On July 28, 2026, at 4:27 PM (JST), a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan. The earthquake reached Japan's highest seismic intensity of Shindo 7, causing severe damage to homes, businesses, roads, and public infrastructure. Search and rescue efforts are still underway, while many families remain displaced and continue to face interruptions to water and other essential services.
Our hearts are with everyone affected by this disaster.
Why Kumamoto Is Special to Nara Tea
Kumamoto is famous throughout Japan for producing the country's finest igusa (rush grass), the natural material used to make traditional tatami.
At Nara Tea, many of our Tatami Collection products—including our popular Tatami Coasters—are handcrafted using authentic igusa grown in Kumamoto. The craftsmanship and natural beauty of this material have been cherished in Japanese culture for centuries.
Because of this special connection, the people of Kumamoto are more than suppliers to us—they are part of the community that helps us share authentic Japanese culture with customers around the world.
Explore our Tatami Collection here:
https://narateacompany.com/collections/tatami
Our Commitment
To support relief and recovery efforts, Nara Tea will donate 3% of all sales from July 29 through August 31, 2026, to a trusted disaster relief organization in Japan.
Every purchase made during this period will help support the people and communities rebuilding after this devastating earthquake.
We will announce the recipient organization once it has been selected.
How You Can Help
When you shop with Nara Tea during this campaign, you're doing more than purchasing authentic Japanese products—you are helping support the people behind them.
If you have been thinking about purchasing one of our Tatami Coasters, Tatami Trays, or other handmade tatami products, now is a meaningful time to do so. Each item is made with authentic Kumamoto-grown igusa, connecting your purchase directly to the region we hope to support.
Browse the collection:
https://narateacompany.com/collections/tatami
Thank You
This is not the first time our company has supported Kumamoto. After the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, we organized a similar fundraising campaign to help the affected communities. We are grateful for the kindness of our customers then, and we are thankful once again for your support today.
Together, we can help Kumamoto recover.
Thank you for standing with Kumamoto.
©2010 kumamoto pref.kumamon＃kumamotoshien