Remembering Kumamoto

The other day, I shared a brief message expressing my concern for everyone affected by the recent earthquake in Kumamoto.

In the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, the situation in Kumamoto receives widespread coverage in the news and on social media, and many people express concern.

As time passes, however, that coverage gradually fades.

As life elsewhere returns to normal, daily life in the affected area cannot return to normal so quickly.

That is why I wanted to put my thoughts about Kumamoto into words once again.

Living through the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes

I experienced the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes in Kumamoto.

The severe shaking was frightening, but the anxiety and disruption continued long afterward.

We lived without running water or gas.

Every aftershock brought renewed tension.

We spent our days checking on the safety of family, friends, and the people around us.

At the time, I also helped distribute hot meals almost every day.

The hardship did not end when the immediate emergency passed.

As the days passed, many struggles became less visible to those outside the affected area.

Life without water and gas continued for about a month.

A disaster does not end when it stops appearing in the news.

For those affected, its impact remains part of daily life for a long time afterward.

In response to the recent earthquake

I was not in Kumamoto when this earthquake occurred.

I still have a home there, as well as close friends and acquaintances.

After confirming that they were safe, I sent a truckload of relief supplies as one practical step I could take.

I do not believe that this is enough.

Given the scale of the disaster and the hardship faced by those affected, there is a limit to what any one person can do.

Even so, I did not want that limitation to become a reason to do nothing.

I plan to return to Kumamoto in a few days.

I will assess conditions on the ground and continue thinking about what I can do.

Knowing that people remember can give strength

When you are living through a disaster, even a very short message can offer support.

“We are thinking of you.”

“We have not forgotten.”

“We hope you are safe.”

Those words cannot restore daily life.

Even so, knowing that you have not been forgotten can offer a small measure of comfort.

I learned that through my experience in 2016.

For that reason, over the next month EV Bet Engine will add the following words to the end of everything we publish on note and social media.

Pray for Kumamoto.

This is not a phrase chosen for promotion.

It means that we have not forgotten what is happening in Kumamoto.

It means that those affected remain in our thoughts.

It also means that our thoughts remain with them throughout the long period before ordinary life returns.

Those words are intended to express that commitment.

What we can do

EV Bet Engine is a sports betting analysis product that uses AI and data.

At first glance, it may seem unrelated to this earthquake.

Even so, I believe that every form of work and every product ultimately exists to serve people.

Data, AI, and technology are not ends in themselves.

They should support human judgment and action, and help make the future a little better.

What we can do for Kumamoto right now is limited.

Even so, we will continue to speak about Kumamoto, continue our work, and offer whatever support we can.

Above all, we will not forget Kumamoto.

That is the most meaningful commitment I can make now.

I extend my sincere sympathy to everyone affected.

I sincerely hope that everyone affected can regain calm and stability in their daily lives as soon as possible.

EV Bet Engine Product Owner

Pray for Kumamoto.