One Vietnamese killed in Japan earthquake: embassy

A Vietnamese national, who arrived in Japan as a technical intern in January 2026, has been confirmed dead following a recent earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture. The man, affiliated with the Kumamoto Hitozukuri cooperative, was working at a factory when a crane collapsed during the earthquake, crushing him. Despite the prompt arrival of police and emergency responders, the sheer weight of the crane prevented his rescue. Seven other Vietnamese technical interns working at the same factory managed to evacuate safely. Following this information, the Vietnamese Labor Management Board contacted representatives from Kyushu Jokokako Co. and the Mifune Police Station. On behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan, the board extended its condolences to the bereaved family and is coordinating with the company, the cooperative, and Japanese authorities to assist the family with necessary procedures. Another Vietnamese citizen, the wife of a Vietnamese worker residing in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, sustained injuries after a wall collapsed during the quake. She is receiving treatment at a local hospital and, according to initial reports, her injuries are not life-threatening, although her home suffered severe damage. In Mashiki, three Vietnamese technical interns employed in the construction sector by Morimatsu Industry Co., Ltd. reported that their dormitory had tilted, walls had cracked, and the parking area had been damaged. The board is working with the cooperative and the employer to assess their needs and ensure their safety. The Embassy of Vietnam in Japan and its labor management board are actively implementing citizen protection measures and maintaining close contact with relevant organizations and companies employing Vietnamese workers in the affected areas to verify the situation. These include Japan Marine United (JMU), Oshima Shipbuilding, Furi Report, and the Tozai Shoko, Purasesu Work, and Nichietsu cooperatives, which collectively manage and employ over 1,300 Vietnamese technical interns and workers. The embassy and its labor management board will continue to closely monitor developments and coordinate with Japanese authorities, employers, and supervising organizations to promptly provide protection and assistance to affected Vietnamese citizens.