A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan on the 28th, registering the highest seismic intensity of 7. The damage across the region was severe, including the collapse of the large AEON MALL shopping complex. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takagi confirmed on the 29th that at least 13 deaths have been verified so far.

Kumamoto City Mayor Kazufumi Onishi was actually on a business trip to Taiwan and was still aboard his return flight when the earthquake occurred. Upon receiving urgent news of the disaster, he learned that Kumamoto Airport had closed its runway, forcing an emergency diversion to Fukuoka.

Kumamoto Prefecture and Kumamoto City, together with Taiwan, co-hosted the '2026 Taiwan × Kumamoto Economic Co-Creation Forum.' Mayor Onishi and Kumamoto Governor Kei Kimura led a delegation to Taiwan on the 26th. According to Japanese media outlet Sankei Shimbun, Mayor Onishi learned of the earthquake in Kumamoto only while aboard the China Airlines flight returning from Taiwan.

The strong quake caused the collapse of the AEON MALL shopping center, resulting in severe damage. (AP)

Reports indicate that he connected to the internet via the aircraft’s Wi-Fi and posted on X (formerly Twitter) in the afternoon of the 28th: 'Finally connected to the plane’s Wi-Fi. I’ve confirmed that a seismic intensity 7 earthquake has struck Kumamoto. Details are still unclear, but please remain vigilant—strong aftershocks are expected. Protect your safety. I’ve contacted the disaster response headquarters. Please stay calm and support each other.'

Due to the closure of Kumamoto Airport following the earthquake, the flight was forced to land in Fukuoka. With arrangements made by Fukuoka Mayor Soichiro Takashima, Mayor Onishi boarded a rescue helicopter operated by the Fukuoka City Fire Department to return to Kumamoto. He expressed gratitude, stating, 'I sincerely thank Mayor Takashima and the citizens of Fukuoka, as well as China Airlines and Fukuoka Airport staff for their coordination and support.'

'Arrived safely at the helipad of the Kumamoto Prefectural Government Disaster Prevention Center. Heading to the city’s disaster response headquarters while receiving damage reports from Kumamoto City Fire Department emergency vehicles.' — Kumamoto Mayor Kazufumi Onishi (@K_Onishi), July 28, 2026

The report noted that the helicopter successfully landed at the Kumamoto Prefectural Government helipad shortly after 8:00 PM Japan time. Mayor Onishi then took an emergency fire vehicle to Kumamoto City Hall, where he immediately contacted Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara and Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to request national support. He continued leading disaster response operations on the 29th.

The report highlighted that Mayor Onishi has extensive disaster management experience, having personally led responses during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. He currently serves as Vice President (Crisis Management) of the Association of Japanese Designated Cities’ Mayors and Chair of the Special Committee on Disaster Countermeasures at the National Association of Mayors.

More exclusive reports from Wind Media:

· Kyushu Kumamoto Earthquake Claims 13 Lives! AEON Shopping Mall Explosion and Collapse; Yatsushiro City Becomes a Hard-Hit Area—Experts Warn of 'Larger Aftershocks Possible'

· Kumamoto AEON MALL Collapse! Police Reveal '30 Employees Still Trapped Inside'—Status Unknown

· 'I Truly Thought I Would Die'—Residents Terrified by Kumamoto 7.1 Earthquake; Locals Recall 10-Year-Old Tragedy: 'Can’t Sleep at Night Anymore'

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: News
  • Organizations: AEON MALL