(Source: Geospatial Information Authority of Japan website: https://www.gsi.go.jp/BOUSAI/R2_kyusyu_heavyrain_jul.html#3)

From the early morning of July 3rd to the morning of July 4th, 2020, record-breaking torrential rains struck southern Kyushu, causing massive amounts of water to flow into rivers, resulting in the overflowing of the Kuma River, one of Japan's three fastest-flowing rivers, and its tributaries. The river flooding and landslides caused immense damage to people's lives and crops in Kumamoto Prefecture, with 67 people killed or missing and 1,490 homes completely destroyed.

Although some of Zensho 's stores, including Sukiya, suffered damage, all stores were restored within a few days, and warm meals were provided to customers in the community.

Immediately after the disaster, Sukiya dispatched its food trucks to Kumamoto Prefecture, which was particularly hard hit. They provided a total of 350 meals, including warm Gyudon bento and curry bento, to evacuees in Ashikita Town, Ashikita District, Kumamoto Prefecture. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the food support was provided with infection control measures in place, including dispatching local employees, wearing masks and face shields, and disinfecting the area.

Click here for detailed information on meal support.

In response to this disaster, Zensho Group conducted a fundraising campaign at its stores, headquarters, factories, and facilities from July 13 to September 1, 2020, to support recovery efforts through the participation of customers and employees.

The donations received from customers, employees, and Zensho Labor Union totaled 11,524,915 yen.
The collected donations were entrusted to Kumamoto Prefecture as relief funds. The donation was presented by Yoshiro Kunii, Managing Director of Zensho Holdings, during a visit to Koichi Murai, Director of the Kumamoto Prefecture Tokyo Office.

Director Murai expressed his gratitude, saying, "We will deliver the donated funds to those affected by the disaster. The entire prefecture will work together to support those affected and help them rebuild."

Koichi Murai, Director of the Kumamoto Prefecture Tokyo Office (center)
Yoshiro Kunii (right), Managing Director Zensho Holdings
Koichi Honbo (left), Chairman of Zensho Labor Union Federation

Zensho Group offers its deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and prays for the swift recovery of the affected areas.
Furthermore, we will continue to engage in business activities and support activities that are tailored to the needs of disaster-stricken areas in the future.