1. Background & Purpose
The April 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake caused catastrophic damage to Kumamoto Castle — stone wall collapses, turret destruction, and roughly 800 damaged sites across the grounds. A decade later, in 2026, the main keep (tenshu) has been restored, but complete restoration of the entire castle complex is not expected until 2052, leaving a long journey still ahead.
To mark the ten-year milestone as a “waypoint” rather than a finish line, organizers have planned the Special Edition Oshiro EXPO in Kumamoto 2026 — a two-day gathering to share progress with castle fans nationwide, honor the memory of the disaster, and amplify the castle’s historical value and appeal.
2. Crowdfunding Details
| Organizer | Special Edition Oshiro EXPO in Kumamoto 2026 Executive Committee (Kumamoto International Tourism & Convention Association) |
| Platform | READYFOR |
| Launch Date | April 22, 2026 |
| Campaign Period | April 22 – June 19, 2026 |
| Funding Goal | ¥5,000,000 (Primary Goal) |
| Use of Funds | Event production costs for the Special Edition Oshiro EXPO in Kumamoto 2026. Because foundation funds and ticket sales alone are insufficient, crowdfunding is used to cover the shortfall. |
3. Main Event: Special Edition Oshiro EXPO in Kumamoto 2026
| Dates | October 3 (Sat) & 4 (Sun), 2026 — 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM) |
| Venue | Kumamoto-jo Hall, 3-40 Sakuramachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City |
| Concept | “Hope for Reconstruction — A Future We Walk with the Castle: Carrying the Memory and Lessons of the Disaster Forward” |
| Expected Attendance | Approximately 15,000 visitors |
| Exhibition Scale | Approx. 65 organizations from across Japan, including castles and related companies |
<Program Highlights>
- Exhibition on the process and current status of Kumamoto Castle’s restoration
- Historical displays related to the Kato and Hosokawa clans, former lords of Kumamoto
- Castle PR booths from organizations across Japan (approx. 65 exhibitors)
- Lectures and stage events by the Japan Castle Research Institute
- Special guest: actor Hideki Takahashi, a well-known castle enthusiast
- Expert talks by historians and castle archaeologists (Prof. Motoki Kuroda, Prof. Yoshihiro Senda, Masaru Hirayama, and others)
- Diverse programming for all ages, from children to adults
4. Significance
The 2016 earthquake served as a stark reminder of how vulnerable irreplaceable cultural heritage can be. Kumamoto Castle has been supported by donations and volunteers from across Japan ever since, and this event aims to deepen that nationwide bond. By treating the ten-year anniversary as a milestone rather than an endpoint, organizers hope the EXPO will be a first step in sustaining community engagement through the remaining ~30 years of restoration work — all the way to 2052.
5. Supporter Returns (Outline)
- On-site supporters: All packages include a one-day admission ticket to the Special Edition Oshiro EXPO in Kumamoto 2026
- Supporter name displayed at the venue (selected tiers)
- Original goods and commemorative items
- Support message publication (with consent)
Source: READYFOR — Kumamoto Castle Crowdfunding Project Page (Published April 22, 2026)
