Recovery Support Measures for Individuals and Sole Proprietors Affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake
Toru UenoI would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to everyone affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake. Below is a summary of the recovery support measures currently announced. Today’s section covers support for affected individuals and sole proprietors.
National Support Measures for Affected Individuals and Sole Proprietors (2026 Kumamoto Earthquake)
1. Livelihood Recovery Support Grant (up to ¥3 million)
Households whose homes were totally destroyed, demolished, required long-term evacuation, or suffered major or moderate damage are eligible. The grant consists of two components—basic support and additional support—with a maximum of ¥3 million (up to ¥2.25 million for single-person households).
Application is submitted to the municipality where the household resided at the time of the disaster. Deadlines:
- Basic Support: within 13 months from the date of the disaster
- Additional Support: within 37 months from the date of the disaster
2. Disaster Relief Loans / Emergency Welfare Loans (Special Provisions)
Low-interest or interest-free loans for eligible low-income households to support livelihood recovery. Applications are made through municipalities and local Social Welfare Councils.
3. Special Measures for Taxes, Social Insurance, and Administrative Deadlines
Due to the designation as a “Specific Extraordinary Disaster” and “Severe Disaster,” the following measures apply:
- Extension of national tax filing and payment deadlines
- Reduction or exemption of local taxes
- Extension of validity periods for driver’s licenses and various qualifications
- Extension of deadlines for inheritance acceptance or renunciation procedures
Kumamoto Prefecture Support Measures (Individuals & Households)
1. Application of the Livelihood Recovery Support Act to All Municipalities in Kumamoto
All municipalities in the prefecture accept applications for the Livelihood Recovery Support Grant. Amounts published by the prefecture include:
- Total destruction / demolition: ¥1,000,000 basic + ¥2,000,000 additional = ¥3,000,000
- Major damage: up to ¥2,500,000
- Moderate damage: up to ¥1,000,000
2. Publication of Municipal Contact Information
The prefecture has published a list of municipal departments, start dates, and contact details. For example, Mashiki Town’s contact point is the Welfare Division (starting August 14).
Municipal-Level Support Measures (Individuals & Households)
Kumamoto City has published a comprehensive booklet titled “Support Systems for Affected Residents – 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake.” Major support categories include:
Economic Support
- Disaster condolence payments
- Disability relief payments
- General disaster relief payments
- Disaster relief loans
- Emergency Welfare Loans (special provisions)
Housing Support
- Emergency home repair (with upper limits)
- Temporary provision of municipal housing
- Provision of “deemed temporary housing”
- Demolition and removal of damaged houses (public expense)
- Exemption of fees for building confirmation and development permits
Daily Life Support
- Distribution of essential daily goods (clothing, bedding, etc.)
- Reduction of fees for disaster waste, bulky waste, and designated home appliances
- Mental health counseling, child psychological support, and livelihood counseling
- Free legal consultation, consumer consultation, and multilingual support desks
Tax and Fee Reductions / Payment Deferrals
- Reduction or deferral of municipal taxes
- Exemption of fees for issuing various certificates
- Exemption of My Number Card reissuance fees
- Reduction of water and sewerage charges
- Reduction or deferral of National Health Insurance premiums, Long-term Care Insurance premiums, and Medical Insurance premiums for the elderly
- Exemption of National Pension premiums
Similar support menus are available in other municipalities, with differences only in naming and responsible departments. Details can be found on each municipality’s “2026 Kumamoto Earthquake Support Systems” webpage.
Key Points for Sole Proprietors
1. Obtain Disaster Damage Certificates for Both “Residence” and “Business Premises”
Almost all support programs—including grants, emergency repairs, and tax reductions—require disaster damage certificates.
2. Combine Grants, Emergency Repairs, and Tax/Insurance Reductions
The Livelihood Recovery Support Grant can be used not only for housing reconstruction but also for living expenses and moving costs. Combine this with repair subsidies and tax/insurance reductions.
3. Record Application Deadlines in Your Calendar
- Basic Support: 13 months
- Additional Support: 37 months
- Disaster damage certificate deadlines vary by municipality—record them carefully.
