Japan faces significant earthquake and tsunami risks across multiple regions

Geoscientists warn that Japan faces severe seismic risks beyond the widely discussed Nankai Trough. Experts, including Kyoto University Professor Emeritus Hiroki Kamata, indicate that the Japanese archipelago has entered a period of heightened crustal activity.

Key areas of concern include the Japan Trench and the Kuril Trench, which could trigger magnitude 9.0 earthquakes and tsunamis affecting Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. While the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake occurred in the Japan Trench, experts note that stress may not have been fully released across the entire fault line. A major event in these trenches could result in economic losses 1.5 times greater than those seen in 2011.

Additionally, central Kyushu remains at risk due to active fault systems near volcanic zones, such as the Aso volcanic area. Experts emphasize that while exact timing cannot be predicted, residents and travelers should prioritize understanding local geological threats, building resilience, and knowing evacuation procedures.