#Japan #Tokyo #disaster relief #Crowdfunding #CAMPFIRE

CAMPFIRE Launches Disaster Relief Program for Businesses Affected by Heavy Rainfall

CAMPFIRE, one of Japan's largest crowdfunding platforms, has officially announced the launch of its "Reiwa 8 Heavy Rain Disaster Support Program," set to begin on August 31, 2026. This program aims to provide much-needed financial support for businesses impacted by severe rainfall, particularly in Chiba and other affected regions across the country. The initiative, which marks CAMPFIRE's ongoing commitment to assist during natural disasters, seeks to facilitate recovery and continuity through crowdfunding efforts.

Program Overview

The new support program is designed to assist businesses that have suffered directly or indirectly due to the recent heavy rainfalls. To this end, CAMPFIRE will waive its standard service fees for participants in disaster-stricken areas, restricting charges to a minimal transaction fee of only 5% (excl. tax). Furthermore, the program extends its support to ongoing crowdfunding projects, allowing for extensions in fundraising periods and removing early payment service fees.

Background of the Initiative

In light of the significant damage caused by the recent rainstorms, the team at CAMPFIRE wishes to express deep sympathy to all those affected. Historically, CAMPFIRE has implemented emergency support programs during natural disasters across various regions of Japan. This latest initiative, particularly focusing on the impacts in the Hokuriku region and Chiba, aims to ensure that affected businesses can resume operations as swiftly as possible through crowdfunding as a means of financial recovery.

Key Details of the Program

For New Crowdfunding Projects

• - Support for Affected Businesses: Eligible businesses within the designated disaster relief areas (which include parts of Chiba, Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui) can initiate crowdfunding to gather resources for recovery and operational continuity. Importantly, the program is open to both registered corporations and individual entrepreneurs.
• - Fee Structure: The CAMPFIRE platform will offer its services to these businesses free of charge; the only cost incurred will be the 5% transaction fee.
• - Application Period: The program is available from August 31, 2026, until December 31, 2026. Projects must be publicly launched by February 26, 2027, to be eligible.
• - Application Process: Interested businesses can apply via a dedicated online form: Application Link.

Support for Ongoing Projects

• - Extension and Early Payment Services: Businesses with active crowdfunding projects as of August 31, 2026, can also benefit from extended fundraising periods, allowing for an additional maximum of 59 days, depending on specific conditions. Additionally, the early payment service fee will be waived, with funds disbursed within four business days upon project conclusion.

Priority Regions for Funding

The program primarily focuses on disaster-affected areas recognized under the Disaster Relief Act. These include:

• - Chiba Prefecture: Affected cities like Chiba, Ichikawa, Funabashi, and others.
• - Toyama Prefecture: Cities such as Takaoka, Himi, Oyabe, and Imizu.
• - Ishikawa Prefecture: Including Hakui, Shika, Hodatsushimizu, and Nanao.
• - Fukui Prefecture: Encompassing Fukui, Ono, Katsuyama, Awara, and Sakae.

Encouragement for Support and Volunteer Activities

This support program is specifically aimed at helping businesses affected by the disaster. For those considering volunteer or support activities in the devastated areas, CAMPFIRE also offers a specialized platform called "CAMPFIRE for Social Good" for fundraising efforts related to NPOs, volunteer groups, and reconstruction events. More details can be found here: CAMPFIRE for Social Good.

About CAMPFIRE

Founded in 2011, CAMPFIRE has built a reputation as one of Japan's premier crowdfunding services, operating under the mission to circulate value driven by people's aspirations. The platform serves a diverse clientele including individuals, creators, corporations, NPOs, educational institutions, and local governments.

• - Company Name: CAMPFIRE Inc.
• - CEO: Masaru Nakajima
• - Headquarters: 201 Hillside Terrace F Building, 18-8 Sarugakucho, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Incorporation Date: January 14, 2011
• - Capital: 7,394,350,000 JPY (as of January 2026)
• - Website: CAMPFIRE

This program offers not only a lifeline for struggling businesses but also a sense of community and hope in recovery through collective support.