Sony announced a phased restart of its Kumamoto image sensor plant on July 31, 2026. This Kyushu facility serves as a critical hub for global smartphone and camera supply chains. Operations halted after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the region on July 28.
The company suspended production immediately to evacuate employees and assess equipment damage. No injuries occurred at any Sony sites during the event. Sony remains the world's leading producer of image sensors.
Nearby technology centers in Nagasaki, Oita, and Kagoshima sustained no significant damage. This restart marks a vital step in recovering from the major seismic disruption.