TOKYO: Japanese manufacturers began restarting production at some plants in the country's quake-hit northeast, but Toyota Motor Corp 7203.T said it plans to idle 18 assembly lines for a few days next week due to a shortage of parts from suppliers.
On one hand, the limited damage caused by the magnitude 7.4 temblor has highlighted Japan's success in building resilience against the frequent tremors that shake the archipelago.
But the quake has sparked concerns of further disruptions to a pandemic-hit global supply chain for precision components vital to electronics and autos production and in which Japanese manufacturers play a leading role.
Toyota, the world's largest automaker by sales volume, said it will idle the 18 lines at 11 domestic factories, mostly for three days.
It had suspended operations at three factories due to the quake and sees lost production of 20,000 units due to the stoppages. Toyota has already cut its global production target due to the ongoing chip shortage.
Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd 6981.T, the top global supplier of ceramic capacitors used in smartphones and cars, said it is restarting production on Friday at two of four factories that were idled.
The other two remain out of action, a spokesperson for the Kyoto-based firm said, noting a fire that broke out at a factory which produces chip inductors caused some damage to equipment.
The company, which also has production facilities in Malaysia, said it is shipping from its stockpile.
Renesas Electronics Corp 6723.T, which makes nearly a third of the microcontroller chips used in cars globally, said it has restarted production after stopping it at two factories with a partial stop at a third.
All three factories, including the Naka factory where fire broke out last year, are expected to return to pre-quake capacity by Wednesday, Renesas said.
Power has mostly been restored across the northeast, which suffered Japan's biggest earthquake 11 years ago. Areas of Tokyo lost power for nearly three hours after the latest quake, in which three people died and 183 were injured.
The blackout has forced the disposal of some COVID-19 vaccines held in cool storage, the Yomiuri newspaper reported.
Tech conglomerate Sony Group Corp 6758.T is in the process of gradually restarting production at three factories in the quake-hit area, a spokesperson said.
There is some damage to a facility in Shiroishi, Miyagi prefecture which produces laser diodes but the impact on production is limited, Sony said.
Reuters
Fri Mar 18 2022
Cracks on a road following a strong earthquake are pictured in Shiroishi, Miyagi prefecture, Japan in this photo taken by Kyodo on March 17, 2022. - Kyodo/via REUTERS
UN chief demands evacuation of 2,500 Gaza children at 'imminent risk' of death
The doctors said they are advocating for a centralised process for medical evacuations with clear guidelines.
US looking into whether DeepSeek used restricted AI chips, source says
Current restrictions on Nvidia artificial intelligence processors are meant to stop its most sophisticated chips from reaching China.
Number of evacuees continues to rise in flood-hit Sabah, Sarawak
In Sarawak, the number of evacuees rose to 9,398 from 2,725 families this morning.
Investigators find black boxes after deadly Washington plane crash, continue search for answers
Investigators recovered the so-called black boxes from the American Airlines Bombardier jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
Malaysia among nine nations to meet in The Hague over alleged Israeli law violations
Nations expected to plan "coordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic actions" to hold Israel accountable for violating international law.
Near-misses at Washington airport worried pilots well before fatal crash
In the moments before the crash, an air traffic controller can be heard on recordings asking the Army helicopter to pass behind the jet.
No clear reason yet for Washington air disaster that killed 67, officials say
NTSB has begun collecting wreckage, including portions of the helicopter, and is storing it at a hangar at Reagan National.
Where do the legal cases against Trump's executive orders stand?
Here is a look at the cases and where they stand.
Moments before deadly stampede at India's Maha Kumbh, devotees pleaded to open more routes
Police say the path leading to main bathing area is only 50 metres wide and barricaded on either side to avoid people spilling over.
Risk of violence escalates in Myanmar's civil war as junta flags elections
Myanmar's embattled ruling generals are making their most concerted effort to gain legitimacy - by pushing to hold another election.
UN rights chief seeks $500 million in 2025, warning that lives are at risk
The annual appeal is for funds beyond the allocated UN funds from member states' fees, which make up just a fraction of the office's needs.
Floods in Sabah, Sarawak: PM orders NADMA to strengthen federal, state response machinery
PM says the primary focus at this moment is the welfare of flood victims and ensuring the safety of people in the affected areas.
Millions of Hindus take "holy dip" a day after fatal stampede
Devotees take daily 'holy dips,' but on certain dates, "royal" dips are deemed more sacred, drawing larger crowds.
Trump orders agencies to scrub 'gender ideology' from contracts, websites
Federal agencies are required to "recognise women are biologically female, and men are biologically male."
US figure skaters were on board plane that crashed into Potomac River
US Figure Skating said athletes, coaches, and families returning from the National Development Camp were aboard the flight.
Disaster relief assets deployed to flood-affected areas in Sarawak - Ahmad Zahid
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that, so far, more than 50 relief centres have been activated to house flood victims in the state.
Air traffic controller audio captures moments before and after Washington plane crash
The crash caught on a webcam, shows the aircraft exploding in flames and plummeting to earth after it was struck by the helicopter.
Scores feared dead in Washington after jet collides with helicopter, crashes into river
Officials gave no death toll, but Senator Roger Marshall said most, if not all, aboard the Kansas-origin flight likely died in the crash.
Tiong: Additional personnel mobilised to assist in Bintulu disaster relief efforts
Without specifying the exact number, Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the personnel are expected to arrive tomorrow.
Palestinian forces begin handover of three Israeli hostages in latest stage of ceasefire deal
Palestinian forces handed over three Israeli hostages in Gaza for 110 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire deal on Thursday.