A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southwestern Japan on July 28, 2026, killing at least 13 people, collapsing the second floor of AEON Mall in Kashima and damaging stone walls at Kumamoto Castle, a 400‑year‑old structure, according to morning‑after reports.

The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles and produced long‑period ground motion that caused Class 4 shaking in Kumamoto, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The last earthquake of this magnitude in Japan occurred on January 1, 2024, on the Noto Peninsula, where nearly 300 immediate casualties were reported.

The mall collapse was attributed to an explosion believed to result from a gas leak, NHK reported. At least 90 people received treatment at hospitals in Kumamoto and Yatsushiro, the Asahi Shimbun reported. At Nippon Paper Industries’ factory in Yatsushiro, a chimney collapsed, trapping 11 workers; two were recovered without vital signs.

Search and rescue operations involved police, fire personnel, the coast guard and the Japan Self‑Defense Forces, which deployed about 3,600 troops after a prefectural request, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on X. U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass posted a statement offering assistance, and USFJ leaders said they were in contact with Japanese partners and that no damage was observed at U.S. facilities in the region. Sasebo Naval Base reported no injuries or damage and noted discolored water from the distribution system, which it said would clear after running.

The death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue, and the United States has not yet confirmed whether troops will be asked to assist. The epicenter was located on Kyushu’s western coast, and a tsunami warning issued by the agency expired at 6:10 p.m.