#Japan #Kumamoto #Peace Winds Japan #First Retailing #Kumamoto Earthquake

Emergency Support for the Kumamoto Earthquake

On July 28, 2026, a significant earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.1 struck the Kumamoto region, prompting immediate emergency response initiatives. Among the organizations mobilizing to provide aid is Peace Winds Japan, which operates the disaster emergency support project known as the "Flying Medical Search Team 'ARROWS.'" In collaboration with First Retailing, the parent company of UNIQLO, the organization has announced a generous donation of approximately 20,000 items, including their highly breathable and quick-drying AIRism clothing line.

As the aftermath of the earthquake unfolded, a dedicated emergency support team was assembled, consisting of one doctor, four nurses, and three coordinators, alongside a canine rescue team and a pet disaster prevention team. This team arrived in the affected area late on the same day of the earthquake, commencing medical care at evacuation centers from July 30. They have been actively managing the health of evacuees, taking measures against heatstroke, and assessing the needs for additional support.

The situation in many evacuation centers has been dire due to extreme heat, compounded by inadequate air conditioning and sanitation facilities. Evacuees have faced enormous challenges in maintaining hygiene and overall health. With predictions of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in Kumamoto City due to high atmospheric pressure on August 2, the demand for breathable and quick-drying clothing has surged dramatically.

In response to these challenging conditions, the support team has engaged in thorough outreach efforts to gauge the immediate needs of individuals affected by the disaster. This approach has enabled them to rapidly identify crucial demands, resulting in First Retailing’s decisive contribution of 20,000 pieces from their AIRism line.

The donated items will be distributed not only to designated evacuation centers but also to individuals forced to evacuate to their homes or vehicles due to water supply interruptions and power outages. Peace Winds Japan is committed to continuing its needs assessment and providing necessary assistance to those in the affected areas.

About Peace Winds Japan

Founded in February 1996 by Kenji Onishi, Peace Winds Japan is a pioneering international NGO that supports individuals facing humanitarian crises, whether due to natural disasters or man-made conflicts and poverty. With a history of operations in 41 countries and regions worldwide, the organization is dedicated to resolving social issues. Their ongoing initiatives include disaster emergency support through the "Flying Medical Search Team" and efforts aimed at promoting animal protection and adoption through the "Peace Wanko Japan" project.

Contact Information:
Head Office: Kinda, Kamikawa, Hiroshima 1161-2 2F
Tokyo Office: 2-41-12 Tomigaya, Shibuya, Tokyo 2F
Website: Peace Winds Japan

The 'ARROWS' Project

The "Flying Medical Search Team 'ARROWS'" is an emergency support initiative under the auspices of Peace Winds Japan. The project deploys medical teams to disaster-stricken areas swiftly and efficiently using various transportation methods, such as planes, helicopters, and boats. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, ARROWS has responded to nearly all major disasters within Japan, providing essential rescue and medical support to countless individuals in need. The team collaborates closely with local governments, hospitals, NGOs, businesses, as well as self-defense forces and fire departments to deliver immediate rescue operations, material distribution, management of evacuation centers, and long-term recovery support efficiently.

For more information on their operations and to follow their updates, visit ARROWS Project.
Activity Start Date: December 2019
Project Leader: Motohiro Inaba, Physician
Contact: 0847-89-0885 (Main) / 0847-82-2949 (Fax)