Yoshimoto Nara donates NT$2 million, plans to raise funds for Hualien

Taipei, Oct. 1 (CNA) 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.

In a social media post, Nara announced that NT$2 million from merchandise sales during her ongoing touring exhibition in Taiwan, Hazy Humid Day, which has run since April 2023, will be donated to Hualien to help flood victims.

Nara also announced he will hold a fundraising event called "Marker Tattoos" at the "Kaze to Rock Imonikai" music festival in Fukushima, Japan, on Saturday and Sunday, where participants can have drawings on their arms with markers, with all proceeds donated to Hualien.

The overflow flooding from Matai'an Creek Barrier Lake affected Guangfu, Wanrong, and Fenglin townships in the eastern county, causing 18 deaths, 6 missing persons, and resulting in those communities being inundated with mud and debris.