Kagoshima Prefecture (鹿児島県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Kyushu region · Based on HERP official data
Sakurajima volcano is in a state of ongoing activity, producing hundreds of minor eruptions annually. The Ryukyu Trench near the Amami Islands carries earthquake and tsunami risk. The 1997 earthquake featured two large events in rapid succession.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- Ryukyu Trench (Amami Islands)
- Kagoshima Bay Fault
Seismic Characteristics
Kagoshima Prefecture hosts Sakurajima (桜島) — one of Japan's most active volcanoes, erupting hundreds of times yearly. The Ryukyu Trench east of the Amami Islands carries earthquake and tsunami risk. Kagoshima Bay contains active submarine faults. The 1997 earthquakes demonstrated a successive two-event pattern.
Earthquake History
- M6.4
1997
Kagoshima-ken Hokuseibu earthquake — two successive events; 1 dead
※ Showing M6+ or historically significant events. Source: JMA database.
Future Probability — HERP Official Assessment
30-Year Probability (Official Figure)
Long-term evaluation by the Earthquake Research Committee. Sakurajima's compound volcanic-earthquake risk is the prefecture's defining hazard. Obey no-entry zones when Volcanic Alert Level 3 or higher is in effect.
Traveler Safety Information
Finding Evacuation Shelters
- ✅ Search "避難所" (hinanjo) on Google Maps to find the nearest shelter from your current location
- ✅ Install NHK World or Safety tips (Japan Tourism Agency app) — both send English earthquake alerts
- ✅ Kagoshima Prefecture official disaster prevention page (Japanese) — includes shelter maps
Basic Action Rules
- ✅ At check-in, locate emergency exits and escape routes
- ✅ On strong shaking: protect your head, open a door to secure an exit, do not use elevators
- ✅ Near coasts or rivers: move to high ground immediately — do not wait for a tsunami warning
- ✅ Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance/Fire 119
- ✅ Contact your embassy in Tokyo for emergency consular assistance
Research & Official Sources AI summary
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Sakurajima volcano and Kagoshima compound disaster risk
Sakurajima erupts hundreds of times per year. A large-scale eruption would combine volcanic ash, tsunami, and earthquake compound hazards. Kagoshima city's disaster planning centers on managing this volcano.
Source: 가고시마대학 화산지진연구소 (2023) -
Volcano and earthquake safety for Sakurajima, Ibusuki, and Yakushima visitors
When crossing to Sakurajima by ferry during an eruption, follow crew instructions immediately. On Sakurajima, no-entry zones apply within 4 km of the crater when Volcanic Alert Level 3 or higher is in effect. Ibusuki and Yakushima trekking are currently operational. Yakushima is near the Ryukyu Trench — check ferry service updates if an earthquake occurs while on the island.
Source: 가고시마현 방재과·가고시마시 화산관 (2023)
Related Guides
Seismic characteristics and research summaries on this page are AI-generated from publicly available data by JMA, Cabinet Office, and HERP. Historical earthquake data (year, magnitude, damage) is based on official records, but key figures should always be cross-checked with the latest official sources. This page does not predict future earthquakes.