(Cover photo courtesy Kyodo/via REUTERS)
On November 18, 2025, a catastrophic fire swept through the Saganoseki fishing community in our sister city of Oita, Japan, destroying over 170 homes in what has been called the largest urban fire in Japan in nearly half a century.
Families had only moments to escape as flames "spread in the blink of an eye," leaving behind everything they owned. Now, 175 families are sheltering in emergency centers, having lost their homes, belongings, and livelihoods to this tragedy.
These are hardworking fishing families in a close-knit coastal community who now face the overwhelming task of rebuilding from nothing. They need our help to replace essential items, secure temporary housing, and begin the long road to recovery.
No amount is too small. Together, we can provide hope and tangible support to families who have lost everything.
Please donate today and share this campaign widely. The people of Saganoseki need us now. Let's show our Japanese sister city of 35 years some love from Austin!
Thank you for your help,
Austin-Oita Sister City Committee
100% of the proceeds will be wired to the Oita City Saganoseki Area Large-Scale Fire Relief Fund (大分市佐賀関地域大規模火災義援金) in Oita, Japan, which will be distributed directly to fire victims. We regret that your donation is not tax-deductible, but we would still very much appreciate your support!
News links:
News update, November 22, 2025
Fire evacuees in Oita allowed to check their homes
About AOSCC
The Austin-Oita Sister City Committee (AOSCC) is a volunteer-led 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to building sister city bridges and promoting culture, art, business, education, government, and athletics between Austin, Texas, and Oita, Japan through various exchanges and events. Now celebrating its 35th year, AOSCC has produced events such as the popular annual Oita Japan Festival and hosted a large number of dignitaries that include government officials, entrepreneurs, artisans, musicians, students, and athletes from Oita. Learn more about AOSCC, become a supporter, or get involved at our website!
Organizer
