Two Strong Earthquakes Hit Akusekijima, Triggering Landslides and Evacuations

Jul 07, 2025 | News On Japan

KAGOSHIMA, Jul 07, 2025 (News On Japan) - Seismic activity remains intense in waters off the Tokara Islands, where two earthquakes measuring upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale struck in quick succession after 2 p.m. on July 6th.

Footage taken at the time of the quake on Akusekijima shows a port breakwater in the foreground, while a cliff along the coastline in the background collapses, raising a large cloud of dust.

According to the Toshima Village Office, all 28 residents on Akusekijima were confirmed safe with no injuries reported.

The village has initiated voluntary evacuations for those wishing to leave the island. Two days ago, the first group of 13 residents evacuated from Akusekijima to Kagoshima City.

A reporter on the scene stated: "This is Kagoshima Port in Kagoshima City. A ferry carrying the second group of evacuees is expected to arrive shortly. The vessel departed this morning after stopping at Akusekijima and Kodakarajima, and is transporting a total of 46 people. Upon arrival, the evacuees will be accommodated in hotels or with relatives arranged by the village."

Toshima Village has experienced a series of quakes over the past week, including one measuring lower 6, three at upper 5, and three at lower 5, with Akusekijima at the center of the activity.

In response, two doctors and one nurse have been dispatched to the island to provide physical and mental health support for residents.

Source: TBS

Major Philippines Quake Triggers Tsunami Alert Across Japan

[updated 5:53 p.m.] A powerful earthquake struck off Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines at 8:38 a.m. (Japan time) on June 8th, generating tsunami waves across parts of the Pacific, causing building collapses and casualties near the epicenter, and prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami advisory for a wide stretch of Japan's Pacific coastline.

Unlicensed Peruvian Man Conducts Risky Medical Procedure During Delivery

A clinic director and a former Peruvian staff member have been referred to prosecutors after the man allegedly performed medical procedures without a license, including an external cephalic version—a procedure used to manually turn a baby into the correct position before birth—at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Fukuoka City, raising concerns about patient safety and oversight in maternity care.

Bear Spotted Running Through Central Utsunomiya Shopping District

A large bear was captured on security camera footage running through a shopping arcade in central Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, in the early hours of June 7th, as authorities stepped up warnings following a series of bear sightings across the city.

Missing American Tourist Found Dead in Mountains Outside Kyoto

The family of James "Weston" Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student who disappeared during a family vacation in Japan, announced on June 7th that he has been found dead after a volunteer search-and-rescue group located his body in a mountainous area outside Kyoto, bringing a week-long multinational search to a tragic end.

Tokai and Kanto Enter Rainy Season as Heavy Rain Threatens Western Japan

Japan's Meteorological Agency announced on June 7th that the rainy season is believed to have begun in the Tokai and Kanto-Koshin regions, marking the seasonal shift to wetter weather across a broad area of the country.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Tokai and Kanto Enter Rainy Season as Heavy Rain Threatens Western Japan

Yakushima Faces New Tourism Challenges

Yakushima, a world natural heritage island in Kagoshima Prefecture, is marking 60 years since the discovery of Jomon Sugi, the island's iconic cedar tree estimated to be more than 2,000 years old, as concerns grow over the future of the ancient forests that have long supported both tourism and local life.

Japan's Ancient Capitals Await World Heritage Status

Residents in Nara Prefecture are celebrating after UNESCO's advisory body recommended the archaeological complex known as the Asuka-Fujiwara Ancient Capitals for inscription as a World Heritage site, bringing the historic birthplace of Japan's ancient state one step closer to international recognition.

28 Typhoons Expected to Hit Japan in 2026

Japan could face a more active typhoon season than usual in 2026, with private weather forecaster Weathernews predicting around 28 typhoons to form during the year—above the long-term average of 25.1—and warning that approximately 14 could approach Japan, increasing the risk of weather-related disruptions across the country.

Kitayama River Rafting Offers Thrills Through Mountain Gorges

Tourists are once again taking to the waters of the Kitayama River along the borders of Wakayama, Mie, and Nara prefectures, where a popular traditional rafting experience recreates the historic practice of transporting mountain timber by raft from Kitayama Village downstream to Shingu City.

New Typhoon Forming in South China Sea?

A newly formed tropical depression in the South China Sea could bring another round of heavy rain to western Japan as it interacts with the seasonal rain front, meteorologists have warned, only days after Typhoon Jangmi (Typhoon No. 6) caused widespread damage across the country.

Mad Bear On The Loose Despite Hit With Tranquilizer

A bear that injured four people in Fukushima City escaped despite efforts to capture it using tranquilizer darts and box traps, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain on high alert.

Typhoon Jangmi Leaves Trail of Destruction Across Japan

Typhoon Jangmi (Typhoon No. 6) swept across Japan on June 3rd, bringing record-breaking rainfall, widespread flooding, landslides, transport disruptions, and powerful winds, while prompting Tokyo's first-ever issuance of a Level 4 danger alert under the country's new weather warning system.

< 2 3 4 5 >