Recent geological surveys have revealed a new active fault extending 60 to 70 kilometers along the coast of Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita Prefecture, northeastern Kyushu, Japan. Previously, the Japanese government estimated an 80% chance of a magnitude 8 or higher earthquake occurring in the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years. The new findings have raised concerns among local residents.

In response, Oita Prefecture recently convened an expert meeting, deciding to include the newly discovered active fault in the latest earthquake disaster risk assessment. According to the Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, this fault is nearly straight and is caused by the lateral compression of the tectonic plates. While it is unlikely to trigger a large tsunami, the activation of the fault zone may still lead to earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher.

The Oita Prefectural government plans to compile new data for predictions in 2026. Masayuki Yoshimi highlighted the goal of making disaster information more relevant to actual circumstances, encouraging residents and local governments to take concrete actions.