AAR Japan (Association for Aid and Relief, Japan) continues to provide meal distribution in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, an area affected by the Kumamoto earthquake, together with the NPO Peace Project. Delicious and nutritious meals have been well received by evacuees enduring life in shelters amid the intense summer heat.

Flavors Suited to Kumamoto Tastes

The meal support team arrived on-site on July 29, the day after the earthquake, and has been preparing meals at evacuation centers in Yatsushiro City since July 30. As of August 5, the team had provided a total of 1,240 lunches and dinners. Around the Citizens’ Community Center, the team’s base of operations, collapsed houses blocked roads and roughly 180 people had taken shelter there initially. Evacuees expressed gratitude for the “gomoku gohan” (Japanese mixed rice) served as the first dinner, with some saying they were relieved to finally eat something after having had nothing since morning.

The menu includes cold Somen noodles which are easy to eat even in the intense heat, and beef bowls made with generous portions of beef. Seasoning is adjusted to match the “sweet-salty and rich” flavors preferred in Kumamoto and local residents have tasted the food to help adjust the seasoning.

Meals are one of the greatest pleasures during life in the shelters. When the team served “Unadon” (grilled eel over rice) to bring a sense of the season, long lines formed, and evacuees expressed delight that eel could be enjoyed even in a shelter. On a day we served curry rice, an elderly evacuee who normally eats little finished the entire meal and even asked for seconds.

Connections from Past Support Efforts Bring Strength

People connected through past relief efforts, including the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and the 2020 Kyushu floods, have also offered support and cooperation. Donated tomatoes and watermelons have been especially welcomed, as fresh vegetables and fruit are often hard to come by during shelter life. On August 5, a small live guitar performance was held and even evacuees who had been lying down got up to clap along and sing.

As water service has gradually been restored to the area, the number of evacuees at the Citizens’ Community Center has decreased. However, daily life remains difficult for those affected—tap water still cannot be used for drinking and is limited to laundry and bathing. AAR will continue to stand alongside those affected by providing meals and other support at evacuation shelters. We kindly ask for your continued support for the Kumamoto earthquake emergency response.