Nippon Paper President Apologizes After Earthquake Claims Nine Lives at Kumamoto Plant
In a somber news conference held on Wednesday, the president of Nippon Paper Industries, Sebe Akira, offered a heartfelt apology following the tragic loss of nine workers at the company’s Yatsushiro plant in Kumamoto Prefecture. The deaths occurred when a powerful earthquake struck the region on July 28, causing a chimney at the facility to collapse. This incident marked the highest death toll at a single site from the earthquake, casting a shadow over the company and the local community.
Speaking at the Yatsushiro City office, President Sebe expressed his deep regret and sorrow, acknowledging the profound impact of the disaster on the victims’ families and colleagues. An employee who survived the quake recounted the shock and grief felt by the workforce, as they grappled with the sudden loss of nine co-workers. The president’s first public appearance since the disaster underscored the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability during this difficult time.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, Nippon Paper Industries has confirmed that operations at the Yatsushiro plant remain suspended. The company is now focusing on supporting the families of the deceased, providing counseling for employees, and conducting a thorough investigation into the structural failure that led to the tragedy. This incident has raised broader concerns about industrial safety standards in earthquake-prone regions, prompting calls for stricter regulations and more resilient infrastructure.
As the community mourns, Nippon Paper Industries faces the challenging task of rebuilding both its operations and its reputation. The company has pledged to cooperate fully with authorities and to implement measures to prevent such a catastrophe from occurring again. The road to recovery will be long, but the commitment to honoring the memory of the nine workers will remain at the forefront of the company’s efforts.
Shimanta Das 
