Nippon Paper Industries Yatsushiro Mill Abandons Plans to Resume Paper Production Following Kumamoto Earthquake Damage

Key points

In the July 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, Nippon Paper Industries' Yatsushiro Mill was severely damaged, with the collapse of a chimney causing the deaths of nine employees and a fire occurring during dismantling work. In response, the company announced on November 5, 2026, that it would abandon plans to resume production of newsprint and pulp due to the lack of prospects for restarting operations. The mill is planned to continue through other business activities. The company will proceed with investigations into the causes and consider safety measures. The situation remains under close observation as of November 6, 2026. Since July 28, 2026, a crisis management headquarters has been established and continues to respond to the situation. [1] [4] [5]

Overview of Damage and Accidents at Yatsushiro Mill Due to Kumamoto Earthquake

In the July 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, the chimney at Nippon Paper Industries' Yatsushiro Mill collapsed, resulting in the deaths of nine employees. Immediately after the earthquake on July 28, the company established a crisis management headquarters to assess the damage and ensure employee safety. On August 3, a fire broke out during dismantling work, but no injuries were reported. The mill remains suspended from operations with no clear timeline for recovery as of November 6, 2026. The response efforts initiated on July 28 continue, and there is currently no prospect for resuming operations, including following the August 3 fire. [1] [3] [5]

Operations at the Yatsushiro Mill have remained halted due to the Kumamoto earthquake damage. Recovery efforts have been complicated by the fatal chimney collapse and the fire incident. The company is addressing the situation with a company-wide approach focused on employee safety and accurate damage assessment. Future recovery plans will be considered based on the results of damage investigations. As of November 6, 2026, the crisis management headquarters established on July 28 continues its response. The fire on August 3 caused no injuries, and there is no set timeline for restarting operations. [1] [3] [5]

Establishment of Damage Investigation Committee and Efforts to Determine Causes

On September 10, 2026, Nippon Paper Industries established a damage investigation committee composed of external experts and specialists to investigate the causes of the damage and collapse of the Yatsushiro Mill chimney during the Kumamoto earthquake. The committee is conducting scientific and technical examinations of the accident mechanism and plans to complete its review by March 2027. The findings are expected to inform safety measures and recovery plans. As of November 6, 2026, the investigation is ongoing. The committee chair is Professor Emeritus Yasuharu Matsuda of Kyushu University. [2]

The damage investigation committee consists of five experts in earthquake and structural engineering. While respecting the independent judgment of external members, the committee is advancing the cause investigation. Nippon Paper Industries intends to strengthen safety measures in future mill operations based on the investigation results and is fully cooperating with relevant authorities' investigations. As of November 6, 2026, the committee, established on September 10, includes academic experts and internal engineers. The investigation and safety considerations are ongoing, with results to be reflected in recovery plans. [2]

Decision to Abandon Production Resumption and Future Policy for the Mill

On November 5, 2026, Nippon Paper Industries finalized its decision to abandon plans to resume production of newsprint and pulp at the Yatsushiro Mill, which has been suspended following damage from the Kumamoto earthquake. This decision reflects the extensive damage from the chimney collapse and the difficulty of recovery. There is no expectation for production to restart. This was confirmed on November 5, 2026. [4]

Although production of newsprint and pulp will be discontinued, Nippon Paper Industries plans to maintain the Yatsushiro Mill through other business activities. Specific details of these other operations have not been disclosed, but the company intends to avoid complete closure of the mill. Going forward, safety measures will be considered based on damage investigation results, and efforts will be made to utilize the mill for alternative business purposes. This policy was announced on November 5, 2026. [4]