Geologists don't have a crystal ball that can foresee future earthquakes, but seismic specialists in the Japanese government believe that the odds of a big one are creeping upwards. According to Japan's Earthquake Research Committee,

A strong earthquake struck southwestern Japan, the U.S. Geological Survey said, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami advisory.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency withdrew a tsunami advisory after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of southwest Japan.

A strong, 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of southern Japan on Monday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The temblor happened at 9:19 p.m. Japan time about 7 miles southeast of Miyazaki, Japan, data from the agency shows.

TOKYO -- A tsunami advisory was issued for part of southwest Japan after a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Monday, but the warnings to stay away from coastal areas were later lifted. A few instances of minor damage were reported. Japan’s Meteorological Agency initially estimated the magnitude was 6.9 but later revised it to 6.6.

On January 13, 2025, in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, security video captured intense shaking caused by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake. The quake prompted people to rush out to a parking lot, ducking and covering their heads for safety.