Kumamoto earthquake impacts agriculture and local businesses

A July 28 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture has caused significant disruptions to local agriculture and small businesses. In Yatsushiro, Japan’s leading tomato production center, seismic activity damaged irrigation systems, greenhouse equipment, and water pipes. The agriculture ministry reports that only about half of the planned seedlings had been planted by late August due to these damages, including soil liquefaction and elevated salt concentrations in groundwater.

In Yamato, the centuries-old Tsujun Shuzo sake brewery faced a sharp decline in sales following the quake. While the facility itself sustained no direct structural damage, cancellations in travel and wholesale orders caused sales of its mainstay products to plummet. However, the brewery received a surge of support from fans of the video game Touken Ranbu, who purchased large quantities of sake named after characters from the game, helping to stabilize the business.