Chungnam Province has stepped forward to assist Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, which recently suffered extensive damage from a strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake, continuing a friendship spanning over four decades.

According to Chungnam Province on August 1, the provincial government is promoting a donation drive in collaboration with the Chungnam Community Chest of Korea to help with the recovery of Kumamoto Prefecture following the earthquake damage.

Chungnam Governor Park Soo-hyun shared a message of comfort on his Facebook page on July 29, stating, "I pray for the swift rescue of the missing, the prompt recovery of the affected areas, and that the residents of Kumamoto Prefecture can return to their peaceful daily lives as soon as possible," and adding, "As a sister region, Chungnam Province will overcome this difficult time together."


Chungnam Province and Kumamoto Prefecture established ties in 1983 as Chungnam's first overseas sister city, and have continued deep exchanges in various fields such as administration and culture for over 40 years.

Through some 560 visits, 10,000 people have traveled to each other's regions, and residents of Kumamoto Prefecture have visited Chungnam to explore the Independence Hall of Korea and the shrine of Yun Bong-gil, studying Korea-Japan historical issues together.

In 2023, marking their 40th anniversary, a student from Chungnam Design Arts High School created a commemorative logo utilizing characters from both regions to strengthen their friendship.

Notably, during the Taean oil spill in 2008, 2,292 public officials from Kumamoto Prefecture voluntarily collected and delivered about 1.417 million yen (approximately 12.56 million won in Korean currency at the time) in donations to Chungnam Province. When the Kumamoto earthquake struck in 2016, Chungnam Province delivered 100 million won in donations, demonstrating how they have helped each other during times of crisis.

Chungnam Province plans to finalize its support measures after continuously communicating with Kumamoto Prefecture to identify the necessary supplies and specific forms of assistance needed locally.

(Photo: Capture of Governor Park Soo-hyun's Facebook page, Yonhap News)