Japan earthquake forces TSMC semiconductor plant evacuation in Kumamoto

A magnitude‑7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on Tuesday, causing widespread power outages, fires and structural damage. The tremor, measured at intensity level 7, triggered an explosion and partial collapse at the Aeon Mall, trapping shoppers inside.

The seismic event hit the nearby Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) plant in the city of Kikuyo on Kyushu Island, registering intensity level 5, which prompted the company to evacuate its staff as a safety precaution. Sony Group and Fujifilm also withdrew personnel from their factories in the area. Japanese authorities issued a tsunami warning for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas and activated an emergency response team led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The disruption to one of the world’s most advanced chip‑manufacturing sites is being closely monitored by technology markets amid strong demand for AI‑related semiconductors.