Overview
- A blast at Aeon Mall Kumamoto killed seven tenant employees after the July 28 earthquake, with reports placing the explosion at about 5:50 p.m.
- Aeon announced it had confirmed some customers and staff were allowed temporary re-entry after the outdoor evacuation to retrieve car keys, IDs, phones or use restrooms.
- Tenant operator Habita said it instructed at least one employee to return about 30 minutes before the blast to move sales cash into a first‑floor safe, and bereaved relatives accuse the company of negligence.
- Aeon has set up an external accident investigation committee, company leaders have apologized and the group says it will provide early compensation to families before the probe is complete.
- Victims have been identified including Otake Kurumi by DNA testing, public memorials continue, and officials have signaled that the probes could lead to tightened post‑evacuation rules and scrutiny of employer practices.