"Who Would Visit Now?" Foot Traffic Plummets... Japan Appeals to Koreans for Help—Here's Why

Tourist Numbers Plummet in Kumamoto After Quake

"Let's Bring Korean Tourists Back"

Core Industries Recover Quickly

Tourism Sector Suffers Heavy Blow

146,000 Hotel Nights Canceled

Estimated Damages Reach 17.9 Billion Won

It has been just over a month since a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan on July 28. While the Japanese government, local authorities, and companies have devoted their full efforts to recovery, with key industries such as semiconductors rapidly returning to normal, the tourism sector is still struggling due to a sharp decline in visitors.

As tourists to Kumamoto sharply declined, the mayor of Kumamoto said, "Kumamoto City has sister cities in Taiwan and South Korea," and added, "We want to respond by using all channels, such as proposing travel packages that support Kumamoto." Getty Images

Kumamoto Accelerates Recovery Efforts...Factory Operations Resume, Roads and Power Grid Restored

According to reports from Nikkei and other outlets on the 27th, major manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors and automobiles are showing smooth progress in their recovery efforts. Sony, Taiwan’s TSMC, Renesas, and Honda managed to restore factory operations to pre-earthquake levels within three to four weeks after the quake. Major infrastructure, including roads such as the partially damaged Kyushu Expressway and the power grid, also underwent rapid restoration.

Some of the stone walls of Kumamoto Castle collapsed after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, on July 31. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

The Kumamoto Prefectural Government has sped up its disaster response, beginning the construction of temporary housing for disaster victims just six days after the quake—compared to two weeks after a similar event a decade ago. However, it is expected to take more time before container shipping operations resume at Yatsushiro Port, a vital point in Kyushu’s southern supply chain.

Earthquake Causes 1.79 Billion Won in Damages to Tourism Industry...Focus on Attracting Tourists from Korea and Taiwan

The recent earthquake coincided with the peak summer travel season, delivering a direct blow to the local tourism industry. Kumamoto, which features attractions such as Mount Aso, Kumamoto Castle, hot springs, and natural scenery, is a popular destination among South Korean tourists as well.

The photo is not directly related to the specific content of the article. Pixabay

According to Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun, as of the 10th of this month, approximately 146,000 nights of accommodation reservations in Kumamoto Prefecture had been cancelled, resulting in an estimated damage of about 2.06 billion yen (approximately 1.79 billion won).

Mobile carrier population analysis also showed a dramatic drop in visitors: the number of out-of-town visitors to Amakusa’s downtown area decreased by 62% year-on-year right after the quake, highlighting a significant decline at major tourist sites.

A building in Hikawamachi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, damaged by the earthquake last July. Photo by AFP Yonhap News Agency

There was also a significant decrease in foreign tourists. At one hotel in Kumamoto City, the proportion of foreign guests—who accounted for around 20% of total guests before the earthquake—at one point dropped to nearly zero. At Hotel Nikko Kumamoto, the proportion of foreign guests in early August stood at around 15%, less than half of the 35% reported during the same period last year.

Accommodation cancellations have not been limited to July and August; they are reportedly continuing for year-end bookings as well.

Kumamoto City is actively working to attract tourists from overseas, particularly from South Korea and Taiwan.

At a press conference on the 10th, Kumamoto Mayor Kazufumi Onishi stated, "It is important to let people know that the safe areas remain safe." He added, "Taiwan and South Korea both have sister cities with Kumamoto city, and we want to respond by utilizing all channels, including proposing travel packages that support Kumamoto."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.