Powerful Earthquake Rocks Kumamoto Region
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on July 28, registering the maximum intensity of 7 on the country’s seismic scale in several areas including Uki city. The tremor, centered about 16 kilometers underground, caused widespread damage and prompted immediate evacuations at major facilities such as Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima town.
Approximately 3,000 customers and 1,300 to 1,500 workers were present at the mall when the quake hit at 4:27 p.m. Most people left the premises within 30 minutes as safety protocols took effect.
Staff Instructed to Reenter for Cash Security
Two female employees of Habita, a variety store tenant inside the mall, had safely evacuated after the shaking stopped. Sales division manager Goji Yuse later contacted an off-duty store manager and directed the pair to return if possible to move the day’s sales proceeds from the second floor to a safe on the first floor. One victim was 22-year-old Kurumi Otake, described by relatives as responsible and dedicated to her family after her father’s death three years earlier. A male relative recounted that Otake encountered family members outside and explained she had to go back because of the company directive. Relatives tried to dissuade her, noting the danger, but she proceeded due to her strong sense of duty.
Explosion Claims Multiple Lives
About 40 minutes after the employees reentered, a gas explosion tore through the mall, killing seven people including the two Habita workers. Search and rescue operations concluded on August 2 with no further missing persons reported at the site. The overall quake death toll reached 38, with additional fatalities from related incidents such as a man crushed by debris at another Aeon location and a woman who suffered heatstroke in a shelter vehicle.
Company Acknowledges Error and Offers Apology
Habita executives visited Otake’s wake on August 2 and presented a written account of events to the family while expressing regret. Yuse stated that the instructions were inappropriate and that he deeply regretted the decision. Company president Ueno Keishin also attended and conveyed condolences. Aeon president Yoshida Akio clarified that the mall operator did not authorize reentry and had stationed staff at entrances to enforce the evacuation protocol outlined in its emergency manual.
Potential Criminal Investigation Under Review
Former Tokyo prosecutor Maeda Tsunehiko noted that the orders could amount to negligent homicide under Japanese law if the risks were foreseeable and a direct causal link is established. Authorities are examining whether the instructions carried a coercive effect even when presented as requests. Public discussion has focused on workplace expectations during emergencies and the distinction between suggestions and binding directives from employers.
Regional Recovery Efforts Continue
More than 9,200 residents remain in evacuation shelters across Kumamoto Prefecture, while tens of thousands of households face utility disruptions. Over 4,600 buildings sustained damage, and officials continue to assess infrastructure safety. Habita, which operates 15 stores in the Kyushu region, has announced plans for an internal review of its emergency procedures and pledged full cooperation with ongoing inquiries.
Key Points
- Two Habita employees died after reentering Aeon Mall Kumamoto on July 28 to secure cash following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake.
- Manager Goji Yuse issued the directive after the pair had already evacuated safely.
- A gas explosion approximately 40 minutes later killed seven people at the mall.
- Habita apologized to families and acknowledged the instructions were inappropriate.
- Investigators are reviewing possible negligent homicide charges.
- The overall earthquake death toll stands at 38 with thousands still displaced.
