The Pokémon Company and Sony announced on July 29 that they would be making donations to support areas affected by the recent earthquake in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture.
The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck on July 28, leading to large scale destruction in the region and a death toll of at least 28 people at the time of writing. With rescue operations still ongoing, The Pokémon Company has provided monetary aid to Kumamoto Prefecture, the Japanese Red Cross Society, as well as other support organizations totaling 100 million yen (over $600,000 USD). The money will be used toward relief efforts for victims, as well as to support groups aiding in the restoration and reconstruction of affected areas.
Sony, whose core semiconductor hub is located in Kumamoto, announced a donation of 50 million yen in emergency aid to the region. The relief money will be allocated to child support efforts via the Emergency and Recovery Fund for Children, as well as to support the lives of people living in disaster-stricken areas. Additionally, the company will conduct an internal donation matching campaign (in which the company doubles whatever amount is raised by employees).
Sony Group CEO Hiroki Totoki commented, “I would like to express my heartfelt sympathies to everyone affected by this earthquake. Kumamoto is a vital hub that supports the Sony Group’s operations and serves as the core of our semiconductor business. Since the establishment of the Kumamoto Technology Center in 2001, we have grown alongside the local community, supported by the people of the region. I sincerely pray for the safety of those affected and for the earliest possible recovery and reconstruction of Kumamoto.”
As for Sony’s own Kumamoto Technology Center, operations were halted following the earthquake. While there were no casualties, damage to the facilities is currently being assessed.
