In mid-July, 2018, large areas of western Japan were hit by torrential rains and some of the worst flooding in over a century. One of the worst hit places was the small rural town of Mabi, in Okayama prefecture. The town has suffered around 50 confirmed fatalities and with many still missing, the final figure is expected to top 80. Over one third of homes have been completely destroyed and almost all have suffered damage.

Inside Japan's worst flood-hit towns

Mabi is Naoko's home town, and a place that has always welcomed my family and I. It's a great community where the people work closely together to improve the lives of those around them; where citizen-led community projects to help the elderly, kids and those with learning disabilities. Even in the worst of circumstances...

Hiroshi Nomura - flood hero

Most of this has now been devastated - homes, businesses, parks, schools, community centres, smallholdings, rice crops and so many other elements of this friendly little town.

If you can spare a little and would like to help a great little community get back on its feet, we would really appreciate it.

All money raised will be passed on by my father-in-law, Mikio, to community charities and recovery projects in Mabi. Even if we only raise a little, Naoko and I would like the people of Mabi know that friends all over the world are thinking of them.

Many thanks,

Graham and Naoko