In the past two weeks, over 1,100 felt earthquakes have shaken Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, prompting local authorities to begin evacuations on July 4, ferrying residents from Akuseki Island to Kagoshima City in Kyushu. According to the Associated Press, there have been more than 1,200 felt earthquakes in two weeks, leading to precautionary evacuations. In response to this unprecedented seismic activity, the central government intervened, and experts from the Earthquake Research Committee held a press conference on the evening of the 4th, warning the public to prepare for possible weak magnitude 6 earthquakes.

The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) reported that experts from the Earthquake Research Promotion Headquarters, part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, stated that the recent earthquake activities have primarily occurred within land plates. As of the afternoon of the 4th, they had observed 1,201 felt earthquakes of magnitude 1 or above, with seismic activity still ongoing. This region has a history of frequent earthquakes, but the current activity level is the most intense since 1995.

The committee emphasized that the area from Akuseki Island to Takarajima lies along a volcanic chain where previous experiences indicate a propensity for aftershocks of significant magnitude. Naoto Hirata, the committee chairman and a professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, remarked, "There are various opinions regarding the forces triggering this series of earthquakes, but the committee currently does not understand the underlying causes." Hirata also offered his perspective, stating, "I personally believe that there is an active volcano north of Akuseki Island, and this region is a line of volcanic activity. I think that magmatic activity deep within the volcano may increase the likelihood of earthquakes." Regarding the duration of these seismic events, Hirata admitted, "Strictly speaking, we also do not know." However, he noted, "It is clear that seismic activity will not cease in three days or a week. Unfortunately, I personally think we need to observe for some time to confirm if this wave of earthquakes has indeed concluded. In some cases, like the December activity in 2021, there may be a quiet period followed by renewed activity, so I urge everyone to remain prepared."

Hirata also commented on the recent eruption of Shinmoedake volcano, located at the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, stating, "Scientifically, there is no correlation between the two occurrences. Unfortunately, in Japan, the occurrence of earthquakes at any time should not be surprising, and there is a high likelihood of continued seismic activity in the waters around the Tokara Islands, with the possible occurrence of earthquakes along the Nankai Trough as well. Therefore, we must be thoroughly prepared for earthquakes." Additionally, on the 2nd, the Japan Meteorological Agency also urged residents to prepare for strong earthquakes of magnitude 5 or above.