Japan sets out recovery and tourism aid after Kumamoto earthquake
Japan’s 147.8 billion yen package sets out housing and business support, needs-based disaster relief and plans for discounted travel in southern Kyushu.
- The Japanese government has announced a 147.8 billion yen relief package to support residents and businesses in Kumamoto Prefecture affected by the recent earthquake.
- The aid includes grants for rebuilding homes, increased subsidies for small and medium-sized businesses, and reduced loan interest for agricultural and fishery operators.
- To revive the local economy, the package establishes a travel discount program for the Kyushu region and includes potential support for Kumamoto's semiconductor industry.
A relief package worth 147.8 billion yen will support people and businesses in Kumamoto Prefecture following the July 28 earthquake, the Japanese government announced on Thursday (August 27).
“We’ll do our best to rebuild the livelihoods and businesses of disaster-affected people,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.
The government will decide on Friday to finance the measures from the reserve fund in the fiscal 2026 budget.
The measures were adopted at a meeting of the emergency disaster response headquarters convened following the quake.
In parts of Kumamoto, the earthquake registered 7, the highest reading on Japan’s seismic intensity scale.
The package’s basic policy groups the July disaster with the 2016 earthquake and two heavy-rain disasters as the “quadruple suffering” borne by affected areas.
The approach to delivering assistance will also change.
Instead of sending goods before requests are received, the government will move from “push-type” support to “pull-type” aid reflecting identified needs.
Relief for residents covers help with demolishing destroyed or severely damaged homes and grants of up to 3 million yen.
Evacuees will also receive help to clean and repair wells for daily water use, as well as assistance with travel to schools and hospitals.
Subsidy rates will rise for small and medium-sized businesses restoring facilities, while operators with multiple debts will receive assistance. Loan interest costs for agricultural, forestry and fishery operators will be reduced for five years from the date the loans are taken out.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. will be a particular consideration as the government examines possible support for Kumamoto’s semiconductor industry.
To revive tourism across Kyushu, including Kumamoto, the package provides for a travel discount programme.
Neither its starting date nor its discount rate has been decided.
The government is considering subsidising 60 per cent of travel fees for southern Kyushu, including Kumamoto.
Takaichi also pledged that air conditioners would be installed in all school gymnasiums and other facilities intended for use as disaster shelters by the end of fiscal 2031, rather than the end of fiscal 2035.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
