#Japan #disaster relief #Sri Lanka #Hiratsuka #Arai Corporation

Arai Corporation's Support for Sri Lanka's Flood Recovery

In late November 2025, Sri Lanka faced devastating floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwa, marking it as one of the worst disasters in over 20 years. The storm resulted in over 410 fatalities and affected approximately 2.2 million people, with more than 100,000 homes damaged or destroyed. In response to this humanitarian crisis, Arai Corporation stepped up by donating a total of 3,000,000 yen to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan.

A donation ceremony was held on January 28, 2026, where the company's President, Ryozo Arai, addressed the significance of this contribution. He stated, "Among our auction members, Sri Lankans make up about 10% to 20% of our foreign clientele. With around 73,000 Sri Lankan nationals residing in Japan, many of whom live near our headquarters, this disaster hits close to home. People from abroad are valuable customers and partners for us, and we will continue to provide support, even if it's a small amount."

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sri Lanka to Japan, Pivithuru Janak Kumara Singha, expressed profound gratitude for the quick response from Japan despite geographical distances. He highlighted that extensive damage was not only inflicted on homes but also on railways, infrastructure, schools, and small enterprises, resulting in enormous financial repercussions. "We feel a deep bond akin to brotherhood with the swift assistance we have received, including the dispatch of medical teams," he remarked.

Arai Corporation, founded in 1920 as a rice wholesale business, is celebrating over a century of operation and has expanded its reach into various fields such as trade in collaboration with Brazil's leading beverage manufacturer, Ambev. The company is also behind Arai Auction, which has been facilitating vehicle auctions since 1987. This auction platform deals with various vehicles including trucks, vans, construction machinery, and both two- and four-wheeled vehicles. With a strong business in the food sector, Arai Corporation continues to innovate and adapt to the changing market landscape.

Corporate Information

• - Location: 17-2 Konnan-cho, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
• - Established: 1920 (Taisho 9)
• - Capital: 100 million yen
• - Number of Employees: 647 (as of September 2025)
• - Sales Revenue: 23.8 billion yen (for the fiscal year ending September 2025)
• - President: Ryozo Arai

Arai Corporation expresses their heartfelt condolences to those affected by the disaster and wishes for swift recovery for the impacted regions. For further details on their initiatives, you can visit Arai Corporation or Arai Auction.