(Naoki Hiraoka/Kyodo News via AP)This aerial image shows rescue operation at the Nippon Paper Industries Co.’s Yatsushiro factory, following an earthquake in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Naoki Hiraoka/Kyodo News via AP)This aerial image shows rescue operation at the Nippon Paper Industries Co.’s Yatsushiro factory, following an earthquake in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Some of the most serious damage was at the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kashima city, which was bustling with thousands of people when the quake happened. Some of the most serious damage was at the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kashima city, which was bustling with thousands of people when the quake happened. Japan's Self Defense Forces joined rescue workers in the search and rescue operations.