Overview
- An explosion inside Aeon Mall Kumamoto killed seven tenant employees after the July 28 earthquake when some people returned to the building and were caught by the blast.
- The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry says an LP gas leak from restaurant equipment is a highly likely cause of the explosion.
- Aeon initially denied permitting re-entry but its internal interviews found cases where staff allowed individuals to go back inside to collect belongings or close registers.
- Aeon announced an external accident investigation committee made up of lawyers and academics with a gas‑explosion expert to be added and said it will publish the committee’s report.
- The company plans rule and training changes, including letting employees carry valuables while on duty, and the incident has prompted calls to recheck safety at large commercial facilities designated as local disaster bases.