On New Year’s Day, Japan was hit with a 7.6 magnitude earthquake, killing over 100 people and trapping hundreds in isolations as buildings and roads collapsed. It also left tens of thousands without power. Japan’s Self-Defense forces were quickly dispatched to aid those affected, with the country planning on spending over 4.74 billion yen ($34 million USD) to aid victims. The Pokémon Company, and Sony have also joined in on the relief, with donations totaling over 90 million yen (622,256 USD) to help victims with continued support through their Pokémon With You Foundation.

This announcement comes via X, where the official Pokémon Company announced their plans for aid. 

【令和6年能登半島地震災害による被災地域への支援について】

2024年1月1日に発生した令和6年能登半島地震により被害を受けられた方々に、謹んでお見舞い申し上げます。…

— ポケモン公式 (@Pokemon_cojp) January 5, 2024

“[About support for areas affected by the 2020 Noto Peninsula Earthquake]

We would like to express our deepest sympathies to those affected by the 2020 Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred on January 1, 2024.

The Pokémon Company has decided to donate 50 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross Society and donations to support organizations in order to help those affected by the disaster and to help restore the affected areas.

Additionally, through the Pokémon With You Foundation, we will continue to carry out activities to help children affected by the disaster regain their smiles. We sincerely pray for the earliest possible recovery and reconstruction of the disaster-stricken areas.  Pokemon With You Foundation”

Sony also made the announcement that they too will be donating over 40 million yen.

“Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”) extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan on January 1, 2024. Sony will donate a total of 40 million yen as emergency aid to support relief efforts for the communities affected.

Of this total, Sony will donate 15 million yen and Sony Life Insurance Co., Ltd. will donate 10 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Another 15 million yen will be donated from the “Emergency Disaster and Recovery Fund for Children (*1),” jointly operated by Sony and Save the Children Japan, and be used by Save the Children (*2) for its support activities. In addition, Sony will also collect donations from employees at Sony Group companies and match the amounts raised. Going forward, Sony will consider additional support as needed based on the status of the damage and requests for assistance from the affected regions.

Sony sends its sincerest condolences to all those affected and wishes for a full and swift recovery.”

The 7.6 magnitude earthquake, which struck Japan on January 1, saw many towns destroyed, with tsunami warnings issued. The BBC reports that the town of Wajima, which has a population of 23,000, has now become a desolated ghost town as the locals evacuate. 

Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected.