Zico reassures fans after 7.1‑magnitude earthquake strikes Japan

A magnitude‑7.1 earthquake hit Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. At least 13 people were confirmed dead and hundreds injured as buildings collapsed, including a shopping centre in Kashima and a chimney at Nippon Paper Industries' factory in Yatsushiro. Power outages affected tens of thousands.

Former Flamengo star Zico, who lives in Hokkaido, posted a video on Instagram to thank supporters for their concern and to confirm he is far from the affected area. He said the city of Kashima in the south was hit, but he is in the north. Zico expressed confidence that Japan’s strong infrastructure would enable a swift recovery and conveyed his condolences to those impacted.