Residents of the Tokara Islands, a remote and sparsely populated island chain in southern Japan, have been enduring restless nights as over 900 earthquakes shook the region in just two weeks. The constant tremors, which began on June 21, have left the islanders in a state of anxiety, with many unable to sleep as the seismic activity continues to escalate.
Authorities confirmed that the seismic activity has been “very active” in the seas surrounding the islands, with the largest recorded tremor being a magnitude 5.5 earthquake on Wednesday. While no damage has been reported and no tsunami warning has been issued, local authorities have urged residents to be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
“It’s very scary to even fall asleep,” said one resident, describing the constant shaking that has made daily life challenging. “It feels like it’s always shaking.”
The Tokara Islands, which consist of 12 islands, are home to just around 700 residents living across seven of the islands. Despite the clusters of earthquakes in the region over the years, the frequency and intensity of the recent tremors have been unprecedented, with many locals expressing concerns about the psychological toll of the ongoing seismic activity.
A Growing Sense of Unease
The Tokara Islands are known for their remote location, and some of the islands lack essential services such as hospitals. The nearest hospital is at least six hours away by ferry, in the prefectural capital of Kagoshima. In these isolated conditions, residents are increasingly anxious, especially since the tremors occur without warning.
“We just want it to stop,” said Chizuko Arikawa, a cattle farmer living on Akusekijima island. “After so many quakes, it now feels like the ground is shaking even when it’s not.”
Many residents have reported hearing a strange, eerie roar from the ocean just before the quakes hit, further amplifying the unease. “It’s sickening,” said Isamu Sakamoto, head of the local residents’ association in Akusekijima. “The quakes start with a jolt from below, then the house sways.”
Tremors, Rumours, and Tourism Impact
The frequency of these earthquakes has come at a time when Japan is on edge due to growing speculation about a catastrophic seismic event. Rumours of an impending megaquake, spurred by a 1999 comic book by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, have added to the public anxiety. The latest edition of the book, released in 2021, claims that a massive earthquake will strike on July 5, 2025, further feeding fears that have led to a wave of cancellations in tourism bookings.
Several guesthouses in the Tokara Islands have suspended tourist bookings, citing safety concerns and the potential use of these accommodations as shelters for residents. The Tokara Islands, which usually attract visitors for their pristine landscapes and quiet charm, are now gripped by an uncertain future.
The Bigger Picture: Japan’s Earthquake Preparedness
Japan’s vulnerability to seismic activity is no secret. Positioned on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates converge, the country experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually. The memory of past disasters, such as the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated the northeast coast, leaving over 18,000 people dead, remains fresh in the minds of many.
Authorities have long feared the “big one” – a once-in-a-century megaquake that could cause catastrophic damage. Japan’s government has recently called for improved measures to strengthen the nation’s readiness, including constructing embankments and evacuation shelters. Despite these efforts, experts warn that much more needs to be done to safeguard the nation from future seismic events.
A Nation on Edge
The ongoing earthquakes on the Tokara Islands serve as a stark reminder of Japan’s seismic risks and the need for preparedness in the face of such natural disasters. With many islanders already exhausted by the constant tremors, the question remains: How much longer will they be able to endure this unsettling situation? As the spectre of a larger, more destructive earthquake looms, the entire country remains on high alert, hoping for a return to calm.