Munetaka Murakami, a baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, has expressed his concern and sent encouragement to the people of Kumamoto Prefecture, his hometown, following a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck on Tuesday.
In a social media post, Murakami wrote: 'I am very worried about my hometown of Kumamoto and everyone there. Please stay safe.' He also urged people to follow evacuation instructions and remain vigilant for possible aftershocks.
The earthquake struck at 10:22 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 30 kilometers beneath the seafloor off the eastern coast of Kumamoto Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas of Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures, warning of waves up to 1 meter high, but later lifted the advisory.
Local authorities reported at least 12 people were injured, including some with serious injuries from falling debris or falling down stairs. Several buildings sustained cracked walls and fallen furniture, but no major infrastructure damage has been reported.
Murakami, 26, is one of Japan's most famous baseball stars. He has played for the Chicago White Sox since 2024 and had a successful season with impressive scoring stats. He frequently returns to his hometown and participates in local charity events.
Experts warn that the Kumamoto region could experience further aftershocks in the coming days. Residents are advised to prepare emergency kits and make evacuation plans if necessary.
