Support for Water Supply during the Kumamoto Earthquake through WOTA's Initiatives

Supporting Water Needs in Kumamoto

In light of the ongoing challenges faced by residents and facilities in the wake of the Kumamoto earthquake in 2026, WOTA Inc., led by CEO Yosuke Maeda, has taken significant steps to provide essential water support services. This initiative aims at improving hygiene standards in medical and welfare facilities affected by water shortages and damaged hot water systems.

Our Response to the Crisis

Following the earthquake, WOTA received a formal request from Kumamoto Prefecture, prompting the company to deploy its innovative water recycling shower systems known as "WOTA BOX" and handwashing stations called "WOSH" to various evacuation centers and areas experiencing water outages. The collaboration involves working alongside public entities, governmental bodies, and private organizations, all with the mutual goal of alleviating the water crisis.

Despite the progress made, medical and welfare facilities continue to face hurdles including logistics for transporting new equipment, maintenance needs, and technical support. Unfortunately, current public funding frameworks have not fully addressed these ongoing operational costs.

Community Involvement and Support

In early August, WOTA launched a campaign requesting support from individuals and organizations, leveraging a crowdfunding initiative titled "Delivering Water to Support Health and Welfare Facilities in Kumamoto Suffering from Water Outages." The project quickly gained traction, receiving substantial responses from the community.

By August 14, an impressive 14 organizations and one individual contributed support. As of now, that number has climbed to a total of 25 companies and individuals participating, offering everything from monetary donations to equipment and logistical resources, all aimed at facilitating the delivery and continued operation of WOTA systems at various facilities.

As WOTA continues to engage with sponsors, the successful crowdfunding campaign also raised an initial goal of 10 million yen within just five days. As of now, over 500 contributions have been made from both individuals and corporate donors, showing a remarkable display of solidarity.

Facility Upgrades and Expansion

As of August 19, WOTA has successfully deployed a total of 98 units (45 WOTA BOX and 53 WOSH) across 41 medical and welfare facilities. This rapid deployment is critical in providing clean bathing and handwashing options, essential for maintaining hygiene within these facilities. A hands-on approach ensures that facility staff receive operational training from WOTA, thus maximizing the effectiveness of the systems put in place.

Ongoing Efforts for Continued Support

With water shortages still present in some areas, WOTA remains committed to fostering partnerships and continued support through crowdfunding. The company recognizes the urgent need for assistance among facilities that have not yet received proper water solutions.

WOTA is dedicated to utilizing the contributions received through both corporate sponsorships and crowdfunding for ongoing support and will continually assess the needs of local communities.

Looking to the Future

WOTA plans to publish a detailed report, the "WOTA Kumamoto Earthquake Response Fact Sheet (Preliminary Report Fourth Edition)," outlining how donations and sponsorships have been utilized. Transparency remains a priority, with activity updates regularly posted on the crowdfunding website, empowering contributors by showing the direct impacts of their support.

In closing, WOTA’s mission goes beyond temporary solutions; it aims to enact a lasting change in water availability and hygiene standards, ultimately leading to enhanced public health conditions.

About WOTA Inc.

Founded in 2014, WOTA Inc. pursues innovative solutions to global water challenges. Their focus is on decentralized water recycling systems, ensuring sustainable and efficient utilization of water resources — crucial in both daily life and during emergency situations. To learn more about WOTA and its initiatives, visit WOTA's official website.