Kumamoto and other southwestern prefectures on Monday marked one month since the second of two massive earthquakes struck the region in quick succession, leaving a total of 49 people dead.
The second quake, believed to be the main temblor, registered magnitude 7.3 and came just two days after a magnitude-6.5 jolt that initially left nine people dead. One person remains unaccounted for and is feared dead.
Local officials offered silent prayers in the morning in the village of Minamiaso, Kumamoto Prefecture, where 15 people died in the quakes and ensuing mudslides.