Taiwanese donations for Japan earthquake relief exceed NT$300 million

Taiwanese citizens have generously donated over NT$300 million (approximately 1.4 billion Japanese yen) to support Japan's post-earthquake reconstruction efforts. The significant outpouring of support comes after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region of Japan on the afternoon of July 28th.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) promptly launched a fundraising campaign, entrusting the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) to manage a dedicated donation account that opened on August 1st. As of August 24th, the total donations had surpassed the NT$300 million mark.

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu emphasized the profound meaning behind each contribution, regardless of its size. "Every donation, regardless of the amount, represents the care and blessings of the Taiwanese people for the disaster victims in Japan," he stated. Wu further noted that the swift and widespread response to the fundraising reflects the long-standing and deep friendship between Taiwan and Japan. He also highlighted Taiwan's consistent willingness to extend a helping hand and stand with affected populations during major international disasters.

Huang Yu-lin, Secretary-General of the TaiwanICDF, expressed gratitude for the public's trust in the fundraising project. The MOFA has announced that the donation account is scheduled to close on August 31st. The ministry is coordinating with Japanese authorities regarding the subsequent donation of the funds and will provide further updates. The initiative showcases Taiwan's commitment to international humanitarian aid and its strong bilateral ties with Japan.