Week After Kumamoto Quake, Yatsushiro Stores Resume, Seven-Eleven Extends Hours, Daiei Reopens Full Day

More than a week after the Kumamoto earthquake, supermarkets and convenience stores that had been hit by product shortages or forced to shorten business hours are gradually recovering. In Yatsushiro City, where strong seismic intensity 6 was observed, some stores have reopened and resumed normal operations.

The 7-Eleven store at 1-chome, Hagiwaramachi, Yatsushiro, has remained open since the quake struck on July 28, initially operating with reduced hours. After establishing a robust supply system, it extended its hours to 7 a. m. –6 p. from August 4, with shelves now stocked with rice balls, bread, and other items that were previously unavailable.

Discount store Dia Rex Yatsushiro Kagami temporarily closed after the earthquake but resumed normal business from July 31, operating from 9 a. to 10 p. A manager of the in-store meat company said that many nearby stores remain closed, and customer numbers have increased compared with before the quake. A male customer from Yatsushiro who visited on August 5 expressed gratitude for the abundant food, noting that his home still lacks running water and he relies on distributed water.