Kumamoto's crushed castle keeps up appearances

It might have taken one helluva beating, but there's life in the old donjon yet.

The beloved keep of Kumamoto castle was lit up again at night on June 1 after being kept in the dark for almost six weeks.

The lights went off after the series of earthquakes pulverized Kumamoto Prefecture in April, leaving much of the famous fortress smashed to pieces.

The lights were switched on at 8 p.m by city officials, and the iconic, but badly-damaged keep and other towers once again appeared shining like beacons of hope in the darkness.

Officials had been assessing and repairing electrical equipment since the magnitude-7.3 quake hit April 16 and were finally able to flick the switch again.

Beloved by the locals as a symbol of the city and prefecture, Kumamoto castle ranked as one of the most popular castles in Japan until the earthquakes left it a no-go area for the public.

Most of it remains off-limits as masonry collapsed and countless roof tiles were shaken off.

It is unknown when the castle will fully reopen to the public, but locals for now can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

(THE ASAHI SHIMBUN)