In recent days, the Tokara Islands off the coast of Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Japan have experienced numerous earthquakes. From the 21st to noon on the 23rd, there have been over 250 tremors. Although the largest magnitude did not exceed 4, the frequent shaking has caused local residents to feel fearful, with some too anxious to sleep for days.
According to NHK News as cited by Taiwan's China Times News Network, seismic activity near the Tokara Islands has been ongoing since the morning of the 21st. Around 12:15 a.m. on the 23rd, Akusekijima in Toshima Village experienced a magnitude 3.6 earthquake, with a local shaking intensity of 4. Further minor quakes followed. According to the Fukuoka Regional Meteorological Observatory and other sources, 252 earthquakes with an intensity of 1 or higher have been observed (with intensity 4 occurring 3 times, intensity 3 occurring 15 times, intensity 2 occurring 2 times, and intensity 1 occurring 172 times).
According to Yukitaka Matsushita, the officer in charge at the Akusekijima Police Station under the Toshima Village Office, so far there have been no reports of damage or injuries, and no residents have evacuated. However, he noted that the psychological fear among residents is palpable: “The constant shaking at night keeps people from sleeping, and growing numbers are voicing concerns about the possibility of a larger earthquake.”
Is this unusual? The Fukuoka Regional Meteorological Observatory states that, historically, it is not particularly rare. “The sea area near the Tokara Islands has always been an earthquake-prone zone, and every few years there is a period of continuous small earthquakes. The most recent instance was in September 2023, during which 346 intensity 1 or higher earthquakes were recorded that month.”
Looking further back, December 2021 was also especially active, with 308 earthquakes that month, including one with a magnitude of 5.9 and a maximum intensity exceeding 5 that even caused a landslide on Kuchi-no-shima Island.
The Meteorological Observatory stated: “Based on past experience, frequent seismic activity is a natural release of energy and is expected to continue for a period of time. There is also the possibility of a stronger earthquake in the future, so everyone should remain vigilant and review earthquake preparedness measures.”