Japan’s government recently concluded a week-long campaign aimed at raising awareness and preparedness for a potential massive earthquake, known as a “megaquake,” with a magnitude of 8 or higher hitting the Pacific coast. Despite no unusual seismic activity being detected during the period, officials are advising the public to remain vigilant.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the country’s inaugural “megaquake advisory” in response to a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that occurred off southwestern Japan on August 8. This earthquake struck the Nankai Trough, a seismic hotspot, prompting concerns about the heightened risk of another significant earthquake along the trench.

The government declared the past week a time of “special caution” and readiness in the region bordering the trough, urging residents to be prepared to evacuate promptly. On Thursday evening, a Cabinet Office disaster response official, Tsukasa Morikubo, officially ended the cautionary period following the absence of abnormal seismic activity near the Nankai Trough.

Morikubo emphasized that while the special caution period has concluded, the risk of a megaquake remains, underscoring the importance of maintaining earthquake preparedness. The government’s appeal to over 700 municipalities in 29 prefectures to re-evaluate their readiness and evacuation strategies in light of the advisory has led to increased awareness and preparedness across affected areas.

The advisory triggered widespread anxiety and disruptions, impacting travel plans during Japan’s mid-August holiday week, as residents hurried to stock up on emergency supplies even outside the at-risk zone. Some coastal towns took preventive measures by closing beaches and canceling events like annual fireworks displays, while local transportation services adjusted operations to enhance safety measures.

Moving forward, the decision to continue the voluntary safety measures implemented during the awareness campaign rests with municipalities, transportation services, and businesses. Seismologists have cautioned that there is a significant likelihood of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake originating from the Nankai Trough within the next three decades, although the precise timing and location remain uncertain.

The Nankai Trough, an underwater trench stretching approximately 800 kilometers along Japan’s southern Pacific coast, has historically been associated with powerful earthquakes and tsunamis. Despite the conclusion of the special caution period, ongoing vigilance and preparedness are crucial given the persistent seismic risk in the region.