President’s Message: 10 Years After the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes

Ten Years After the Kumamoto Earthquakes—Toward Building a More Resilient Society

Hisao Ogawa, President, Kumamoto University
 
The foreshock on April 14, 2016, followed by the main shock in the early hours of April 16—these are moments we will never forget. Now, ten years later, Kumamoto University renews its commitment to the lessons learned and the responsibilities we carry forward from that experience.
 
At the time of the earthquake, I had just assumed the position of President at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center. Within days of the disaster, I returned to Kumamoto and joined medical teams engaged in relief efforts. What I felt most strongly then was the critical importance of leadership capable of coordinating support arriving from diverse sectors during large-scale emergencies. As the only comprehensive university in the prefecture with an affiliated hospital, Kumamoto University brings together not only medical professionals but also researchers specializing in disaster prevention. We reaffirm our determination to stand at the forefront in times of crisis, leveraging our knowledge and organizational strength to serve the region.
 
Recovery is not about returning to the past. True recovery means transforming experience and lessons into strength—building a society that is stronger and more resilient than before. Over the past decade, Kumamoto University has steadily fulfilled its mission in education, research, and social contribution. Following the establishment of new programs, including the School of Informatics and the Semiconductor Device Program in Faculty of Engineering in April 2024, we will launch the School of Social Innovation in April 2026, aiming to nurture diverse talent capable of shaping a sustainable future.
 
As seen in the rapid development of the semiconductor industry in Kumamoto Prefecture, the region’s industrial foundation continues to grow stronger. We believe that such a solid foundation will serve as a vital source of resilience, enabling the region to rise again even in the face of future challenges.
 
We would also like to express our sincere gratitude for the generous support and solidarity extended by our partner universities and international collaborators around the world in the aftermath of the disaster. These enduring partnerships continue to strengthen our collective efforts toward recovery and resilience.
 
Kumamoto University will continue to fulfill its mission in education, research, and social engagement, and remain fully committed to building a resilient Kumamoto—one that will always rise again, no matter the adversity.
 
April 14, 2026
Hisao Ogawa
President, Kumamoto University
 

Medical team from the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
operating with a doctor car during the Kumamoto Earthquakes.