Story perspectives

Police probe looting by fake SDF after Kumamoto quake

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Men in counterfeit Self-Defence Forces uniforms looted homes in Kumamoto after the July 28, 2024, 7.1-magnitude quake.
A prefectural official confirmed media reports of the fake SDF personnel.
Police are aware of the looting.
Spokeswoman Akino Sonoda said authorities cannot provide more details and do not know how many reports or towns are involved.
Residents have been warned to stay alert to strangers, even those who appear to be military aid workers.

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Story summary

Men in counterfeit Self-Defence Forces uniforms looted homes in Kumamoto after the July 28, 2024, 7.1-magnitude quake.
A prefectural official confirmed media reports of the fake SDF personnel.
Police are aware of the looting.
Spokeswoman Akino Sonoda said authorities cannot provide more details and do not know how many reports or towns are involved.
Residents have been warned to stay alert to strangers, even those who appear to be military aid workers.