A remote and sparsely populated island chain in southern Japan has been experiencing a surge in seismic activity, with over 900 earthquakes recorded in the past two weeks. The Tokara Islands, home to around 700 residents, have been plagued by frequent tremors since June 21, leaving residents anxious and sleep-deprived.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck the islands on Wednesday, with no reports of damage or tsunami warnings issued. However, authorities have advised residents to prepare for potential evacuations. “It’s very scary to even fall asleep,” one resident told regional broadcaster MBC. “It feels like it’s always shaking.”
The Tokara area has experienced clusters of earthquakes in the past, but the frequency of recent tremors has been unusual. Japan is one of the most seismically active nations on Earth, owing to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where multiple tectonic plates meet. The country experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes annually.
Residents of the Tokara Islands have been struggling to cope with the constant shaking. “You can hear a strange roar from the ocean before the quakes hit, especially at night. It’s eerie,” Chizuko Arikawa, a 54-year-old resident of Akusekijima Island, told The Asahi Shimbun. “Everyone’s exhausted. We just want it to stop,” she added.
The earthquakes have also taken a toll on local infrastructure, with some guesthouses on the islands stopping tourist bookings due to the seismic activity. Toshima Village has noted that these guesthouses might be used as shelters for locals if needed.
In light of the recent earthquakes, authorities have urged the media to be considerate and minimize inquiries and interviews with locals. “We ask that you be considerate and not make excessive inquiries or interviews,” a notice on the village website reads.
The Tokara Islands’ unique underwater landscape makes it prone to earthquakes, with pressure building up and triggering tremors. Experts caution that shocks of similar strength could continue and may reach magnitude 6. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned residents to stay alert for further strong tremors and possible landslides.
The recent surge in seismic activity has been accompanied by rumors of a massive, deadly earthquake potentially hitting Japan soon. A 1999 comic book by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki claimed the next big earthquake would strike on July 5, 2025. These speculations have led to trip cancellations and increased anxiety among tourists and locals alike.
However, authorities have emphasized the need for preparedness, calling for new measures to strengthen public readiness in case of a disaster. The government has warned that much more needs to be done to mitigate the impact of potential earthquakes.