Sony Shuts Down Kumamoto Semiconductor Plant Following Earthquake in Japan

New Delhi, July 29: Sony Semiconductor Solutions announced on Wednesday that it has temporarily halted operations at its Kumamoto Technology Center following a powerful earthquake in the Kumamoto region of Japan. The company is currently assessing potential damage to the plant and production lines.

Sony reported that there were no significant damages at its technology centers in Nagasaki, Oita, and Kagoshima. Additionally, there have been no reports of injuries to any employees present at these centers during the earthquake.

According to the company, production was stopped immediately at the Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation plant in Kikuyo town after the earthquake struck at 4:27 PM local time on Tuesday.

The company stated that it is continuing to evaluate the impact of the earthquake on the buildings and production equipment at the Kumamoto plant. However, no timeline has been provided for when operations will resume.

This disruption occurred following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit the Kumamoto region on Tuesday. According to Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the earthquake has resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals.

Takaichi told reporters, “Many people are still waiting for rescue. We will use all available resources to save as many lives as possible and provide relief.”

Meanwhile, rescue teams continued their search for individuals trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, while officials assessed the damage caused by the earthquake.

Sony Semiconductor Solutions is a leading supplier of image sensors and other semiconductor components used in consumer electronics, automobiles, and industrial sectors.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed concern over the earthquake.

He wrote on the social media platform X, “I am deeply concerned by the news of the earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan. During this difficult time, we express our solidarity and support with the government and people of Japan. We pray for the safety and swift recovery of those affected by the earthquake.”

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