JCA, Zenkenkai deliver earthquake relief care in Kumamoto

The Japan Chiropractic Association and Zenkenkai provided free chiropractic care and exercise classes in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, from Sept. 8-11 to support residents affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake. Forty chiropractors treated 135 people and led exercise sessions for 54 participants, with free exercise bands handed out to encourage self-care after the relief effort ended.

Why it matters: - Earthquake evacuees often face reduced physical activity, unfamiliar sleeping conditions and added strain on the body. - The relief effort addressed not only immediate care needs but also longer-term physical well-being during evacuation and temporary living. - The program aimed to give residents simple tools for self-care after the on-site support ended.

What happened: - The Japan Chiropractic Association and Zenkenkai conducted disaster relief activities in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, from Sept. 8 to 11, 2026. - The effort supported residents affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake. - Forty chiropractors from across Japan volunteered for the project. - The teams worked at the Kagami Community Center and Kagami Junior High School. - Residents received free chiropractic care and exercise classes during the four-day effort.

The details: - A total of 135 people received chiropractic care. - Fifty-four people took part in the exercise classes. - Participants in the classes were introduced to exercises using the Beauty Control Band (HBCB), a rubber exercise band designed to support physical activity. - JCA provided HBCB bands free of charge to everyone who joined the exercise classes. - The organizations said the goal was to help residents continue exercising and caring for their bodies after the relief activities ended.

Between the lines: - The relief project reflects a broader view of disaster response that includes physical conditioning, not just infrastructure and logistics. - JCA framed the work as a way to support people whose daily lives were disrupted by evacuation and temporary housing conditions. - The initiative also shows how professional associations can extend disaster aid through volunteer networks outside the main government response.

What's next: - JCA said it will continue disaster relief activities that go beyond temporary assistance. - The organization plans to keep promoting practical exercises that people can do under restricted living conditions. - JCA aims to support maintenance and improvement of physical fitness and continued self-care during recovery.