Special Subsidy Measures for the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake
Overview
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will implement special measures for the Industrial Employment Stabilization Subsidy for employers forced to reduce business activity for economic reasons arising from the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake and required to adjust employment. Eligible employers are dispatching employers in Kumamoto Prefecture and receiving employers nationwide that accept workers dispatched by them. The subsidy covers 4/5 of wages for small and medium-sized enterprises and 2/3 for other employers, for worker dispatches carried out from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The Labor Policy Council has issued its recommendation on the special measures, and the Ministry will promulgate and enforce the relevant ministerial ordinances.
Key points
- The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will implement special measures for the Industrial Employment Stabilization Subsidy in response to the Kumamoto Earthquake.
- The subsidy rates are 4/5 for small and medium-sized enterprises and 2/3 for other employers.
- Dispatches carried out from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, are eligible.
Overview
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will implement special measures for the Industrial Employment Stabilization Subsidy for employers forced to reduce business activity for economic reasons arising from the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake and required to adjust employment.
The special measures were deliberated by the Employment Security Subcommittee of the Labor Policy Council, which issued its recommendation. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will promptly promulgate and enforce the relevant ministerial ordinances.
Impact
Wages paid for dispatches during the eligible period qualify for the subsidy, at a rate of 4/5 for small and medium-sized enterprises and 2/3 for other employers.
Details
Dispatching employers are employers in Kumamoto Prefecture forced to temporarily reduce business activity for economic reasons arising from the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake. Receiving employers are employers nationwide that accept workers dispatched by those dispatching employers.
Wages paid during dispatches from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, qualify for the subsidy, and dispatches carried out during that period are eligible for the special measures.