🏦 Typhoon 25 Bank Relief: Chiba & Tokyo

❓ What was announced

On September 24, 2026 (Reiwa 8), Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) announced that the Kanto Local Finance Bureau had, on the same date, issued a request titled "Financial Measures for Disasters Associated with Typhoon No. 25 of Reiwa 8." The areas covered are Chiba Prefecture and Tokyo. "Financial measures" (kinyu-jo no sochi) is a request in which a Local Finance Bureau asks financial institutions in its jurisdiction to handle disaster victims' cases with consideration for their circumstances. It is issued individually for each affected area whenever a major disaster occurs; it is not a permanent scheme. This time it applies to damage caused by Typhoon No. 25. No new system has been created — an existing framework is being applied to this disaster. The specific content of the request is published on the Kanto Local Finance Bureau's page, not on the FSA page. It asks institutions to show consideration in situations such as deposit handling, lending, and insurance claim payments, but how far each institution accommodates a given case differs by institution. You therefore need to check directly with the branch or call center of the bank, shinkin bank, or insurer you use.

👥 Who is affected?

• ●People living in Chiba or Tokyo whose home, belongings, or workplace were damaged by Typhoon No. 25
• ●Anyone who lost a bankbook, cash card, seal (inkan), or residence card in the disaster
• ●Account holders at financial institutions in the affected areas who are repaying a mortgage or other loan
• ●Policyholders of fire, earthquake, or auto insurance who plan to file a claim for damage
• ●Travelers staying in Chiba or Tokyo who lost cash or cards

🌏 Impact on foreign residents

The biggest barrier for foreign residents is that most post-disaster procedural information is available only in Japanese. This request covers Chiba and Tokyo — areas home to many international students, technical intern trainees, Specified Skilled Workers, and tourists. Even if you lost your bankbook or cash card, the first step is to phone the financial institution where you hold your account. Branch counters mainly operate in Japanese, so it helps to speak slowly in simple Japanese (yasashii nihongo), ask a contact at your workplace or school or a support organization to come with you, and have a translation app ready. If you have insurance, photograph the damage to your home and belongings as early as possible — it makes the claim process much smoother. Travelers who lost cash or cards should contact their card issuer and, in parallel, consult their accommodation and the local municipal office.