Kumamoto earthquake damage and recovery

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake on July 28 caused significant damage to various landmarks and cultural properties in Kumamoto Prefecture.

The century-old Kinparo ryokan in Yatsushiro, which houses buildings and gates registered as tangible cultural properties, suffered extensive collapse and interior damage. The manager expressed concerns regarding the debt burden and the time required for reconstruction, noting that the damage exceeds that caused by the 2016 earthquakes.

In Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Castle is scheduled to reopen to the public on August 13. While the main keep sustained minor damage and cracks, experts have confirmed the structural safety of tourist areas. However, approximately 40 locations of the castle’s historic stone walls reported collapses, with some sections remaining cordoned off for repairs. Mayor Kazufumi Onishi described the castle as a “symbol of post-disaster reconstruction.”

As recovery efforts continue, the Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that seismic activity remains high, with a significant probability of strong earthquakes occurring in the region within the next month.