Pokemon Company and Sony donate nearly $1 million for Japan's Kumamoto earthquake relief

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The Pokemon Company and Sony have issued statements showing support for those affected by the shindo 7 intensity earthquake, which hit Kumamoto, Japan on July 28. The Pokemon Company has donated 100 million yen (approximately $612,000) and Sony at least 50 million yen (roughly $306,000) towards restoration and relief efforts for the region.

Kumamoto prefecture was hit by the highest intensity earthquake on the afternoon of July 28. It claimed the lives of at least 34 people with hundreds more injured. A mall in Yatsushiro city collapsed following an explosion caused by the earthquake, trapping shoppers inside, and a fire broke out in nearby Uki city. A train was also derailed in the disaster.

The Pokemon Company released an official statement on social media that has been translated by GamesRadar+, titled: "Support for areas affected by the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake disaster."

【令和8年熊本地震災害による被災地域への支援について】2026年7月28日に発生した令和8年熊本地震により被害を受けられた皆さまに、謹んでお見舞い申し上げます。… July 30, 2026

"We would like to humbly express our deepest sympathies for everyone affected by the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred on July 28, 2026," the statement reads. "The Pokemon Company has decided to donate a total of 100 million yen [approximately $612,000] to Kumamoto prefecture, the Japanese Red Cross, and other support organizations to help with relief efforts for those affected, and to aid in the restoration of the affected areas. From the bottom of our hearts, we sincerely wish a speedy recovery for and restoration of the areas affected."

Sony has also issued a statement that it has donated 50 million yen (approximately $306,000) and is asking employees for further donations, which the company will match. The money will go to the Japanese Red Cross and the Emergency Relief and Recovery Fund for Children, which is jointly operated by Save the Children and Sony.

The statement from Sony president Hiroki Totoki reads, "all of us at Sony Group are deeply saddened by the loss of life, injuries and destruction caused by this devastating earthquake. Kumamoto is a key hub for Sony's semiconductor business and an important base supporting the Sony Group's businesses."

The message continues, "since the establishment of the Kumamoto Technology Center in 2001, Kumamoto has been a place with which we share deep ties, having grown together with the local community over many years. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this disaster. We send our sincerest condolences to all those affected and hope for a full and swift recovery."