Some quake-hit Japan plants restart but Toyota to suspend 18 assembly lines

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. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese manufacturers began restarting production at some plants in the country's quake-hit northeast, but Toyota Motor Corp 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.