The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake in Japan revealed strengths and weaknesses in the nation’s disaster response. While roads remained largely passable immediately following the quake—facilitating initial access—restoring essential services proved significantly more difficult. Specifically, access to clean water, adequate healthcare, and the resumption of daily life presented substantial hurdles for affected communities. This suggests Japan’s preparedness excels in immediate transportation but requires further development in sustaining life-supporting infrastructure post-disaster. The experience underscores that maintaining functionality of critical utilities is paramount for long-term recovery. The Kumamoto case emphasizes a need to broaden the scope of earthquake readiness beyond initial access to encompass prolonged support systems. These findings provide valuable lessons for enhancing disaster resilience nationwide.