Kumamoto Governor surprises Taiwanese locals to show gratitude for earthquake relief

Kumamoto Governor surprises Taiwanese locals to show gratitude for earthquake relief

2026-10-06

This July, Kumamoto, was hit by a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake. As a neighbor and friend of Japan, Taiwan was first to donate more than NT$300 million for earthquake relief. To express his gratitude, Kumamoto Prefecture Governor, Kimura Takashi made a trip to Taiwan with the mascot Kumamon and visited the mayors of Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. He also took this opportunity to promote his breakfast products made with Kumamoto ingredients: milk, buckwheat, and miso, distributing it on the streets of Taipei in the early morning. The event immediately drew locals who scrambled to take photos with the Kumamon bear.

Hailing from Japan, the Kumamon bear was seen in Taipei causing frenzy among locals who rushed to take photos and hug the bear. Kumamoto’s Governor Kimura accompanied the bear with a spokesperson to distribute breakfast.

Convenience stores distributed Kumamon products, specialty products included Aso Milk Sea Salt Bread, Japanese Soba Noodles, and Kumamoto Barley Miso Pork Cutlet Don, foods that Taiwan’s Japan fans are eager to try.

Member of public
Loves Kumamon
I like that Kumamon, it is so cute. I’ve never bumped into it. Taiwanese all yearn for Japanese things.

Member of public
Wishes well for Kumamoto
The city of Kumamoto, I hope they can recover quickly. I hope their economy can return to normal soon.

Kimura Takashi
Kumamoto Prefecture Governor
It is so special to see the love that Taiwanese have for Kumamoto. I am very grateful to meet everyone and the mayors. They all expressed they will continue to support Kumamoto, and make contributions through tourism and business which makes me very happy.

In July this year, Kumamoto was struck by a 7.1 magnitude scale earthquake. Taiwan was the first to donate more than 1.5 billion Japanese Yen, equivalent to NT$300 million. Kimura made a special trip to Taiwan to express his gratitude and believes there is room for more partnership between Kumamoto and Taiwan in the future.

Kimura Takashi
Kumamoto Prefecture Governor
We have staff at our Taipei office that can support daily business activities. TSMC’s second factory is under construction, and we believe there will be new investment plans in the future. We hope to strengthen the relationship between Kumamoto and Taiwan, and create more business opportunities.

Kumamoto is a hotspot for Taiwanese tourists, seeing as there are direct flights from Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan and even Kaohsiung. From tourism to cuisine to tech partnerships the friendship between Taiwan and Japan continues to strengthen.

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