Assisting disaster victims struggling with a lack of physical activity through chiropractic care and exercise
The Japan Chiropractic Association (JCA) and Zenkenkai conducted disaster relief activities in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, from September 8 to 11, 2026, to support local residents affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake.
A total of 40 chiropractors from across Japan participated as volunteers. At two locations—the Kagami Community Center and Kagami Junior High School—they provided free chiropractic care to affected residents, as well as exercise classes designed to help address reduced physical activity during evacuation and temporary living conditions.
Over the four-day period, a total of 135 people received chiropractic care, while 54 people participated in the exercise classes.
■ Supporting the Physical Well-Being of People Living in Evacuation Conditions
After a disaster, evacuation, changes in living conditions, sleeping in unfamiliar environments, and reduced physical activity can place additional strain on the body.
As chiropractic professionals, we considered how we could best contribute to the recovery effort.
While public infrastructure, logistics, and reconstruction are essential parts of disaster relief, we also wanted to support the physical well-being of the people whose daily lives had been disrupted.
Many JCA members from across Japan responded to this initiative, and a total of 40 chiropractors ultimately participated in this emergency relief project.
■ Free HBCB Exercise Bands Provided to Support Continued Self-Care
Chiropractic care requires the presence of a practitioner. In an emergency relief setting, however, JCA believes it is also important to provide people with simple ways to care for their own physical condition.
During the exercise classes, participants were introduced to exercises using the Beauty Control Band (HBCB), a rubber exercise band designed to support physical activity.
To help participants continue exercising and caring for their bodies after the relief activities ended, HBCB bands were provided free of charge to everyone who took part in the exercise classes.
During disaster recovery, restoring public infrastructure and providing immediate assistance to affected residents are naturally given high priority. However, maintaining physical activity and physical condition may sometimes receive less attention.
JCA will continue to pursue disaster relief activities that go beyond temporary assistance. We aim to help affected residents learn practical exercises that they can perform even under restricted living conditions, supporting the maintenance and improvement of physical fitness and continued self-care.
Activity Overview
Activity: Relief Activities for the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake
Period: September 8–11, 2026
Locations: Kagami Community Center and Kagami Junior High School, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Activities: Chiropractic care and exercise classes
Participating Chiropractors: 40 total
Chiropractic Care Participants: 135 total
Exercise Class Participants: 54 total
Organizers: JCA and Zenkenkai
About JCA and Zenkenkai
JCA and Zenkenkai are committed to supporting healthy lives through chiropractic care. By utilizing a nationwide network of chiropractors, the organizations promote community health initiatives and participate in a range of social contribution activities.
