How to donate to victims of Noto Peninsula Earthquake

On the afternoon of 1 January 2024, the Noto Peninsula Earthquake struck the peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture with a magnitude of 7.6. A tsunami warning sounded across the western coasts of Japan, as the tsunami that followed hit the Noto Peninsula soon after. At the moment of writing, the number of lives lost approaches 100, over 200 hundred houses were washed away, and multiple organizations kicked into action to help assist the families affected by this disaster.

Many of us like to help. But even if we are not at the site to lend a hand, we can still help online. Here are some channels that you can donate to the efforts for disaster relief.

Ishikawa Prefecture Relief Funds

The relief funds received will be distributed according to guidelines set by the Ishikawa Prefecture Disaster Relief Fund Allocation Committee, made up of various related groups. They also have a guideline to distribute the funds to those affected by the disaster through municipal channels. Note to contact them (various channels available) to inform them when transfer has been completed.

Ishikawa Prefecture Community Chest Relief Fund

The disaster relief fund is accepting donations through bank transfers through Hokkoku Bank and Yucho Bank, but also accepts over the counter donations. The Ishikawa Prefecture Disaster Relief Distribution Committee will determine the distribution criteria, and then deliver them to the disaster victims across the 10 cities and 7 towns.

Japanese Red Cross Society Relief Fund

All donation efforts are based on the directives of the affected prefectures, collecting donations as per their guidance. The Japanese Red Cross Society has two types of donations: “Donations to the entire affected area (opened by the Red Cross headquarters)” and “Donations limited to a specific region (opened by the Red Cross branches).” Entire donations from both will be sent to the Relief Fund Allocation Committee of Ishikawa Prefecture.

LINE Yahoo Noto Peninsula Earthquake Emergency support donation

LINE, best known for its messenger app, is facilitating various organizations in collecting donations, including Yahoo! Japan, Nippon Foundation and Katariba. While easy to donate, note that a Yahoo! Japan account is required to make the donations.

Donating through Hometown Tax platforms

You can donate to local governments too as a number of websites for Hometown Tax are offering to collect donations too.