Family Remembers University Student Lost in Kumamoto Earthquake

The article commemorates Hikaru Yamato, a university student killed in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. His family mourns his loss and remembers him annually at the bridge site where he died. Shinobu Yamato expresses enduring grief while finding some comfort in her belief that he is with his late father. The earthquake claimed 278 lives, leaving a profound impact on the community.

Family members gathered to remember Hikaru Yamato, a 22-year-old university student who tragically lost his life in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. His mother, Shinobu Yamato, placed flowers at an altar dedicated to her son, situated near the Aso Ohashi bridge in Minamiaso, which collapsed during the quake.

On the anniversary of the earthquake, at 1:25 a.m. — marking the exact time the main quake struck — Shinobu, alongside Hikaru’s brother Shogo, held a moment of silence to honor his memory. Hikaru’s father Takuya, who consistently visited the memorial site every year, passed away in September 2024.

Reflecting on the years since Hikaru’s death, Shinobu expressed her ongoing grief, stating, “No matter how many years have passed, I can’t bring myself to be positive.” Despite her sorrow, she found solace in believing that Hikaru is now comforted by the presence of his father.

The earthquakes began on April 14, 2016, with a foreshock registering 7 on Japan’s seismic scale, followed by the main quake just 28 hours later. Hikaru was assisting a friend affected by the initial tremor when he became a victim of a landslide as he returned home. His remains were discovered approximately four months after the disaster. The calamity resulted in the loss of 278 lives in Kumamoto and neighboring Oita, including deaths from indirect causes.

The annual memorial for Hikaru Yamato signifies the lasting impact of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake on families. Reflecting on their loss, Shinobu Yamato underscores the persistent grief while also finding hope in the reunion of Hikaru with his father. The tragedy remains a significant chapter in the community’s history, remembering the lives affected by this disaster.

Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp