Two small islands in the southwestern part of Japan have moved apart by nearly 10 centimetres over the course of three days due to seismic activity, according to reports from international news outlets.
The Japan Meteorological Agency continues to report ongoing seismic activity in the Tokara Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, particularly after a 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck Akuseki Island on July 9. This has brought the total number of earthquakes in the area to 1,688 since June 21.
According to reports, Japanese researchers have discovered that two small islands in the Tokara Islands group, Kodakara and Takara islands, have shifted apart by nearly 10 centimetres in just three days.
This is an unprecedented situation, raising concerns about the possibility of a major disaster.
SINCE JUNE 21: 1,600+ quakes swarm Japanβs Tokara Islands. June 22: Shinmoedake erupts, July 4: Evacuations begin, Today: Islands drift 10β―cm, more quakes hit,magma may be intruding beneath the crust
— Bluntly Put Philosopher (@SocraticScribe) July 11, 2025
A broader volcanic awakening? @AskPerplexity verify these statistics? pic.twitter.com/GUF1QhM69I
