For students planning to participate in volunteer activities in areas affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake

Municipal Disaster Volunteer Centers are being established in areas affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, and volunteer recruitment is now underway.

Many students may wish to use their summer vacation to contribute to recovery and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas. If you are considering participating in volunteer activities, please make sure to prepare adequately so that you can work safely and follow the local reception procedures and support framework established by each municipality.
Please also be sure to notify the university in advance and obtain appropriate insurance coverage before participating.

＜Notification to the university＞
If you plan to perform volunteer activities in the affected area, please submit a Volunteer Activity Notification Form to the university in advance.
Form: Volunteer Activity Notification Form (Word File)
Submit to: The Educational Affairs Office of your affiliated School or Graduate School

＜Insurance coverage＞
When participating in volunteer activities, please ensure that you are covered by insurance that applies even in the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
Reference: Volunteer Avtivities Insurance (Council of Social Welfare) (link in Japanese)
https://www.osakafusyakyo.or.jp/hoken/volunteer/index.html

＜Before participating＞
Participation requirements, activity schedules, and registration procedures vary by municipality and each Volunteer Center. Please be sure to check the latest information before applying.

Participation may require procedures such as advance registration and enrollment in volunteer insurance. Please follow the instructions provided and complete any necessary procedures on your own.

Please follow the instructions of local staff and make your health and safety your top priority. We ask that you participate with a reasonable schedule and appropriate equipment, and avoid overexerting yourself.

【Kumamoto Prefectural Council of Social Welfare】
https://www.fukushi-kumamoto.or.jp/ (link in Japanese)　
By opening the Disaster Volunteer Information (災害ボランティア情報) page from the top banner, you can find information on Municipal Disaster Volunteer Centers.

The establishment of Volunteer Centers and the recruitment of volunteers are proceeding gradually in response to local conditions. In some affected areas, telephone lines may be difficult to reach, so please carefully check the information provided online by official websites, local governments, Volunteer Centers, and other relevant organizations, and cooperate in ensuring that relief and support activities can proceed smoothly.

＜Related links＞
〇*Disaster Management in Japan, Cabinet Office Japan (Basic information on volunteer activities)
https://www.bousai.go.jp/index-e.html
〇Information on Disaster Relief Support and Volunteer Opportunities, Japan National Council of Social Welfare
https://www.saigaivc.com/ (link in Japanese)
〇Information about 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/1/274517.html (please change the language to English on this page)
〇Preparation before volunteering (UOsaka website)
https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/campus/life/volunteer


＜Contact＞
Campus Life and Career Support Division, Department of Education and Student Affairs, University of Osaka (Suita Student Center)
TEL: 06-6879-7120