Prayers 10 Years After the Kumamoto Earthquake: Tax Accountant Comedian Launches Crowdfunding for a 'Free Live Event to Encourage Everyone and Fulfill Dreams'
A tax accountant and comedian from Shochiku Geino is launching a crowdfunding campaign to hold a free live event in Kumamoto, aiming to inspire people to pursue their dreams on the 10th anniversary of the earthquake.
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- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 18:19
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (19h 19m after Published)
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On April 14th of this year, marking the 10th anniversary of the Kumamoto earthquake, a free live event will be held in Kumamoto by 'Riina,' a professional tax accountant and comedian affiliated with Shochiku Geino. She will share her own experience of giving up on her dreams and the journey she took to finally start chasing them.
After the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, she thought, 'This is no time to dream; I must face reality.' She suppressed her desire to be on stage and became a tax accountant to take over the family business, but she never felt fulfilled. However, at the age of 44, five years after opening her tax practice, she joined the Shochiku Geino Talent School's comedy course and became a professional comedian 10 months later.
By sharing her story, she held a free live event in Kobe on January 17th to help others who had given up on their dreams. Over 150 people attended, participating in singing, dancing, and workshops to rediscover their dreams, which they wrote on paper and attached to a 'Dream Tree.' Following the success of the Kobe event, she decided to bring this experience to Kumamoto.
This year marks 10 years since the Kumamoto earthquake. Remembering the difficulties of sending relief supplies back then, she visited Kumamoto in February and saw that the recovery, including Kumamoto Castle, is still a long-term process. This solidified her decision to hold the event there.
The '4.14 Dream Live Kumamoto' will take place on April 11, 2026, at the Kumamoto City Gender Equality Center 'Harmonie.' Despite the challenges in fundraising and attracting an audience in a city where she has no personal ties, she is working hard to make it happen. The event features special guests, including singer-songwriter 'eim' and former Shiki Theatre Company member 'Rei-Rei.'
Crowdfunding is currently underway on CAMPFIRE to keep the event free. Rewards include priority entry and thank-you videos. The goal is 450,000 yen, with the campaign running until April 8th. Her long-term vision is to continue supporting disaster-affected areas across Japan, helping people rediscover their dreams.
After the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, she thought, 'This is no time to dream; I must face reality.' She suppressed her desire to be on stage and became a tax accountant to take over the family business, but she never felt fulfilled. However, at the age of 44, five years after opening her tax practice, she joined the Shochiku Geino Talent School's comedy course and became a professional comedian 10 months later.
By sharing her story, she held a free live event in Kobe on January 17th to help others who had given up on their dreams. Over 150 people attended, participating in singing, dancing, and workshops to rediscover their dreams, which they wrote on paper and attached to a 'Dream Tree.' Following the success of the Kobe event, she decided to bring this experience to Kumamoto.
This year marks 10 years since the Kumamoto earthquake. Remembering the difficulties of sending relief supplies back then, she visited Kumamoto in February and saw that the recovery, including Kumamoto Castle, is still a long-term process. This solidified her decision to hold the event there.
The '4.14 Dream Live Kumamoto' will take place on April 11, 2026, at the Kumamoto City Gender Equality Center 'Harmonie.' Despite the challenges in fundraising and attracting an audience in a city where she has no personal ties, she is working hard to make it happen. The event features special guests, including singer-songwriter 'eim' and former Shiki Theatre Company member 'Rei-Rei.'
Crowdfunding is currently underway on CAMPFIRE to keep the event free. Rewards include priority entry and thank-you videos. The goal is 450,000 yen, with the campaign running until April 8th. Her long-term vision is to continue supporting disaster-affected areas across Japan, helping people rediscover their dreams.
FAQ
Is the live event open to everyone?
Yes, it is a free admission event funded through crowdfunding.
What is the purpose of the crowdfunding?
To raise operating funds, such as venue costs and guest fees, to ensure the event remains free for all attendees.
Why hold it in Kumamoto?
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Kumamoto earthquake and provide courage to those affected to rediscover their dreams and move forward.