"Unsettled by Korean Goods, Just Throw Them Away" — Japanese Netizens Respond with Harsh Comments to Relief Supplies

Some Netizens Belittle Aid Supplies from Korean Companies
But Critical Responses Are Also Voiced

A shelter set up in Matsubase, Uki City, Japan, on the 29th of last month. Not directly related to the main text. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

As Korean companies extend a helping hand to areas in Japan affected by the massive earthquake, providing support for disaster recovery, a controversy has emerged as some Japanese netizens mock these gestures by proclaiming "there's no need for Korean goods."

Korean Air Provides Bottled Water to Earthquake Victims in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan

On July 28, Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan was struck by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake, resulting in 38 fatalities and more than 380 injuries. Over 13,000 houses were damaged, and approximately 7,600 to 8,500 people were displaced; the collapse of water supply facilities left about 44,000 to 46,800 households without running water. On top of this, a heatwave with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius made securing drinking water the most urgent issue.

In response, on August 1, Korean Air provided 1,000 boxes of Jeju Pure Water for the earthquake victims. This amounts to a total of 12,000 bottles, each containing 1.5 liters of water. The relief supplies were loaded onto Korean Air flight KE557 departing from Incheon and bound for Kitakyushu that afternoon. Once the bottled water arrived at Kitakyushu Airport, it was transported by land to the affected areas and distributed as drinking water to the evacuees.

Bottled water for disaster victims in Kumamoto Prefecture is being loaded onto Korean Air flight KE557 cargo bound for Kitakyushu. Korean Air

Some Japanese Netizens Express Hostility Toward Korean Corporate Aid

However, after the news of the support was made public, some local netizens poured out harsh criticism, sparking controversy. One Japanese user posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Honestly, I don't want to drink water from Korea. It only reminds me of water from a flush toilet." Other comments included, "We don't need support from Korea," "I hope this isn't just a way to get rid of expired stock," "Residents in disaster areas should check the expiration date before drinking," "Who would drink Korean water? It's unsettling," "Honestly, there's no need—returning it is a hassle, so just throw it in the river or sea," and "Take it back with you," among other reactions.

On the other hand, messages of gratitude and apology were also posted, such as, "It's hard to understand such reactions when the water was sent purely in goodwill," "The earthquake damage is so severe that it's even difficult to secure water—what are people talking about?" "Flights must have cost more due to the Middle East situation, so I can only be grateful," "They responded more quickly than the Japanese government," "I'll make sure to use Korean Air when I visit Korea," "The fact that they even included a message of 'Stay Strong Kumamoto' is moving," "I will never forget this kindness," and "Please don't think all Japanese people are like that."

Musinsa Provides Relief Supplies to Kyushu Region after Japanese Earthquake

Support from Korean companies continues. The fashion platform Musinsa is providing essential relief supplies free of charge to its customers in the Kyushu region. For customers who place orders for delivery to Kyushu through its global store, Musinsa is including 'Musinsa Standard' products in the shipments without any separate request. The support items consist of arm sleeves, a three-piece set of hand towels, and regular towels.

Relief supplies provided by Musinsa to customers ordering from the Kyushu region. Musinsa

A representative from Musinsa stated, "Since shipments began on July 31, we have been combining relief items in the packages, and until mid-August, we will provide them with products shipped to the Kyushu region based on postal code." The representative added, "We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the sudden earthquake and sincerely hope that everyone can return to their normal lives as soon as possible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.