Japan publishes a nationwide chimney check and a new road-safety recall

Developments

Two Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism notices turn attention to different layers of everyday safety: the condition of large industrial structures after an earthquake and software controlling essential information on road vehicles.

1. Damage or deterioration was found in about 40% of surveyed tall chimneys

After chimney collapses in the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, MLIT surveyed reinforced-concrete chimneys taller than 60 meters. It identified 444 such structures nationwide and reported damage or deterioration in 180, or about 40%. Relevant ministries are to request emergency repairs and follow progress, while local building authorities have received the findings and repair guidance. The result concerns this defined class of structures; it is not a finding about every chimney or the immediate safety of a particular neighborhood. (Read the MLIT findings)

2. BRP recalls 174 vehicles over meter-panel software

BRP Japan filed a recall covering 174 vehicles across three types and four model names. MLIT’s filing says a software defect can make the meter display disappear or prevent turn indicators and hazard lights from operating during communication with an external device. The remedy is a software update installed over the air by the owner or through diagnostic equipment at a dealer. The filing recorded no reported defects or accidents, but owners should verify their exact model and serial number rather than rely on the broad published ranges. (Read the MLIT notice, Open the recall filing)

What residents should take away

These notices call for targeted checks, not generalized alarm. People responsible for relevant property should follow the ministry and local-authority process, while BRP owners should use the official filing or contact the manufacturer or a dealer to confirm whether their vehicle needs the update.