The?major earthquake that hit Kumamoto Prefecture late last month is hitting the local tourism industry hard amid the peak summer holiday season.
The Kumamoto Prefectural Government estimates that the industry has suffered losses amounting to roughly ?6 billion ($37.6 million), including from destroyed accommodation buildings and equipment as well as reservation cancellations.
Areas relatively less affected by the quake are also seeing a drop in visitor numbers, with industry officials saying they are feeling hopeless about the future.
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