Japan’s Meteorological Agency has recorded more than 1,500 earthquakes measuring intensity 1 or above in the Tokara island chain off Kagoshima Prefecture since 21 June, including two successive upper-5 jolts on 6 July. The stronger shocks, logged at 14:01 and 14:07 local time with estimated magnitudes of 4.9 and 5.5, struck beneath Akusekijima Island. The agency said the shallow epicentres and proximity to the island’s sensor amplified the shaking, but it reiterated that the series has not generated a tsunami. Amid the prolonged swarm, local authorities began moving residents off the sparsely populated islands. An initial group of 13 left Akusekijima on 4 July, and a second wave of 46 evacuees from Akusekijima and neighbouring Kodakarajima reached Kagoshima City by ferry on 6 July. The voluntary programme was offered to all 89 registered islanders; by Sunday evening 23 people remained on Akusekijima and 41 on Kodakarajima, according to Toshima Village officials. The Meteorological Agency cautioned that seismic activity shows no clear signs of easing and said tremors as strong as intensity 6-weak could still occur. Heavy rain in the region has heightened concerns about mudslides on the steep, sparsely roaded islands, although no serious damage or injuries have been reported to date. A minor cliff collapse was observed on Akusekijima after the latest shocks. The swarm has accelerated sharply: by 2 July 911 tremors had been tallied, surpassing 1,000 the following day. The government convened repeated emergency briefings, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi reported that the wellbeing of all islanders has been confirmed. Officials urged residents on the mainland and the remaining island population to stay alert to further strong shaking and secondary hazards.