Kumamoto quake forces widespread factory closures, hits chip and auto sectors
A magnitude-7.1 earthquake in Kumamoto led to the shutdown of numerous factories, including major semiconductor and automotive plants, while logistics services were also suspended.
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, prompting a wave of factory closures the following day. Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. immediately shut its Kikuyo facility, and Renesas Electronics Corp., Tokyo Electron Ltd., and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. each suspended two plants in the region. Toyota Motor Kyushu Inc. briefly restarted three Fukuoka plants after safety checks but re-closed them due to logistical constraints, while Honda Motor Co. halted its Ozu motorcycle and engine factory through Friday and Nissan Motor Co. partially paused two Fukuoka sites because of parts delays.
Other industries felt the impact, with Suntory Holdings Ltd.’s brewery in Kashima, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp.’s Uto plant, and Nippon Paper Industries Co.’s Yatsushiro mill all standing down. Japan Post Co., Yamato Transport Co., and Sagawa Express Co. also suspended postal and parcel services throughout Kumamoto, intensifying concerns over supply-chain disruptions.
Why it matters
Factory shutdowns risk disrupting Japan's semiconductor supply chain and broader economy.
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