Web3 for Disaster Relief: Supporting Kumamoto Earthquake Recovery with JPYC

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7 Aug 2026

Hello! It’s been a while since I last posted an article on BULB.
There’s a reason for that, and this time I’d like to explain the circumstances and give you an honest account of what’s currently happening in Japan.

In July 2026, a major earthquake struck with its epicentre in Kumamoto Prefecture. The Japanese government officially named this earthquake the ‘July Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake’. Drawing on my experience providing recovery support during the 2018 Western Japan torrential rains, I proposed using Japan’s first yen-pegged stablecoin, ‘JPYC’, to support the disaster-stricken areas immediately after the earthquake struck, thereby sparking a relief campaign that engaged the entire Web3 industry. The affected areas are currently facing severe challenges, including large-scale water shortages, infrastructure disruptions and the temporary closure of financial institutions, which are exacerbating delays in obtaining cash and receiving relief funds. Even amidst these circumstances, I recognised the need for immediate and highly transparent support via digital currency, and took swift action to address this.

With a view to providing support for the areas affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake, this article offers a detailed analysis of the relevant legal regulations and key considerations on the ground. Firstly, regarding the misconception frequently encountered on social media—that ‘stablecoins are the same as cryptocurrencies, which are subject to significant price fluctuations’—the amended Payment Services Act, which came into force in 2023, clearly classifies JPYC and similar stablecoins as ‘electronic payment instruments’. They constitute a secure payment infrastructure supervised by the Financial Services Agency, with a value of one coin equalling one yen guaranteed. On the other hand, even if carried out in good faith, the act of individuals or unauthorised organisations raising funds to redeem JPYC and make donations constitutes ‘electronic payment instrument transaction business’ and carries the risk and danger of being subject to severe penalties under the Payment Services Act and the Penal Code.

With regard to cash donations, there have been cases of opaque crowdfunding in the past; we therefore consistently emphasise in our social media posts that people should avoid unknown private organisations and instead make donations through trusted institutions such as the Japanese Red Cross Society, The Nippon Foundation and JVOAD.

As specific recommendations based on legal frameworks and safety considerations, we published the following on ‘note’—a Japanese-language content-sharing platform: ‘AirDrop’, a system for making direct payments to smartphones without waiting for the issuance of disaster victim certificates; support for immediate payments to accommodation providers and local businesses hosting evacuees; the maintenance of local economic circulation through region-specific JPYC digital vouchers; the awarding of points to volunteers; and a transparent fundraising platform utilising smart contracts. We also made a point of detailing the importance of providing support through shopping at promotional shops and the need to await the establishment of official disaster volunteer centres.

In this way, whilst correctly understanding and avoiding the risks of misinformation and illegality, we are maximising the benefits of stablecoins as a modern electronic payment infrastructure. Under a new disaster prevention and support model—ranging from emergency aid for disaster victims to the self-sustaining recovery of the local economy—we are implementing measures where those who are able can do what they can, within their means. This is a principle we will not compromise on, and we are currently devoting our full efforts to supporting the areas affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake.

To our readers and creators currently on BULB: we would like to inform you that efforts are currently underway to provide support for the areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake via JPYC, a yen-pegged stablecoin. The CEO of JPYC, along with other industry stakeholders and centralised exchanges targeting the Japanese market, are actively involved in this relief effort. In due course, wallet addresses and QR codes for collecting donations and relief funds will be published via JPYC’s official channels and the CEO’s official X account. Should we receive any such information, we are prepared to share it promptly with BULB’s readers.

It has now been seven days since the Kumamoto earthquake struck, but with so many new developments piling up—and in particular, with activity surrounding JPYC intensifying—I have been unable to post updates on BULB, for which I sincerely apologise. However, I myself have not been affected by the earthquake, and the fact that I am able to post this update is thanks to the support and comments from everyone who loves BULB, including the BULB management team. It really is a great source of encouragement

I will continue to write so that I can share positive news from Japan, so please keep sending your supportive stickers and messages 🙏