Social Media Waves of Support and Practical Advice Follow Major Earthquake in Kumamoto

Following a major earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture and surrounding areas, messages praying for the safety of the affected region and calls for support have spread rapidly across social media. Amid extreme heat and continuous aftershocks, users are posting widespread concerns about expanding damage and the safety of evacuees.

Users who experienced past disasters—such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and previous earthquakes in Kumamoto—have shared abundant advice regarding immediate actions after a tremor. Based on firsthand experience, posts emphasize that "securing food, water, restrooms, and access to information is most critical in the initial stages," and note that "battery-powered radios were essential during communication outages."

While online fundraising and donation campaigns gain momentum, warnings are also circulating regarding malicious information on social media. Users are urged not to blindly share—and instead report—fake rescue requests designed for "impression farming" and hoax posts featuring AI-generated images.

Discussions have also extended to how people outside the affected areas should conduct themselves, with calm opinions urging that "rather than excessive self-restraint, it is important to maintain daily routines while offering support where possible." As the scorching heat persists, swift rescue operations and appropriate relief supplies remain urgently needed.

The context

Japan is highly prone to seismic activity, with memories of major disasters like the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes deeply influencing public response. During crises, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) play a vital role in real-time information sharing in Japan. However, recent trends have seen an increase in "impression farming"—where accounts post fake or sensational content to generate ad revenue—as well as AI-generated misinformation. Additionally, the cultural concept of "jishoku" (self-restraint) often leads Japanese citizens outside affected areas to cancel events or limit spending out of respect, though experts increasingly encourage maintaining normal economic activity while providing targeted aid.

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