Japan’s government has approved the use of 20 billion yen, approximately $153 million, from its fiscal 2026 budget reserve funds to support recovery efforts following the major earthquake that struck the southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto a week ago.

The funding will be used to provide emergency relief supplies dispatched by the central government to affected communities, including assistance delivered before formal requests are received from local authorities.

The reserve funds will also support relief measures implemented by prefectural governments across Japan as they coordinate assistance for the disaster-hit region.

The move forms part of the government’s broader emergency response aimed at accelerating relief operations, supporting displaced residents, and helping communities begin the recovery and rebuilding process following the devastating earthquake.