Kumamoto Castle Reopens 2 Weeks after Massive Quake

Kumamoto, Aug. 13 (Jiji Press)–Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture reopened to the public Thursday, about two weeks after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture. Safety checks were completed quickly following the 7.1-magnitude earthquake on July 28, which registered up to 7, the highest level on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, in some areas. When a pair of similarly powerful earthquakes rattled the prefecture a decade ago, it took about two and a half years for part of the castle in the prefectural capital of Kumamoto to reopen to the public. “Kumamoto Castle is a symbol of reconstruction,” a city government official said. “We hope that the reopening will encourage many people to visit the prefecture.” Around 200 visitors, including foreign tourists, lined up outside before the castle reopened at 9 a.m. Thursday. Standing in front of a collapsed section of the castle’s stone walls, Hirotoshi Iwashina, 61, from Shizuoka, central Japan, said, “It is such a magnificent castle, but it breaks my heart.” “There are many people who are going through a hard time in Kumamoto,” said a woman in her 60s from Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo. “I hope to enjoy Kumamoto’s cuisine and spend money here before returning home.” According to the city government, the earthquake caused damage at 59 locations across the castle compound, including cracks in the castle’s main tower. In areas open to the public, some window frames became detached and a “shachihoko” ornament was chipped, but there were no major abnormalities in the buildings or their facilities, according to the city government. On Wednesday, about 10 municipal government employees and facility operators conducted a comprehensive inspection and confirmed procedures for responding to aftershocks. All 13 buildings designated as national important cultural properties in the castle sustained damage during the earthquakes 10 years ago. Reconstruction work is still underway, with full restoration expected in fiscal 2052. Since the July 28 earthquake, the castle has been illuminated throughout the night “to bring energy and hope” to the community. The nighttime lighting will continue for the foreseeable future following the reopening. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]