TOKARA ISLANDS, KAGOSHIMA PREF. — Residents of the remote Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture began evacuating on Friday morning, following a powerful earthquake and a continued swarm of seismic activity that has shaken the region with increasing intensity.
The magnitude 5.5 quake, which struck Akuseki Island on Thursday at 4:13 p.m., registered a lower 6 on Japan’s seven-point shindo seismic intensity scale — the highest level ever recorded in the Tokara island chain. Although no injuries were reported among the island’s 76 residents, local authorities have urged caution as aftershocks continue.
In response to the threat, the village of Toshima — which administers the Tokara Islands — initiated voluntary evacuations to the city of Kagoshima. Buses and ferries have been arranged to help residents safely leave Akuseki and nearby islands, with shelters set up in Kagoshima City to receive them.
During a press conference on Thursday evening, Toshima Village Mayor Genichiro Kubo stated that the initial evacuation period would last approximately one week. However, he emphasized that the timeline could change depending on the ongoing seismic activity.
“We are prioritizing the safety and peace of mind of our residents,” Kubo said. “The decision to evacuate is voluntary, but we strongly encourage those in vulnerable conditions — especially the elderly and those with limited mobility — to seek shelter on the mainland.”
Officials have not ruled out the possibility of more powerful quakes in the coming days. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is closely monitoring the area and warned of potential landslides and strong aftershocks. The region, which lies along an active tectonic zone, is no stranger to seismic events, but experts noted that the strength of Thursday’s quake was unusual for the Tokara chain.
Photos shared from the village office in Kagoshima showed evacuation instructions and logistics written on a whiteboard as officials coordinated efforts late into the evening.
Despite the evacuation, infrastructure damage on Akuseki Island has been minimal, with no reports of collapsed buildings or major disruption to public utilities. However, residents expressed anxiety over the uncertainty of the situation.
“I’ve never felt such a strong quake in my life,” said one resident who chose to evacuate to Kagoshima City. “Even though there’s no visible damage, it’s frightening to stay with the ground shaking so often.”
As of Friday morning, seismic activity in the area had not yet subsided. Local authorities, in coordination with JMA and disaster management teams, are continuing to assess the risks and provide updates to the public.
The Tokara Islands, located in the northern part of the Ryukyu archipelago, are home to fewer than 700 people across several small islands. Their remote nature makes emergency response and evacuation particularly challenging — a concern that officials are working to address proactively.
Authorities have advised residents across Kagoshima Prefecture to remain alert, stock emergency supplies, and follow official guidance closely as the situation develops.
