge, but we are committed to supporting our neighboring towns.
Murakami: Tourism has also taken a hit. Since Kumamoto City is largely functional, we actually want people to visit. We also don’t want children’s summer memories to be defined only by the earthquake. We want to provide opportunities for them to play and have positive experiences despite the situation.
Host: It’s true that for those outside the region, “Kumamoto” is just one big category, but the reality on the ground is much more nuanced. Sato-san, how has your perspective changed over these ten years?
Sato: In 2016, we were reckless and made many mistakes because we were just trying to do everything we could. Now, after experiencing the Western Japan floods and the Hitoyoshi floods, we have a better understanding of what we can and cannot do. Our network of trust and corporate partnerships has grown, which is a huge asset.
Host: As you move toward the second and third rounds of grants, you are still collecting donations, correct?
Murakami: Yes. We are bracing for a long-term recovery process. Right now, the need is for cooling and water, but soon we will need to provide for the winter—heaters, carpets, and so on. We want to help the region build the internal strength to solve its own problems. We are collecting donations through platforms like Yahoo! and will continue to report on our activities. We are so grateful for the support.
Sato: I am filled with gratitude. We will continue to work hard to ensure these funds become a source of strength for the organizations and businesses working in the disaster zones. Thank you for your continued support.
