Japan Trend Radar is a feature for members of our Unseen Japan Insider program that tracks trending issues in Japanese news and social media.
While the Kumamoto earthquake captured most of Japan’s attention this past week, it was hardly the only subject that caused waves online. We’re taking a look at how social media trends shape online discourse. This ranges from emergency responses and anti-foreigner sentiment to the cost of living and its impact on those hit hardest.
The Kumamoto quake: outrage against uncaring businesses
A massive 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, July 28. Soon after, people flooded social media sites like X and Threads with posts of sympathy, encouragement, and grief. One of the most notable came from former Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen, who made a heartfelt post on X that garnered over 180,000 likes, offering her sympathy.
Taiwan didn’t just send thoughts and prayers, though. As of August 1, people and businesses throughout the country donated 15 million yen (USD $95,000) to send tents, beds, and other relief supplies to Kumamoto. The earthquake damaged nearly 4,000 homes, leaving 9,200 people crammed into evacuation centers, so the help is more than welcome.
Alongside the gratitude for Taiwan’s help, though, some on X said that Japan’s politicians should be ashamed. After all, a foreign country seemed to be doing way more for the quake-struck region than they were.
