Japan’s Tokara Islands Rocked by Hundreds of Earthquakes

Tokara, Japan  — A wave of seismic activity has shaken the remote Tokara island chain in southern Japan, with 474 earthquakes recorded since Saturday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

In a statement issued Thursday morning, the JMA confirmed that although no major damage has been reported, residents are urged to remain alert as seismic activity continues. The quakes, measured at level one or higher on Japan’s seven-point seismic intensity scale, have been felt by those quietly seated indoors.

Two of the strongest tremors, both magnitude 5.1, struck on Sunday and Tuesday, registering an intensity level of four — enough to startle people, rattle dishes, and swing hanging objects.

“Seismic activity has increased. As this region has a history of prolonged quake episodes, please remain vigilant,” the agency warned.

This uptick echoes a similar event in September 2023 when 346 quakes occurred over 15 days. The Tokara Islands — seven of which are inhabited by about 700 people — lie south of Kyushu and are accessible only by ferry, which operates twice a week in favorable weather.

Marine volcanology expert Prof. Hisayoshi Yokose of Kumamoto University cautioned that a magnitude-6 quake could occur, reinforcing the call for caution.

Japan, located on the volatile “Ring of Fire” where four tectonic plates converge, accounts for 18% of global seismic activity. The nation experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually.

While most are mild, the depth and location of each quake determine the extent of damage. In one tragic event, over 400 lives were lost on January 1, 2024, when a powerful quake hit the Noto Peninsula, triggering building collapses, fires, and widespread infrastructure damage.

The current activity in Tokara is a stark reminder of Japan’s constant battle with its seismic reality, as experts and authorities alike stress continued vigilance.

By Makinde oyinkansola| June 26, 2025