The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) stated that a donation of 300 million New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) from Taiwan is illuminating the path of reconstruction and revitalization in Kumamoto, Japan. Following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Kumamoto on July 28th, Taiwan raised over 300 million NTD in relief funds. On the 17th, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu handed over the donation to the Japanese representative Kazuyuki Katayama, hoping for a smooth reconstruction of Kumamoto.
Minister Joseph Wu expressed on Facebook that despite nearly two months passing since the Kumamoto earthquake in late July, many people are still struggling to return to normal life. On the 17th, on behalf of the government, he personally delivered over 300 million NTD in donations from the people of Taiwan, businesses, and public associations to the Japanese representative in Taiwan Kazuyuki Katayama, in hopes of lighting up the path of reconstruction and revitalization for the people of Kumamoto.
Minister Wu mentioned that during their speeches, both he and Kazuyuki Katayama, along with the president of the Taiwan Kumamoto Association, Tomoaki Motoshima, all emphasized the phrase “A friend in need is a friend indeed!” They recounted the support shared between Taiwan and Japan during various disasters, including the 1999 Jiji earthquake, the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, and the Hualien earthquake, highlighting the unwavering assistance extended between the two countries.
Minister Wu stated, “We deeply cherish each other’s kindness. Representative Katayama recalled that in March of this year, marking the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, he hosted a group of Japanese children in Taiwan who were cycling around the island to express gratitude for Taiwan’s generous donations back then.”
Kazuyuki Katayama remarked that since the Kumamoto earthquake, they have received continuous support from Taiwan, and Kumamoto will continue to demonstrate resilience in order to reciprocate Taiwan’s abundant love.
President Tomoaki Motoshima mentioned that the Kumamoto earthquake resulted in 38 fatalities, with 70,000 buildings damaged, and approximately 1,800 people still living in emergency shelters. Taiwan’s assistance is like a beacon, illuminating the path of rebuilding and revitalization, with all the warmth, encouragement, and support serving as the driving force for Kumamoto to move forward.
Minister Wu highlighted that with the entry of TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) into Kumamoto, more and more Taiwanese people are relocating to work and live in the area, making Kumamoto’s safety a shared concern between Taiwan and Japan. Following the Kumamoto earthquake, President Tsai Ing-wen made a personal donation of 200,000 NTD, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissioned the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund to organize a public fundraising campaign. Gratitude was expressed to all generous donors, individuals, businesses, and public associations, as the outcome of this fundraising effort once again showcases the strong friendship akin to family ties between Taiwan and Japan.
Minister Wu stated, “Taiwan and Japan both situated along the frequent natural disaster-prone Ring of Fire, and in the face of earthquakes, typhoons, and the resulting pain, we can empathize with each other. In the future, we will further enhance our cooperation in disaster prevention, reduction, and relief efforts. Disasters will eventually pass, and our homes will be rebuilt step by step. May the goodwill from Taiwan warmly accompany Kumamoto towards the future, embracing the light of hope.”