Tokyo International News Agency

Following a major earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, news reports surfaced that the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in the town of Kashima had collapsed. A source from the Kumamoto Prefectural Police was quoted as saying, "There are a considerable number of fatalities, and it will likely take time to confirm the exact count." The police's unusual use of the phrase "a considerable number of fatalities" rather than specific figures sent shockwaves across social media, triggering widespread grief and anxiety. Immediately following the report, social media was flooded with posts expressing dread over the gravity of the announcement. Users shared comments such as, "Seeing a phrase like that in real life is terrifying," "This is heartbreaking," and "I pray that as many people as possible are safe." As a large shopping complex, there were severe concerns that many families and shoppers were inside the facility. Rescuers from the Japan Self-Defense Forc...

On July 28, 2026, a large-scale earthquake struck centered in Kumamoto Prefecture, which the Japan Meteorological Agency officially named the "2026 Kumamoto Earthquake." In response, the Japanese government established an Extreme Disaster Management Headquarters at the Prime Minister's Official Residence to gather damage reports and coordinate swift emergency measures. The National Police Agency also dispatched Regional Emergency Assistance Teams from surrounding prefectures to conduct search and rescue operations in the affected areas. To ensure communication channels remain open, the emergency public Wi-Fi network "00000JAPAN" (Five Zero Japan) was made freely accessible across affected regions. Authorities also launched a dedicated weather monitoring website and initiated real-time tracking of fuel supplies and gas station operational statuses to supply residents with accurate information and prevent public panic. Private relief organizations and certified NP...

Following a major earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture and surrounding areas, messages praying for the safety of the affected region and calls for support have spread rapidly across social media. Amid extreme heat and continuous aftershocks, users are posting widespread concerns about expanding damage and the safety of evacuees. Users who experienced past disasters—such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and previous earthquakes in Kumamoto—have shared abundant advice regarding immediate actions after a tremor. Based on firsthand experience, posts emphasize that "securing food, water, restrooms, and access to information is most critical in the initial stages," and note that "battery-powered radios were essential during communication outages." While online fundraising and donation campaigns gain momentum, warnings are also circulating regarding malicious information on social media. Users are urged not to blindly share—and ...

Following a large-scale earthquake in the Kyushu region, severe damage has been reported across various areas, particularly within Kumamoto Prefecture. Tense conditions persist at the scene of Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kamimashiki District, where gas leaks and explosions triggered by the quake reportedly occurred. Immediately after the earthquake struck, reports claiming a high number of fatalities rapidly spread across media outlets and social platforms, causing widespread anxiety. However, subsequent reports indicated that 20 to 30 people were trapped inside the building and that multiple individuals were rescued while conscious, leaving the exact extent of casualties unclear. Many called for verification, suspecting that missing persons were being confused with confirmed deaths. Alongside local fire departments, members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) have been deployed to the site, working amid ongoing aftershocks to secure rescue routes for those trapped. Triage operations are...

Following a major earthquake registering a maximum seismic intensity of 7 in Kumamoto Prefecture, the implementation of medical triage at commercial facilities and affected sites has drawn significant public attention. On social media, widespread gratitude is being expressed toward healthcare workers and rescue teams operating under extreme conditions, alongside heated discussions regarding the correct understanding of triage protocols and media ethics surrounding disaster coverage. Triage is a procedure used during mass-casualty disasters to prioritize treatment and transportation according to the severity and urgency of injuries, optimizing limited medical resources to save as many lives as possible. Many citizens first learned of the term through popular medical drama series, and the reality of seeing everyday commercial spaces transformed into emergency rescue stations prompted widespread shock and sorrow online. Amid the response, online discussions aimed to address common misconc...

A large-scale explosion and building collapse occurred at AEON Mall Kumamoto, a major commercial complex in Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, following a powerful earthquake that registered a maximum seismic intensity of 7 on July 28, 2026. According to announcements from local fire departments and municipal authorities, the second floor of the facility collapsed in the wake of the quake, trapping a large number of shoppers and employees inside. Emergency personnel from the Kamimashiki Fire Department and the Kumamoto City Fire Bureau rushed to the scene and are engaged in frantic rescue efforts. Officials from Kumamoto Prefecture and the prefectural police expressed a grim outlook, stating that "there are believed to be many fatalities," underscoring the extreme severity of the situation. As the disaster occurred during the summer school holidays, the complex was reportedly packed with families and young people. Shocking videos and updates showing the devastation at the sce...

A major earthquake striking Kumamoto Prefecture has triggered widespread disruption across infrastructure, economic activities, and daily life in the region. Major tourist attractions, including Kumamoto Castle, immediately suspended operations to prioritize visitor safety. Widespread damage was reported at commercial facilities, and public transportation experienced severe schedule disruptions. Kumamoto Airport temporarily closed its runways for safety inspections; although operations resumed later that evening, domestic flights continued to face cancellations and delays. Logistics have also been heavily impacted, with major postal and delivery operators suspending parcel acceptance for all destinations within Kumamoto Prefecture. This has led to shipping delays in peer-to-peer marketplaces and adjustments by online retailers. The ripples extended into entertainment and telecommunications, with famous artists postponing live streams, anime release dates delayed, and reports of glitche...