Kumamoto

JP info

‘Origami Cranes Made from Green Bronze Sheets’ – Charity products go on sale in aid of the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake

2026.08.10

As part of its efforts to support those affected by the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Uchino Sheet Metal Co., Ltd. has begun selling ‘Orizuru’ origami cranes made from verdigris-coated copper sheet under its craft brand, Wakoku Shoten. The aim of this project is to provide support to those facing hardship as a result of the earthquake, and all proceeds from the sale of these items will be donated to Kumamoto Prefecture.

This project was born out of Uchino Sheet Metal’s desire to contribute in some small way to the areas affected by the earthquake.
We hope that your support will provide significant assistance to those affected in Kumamoto Prefecture.

*Ordered items will be dispatched in order of completion, and Uchino Sheet Metal will cover the postage and online transaction fees.
*As quantities are limited, sales will end once items are sold out.

>Place your order here

All the metal origami cranes are made entirely by hand.

Uchino Sheet Metal Co., Ltd. – Tomokazu Uchino, Managing Director

As it has not been long since the earthquake struck, we do not yet have a full picture of the extent of the damage on the ground. Nevertheless, wishing to deliver aid to those affected as quickly as possible, Uchino Sheet Metal has decided to support Kumamoto Prefecture through the sale of ‘verdigris copper sheet origami cranes’.

All proceeds from the sale of these verdigris copper sheet origami cranes will be donated in full to Kumamoto Prefecture.

The verdigris copper sheets used for the origami cranes are manufactured by Tanita Housing Ware. We are deeply grateful to them for supporting this initiative and for providing the materials for the origami cranes.

We have colleagues in Kumamoto who are also involved in the architectural sheet metal trade, and we believe they are currently working on the ground, each contributing in their own way. If you are considering supporting Kumamoto, or are unsure of how best to do so, we would be delighted if you would consider purchasing one of these sheet metal origami cranes. We will take responsibility for ensuring that the proceeds, along with the goodwill entrusted to us by all of you, are donated to Kumamoto Prefecture.

New

New

Featured articles

Shiga

JP info

‘Tsunagu Yado Kihē’, a guesthouse limited to one booking per day, opens in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture

‘Tsunaagu Yado Kihē’, an accommodation facility limited to one group per day, has opened in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, and reservations are now being accepted via Rakuten Travel. To commemorate the opening, a campaign entitled ‘#A Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip at an Accommodation Limited to One Group Per Day’ is being held, offering a complimentary two-day, one-night stay. As this is an accommodation limited to one group per day, guests can enjoy a special time with their loved ones that would not be possible elsewhere.

Aomori

Event

SAKURA

Winter Cherry Blossom Illuminations: Enjoy cherry blossoms in winter at Hirosaki Park, Aomori Prefecture

Hirosaki Park hosts the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival annually from late April to early May. Renowned as one of Japan’s three great night-time cherry blossom views and a sight to behold before you die, this popular spot attracts visitors from around the world to witness the simultaneous blooming of approximately 2,600 cherry trees of 50 varieties. To coincide with the peak snow season, the “Winter Sakura Illumination” will be held from Monday, 1st December 2025 to Saturday, 28th February 2026.

Kumamoto

JP info

[Minamioguni Town, Aso District]Information on new facilities and refurbished establishments around Kurokawa Onsen

Discover newly opened facilities and refurbished establishments in and around Kurokawa Onsen (Minamioguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture). Each spot lies within a 5-10 minute drive from Kurokawa Onsen town, making them easy to visit between hot spring hopping. From new ventures by long-established inns to cafés nestled in lush satoyama landscapes and restaurants dedicated to local ingredients, these spots brim with diverse appeal. Explore them as fresh ways to enjoy Kurokawa Onsen.

Tochigi

JP info

Avoid the traffic and enjoy the autumn colours of Oku-Nikko at dawn: “SPACIA X NIKKO CRUISER’s Early Morning Autumn Foliage Tour” now on sale

From October 2025, we shall commence operations of the high-grade chartered coach ‘SPACIA X NIKKO CRUISER’ as a new secondary transport service within the Nikko area. To commemorate the launch, Tobu Top Tours Co., Ltd. has planned the ‘SPACIA X NIKKO CRUISER Early Morning Autumn Foliage Viewing Journey’, which will go on sale from Friday, 12 September 2025.

Countrywide

Event

Eighty Years After the War: A Reflection on the Preciousness of Ordinary Life YUKIKAZE – In Theaters Nationwide from August 15, 2025

“To Return Alive, To Bring Others Home Alive”

Opening nationwide on August 15, 2025—marking eighty years since the end of World War II—YUKIKAZE is a feature film based on the true story of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) destroyer Yukikaze, a vessel that rescued countless lives amid the horrors of war. A press screening was held in advance at the Sony Pictures screening room.

The destroyer Yukikaze, which served throughout the Pacific War, was renowned for rescuing numerous sailors thrown into the sea during fierce naval battles, surviving to the end of the war virtually unscathed. It earned the legendary moniker “the lucky ship.” This film brings to life the ship’s heroic journey, alongside the lives of those who persevered through one of the most turbulent eras in modern history.

Leading the cast is Yutaka Takenouchi as Captain Kazutoshi Terasawa—a fictional amalgamation inspired by the real-life captains of Yukikaze. Hiroshi Tamaki portrays Petty Officer First Class Kohei Hayase. Supporting roles are delivered by an ensemble of acclaimed actors including Daiken Okudaira, Rena Tanaka, Kanji Ishimaru, and Toru Masuoka. Kiichi Nakai delivers a commanding performance as Vice Admiral Seiichi Itō, the Second Fleet Commander of the IJN who met his fate aboard the battleship Yamato.

In today’s world, once again shaken by division and violence, YUKIKAZE poses an urgent question to those of us living in the peace that others fought to protect: Are we once again treading the path of past mistakes? As collective memory of the war fades, this film becomes ever more vital—a call to reflect on the true value of peace.

Pick Up

Pick Up