posted on April 19, 2016

  Powerful earthquakes have struck the southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto and the surrounding areas in Kyushu, Japan. More than 40 people have been confirmed dead since April 14, 1,000 or more were injured, and about 200,000 refugees are facing difficulties. Quakes have seriously damaged many buildings including Kumamoto Castle and other cultural assets and disrupted transport systems in Kyushu. The Japan National Tourism Organization provides foreign visitors with information in English about the earthquakes as well as airline and railway operations in the affected region (click here). The Japan Tourism agency is advising foreign visitors and residents to install a smartphone app “Safety tips” that alerts them when early warnings for earthquakes are issued. This app is available in English, Chinese and Korean.