Church appeals for financial aid as Japan quake response continues

In the wake of a deadly earthquake in Japan, a senior Japanese prelate is calling for financial donations to the Church’s relief effort in the stricken area – and saying the local government is not accepting outside volunteer support.

A magnitude 7.1 temblor struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu on July 28, leaving at least 34 people dead and thousands of others displaced.

The Archbishop of Tokyo, Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, is calling for urgent financial aid in support of the Church’s ongoing efforts to assist thousands of people affected by a deadly earthquake in Japan last week.

Kikuchi is urging the faithful to support relief efforts through Caritas Japan and the Catholic Diocese of Fukuoka, which are coordinating assistance for affected communities.

“The local government has strong control over such situations,” Kikuchi told Crux Now, “and often slows down the relief efforts of NGOs.”

Kikuchi told Crux Now local authorities in the quake-stricken prefecture are not allowing outside volunteers or material donations at present.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited the stricken prefecture on Monday and told reporters the government “is firmly committed to doing everything we can.”

“We will promptly examine what further assistance the