Kumamoto City and Tokyo's Minato Ward will co-host a two-day event on April 16-17, 2026, at the Minato Ward Office lobby. The event commemorates the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, expresses gratitude for Minato Ward's support, and highlights historical ties between the two cities. It features a panel exhibition on disaster prevention and a product fair selling Kumamoto agricultural products and local specialties.
The "Kumamoto City x Minato Ward Joint Event - 10 Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake - Panel Exhibition & Product Fair" will take place on April 16-17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Minato Ward Office 1st floor lobby (1-5-25 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo). Organized by Kumamoto City with cooperation from Minato Ward, the event aims to convey Kumamoto City's deep gratitude for Minato Ward's extensive support following the 2016 earthquake and to reaffirm the historical connections between the two cities dating back to the Edo period. The venue will feature a panel exhibition showcasing lessons learned from the earthquake and recent disaster prevention initiatives by both municipalities. Additionally, a product fair will offer Kumamoto's spring delicacies, including mini watermelons (3,500 JPY for 2L/2-3kg), "Yubeni" strawberries (600 JPY per pack), "Shiranui" dekopon (240 JPY each), and "Kuri Suki" chestnut sweets (240 JPY each). Historically, Minato Ward's Takanawa 1-chome was the site of the former Kumamoto Domain Hosokawa family's lower residence, and Kakurinji Temple in Shirokanedai 1-chome enshrines Kato Kiyomasa, the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain. Recent collaborations include Kumamoto City's participation in Minato Ward events and Minato Ward dispatching staff to assist Kumamoto City with disaster certificate issuance after heavy rains in August 2025.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: event
FAQ
When and where will the Kumamoto City x Minato Ward joint event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Kumamoto earthquake take place?
The event will take place on April 16-17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Minato Ward Office 1st floor lobby located at 1-5-25 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
What is the main purpose of the joint event between Kumamoto City and Minato Ward in April 2026?
The event aims to express Kumamoto City's gratitude for Minato Ward's support after the 2016 earthquake and to reaffirm the historical ties between the two cities dating back to the Edo period.
What types of exhibits and activities will be featured at the Minato Ward Office during the two-day event?
The event will feature a panel exhibition on earthquake lessons and disaster prevention efforts, along with a product fair offering Kumamoto's spring delicacies such as mini watermelons, Yubeni strawberries, Shiranui dekopon, and Kuri Suki chestnut sweets.
What specific Kumamoto products will be available for purchase at the product fair and how much do they cost?
Available products include mini watermelons for 3,500 JPY per 2L (2-3kg), Yubeni strawberries for 600 JPY per pack, Shiranui dekopon for 240 JPY each, and Kuri Suki chestnut sweets for 240 JPY each.
What historical and recent connections exist between Kumamoto City and Minato Ward beyond the 2026 event?
Historically, the Hosokawa family's lower residence was in Takanawa 1-chome and Kato Kiyomasa is enshrined at Kakurinji Temple in Shirokanedai; recently, Minato Ward sent staff to assist Kumamoto City with disaster certificates after heavy rains in August 2025.