In a tragic turn of events, a newly reopened shopping mall in southern Japan faced destruction on Tuesday due to a severe earthquake, accompanied by a massive explosion. The catastrophic incident has left many workers missing and has cast a shadow over the region’s recovery efforts following the 2016 disaster.
The Aeon Mall, located in Kumamoto Prefecture, had proudly celebrated its reopening on June 13. This event was symbolic of the area’s resilience and rebuilding journey post the 2016 earthquake.
Just weeks after its reopening, the area was rattled by a powerful earthquake near Kumamoto. Reports from FOX Weather, referencing the U.S. Geological Survey, marked the quake at magnitude 6.8. However, Japan’s Meteorological Agency utilized its seismic scale to record the tremor at magnitude 7.1.
A dramatic aerial view captures the aftermath at Nippon Paper Industries’ Yatsushiro Mill, where a chimney lies in ruins after the earthquake, preliminarily measured at magnitude 7.1. The quake struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto Prefecture in Yatsushiro on July 28, 2026. (yodo/via Reuters/TPX Images of the Day)
In the immediate chaos following the quake, officials stated that around 200 shoppers were safely evacuated. However, approximately an hour later, the mall was rocked by a devastating explosion. The blast, which tore off its exterior walls and revealed the steel skeleton of the structure, has added to the tragedy. NHK reported that 20 to 30 employees remain missing, as rescue operations have been hindered by the looming threat of aftershocks, according to police authorities.
The mall had become one of the most visible symbols of Kumamoto’s recovery after the magnitude 7.3 earthquake that devastated the region in April 2016. Aeon said the redevelopment included seismic reinforcements and other safety improvements designed to make the complex more resilient.
Witnesses reported smelling gas before the explosion, according to Reuters. An Aeon spokesperson said employees immediately helped evacuate visitors after the quake, while prefectural officials confirmed about 200 people were guided safely outside before the blast.
The damaged Aeon Mall shopping centre, where, according to local media, an explosion occurred after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto Prefecture, in Kashima Town, July 28, 2026. (Kyodo/via Reuters)
According to FOX Weather, the earthquake struck just before 4:30 p.m. local time about 9 miles north of Kumamoto at a depth of roughly 6 miles. Japan’s Meteorological Agency briefly issued and later lifted a tsunami advisory for parts of Kyushu. NHK reported at least 50 people were injured, while Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said the quake sparked at least eight fires. Kumamoto Airport also temporarily closed.
Reuters reported the mall welcomed more than 8 million visitors annually after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. opened a factory nearby in 2024.
The complex housed about 200 stores, a movie theater and parking for roughly 5,000 vehicles. It also became known locally after a supermarket inside sold 10-yen onigiri to help survivors following the 2016 earthquake.
Rescue workers conduct a search and rescue operation at the damaged Aeon Mall in Japan’s southern Kumamoto prefecture, in Kashima Town, July 28, 2026. (Credit: Japan Out via Reuters)
When the mall reopened in June, Aeon described the project as a “‘re-start’ initiative” marking both the shopping center’s 21st anniversary and the region’s recovery from the 2016 earthquake.
As night fell Tuesday, rescue operations remained on hold because of continuing aftershocks as families awaited word on the employees still believed to be inside.