Request for Emergency Chimney Repairs After MLIT Survey
Overview
A chimney at the in-house thermal power generation facility of Japan Paper Co., Ltd.’s Yatsushiro Mill collapsed in the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, causing a serious accident with casualties. Based on the chimney survey results compiled by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), and the emergency repair methods indicated for cases where damage or deterioration is confirmed, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) asked businesses to carry out emergency repairs through relevant industry groups. METI says it will follow up on these efforts and work to ensure chimney safety.
Key points
- A chimney at Japan Paper Co., Ltd.’s Yatsushiro Mill collapsed, causing a serious accident with casualties.
- METI asked businesses to carry out emergency repairs through relevant industry groups.
- METI says it will follow up on efforts and work to ensure chimney safety.
Overview
The 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, which occurred on July 28, 2026, caused a chimney at the in-house thermal power generation facility of Japan Paper Co., Ltd.’s Yatsushiro Mill to collapse, resulting in a serious accident with casualties. To prevent a recurrence, METI is working with MLIT, which has jurisdiction over the Building Standards Act.
Impact
METI says it will follow up on these efforts and work to ensure chimney safety.
Details
MLIT compiled the results of a chimney survey conducted in light of the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake and presented emergency repair methods for cases where chimney damage or deterioration is confirmed. Based on this, METI asked businesses to carry out emergency repairs through relevant industry groups. Related materials include “Request for Emergency Repairs to Chimneys Where Damage or Deterioration Has Been Confirmed.”