Kumamoto earthquake disrupts soccer events, causing cancellation and upset

A magnitude‑7 earthquake struck Kumamoto on July 28, causing widespread damage and prompting the Kumamoto Prefectural Soccer Association to cancel the Emperor's Cup prefectural final scheduled for August 2 between Roasso Kumamoto and Kumamoto Gakuen University. The association named Roasso Kumamoto as the prefectural representative for the national tournament.

Despite the disaster, the Inter‑High high‑school soccer tournament continued in Fukushima. Ozu High School of Kumamoto defeated Toin Gakuen 1‑0 with a second‑half goal by midfielder Nishimoto Eiji, securing a place in the semifinals for the first time in four editions.

Both incidents highlight the earthquake's impact on regional sports, affecting schedules, team selection, and player morale.