Odawara City installed donation boxes at Odawara Castle on Aug. 1 to support the reconstruction of Kumamoto Castle [1].
This initiative strengthens the bond between the two historic sites while providing critical financial aid for a landmark damaged by natural disaster. The effort reflects a long-term commitment to recovery in the region.
The fundraising campaign targets the restoration of Kumamoto Castle, which suffered significant damage during the Kumamoto earthquakes [2]. Those events saw a maximum seismic intensity of seven [2]. By placing collection boxes within the grounds of Odawara Castle in Kanagawa Prefecture, the city provides visitors with a direct way to contribute to the cause [1].
Odawara City has a history of supporting the region. The city previously donated approximately 15 million yen to Kumamoto City [1]. This new push for public donations complements previous government-level support.
Visitors at the site expressed gratitude for the accessibility of the campaign. "It is very helpful to be able to donate immediately. I pray for a recovery as soon as possible," a donor said [2].
Another contributor noted the difficulty of the situation for those affected. "I think it must be very difficult, so I donated thinking that even a little would help," a woman said [2]. A third donor said they contributed in the hope that the funds would lead to further reconstruction [2].
City officials are also considering donating a portion of the admission fees from Odawara Castle to further the recovery efforts [1].
“"I pray for a recovery as soon as possible,"”
The partnership between Odawara and Kumamoto leverages the shared identity of two prominent castle cities to mobilize public philanthropy. By integrating donation points into a high-traffic tourist site, Odawara City transforms local tourism into a mechanism for national disaster recovery, ensuring that the restoration of Japan's cultural heritage remains a visible public priority.
