Nature can be very powerful. People can also cause great harm. Sometimes life brings problems that seem unfair. In recent years, Japan has faced many natural disasters. Farmers have also suffered from serious crimes. These are not problems for other people alone. They could happen to any of us.
The 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake
At 4:27 p.m. on July 28, 2026, a strong earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture. It measured magnitude 7.1, with a maximum intensity of 7. The Japan Meteorological Agency named it the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake.
This was the first intensity-7 earthquake in Japan since the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. It also came a little over ten years after the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake.
Buildings have collapsed, fires have broken out, and search efforts are still underway for people who remain unaccounted for. Events like this remind us how fragile our daily lives can be in the face of nature.
A Sad Story for a Pear Farmer
Natural disasters are not the only challenge. Crime can also destroy years of hard work.
In Ukiha City, Fukuoka Prefecture, pear farmer Hiroki Sasaki had about 5,000 Kosui pears stolen just before harvest. The loss was worth about ¥2 million.
Last year, about 6,000 pears were stolen from the same farm. That loss forced his company to close. After starting again as an independent farmer, he suffered another theft.
The thieves carefully picked only the fruit, leaving the branches behind. Later, people on social media suspected that the stolen pears were being sold on the flea market app Mercari. The story spread quickly across Japan, bringing anger and sadness from many people.
The Pain of Losing a Harvest
Farmers spend many months growing their crops with care and hard work. Having those crops stolen is heartbreaking.
Mr. Sasaki finally decided to close his orchard. After the news spread, however, more than 1,300 people from across Japan sent messages of support and encouragement.
Standing Together
We never know when a natural disaster or a crime may affect our own lives.
That is why it is so important to support one another and find the strength to start again.
As people who live with the land, care for our communities, and share this world together, we hope to face these challenges with courage and kindness.
This article is based on information available as of July 29, 2026.