Kumamoto Earthquake 2026: A Message of Hope from Nagoya
On July 28, 2026, a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan. Magnitude 7.1. Maximum seismic intensity of 7. At least 13 lives lost, with rescue operations still ongoing as I write this.
I’ve been following the news with a heavy heart.
A Place I’ve Always Loved
Kumamoto is not just a destination for me — it’s a place I return to year after year. The castle, the streets, the people. Over the years, it has become a place that feels familiar and dear.
When I heard the news yesterday, my first thought was of the people there.
I’m relieved to share that my relatives in Kumamoto are safe and able to stay in contact. But I know that many families are not in the same situation right now, and that weighs on me deeply.
Prepared, Because They’ve Been Through This Before
Many people in Kumamoto lived through the 2016 earthquake — a series of devastating tremors that changed lives and reshaped the city. That experience left a mark, and for many residents, it also left a quiet kind of readiness.
My relatives are among them. Furniture anchored to walls. Emergency water stored and rotated. A bag ready by the door. Not out of fear, but out of the quiet wisdom that comes from having lived through something like this before.
I find myself hoping that this kind of preparation has helped protect even one more person.
A Gesture That Moved Me
Taiwan has announced that it stands ready to dispatch rescue teams to Kumamoto the moment a request is made. I’m not from Kumamoto. But reading that brought tears to my eyes.
That kind of solidarity — across borders, without hesitation — reminds me of what people are capable of at their best.
To Anyone Reading This
If you’re in an affected area, please prioritize your safety above all else.
And wherever you are — please take a moment to think about your own preparedness. Anchor your furniture. Store some emergency water. Know your evacuation routes. These small steps can matter more than we expect.
To everyone in Kumamoto: I am thinking of you. I hope with all my heart that every person is found safe, and that the road to recovery — however long it may be — is walked with support and with care.
