Kumamoto Earthquake Casts Shadow on Tourism Industry Aftershocks and Self-Imposed Restrictions Leave Neighboring Prefecture Feeling Isolated The April 14 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture is having a ripple effect on the tourism industry, with aftershocks and voluntary restrictions taking a toll on neighboring regions. In particular, the city of Aso and other areas in Kumamoto Prefecture that were severely affected by the quake are struggling to recover. The neighboring prefecture of Oita, which is connected to Kumamoto by land, is feeling the pinch. With many roads and rail lines severed, the prefecture has been left feeling like "an island with no land connection," or a place that is physically cut off from the rest of the country. Tourism is a major industry in Oita Prefecture, with many visitors drawn to its hot springs and other natural attractions. However, with the roads and rail lines closed, tourists are being deterred, and the local economy is suffering as a result. The Oita Prefectural Government has been working to mitigate the impact of the disaster on the tourism industry, but so far, the efforts have had limited success. The government is urging people to visit the prefecture, but with the infrastructure damage and aftershocks, many potential tourists are staying away. As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Oita Prefecture are anxiously waiting for the roads to reopen and for the tourists to return. The impact of the earthquake on the tourism industry is a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters. The road to recovery will likely be long and difficult, but with the support of the government and the resilience of the local people, Oita Prefecture is determined to bounce back.
We haven't written up this one. The Asahi Shimbun has the full story — the link below goes straight to it.
