Construction sector: Response to Kumamoto earthquake in 2026

Research evidence excerpt

Construction sector: Response to Kumamoto earthquake in 2026

Construction sector: Response Global Markets Research 29 July 2026

to Kumamoto earthquake in 2026

EQUITY: JAPAN CONSTRUCTION

Earthquake with seismic intensity of 7 occurs with epicenter in Research Analysts

Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture Japan construction

Sho Sakabe - NSC

sho.sakabe@nomura.comQuick Note +81 3 6703 1221

Need for united response from construction industry

An earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 struck the Kumamoto region of

Kumamoto Prefecture on 28 July. We would like to extend our sympathy to all those

affected by the earthquake and hope for a quick return to safety and normal daily life,

along with recovery and reconstruction. This was the first earthquake with a seismic

intensity of 7 in Japan since the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024 and the first

in Kumamoto Prefecture since the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes in April 2016. Collapse of

buildings, partial collapse of bridges, upturned roads, and fires have been confirmed. We

think the construction industry as a whole will be expected to contribute to recovery and

reconstruction as swiftly as possible. Following the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, not only

local construction companies but also major general contractors such as Taisei [1801]

(Buy) and Shimizu [1803] (Buy) were involved in bridge reconstruction work on the

Kyushu Expressway and construction work on the Futaenotoge Tunnel. This time around,

we also expect contributions from bridge maintenance and repair companies Sho-Bond

Holdings [1414] (Neutral), Yokogawa Bridge Holdings [5911] (Neutral), and Oriental

Shiraishi [1786] (Buy), as well as from Raito Kogyo [1926] (Neutral), which is involved in

slope protection work.