July 30 - August 2, 2026

In response to the major earthquake that struck Kumamoto on July 28, the Japanese Communist Party, led by its Dietmembers, local assemblypersons, and local staff, has been visiting evacuation centers to learn about and address the needs of those affected by the disaster. The JCP is also conducting a nationwide campaign to collect relief donations for the sufferers.

Former Lower House member Tamura Takaaki said, “We are urging the national government to provide direct support to small- and medium-sized business owners, such as those in the food and beverage industry. Amid a life-threatening heat wave, we are also urging the Kumamoto prefectural government, in addition to the national government, to implement measures that local municipalities alone cannot cover.”

Local JCP lawmakers have been visiting affected homes, agricultural facilities, and restaurants to assess the damage and address concerns and needs. The JCP assemblypersons promised to “convey their needs to local municipalities and the prefectural government.”

On July 31, the JCP quake response task force made a formal request to Minister of State for Disaster Management Akama Jiro. The task force demanded the following support system so that evacuees can live in shelters with peace of mind:

- Mobilize power generators and water trucks from across the country;
- Provide balanced warm meals;
- Install cardboard beds at evacuation shelters; and
- Install temporary toilets.

Concurrently, the JCP Kumamoto prefectural committee submitted the following requests to Governor Kimura Takashi:

- Ensure that all evacuation centers have air conditioning;
- Rent accommodations, such as hotels and inns, for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and children;
- Request personnel support from the national government to increase the number of rounds made by doctors, nurses, and public health nurses;
- Install cardboard beds and portable toilets, and deploy toilet trucks;
- Provide nutritionally balanced hot meals for evacuees, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions;
- Publicize that up to 50,000 yen per household will be provided to cover the cost of materials and installation of blue tarps for damaged homes; and
- Make rounds to visit victims who sleep in their cars or take shelter in their own homes, and deliver food to them.