TOKYO — Japan is moving into a new phase of recovery following the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, with the government establishing a dedicated headquarters to coordinate reconstruction and provide longer-term support to affected communities.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi chaired the first meeting of the new Headquarters for Supporting Recovery and Reconstruction from the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake on September 4. The government said the new structure will work closely with Kumamoto Prefecture and local governments as emergency operations transition toward reconstruction.

More than a month after the disaster, authorities are shifting attention from immediate emergency response toward restoring homes, livelihoods and essential infrastructure.

The government’s recovery programme is built around three broad priorities: rebuilding people’s lives, restoring economic activity and repairing infrastructure damaged by the earthquake.

Housing support is one of the immediate priorities. Authorities are developing temporary accommodation and improving evacuation facilities so displaced residents can move into safer and more stable living conditions.

The government is also supporting businesses affected by the disaster. Measures include assistance for companies seeking to resume operations and a planned Kyushu Recovery Support Discount campaign intended to encourage tourism from October.

Infrastructure restoration is another major component of the programme. Japan has already completed repairs to key water-supply lines, while additional work is being undertaken on roads, rivers, wells and other facilities.

The government is coordinating with local authorities to assess damage and accelerate repairs, particularly where infrastructure problems continue to affect daily life and economic activity.

The recovery effort comes alongside continuing concerns about further severe weather. Japanese authorities have warned that heavy rain and typhoon activity could create additional risks in already affected areas.

The government has therefore instructed ministries and agencies to maintain preparedness while reconstruction proceeds.

Japan’s response reflects its broader disaster-management strategy, in which emergency operations are gradually replaced by structured recovery programmes once immediate threats have eased.

The establishment of the dedicated headquarters is expected to improve coordination between national and local authorities and help ensure that reconstruction continues over the medium and long term.

The government has pledged to maintain close cooperation with affected communities as rebuilding progresses.