Vietnamese Intern Killed in Kumamoto Earthquake

A magnitude‑7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, on 28 July 2026, killing at least 30 people. Among the victims was 24‑year‑old Tran Van Son, a Vietnamese technical intern from Ninh Bình Province who had recently become a father. Son worked at a metal‑processing plant in Kosa, Kumamoto, and was described by his brother Tran Van Tien as “hard‑working and devoted to his family,” noting that he “had yet to even meet his son.”

Son’s funeral was held on 1 August 2026 at Tetori Church in Kumamoto city, attended by about 200 colleagues, members of the Vietnamese community, and local officials. The Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka coordinated with Japanese police, local authorities, and Vietnamese organisations to complete death‑certificate procedures, arrange the cremation, and plan the repatriation of his ashes to Vietnam. The consulate also provided food, water and other necessities to Vietnamese residents affected by the quake. No additional Vietnamese casualties have been reported.