Shizuoka Pref. city gets thank-you visit from Kumamon for disaster aid

NUMAZU, Shizuoka -- A special guest came all the way to this city from Kumamoto Prefecture on June 16 to thank a local volunteer disaster relief group -- superstar mascot Kumamon.

Kumamon visited the city to thank the NPO Nihon Volunteer Network (NVN) for continued aid following the April 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake disaster, giving its members thank-you hugs. He then appeared in front of roughly 120 children gathered at Numazu Nakamise Shopping Mall calling out his name, performing his famous exercise dance along with the audience, including a pose representing Kumamoto Castle.

A representative from the Kumamoto Prefectural Government greeted the crowd, "It's been a year and two months since the earthquake, but we still have houses and Kumamoto Castle left to rebuild. Please continue to support us."

"I hope that everyone recovers," commented Kouchoji Kindergarten student Kaori Mochizuki, 6, who handed Kumamon a thank-you note for making the long journey to Shizuoka. "I'm happy that I got to meet Kumamon," she said.

NVN's support for Kumamoto began on April 15, the day after the disaster, when they began fundraising. The group has visited the site of the disaster eight times so far, providing hot meals for victims and other types of assistance. The Numazu Nakamise Shopping Mall also held a fundraising event during its Tanabata festival to support Kumamoto.

"I'm happy that our efforts in Kumamoto are being recognized," said NVN deputy director Manabu Ishikawa. Numazu Nakamise Shopping Mall promotion council head Masato Yamazaki commented, "It's an honor that they came all the way from Kumamoto to thank us in person for our low-profile efforts."