{
  "id": 366552,
  "title": "Kumamoto Earthquake Casts Shadow on Tourism Industry\nAftershocks and Self-Imposed Restrictions Leave Neighboring Prefecture Feeling Isolated\n\nThe 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.\n\nIn particular, the city of Aso and other areas in Kumamoto Prefecture that were severely affected by the quake are struggling to recover.\n\nThe 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.\n\nTourism 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe government is urging people to visit the prefecture, but with the infrastructure damage and aftershocks, many potential tourists are staying away.\n\nAs the situation continues to unfold, the people of Oita Prefecture are anxiously waiting for the roads to reopen and for the tourists to return.\n\nThe impact of the earthquake on the tourism industry is a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters.\n\nThe 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.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/story-366552",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-09T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Asahi Shimbun",
    "slug": "the-asahi-shimbun",
    "url": "http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASV892J5LV89TIPE00JM.html?ref=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "ja",
  "account": null,
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}