About Us

Japan is a disaster-prone country where natural disasters are an ever-present reality. For affected communities to achieve genuine recovery, physical assistance such as debris removal and infrastructure restoration is not enough. Emotional recovery—helping survivors look ahead and take their next steps—is also essential.

Driven by regret at having been unable to help following earlier disasters, our founder took action immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. We began presenting rugby teams and others in disaster-affected areas with Furaiki (富来旗)—traditional fishermen's flags that symbolize rugby in Tohoku and whose name means 'flags that bring fortune'—and sending them messages of encouragement.

Rugby embodies the selfless spirit of “One for all, all for one,” the spirit of teamwork, and the “No Side” tradition of honoring one another as equals once the match is over.

The power of rugby to unite people with diverse strengths around a common goal can also make a major contribution to disaster relief and the renewal of local communities.

To bring together the spirit of rugby and the exceptional teamwork and ability to act found throughout the rugby community in support of disaster-affected areas, we established Furaiki Project as a specified non-profit corporation (NPO).

Since launching the project in August 2011, with contributions from rugby friends and fans across Japan, we have donated more than 120 Furaiki support flags to rugby teams in Tohoku and to fellow members of the rugby community facing serious injuries or illnesses.

At Rugby World Cup 2019 in Kamaishi, we filled the stadium stands with countless Furaiki flags, sharing the region's recovery and its gratitude with the world.

Immediately after the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rain disaster, we organized Disaster Relief Rugby Volunteers and traveled to the affected area. People with rugby backgrounds from across Japan removed debris and built stairs at Iwakura Temple in Wajima City, which had been completely destroyed, and helped run the traditional Sosogi Grand Festival. By continuing to support local events each month, we have earned the trust of survivors and received many expressions of gratitude.

Our activities have previously been led mainly by volunteers. In an era of frequent disasters, however, there is an urgent need for a faster and more sustainable support system. We are also considering a platform, such as an app, that would enable people with rugby backgrounds across Japan, regardless of gender, to volunteer or organize activities on their own initiative.

To enhance transparency and public trust, strengthen collaboration with companies, government agencies, and our many supporters, and establish a nationwide support network, we resolved to take a new step forward as a specified non-profit corporation (NPO).

When a Furaiki flag is raised, teammates in rugby jerseys naturally gather from across the country, drawn to it. Our goal is to create that kind of warm and powerful support system. Ultimately, we aim to build an organization in which, no matter where a disaster occurs in Japan, rugby players come together and solve one problem after another. We will continue our work in the belief that disaster relief through rugby can unite a community as one team and strengthen connections between people.

We sincerely ask for your understanding, support, and generous assistance.