Japan's Prime Minister Cancels Trip Due to Megaquake Warning

– Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has canceled his upcoming trip to Central Asia to focus on the government's response to a potential "megaquake" threat following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake near Kyushu. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its first-ever "megaquake advisory," warning of a possible major earthquake triggered by the Nankai Trough, a seismic zone known for past devastating quakes. The advisory comes after an emergency meeting of seismologists who assessed the risk following the recent quake. In light of the advisory, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency has instructed 707 municipalities at risk from a Nankai Trough quake to review their disaster response and evacuation plans. While some local governments have closed parks and canceled events, officials emphasized that normal activities need not be halted. The advisory is intended to raise awareness of a long-term increased risk rather than indicate an imminent disaster. Residents in affected areas, such as Higashi Osaka, have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, while other municipalities have opened shelters and encouraged families to prepare emergency supplies. Aoshima, a beach resort in Miyazaki prefecture, was closed due to its proximity to the quake's epicenter. Rail services in the region are operating at reduced speeds as a precaution. Experts warn that a potential magnitude 9.1 quake could lead to catastrophic consequences, including a tsunami over 10 meters high and significant loss of life and economic damage.