Vietnamese Community in Japan Supports Earthquake Victims in Kumamoto Prefecture

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan on July 28, causing damage not only to local residents but also severely affecting the local Vietnamese community. Amidst these hardships, the Vietnamese spirit of solidarity has shone brightly.

Immediately following the earthquake, the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Japan (VUAJ) conducted assessments, visited affected individuals, and provided support to the Vietnamese community. A delegation led by President Nguyen Hong Son traveled to Yatsushiro and Uto to distribute gifts and essential supplies; they coordinated relief efforts with the Vietnamese Association in Kumamoto and presented certificates of merit to nearly 70 volunteers who had actively assisted their compatriots.

Additionally, the Vietnamese community raised funds and delivered relief supplies to evacuation centers. By August 10, the Vietnamese Association in Kumamoto had received approximately 2.43 million JPY (about 420 million VND) in donations. These timely actions demonstrate the spirit of solidarity and mutual support among Vietnamese people in Japan.

Kumamoto is currently home to nearly 6,100 Vietnamese workers, accounting for approximately 25% of the foreign workforce in the prefecture. Moving forward, the VUAJ will shift its focus from emergency relief to recovery support, prioritizing those who are injured, unable to return home, have lost or experienced reduced income, or belong to families that suffered heavy losses. At the same time, the organization will assist the community in accessing Japanese policies regarding housing, home repairs, insurance, employment, and the rebuilding of their lives.