A surge of seismic activity has rocked southern Japan’s remote Tokara Island chain, with the Japan Meteorological Agency confirming that no fewer than 474 earthquakes have occurred since Saturday.
The agency issued a public advisory on Thursday, urging the island’s residents and surrounding communities to remain alert as the tremors continue with heightened frequency.
While the quakes have ranged from mild to moderate—registering at least a level one on Japan’s seven-point seismic intensity scale—no major damage has been reported as of Thursday morning.
“Seismic activity has increased. As this region has experienced extended periods of earthquake activity in the past, please be vigilant against earthquakes that cause strong shaking,” the agency warned in a statement.
Two Major Tremors Recorded
Among the 474 tremors observed, two magnitude-5.1 earthquakes—one on Sunday and another on Tuesday—were the strongest, each rated intensity four on the Japanese scale. Such quakes are capable of startling most people, causing dishes to rattle and hanging objects to sway noticeably.
This pattern of seismic unrest is reminiscent of a similar occurrence in September 2023, when 346 earthquakes were recorded in the Tokara region over 15 days, according to NHK.
Remote Island Chain at Risk
The Tokara Islands, located south of Kyushu, are made up of 12 islands, seven of which are inhabited by an estimated 700 residents. The islands are volcanic in nature and only accessible by ferry, which operates bi-weekly—weather permitting.
“An earthquake of up to magnitude-6 strength could take place, so please be vigilant,” warned marine volcanology expert and Kumamoto University professor, Hisayoshi Yokose, during an interview with NHK.
Japan’s Constant Quake Watch
Japan, which sits atop four major tectonic plates, is one of the most earthquake-prone countries on Earth and lies along the volatile Pacific Ring of Fire. The archipelago experiences about 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for nearly 18 percent of global seismic activity.
Though most quakes are mild, the potential for devastation is ever-present. On January 1, 2024, a powerful quake struck the Noto Peninsula, killing over 400 people, damaging infrastructure, and sparking fires during New Year’s celebrations.
The Japan Meteorological Agency continues to monitor the situation closely and advises residents in affected regions to stay informed, prepare emergency kits, and adhere to safety protocols.
