Taipei: Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara announced on Wednesday a donation of NT$2 million (US$65,673) and a plan to raise funds in Japan to support Hualien after severe damage caused by overflow flooding from a barrier lake during Typhoon Ragasa on Sept. 23.
According to Focus Taiwan, Nara revealed in a social media post that the NT$2 million donation will come from merchandise sales during her ongoing touring exhibition in Taiwan, Hazy Humid Day, which has been running since April 2023. The funds will be directed to aid flood victims in Hualien.
Additionally, Nara plans to hold a fundraising event titled "Marker Tattoos" at the "Kaze to Rock Imonikai" music festival in Fukushima, Japan, on the upcoming weekend. During this event, participants will have the opportunity to receive drawings on their arms using markers, with all proceeds directed to support Hualien.
The overflow flooding from Matai'an Creek Barrier Lake severely impacted the eastern county, particularly the townships of Guangfu, Wanrong, and Fenglin. The disaster resulted in 18 fatalities, six missing persons, and inundated these communities with mud and debris.