The funds were raised through contributions and support from a large number of Vietnamese people living, studying and working in Kumamoto Prefecture and the Kyushu region, with the aim of sharing the local community’s difficulties and supporting efforts to address the aftermath of the earthquake that struck on July 28.

Consul General Trinh Mai Phuong presents the Vietnamese community’s donation to the Kumamoto authorities to support recovery efforts following the July 2026 earthquake. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka)

Immediately after the donation ceremony, the Consulate General held a working session with the Executive Committee of the Vietnamese Association in Kumamoto and heard a report reviewing the first phase of relief efforts, conducted from July 29 to August 15.

According to the Vietnamese Association in Kumamoto, during the peak of the recent natural disaster, a relief team of nearly 80 Vietnamese volunteers proactively reached key affected areas and transported and distributed 3,391 packages containing essential supplies, clean water, fresh food and medical equipment to Vietnamese nationals and local residents facing difficulties.

Consul General Trinh Mai Phuong presents Letters of Commendation to the Vietnamese Association and volunteers who made outstanding contributions to relief efforts for Vietnamese nationals affected by the earthquake in Kumamoto. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka)

Speaking at the working session, Consul General Trinh Mai Phuong highly appreciated the Vietnamese Association in Kumamoto for its sense of responsibility, proactive approach and timely efforts in citizen protection and assistance to Vietnamese nationals.

In recognition of these practical, effective and meaningful contributions, Consul General Trinh Mai Phuong presented Letters of Commendation and praised the achievements of:

- The Vietnamese Association in Kumamoto as a collective;

- Seven members of the Association’s Executive Committee, led by President Le Tram and Vice President Do Xuan Hoa;

- Five outstanding volunteers who courageously assisted in rescuing Japanese residents during the disaster, including interns Ho Thi Tuyet, Dang Nguyen Trung Nghia, Tran Ba Thinh, Bui Anh Ton and Le Huy Tuan;

- 80 core volunteers who actively participated in relief supply deliveries and coordinated relief efforts.

The timely support and courageous actions of the Vietnamese community in Kumamoto not only spread the Vietnamese tradition of mutual assistance and compassion, but also left a positive impression and contributed to further strengthening solidarity and friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Japan.

On the occasion, Consul General Trinh Mai Phuong expressed her condolences to the family of intern Tran Van Son, who tragically lost his life in the earthquake. She also presented a Letter of Appreciation and Condolences to the family representative of volunteer Nguyen Van Manh, who was involved in a traffic accident following the relief activities.

Following the commendation ceremony for the Association’s relief efforts, Consul General Trinh Mai Phuong met with, inquired after and held informal conversations with Vietnamese nationals, interns and students in Kumamoto. She briefed them on several policies and guidelines of the Party and State, addressed their concerns, proposals and recommendations, and called on the Vietnamese community in Kumamoto to continue supporting one another and maintaining solidarity in their daily lives.

She also called on the community to comply with Vietnamese and local laws and to help foster a positive image of Vietnamese people in the eyes of their Japanese friends.

Vietnamese Community Mobilises Relief Efforts in Wake of Kumamoto Earthquake As of the morning of August 2, no additional casualties have been reported among the Vietnamese community following the earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28. One Vietnamese worker was killed and another injured. Vietnamese associations have been delivering drinking water and food to affected workers.

Supporting Vietnamese Citizens Following Kumamoto Earthquake (Japan) A working delegation from the Vietnam Association in Japan (VUAJ) recently visited Kumamoto Prefecture to assess the situation, visit Vietnamese community members affected by the earthquake, review relief efforts, and discuss support measures for the recovery period.