On the Road to Recovery: The People of America and Kumamoto Join Together is a beautiful clip that encourages the people of Kumamoto to be positive during recovery efforts.
April 16th, 2017 marks the one-year anniversary since the mainshock of a series of earthquakes that devastated parts of Kumamoto, Japan. In anticipation of the anniversary, the U.S. Embassy Tokyo & Consulates in Japan posted an upbeat video message of support last week for a speedy recovery to the region, which included showcasing some highlights of Kumamoto for the rest of the world to see.
Furthermore, this video features the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia providing a cover version of “Kumamoto Surprise!,” an earlier song composed by Bombo Fujii. Check out the full video below:
The video opens with several shots of U.S. Marine Corps Japan and U.S. Air Force Japan servicemembers, along with American civilians living in Kumamoto all lending their words of encouragement. Ikuo Kabashima, the current governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, even makes a special appearance at 0:43, as do various prefectural mascots, local people, Mount Aso (the largest active volcano in Japan), and Sakitsu Village in Amakusa (a town historically linked to Christian missionaries).
▼ You can even meet some members of the Kumamoto Volters, the prefecture’s professional basketball team!
Across the Pacific in the U.S., we also have glimpses of some students in the state of Montana (which holds a sister prefecture/state relationship Kumamoto Prefecture), and in San Antonio, Texas (which is a sister city of Kumamoto City) singing along.
The video’s climax arrives with the grand entrance of the bear, the myth, the legend himself–Kumamon! The beloved mascot goes on to lead a special dance in front of Kumamoto Castle.
While there’s no substitute for the hard work required for ongoing recovery efforts, hopefully this video puts a smile on the face of at least one weary resident of Kumamoto. The world is thinking of you, Kumamoto–stay strong!
Source, images: YouTube/U.S. Embassy Tokyo & Consulates in Japan
Pokémon and One Piece team up, give Luffy’s hat to Pikachu for special earthquake relief project
Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron finally has a U.S. release date and trailer, and it’s gorgeous【Video】
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Burger King Japan’s new Crown The One Pounder is like a cheeseburger on steroids
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says