Beyond the Shaking: Japan’s Hidden Scars | Auckland News

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in southwestern Japan has shattered lives and homes, claiming at least 25 lives and leaving thousands haunted by trauma. Survivors like carpenter Makoto Sawatari, who endured a similar quake a decade ago, now face doubled repair costs and crumbling homes, while entire neighborhoods lack power and water—especially dangerous as summer heat sets in. Even those whose houses stand intact, like Hirosuke Shimada and his family, are too terrified to sleep inside, opting for tents instead. The economic toll is crushing: Sawatari can’t even begin fixing his own home until he’s finished helping others, stretching recovery into months of uncertainty. Beyond the rubble, the true devastation lies in the invisible scars—fear, grief, and the slow, painful rebuilding of safety and normalcy. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/cd2ac0ca8b1ae18b